Being Overjoyed

Dear God,

The day will come when your glory will be revealed to all of us...  Our earthly lives will come to an end, and we will be in heaven with You.

What a joyous time that will be!  The bible promises that there will be no more pain, no more tears, and no ore suffering.  I cannot begin to imagine what that day will be like, but I look forward to that time with great longing.  The biggest joy will be sharing that tie with You, Father. 

In the real world, there is always some kind of suffering in all of us, so I must always remember that my kids' suffering is every bit as real to them as mine is to me.  I need to show compassion, and to also show them that they are facing exceeding joy because of these trials in life.  Thank You, Father, for allowing us to partake of Your suffering.

 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate

in the sufferings of Christ,

so that you may be overjoyed

when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:13

My Portion Forever

Dear God,

It's like TIME is rushing past me swiftly.  Some days I feel so weak and old.  I don't have the energy I used to have when my DS and DD were younger.  I love my family, but sometimes I get so worn out when I am with them.  Physically, and because of Diabetes, I am wearing out.  And it doesn't feel very good.

In my innermost being, and in my heart, I still feel strengthened by You.  No matter how slow I become, or how feeling weak at times I feel, to get up in the morning, I still want to serve You, and offer my day to You in any way I can.  I can pray for my DH, DS and DD during the rest moments I need.  I am truly grateful for those times, Father.  What a blessed promise that this inner strength will be my portion forever.

My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. 

Psalm 73:26

Living A Truly Fruitful Life

Dear God,

Ever since becoming a Christian, I have been familiar with the fruit of the Spirit.  I also told my kids about it too, and find refreshment when I hear messages about it in church, small groups, or even in seminars.  But I quickly realized I have been partial to the fruit, and favored hearing messages about the topics of love, joy, and peace.  After all, those traits are easy to apply and practice in life --- or at lest, it's easy to pretend that they are present in my life...

But self-control???  Well, that's a personal matter.  I feel it is none of any preacher's business, right?  Okay, Lord.  I know that it is conviction I am faced with when the preacher talks about it.  Your Holy Spirit tells me that self-control is not one of my strengths.  And I need to work on that area faithfully.  Rather than feeling offended, please help me to turn my struggle over to You and allow You to develop self-control in my life.  Thank You, Father.

But the fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace, forbearance,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control.

Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23