It’s a New Day!
I spent last week in Gloucester, MA, not at a silent retreat (like last September) but instead vacationing with my beloved “J.” We enjoyed good friends and family, leading up to and culminating with a grand celebration. As is my ritual, I woke early every morning and sat with 42 watching the new day come into being. As we bathed in His Glory, the Lord helped me reflect on my journey up to this point.
Over the past two decades, I have served 42 with passion as I struggled through the rigors of Christian ministry, leading others within the ever-increasing secular culture of the Western world while the church erodes. The wear and tear of all the adventures have been thrilling and exhausting, sometimes simultaneously. I was feeling its weight. I was fatigued.
Yet, even so, part of me is excited for what Love-mischief 42 has in store for me, yet I cannot help but feel pensive about that which awaits me (us) over the next (last) decade of full-time ministry.
Then I remembered Paul in Ephesus, gathering the elders, getting ready to head to Jerusalem, where he most certainly would face a hostile environment from both Christians and non-Christians alike. He shared with them his heart’s desire…
I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24
This is my heart’s desire too!
All that I am, heart, mind, soul, and strength, are given “In His Service,” and I pray that I can finish my course and the ministry that he has given me. I desire to testify with my life to the good news of God’s grace, embodied in the Predestined One, who is and always will be the Christ!
From now on, besides saying the “Shema” multiple times per day and looking for opportunities to commit Love-mischief with him where I go, I now add this prayer adapted from the one John Stott used in his daily repertoire. (Feel free to join me!!)
Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this day in your presence and please you more and more.
Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you.
Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control
Holy, blessed and glorious Triune God of Grace, have mercy upon me.
Almighty 42, Creator and sustainer of the universe, I worship you.
Lord Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord of the world, I worship you.
Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the people of God, I worship you.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen, and Amen!
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