As I am getting older and have lived more of life, I find that I am thinking more and more of the importance of having a stronger relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I find that I am longing more for discovering what scripture says regarding this and that, and actually wake up and go to sleep with this yearning in my heart to know more of my Savior and His Word.

Set age aside…I also think the times in which we live are bringing me to this conclusion: without Christ I am lost (we all are) and without His truth and applying it, we as individuals and we as a nation, have no hope. What sense does it make to ignore and/or put God in a compartment (religion) when without Him, we are doomed? It makes much more sense to open our hearts and minds and lives and homes and churches and nation(s) to His wisdom and His plan and purpose for mankind now and for eternity!

As He and His Word is scoffed at and dismissed, the opportunity of a lifetime (literally) is lost and foolish living and decisions become (have become) the norm of the day. But in reality, He is on the throne and will not be moved just because He is ignored. His answer(s) and decisions still stand and will forever. He is all powerful. Man is not. He can save man and nations. Man cannot – without turning to Him. It is He who blesses men and nations – not man. In truth, we owe our allegiance to Him and it behooves us to pay attention to His teaching(s) and to seek His truth and wisdom in all areas of our lives.

As I ponder what is happening in our nation because of what is happening in our hearts, it becomes ever more clear that we need God’s heart. That is what I want – for me. His heart to love others; to forgive and show mercy; to be obedient to His Word; to share Christ and His love; to seek to do God’s will; to be helpful rather than harmful in my contacts with others; to pray as never before that the lost will be found – in Christ!

How can anything I do or have in life compare in importance to living for the One who gave it all to me? Nothing can! And now I’m at a place where I want nothing to get in the way of God’s place in my heart and in my life. Is it aging or the times? Is it both? I don’t know and I don’t care – I’m just glad I’m there!

There is no peace or joy like that which comes from knowing Jesus Christ. So there is no sense in striving for or pointing others any place else. He wants to be our all. I want to let Him be mine. And I pray that individuals and our nation come to this conclusion as well. Revival comes to mind. My prayer is this: Lord, let there be revival in our land and let it begin with me!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 11:10
Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city. Ecclesiastes 7:19
Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:14
Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7

Shine Your light into our hearts
Make them bright for You,
Remove the awful darkness there
Get rid of doom and gloom.
Let the peace of Christ dwell there
Might joy be ever flowing,
Clear out the sad and lonely thoughts
As Your light of love is glowing.
Lift us up and hold us tight
As we bring our troubles to You,
Let our hearts be light and bright
And filled with faith anew.
Put a smile upon our face
As our confidence in You grows,
All Your goodness and Your truth
Is the answer, we all know.
Restore the joy and love for You
As well as for all others,
Renew our righteous longing(s)
As we share with one another.
Let us be a beacon
With the light that shines within,
Let others see the Christ in us
The Savior for all men.
And as we go through life each day
Help us to remember,
You live Your life in each of us
We only need surrender!

“Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:16