LEAN INTO LENT DAY 25
(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
It’s a little late, I suppose, for this year’s New Year’s resolutions to start over again (have we broken them yet?) This Lenten season, wouldn’t it be great to reduce the influence of television and our hand-held devices which spew division, derision, and sinful passions into our lives each day? Paul’s advice is good for us. I remember reading Pollyanna, a children’s book which illustrated the “happy thoughts” or looking on the bright side in every situation. She did it while being belittled, and later injured. What’s our excuse for letting anxiety build because of the clutter entering our minds, even deep into our psyches each day?
PRAYER: lord, I pray you will do a “clear-up on aisle five” today. I pray that the negative will not stick in my mind, but that I will meditate today on Your glory, Your mercy, Your direction, Your scripture, Your peace. I pray I will have the courage to reject the clutter, the murder and mayhem, the things that produce negativity in my home, and that You will give me peace for my mind and heart. Thank you, that I may lie down in green pastures and beside still waters when I walk with You. Amen.
From my book Restore My Soul Psalms Psalm 338 See You In Heaven This honors my sister, Dorothy, who recently died, and others in my life I hope to see again when it is time to join them. The troubles of this world will disappear, and there will be no weeping, no worry, no anxiety, for we will praise the Lord and worship Him for all that He has provided in this world and the next.
MY PSALM 338 USE ME
Praise to You, Lord
Mighty among the nations,
Strong against all foes,
Just in all Your ways,
Yet compassionate and loving
Toward Your people.
Your mercy is everlasting
Your presence is ever with us.
You guide our very footsteps
And erect high walls of protection
Around Your people.
Today we ask for Your blessing
As we come before You,
Praying for strength to do Your will,
Praying for compassion for Your saints,
Praying for opportunities to share Your Word,
Praying for blessings as we walk the pathways
You have prepared ahead of time for us to walk.
We pray we may be instruments of peace today
Especially to widows and the fatherless,
And to those abused, forsaken, and without hope.
We pray, Holy Spirit,
For Your guidance to lift them before You
At just the right moment of their need.
Give us the words to say,
Allow us to minister in Your Name.
And we pray protection for those in need
Of our care, for those grieving, for those You have sent us
To love in Your Name. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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