Joey's Journal - September 6, 2006

Gracious Lord and Savior, I commit this day to You! All my thoughts, works, joys and sufferings today I place at Your feet. May the life I live today be acceptable to You. May I do You honor in being godly and following how Jesus lived. Lord, allow me to borrow Your grace of patience, kindness, patience, humbleness and servant-hood to be mindful of my neighbors who I interact with. May I be a source of motivation and enlightenment for them to know more of You. As I reflect on Psalm 33 today, may Your thoughts be the words I write in my journal. May Your word and instructions be shared in my reflection today.

Father, I thank You for Your provision, protection and guidance. May You be always by our side reminding us that we can always call on You for strengthening and guidance to live godly lives. All in the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

My Reading - Psalm 33 The Lord watches over those who fear him

Let the godly sing with joy to the Lord, for it is fitting to praise him. Praise him with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on a ten-stringed harp. For the word of the Lord holds true, and everything he does is worthy of our trust. He loves whatever is just and good, and his unfailing love fills the earth.

The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He gave the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. Let everyone in the world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. He looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on earth. He made heir hearts, so understands everything they do.

The Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. We depend on the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us, protecting us like a shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord for our hope is in you alone.

My Reflection – Aside from acknowledging God with praise and honor, we should fear Him. The fear of the Lord ensures our obedience to Him and His authority. It is easier to explain the conditions when we do not fear Him; and simply put, it is the time of lawlessness or when we rebel against His authority. It is when we turn our backs on Him, the one who created the heavens, the earth and us and show irreverence towards Him by sin and outright disobedience to His Word. We resort to listening to the evil thoughts and desires from the enemy that makes us rebel against our Father. But, those who fear Him, listen and obey His commands and do what is righteous in His Name. The Lord watches over these people who follow and trust His ways. He upholds the stature of those who revere Him and His love and compassion are with them always.

My Prayer – Father in Heaven, may I always have this fear in You. May I know the great consequence in not fearing You, is total lawlessness and will forever distance me from You and Your heavenly kingdom. If I am to say, Jesus is Lord of my life, I have to follow and obey You and fear the thought of losing You when I fall to sin. I ask for Your Hand to guide and strengthen me; to rescue me from the enemy’s traps; and to obey Your will. Lord, send me the Holy Spirit so that I am reminded of Your love and compassion for me and I can call on You for help and deliverance. All in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

by Joey B.