May 20, 2012

“Our Every Breath”

Psalm 116:12

What can I offer the LORD for all He has done for me? (NLT)

There was a time, not so long ago, that all I could offer the LORD was nothing, but a broken down shell of a man with an awful distaste for life and everything it had to offer. I was displeased with God, myself, and the world I was forced to live in. I hated God, myself, and most everything the world was. I was hopelessly lost on a journey I didn’t like and didn’t want; a journey that didn’t really have a destination. So I had nothing to offer the LORD even if I wanted to, for very little good had come my way. I always thought that I did my best to do the right things, while never really understanding why I did them. I tried to live the golden rule, but never seemed to benefit from it. But deep within my heart I knew there was a meaningful reason for this life (that it was no accident), but could never really put my finger on it. This life was indeed a mystery to me and the next life was even more so……Then our Savior revealed Himself to me and changed the direction of my life-journey forever and I discovered that I actually had something worth giving that I could offer the LORD—something that I always had but never realized what they were capable of. And that dear friends, was my heart, mind, and soul and the very life that I breathed. I could now offer God my love, trust, and deepest thanksgiving, for I had His promise and commitment to see me safely Home, no matter what (Psalm 118:13-14). The LORD, our gracious and merciful God, shined the Light of Truth into my life which set me free from the bondage that kept me in darkness most of my life. What the LORD did for me was give me the right reasons I needed to keep on living, and a Heaven bond purpose that keeps me traveling in the right direction. What I can now offer the LORD for all He has done in my life is every living part of my being which is His and His alone. When we truly belong to God we will live in ways that honor His commands and glorify His Name (Hebrews 13:15). The LORD needs nothing from mankind, but we are in dire need of everything that God is (Acts 17:24-25). The LORD our God has given us the Way to everlasting life in Paradise if we surrender to His will and give back to Him what He has so graciously given us—our every breath of life.

A Whisper of Hope

This life…is a precious gift from Me, my child. For without this life there is no other. Receive My gift with a thankful heart and live in the ways I have given you, for when you do you will live for Me. I gave you My life so I could save yours. Now, you owe Me yours in return—not a small price to pay, but one that is well worth the trouble it will cause.

Psalm 118:13-14

You did your best to kill me, O my enemy, but the LORD helped me The LORED is my strength and my song; He has become my victory. (NLT)

Acts 17:24-25

He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since He is Lord of Heaven and earth, He doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve His needs—for He has no needs. He Himself gives life and breath to everything, and He satisfies every need there is. (NLT)

Let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God
by proclaiming the glory of His Name. (Hebrews 13:15)