From my devotional guide, Thanksliving: Attitude of Gratitude #10
Day 10
In a way, I suppose I am still willful, even at three-score-and-ten-plus-five, somewhat like the perpetual adolescent who thinks I am immortal, invincible, that I can accomplish anything, that I am captain of my destiny. Didn’t I just finish my eighth book in three years?
I exhibit pride in my education, ingenuity, talents, my belief in the American spirit, the prevailing go-it-alone-I-can-do-it-myself arrogance that can fool some of the people some of the time, but in the long run, this lifestyle leads to bashed dreams, discouragement, inadequacy, mediocrity, empty promises, and meaningless temporary gain.
Today’s Scripture: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12: 1-2)
Prayer: Creator, God, who created me in the first place, create in me the new mind I need to best see Your will for my life. I dedicate myself to Your purpose. Use me. Keep Your law and Your love ever in my sights, dismiss my hard heart, and renew a right spirit within me, even today. In the Precious Name of the Redeemer, Amen.
Day 10 Scripture references referring to a right relationship between God’s purposes and my will.
“For I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are proved right when You speak and justified when You judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely You desire truth in the inner parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:3-7)
“For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (II Corinthians 4:6-7)
“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power. Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me to preach to the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery which for ages past was kept hidden in God who created all things.” (Ephesians 2:7-9)
Day 10 Thanksliving Album: Items, pictures, sketches, photos showing my centering on me, a legacy of memories, a place I’ll return when I need reminders of evidence of His love for me in every situation.
Day 10 Thanksliving Journal: Willfulness
“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:17)
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