“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy; think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Of all of the words that were attributed to the Apostle Paul, this verse has always been one of my favorites. These words describe the qualities of a life that we all should strive to model. These words are an excellent way to start my morning prayer. Prayer is one of the unlimited resources that each of us has; the world will not send us a monthly bill for this service.
When the learned of this fallen world attempt to strangle us with their directions and lessons; prayer never changes and is always the correct direction to proceed when we turn our focus to the Cross. In our daily prayers we set aside the troubles, trials, agendas and pains of this world and let God’s wisdom and directions become our priorities as we receive His abundant blessings through a myriad of means in our lives.
As the children in the attached photo who attend school at Mammou in Port-au-Prince give thanks for their meal, we too give thanks in our daily prayers for His continual providence in our lives and for the Heavenly Home that is promised to each of us through our Savior Jesus Christ. The hymn ‘I'm but a Stranger here’ which was written by T.R. Taylor in 1836 closes the devotion for today.
“I'm but a stranger here, Heav'n is my home; earth is a desert dread, Heav'n is my home. Danger and sorrow stand round me on every hand; Heav'n is my fatherland, Heav'n is my home. What though the tempest rage, Heav'n is my home; short is my pilgrimage, Heav'n is my home; and time's wild wintry blast soon shall be overpast; I shall reach home at last, Heav'n is my home. There at my Savior's side, Heav'n is my home; I shall be glorified, Heav'n is my home; there are the good and blest, those I love most and best; and there I, too, shall rest, Heav'n is my home. Therefore I murmur not, Heav'n is my home; whate'er my earthly lot, Heav'n is my home; and I shall surely stand there at my Lord's right hand. Heav'n is my fatherland, Heav'n is my home.”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay