Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your kingdom that is in many hearts right now and one day will be physically in place for all to see. I praise You for all You have created, and ruled and for Your effort to have a relationship with such a disobedient people. I praise You for Your forgiveness and most of all for Your grace. Today, Help me take command of my day and shake the evil from it.
Holy Spirit You inspired the Psalmist to write: He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord ridicules them. [Psalm 2:4] It is nice to know that You, who created us with emotions, the ability to think, see, feel, breathe, and live have made us in Your image even to the point of emotions. You laugh. You laugh at the absurdity that we often bring to the table. We think we know so much and can outwit a God who not only created us, but knows our thoughts, desires, and ambitions. How foolish we must seem at times, and yet just like a human parent, You love us for who we are. Help me to be wise enough to realize humbly that Isaiah said it best when he wrote: I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are far from righteousness. I am bringing my righteousness near; it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before me. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. [Isaiah 46:10-13; Isaiah 49:16; Isaiah 55:8&9] Who am I? I am but a worm in before You, yet You lift me up and call me Your child. Let me bear that name proudly. I may be adopted, but I am still a child of the King of Kings.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Holy Spirit help us to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances we may have against one another. Teach us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. These virtues help us to put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we are called to peace. Let us be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts to God. And whatever we do, whether in word or deed, help us to do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Amen. Colossians 3:12-17