COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Having the steady hand of a teacher draped over my own as I learned to write never seemed confining. Actually, the opposite was true; I felt liberated to attempt what had been very difficult alone. And now, as a man, I do not resent the hand of God guiding my life. It is far better to fall into the grasp of Almighty God than into the hands of any other. O Lord my Protector, into Your grip I gladly yield.

Disappointments are as much a part of life as breathing; reality rarely matches expectations. Dwelling on letdowns, large or small, can lead to discouragement and discontent. There is a more excellent way. Today I choose to lay hold of divine proclamation: “all things work together for good.” Lord I do love You and know that Your purpose is never thwarted by passing circumstances. It is well with my soul.

Self-generated transformation is always too limited in its scope. Only God’s handiwork is sufficient to bring wholeness. Perfection is not just another a goal of God, it is His very nature. He is an exquisite finisher so I trust His Divine Work in me; I trust no other path. O Lord, You are the Beginning and the End. I rejoice in the knowledge that You made me, own me and will complete what You started.

Though we constantly try, the unfathomable majesty of God cannot be measured or understood by human senses. He, whose greatness extends beyond the heavens on high and the depths below must be pursued by faith and revealed In His times and ways. Father, awaken the resplendent light of authentic, childlike faith within me. May my seeking be free from the shadows of self-reliance.

I often fail to appreciate the full value of the gift of another day. Over-thinking past or future events diminishes this day. There is divine rhythm, a holy mystery in each moment that is easily missed. Only sensitivity to the Spirit of God can unlock the constantly present treasury of wisdom, insight, power and comfort. Blessed Father, settle me down. Grant me entrance to Your secret place in each instant, day by day.

Living by pretense is no life at all. The raw, straightforward simplicity of the Gospel rips away pretentiousness. Christ’s example of love, humility, obedience, truth and power awakens virtue and makes a clean sweep of all fraud. Lord God Almighty, shine Your blazing Light of Truth in me today. Illuminate the dark corners of my soul with Your brightness and tear down every veneer.

Each and every day is front-loaded. God has already stocked today with valuable lessons, opportunities, blessings, experiences, spiritual insights; a chance to leave self behind. Today will leave behind a unique, powerful substance of experience that is divinely orchestrated. Dearest Alpha and Omega, Thank You for today. It is holy, for You have brushed Your fingers across it. Lead me to what is right and good.