Dec 5, 2025 – Pray First
When I got home from physical therapy, the digital frame was on this message, which was the first in another grouping of inspirational thoughts:
“But first Pray”
Streams – “Many people want to direct God instead of surrendering themselves to be directed by Him. They want to show Him the way instead of submissively following where He leads. Madame Guyon.”
Jeremiah 10:23 – “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.”
Psalm 27:11 – “Lead me in a straight path.”
Power – 1Thessalonians 5:15 – “See that none of you repays another with evil for evil, but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody.” Joyce writes, “Remember: The ‘Good Book’ introduces us to the ‘Good Shepherd,’ Who brings ‘Good News’ and introduces us to the ‘Good Life’ He preordained for us to live. He wants us to say good things and be good to everyone! This simple yet profound principle can and will change the world.”
JC – “Let My presence override everything you experience. Like a luminous veil of light, I hover over you and everything around you. I am training you to stay conscious of Me in each situation you encounter…. Whenever you feel distant from Me, say: ‘Surely the Lord is in this place!’ Then, ask Me to give you awareness of My presence. This is a prayer that I delight to answer.”
Prevail 339 – 1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” Larson picks up on Joyce’s thoughts and reminds us, “As Christians, we’re called to maintain a heart of compassion and tenderness, of empathy and kindness toward everyone. But that doesn’t just happen on its own. We must steward our perspective and be careful about which inputs we allow to shape our perspective…. Not to say we don’t have opinions, convictions, and positions on important issues. But as I’ve repeatedly said to my sons, if you have to let go of love to hang on to your cause, you’ve lost your way.”
JA – “As My image-bearer, you are capable of choosing the focus of your mind. Many of our thoughts come and go unbidden, but you can control them more than you realize…. When your mind is idle, it often moves toward a negative focus – regretting things in the past, worrying about the future. Meanwhile, I am with you in the present, waiting for you to recall My Presence. Train yourself to turn toward Me frequently.” Pray.
[Looks like I forgot to click PUBLISH yesterday. Hmmm. Clicking now on 12/6.]
