What Pleases God?

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5:10 NLT)

Today's Prayer
Spirit of The Living God, fall afresh on me. I need You to make me and to mold me. Please Lord,  heal me and fill me. I come seeking Your guidance and instruction. Help me to be wise in my decisions, and let my actions not be foolish. I pray that You work through me. Empower me to make the most of the opportunities that are in front of me. I want to truly understand what it is that You want me to do. I want to put aside my personal preferences and wholly commit to following Your will. Teach me how to make wise decisions in my personal and leisure time. Keep me safe from the spirits and vices of self sabotage. Immerse me in Your Holy Spirit. Place a new song in my mind and in my heart. A song of praise and thanksgiving. A song of triumph and jubilation. Let me utter sweet melodies to Your ears. In Your name I pray. Amen and so it is.

Pleasure Principle
You can say your with it, but not of it
You can say it doesn't matter to you
You can say you have it, but not share it
You can say whatever you want to

I know the principle of pleasure
Is something that we all live for
I know the principle of pleasure
Some say is worth dying for

Give it to me
I really want it
Give it to me
Don't hold it back
Come on stop teasing this minute
You know I wouldn't do that

If not now, when
If no, why
Please, don't make me beg
Stop, before you make me cry

They say everything that's good to you, ain't good for you
I find that hard to believe
Is the principle of pleasure
Something we should all receive

Written by Marc Christmas

Are You Keeping It Real?

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. (Romans 12:9 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Holy One, I've got a bit of a conundrum. I'm praying for the ability to determine what is really real in me and around me. I'm constantly engaging and encountering appearances of authenticity. Sometimes I feel as if I'm surrounded by a shroud of fakery, some of which includes me. Lord, teach me what "real" is. Show me the pathway to peace and tranquility. Open up the doorways of hope and faith. Prop up in me the courage to dare to be obedient to You, I mean really obedient, not just when I'm desperate or it's convenient. I'm asking for a lot, because I know You are more than I can ever imagine, and so am I, if I allow You. So, Lord, I'm allowing You to have all of me. Amen and so it is.

All Of Me
Why not take all of Me
Don't take just a part
The part that works for you
What about My heart

What about My mind
My body, My spirit and all
Oh, you just want that huh
That part by Niagara Falls

What if I told you no
You must take it all
You must take the good with the bad
Take the big with small

I think you would laugh
Wonder if I was some kind of fool
You would ask Me questions like
What kind of drugs do You do

Well, it's time to come clean
Don't take it personal, I'm not trying to be mean
It is what you see
It only works, if you take all of Me

Written by Marc Christmas

Are You Being Accused?

Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. (Romans 8:33 NLT)

Today's Prayer
Lord, You know.  I've been accused of so much and so many times. Some accurately so, and some not accurate at all. I ask You to forgive me for the instances where I've sowed discord, disruption, confusion, or harm. Help me to be willing to forgive myself for any offenses that I have deliberately or unintentionally caused. I know that You are the only source of life, and that Your mercy and grace extends far beyond my imagination. I ask that You place in my mind a confidence of knowing that despite my faults, I am Your beloved child in whom You are well pleased. Amen and so it is.

Again
You did it again
What were you thinking?
Now that you mentioned it
I must agree
The only thing I was thinking about, was me
Please help me again
Help me to do right, and
Forgive me for my sins

Written by Marc Christmas

What Are You Working On?

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 NLT)

Today's Prayer
Lord, I feel like I've been working all the live-long day, and I'm tired. Creator of all, energize me. Place in me a spirit of appreciation for the work that is before me to do. Help me to embrace work as a way to show You my willingness to sacrifice my personal desires. I want to be obedient in service to You. I pray that I not work aimlessly, but work with God-given purpose. Show me the things that You would have me to work on, and remove from my presence meaningless work. Amen and so it is.  

Work
Do this
Do that
Do it again
As a matter of fact

I changed my mind
I don't want it done that way
You need to redo it
I need it by today

I'm tired of this
I feel like I can't win
Don't worry about it
This will come to an end

Are you sure that's what you want
The opposite of work
Well, that's the opposite of life
That's resting under the dirt

Written by Marc Christmas 

Do You Know What To Do?

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. (James 4:17 NLT)

Today's Prayer
Master, please forgive me. I'm like that servant in the Bible who buried the talents that his master entrusted to him instead of using them. Sometimes I figure if I take the safe way out, it would be better just in case things don't work out the way I planned. Lord, I know better. I know that if I show up, You will show out. God, please help me to show up and do what You would have me to do. Help me to take the actions and leave the results to You. Help me to trust in Your divinity, to believe You know what's best for me. In Your name I pray and ask these blessings. Amen and so it is.

I Know Better
I've asked for Your guidance and knowledge of Your will
You've told me and showed me, but I hesitate still
I blame it on fear, or not really being sure
How long will Your grace and mercy endure?
Lord, forgive me, for I have sinned
Not just once, but over and over again
Sometimes I don't know what to do, but this time I do
And I don't want to
That's the honest to God's truth

Written by Marc Christmas

Do You Keep It To Yourself?

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. (Galatians 6:6 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord help me to be willing to share You with others. Let me be willing to share my testimony with believers, as well as, non-believers; those who follow the same doctrine, as well as, those whose doctrine differs from mine. Help me to connect to the God in everyone and let them connect to the God in me. Awaken in me a spirit of inclusion not exclusion. A spirit of sharing and caring. I pray that I operate with the intention of attraction and not distraction. I pray that I can remember the biblical words and "draw all men unto me."  Amen and so it is.

Good For You
That's how it works
I hear what you say
More importantly,
I watch you everyday

Maybe that's for you
I don't think it's for me
The way you act
That's not how I wanna be

I believe I'm okay
I don't have to prove that I'm right
If I walk with The Spirit
I walk in The Light

Written by Marc Christmas

Is Your Bridge Under Construction?

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! (Romans 12:8, 12, 16 NLT)

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I know You are my everything. Without You, nothing is possible. With You, miracles are possible. I thank You for the bridges in my life. The bridge over troubled water; the bridge that leads to safety; the bridge that takes me from one situation to glory; the bridge that unites my spirit with others of like mind; the bridge of destiny even when I don't know where it leads me to; the bridge of life; the bridge of love; and the bridge of possibility. I thank You for helping me to build bridges and not tear them down. Please restore or repair the damaged bridges in my life. In Your name I pray, and I say thank You in advance. Amen and so it is.

I've Had My Chance
My journey has been long
Filled with hope and despair
I've heard people say
"Take it to The Lord in prayer"
When I look around
and see things sober
I know that because of You
I made it over
You've been like the Calvary
Helped me to get pass and face the enemy
Oh, selfish don't let me be
Cause You, been so good to me

Written by Marc Christmas

Today's Insight - Are You Alive?

Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.


Howard Thurman

Location:N Capitol St NW,Washington,United States

You Feel Some Type of Way?

"Either way, Christ’s love controls us...So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that...The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God...And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him...And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:14, 16-21 NLT)

Today's Prayer
Dear God, help me to see You in others, including myself. Your Word says we are joint-heirs with Christ; that makes us Your children too. I'm asking for a lot today. If Your will demands me to pursue a higher calling for You Lord, then so be it. If that is where you want me to be, help me to press onward towards that mark. I pray that You will touch my life in great and mighty ways. Please, draw me closer to You and provide: Comfort on difficult days; Smiles when sadness intrudes; Rainbows to follow the clouds; Laughter to kiss my lips; Sunsets to warm my heart; Gentle hugs when my spirit sags; Friendships to brighten my being; Beauty for my eyes to see; Confidence for when I doubt; Faith so that I can believe; Courage to know myself; Patience to accept the truth; and Love to complete my life. I ask for these many things, and I thank You in advance for Your blessings. Amen and so it is.

Let Go
Let go and let God
That's what they say
I'm not sure what that means
But, I'll give it a try anyway

As Long as You not asking me
To,
You know,
"CHANGE"

Nevertheless,
With You I'll stand
Cause You got the whole wide world
In Your hands

Written by Marc Christmas

Why Give Thanks?

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. (1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord of lords, and God of gods. I give thanks to You for being Almighty God, the Supreme Being. I thank You for being in me. I thank you for giving me form and breathing the breath of life into my existence. I thank You for filling my physical structure with Your Divine Spirit which gives me power and strength. I pray that my mind will believe and receive the fact that I am good because I am an expression of You. Let Your light shine within and through me so that others may come to believe just how good You are. Amen and so it is.

G.O.O.D.
God
Outdoes and
Overcomes
Defeat

Written by Marc Christmas

The Strength of Brokenness

Today's Prayer
Dear God, Open my eyes that I may see every divine appointment You prepare for me. May I study Your Word and spend time in prayer and fellowship with You and take time to be still and know You, so that I will be aware and prepared for those special opportunities and appointments that come to me. Please forgive me for my failure to be consistent. Help me to grow in faith and goodness as I seek Your face and live each day...and to grasp every opportunity to work for Your kingdom. Thank you, in Jesus' name. Amen.

---

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
06-19-2014
"The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength." - 1 Samuel 2:4
There is an oxymoron throughout the Bible. It says that brokenness is strength. How can this be? How can brokenness be strength? In order to use men and women to their fullest extent, the Lord has to break His servants so that they might have a new kind of strength that is not human in origin. It is strength in spirit that is born only through brokenness.
Paul was broken on the Damascus road. Peter was broken after Jesus was taken prisoner. Jacob was broken at Peniel. David was broken after his sin with Bathsheba. The list could go on of those the Lord had to break in different ways before they could be used in the Kingdom.
When we are broken, we see the frailty of human strength and come to grips with the reality that we can do nothing in our own strength. Then, new strength emerges that God uses mightily. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Do not fear brokenness, for it may be the missing ingredient to a life that emerges with a new kind of strength and experience not known before. Pray for a broken and contrite heart that God can bless.

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

Is Your Love Overflowing?

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. (Philippians 1:9 NLT)

Today's Prayer
Lord, place in me a real desire to be love. Not just to know love, but to really embrace it as me. I pray that I come to understand how to give love as well as receive it. Teach me how to spread love as a way of life. Help me to understand what it men's to love even when there seems like there's no love at all. I desire to love only on one occasion, that's always. Amen and so it is.

L.O.V.E.
Living
Overcoming
Validating
Evolving

LOVE
Love
Overcomes
and
Values
Everyone

Written by Marc Christmas

Letter From God to Me

My Child,
I love you so much. I've loved you since before you were born. Once you were born, I experienced love in an entirely different and seemingly magical way. Instantly, you had my entire being.  All the love I could muster, and possibly more, is what I wanted for you. That feeling has continued to grow stronger and stronger over time. Love evolved from giving to you to wanting for you, to desiring for you and praying for you. My love for you beats so strong that it feels like it's become my heartbeat. Love that misses your presence and sometimes sheds tears when you are away. I never knew I could love like this. I never knew love could hurt so much. I never knew love like this, but now I do. My life is much more fulfilled. My purpose is much more complete; to make sure you always know, feel and believe that your Daddy loves you. Nothing or no one or no thing can ever change that fact. Child, don't let anybody tell you different. I love you as much as you need air to breathe, as much as water is wet, as much as the heavens are high above the Earth, as much as the stars number the galaxy.
I love you,
Daddy

What Are You Willing To Sacrifice?

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Psalms 51:17 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, I've been searching for so long. Searching for the answers to my problems. The cure to the sickness of doing things I know better than to do. I ask that You have mercy on me dear Lord. Show me tender kindness because of Your affection for me. Grant me lenience and compassion despite my repetitive behavior and wrongdoing. I'm being truthful Lord, and I speak from my heart. Place Your wisdom deep down inside of my soul. Let my inner parts feel You and desire You to be their guide. I'm asking that You create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Let the words of my mouth show You praise. Amen and so it is.

Searching
Look over hear
There you go
You didn't find it
Oh no...

Try looking again
Sometimes we have to look within
Try real hard to see
Try even harder to be

Be a memory of what used to exist
Be a moment in time
Be a quiet morning mist
Be a still blade of grass
Pliable yet strong
Be the soft summer breeze
Be it all

Then it you will find
You will get your reward
You're pointed in the right direction
Find what you're searching for

Written by Marc Christmas

Do They See You Running?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 NLT)

Today's Prayer
You are God because that's who You are. Whatever or whoever God is, is beyond my imagination. The capacity of my mind can't even begin to fathom Your constitution. Yet, I know You're the superlative being, and You are in me, and I am a part of You. I pray that You help me to remember that and maintain my focus on the champion who initiates and perfects my faith. I pray that I can be like Jesus and do in-spite of my personal desires. I pray for motivation because of the hope of the joy that awaits me. Help me to endure my cross and disregard its shame. This I pray. Amen and so it is.

What
Imagine
Dream
Desire
Long for
Embrace
Become

Written by Marc Christmas

What Is Your Why?

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. (Hebrews 12:12, 13 NLT)

Today's Prayer
Lord, help me to understand my why. Why I do the things that I do. I pray that You help me reinforce my commitment to living a purpose driven life. Reveal to me my why, so that I can refer back to it in times of frustration. Let me depend on my why as a strength when I'm discouraged. Father, You know Your why for me; make clear to me my why for You. Amen and so it is.

Why
I need it
You want it
Isn't that enough
No it's not
That won't sustain you when it gets rough

Well, I guess I'm not sure
I guess it's unclear
How bout you tell me
What do you want to hear

It's not at all about me
It's squarely about you
Take some time
Invest in yourself
Find out your why
It'll drive everything that you do

Written by Marc Christmas  

Do You Know How To Act Right?

There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, (Romans 3:30 NLT)

Today's Prayer 
Master and Most Supreme, I don't know what I was thinking about when I questioned You. Surely, I must have been out of my mind and not thinking clearly. See, I was looking at my situation and the personal circumstances surrounding me; not the Power of the God within me. I pray that You help me to realize in my mind and actualize in my life the fact that, I got the power. I got You, and You got me. That's all I need. Thank You Lord. Amen and so it is.

I'll Act Right
Give me what I want
Then I'll act right
Give me what I need
Then I'll act right

Do what I say
Then I'll act right
Come when I call
Then I'll act right

That's a shame, and it's lame
Who's really at fault, who's really to blame
I'm only there for You
If You do, what I want You to

I mean, how did I get here
How did I come so far
We use to go together
Like gas goes in a car

Now I know what they mean
I know when they say
I'll only act right
When things are going my way

Written by Marc Christmas 

How Do I Get It?

I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. (Isaiah 48:17 KJV)

Today's Prayer
God, You are my redeemer. This scripture is right on time. Lately, I've been contemplating on how to make some more money. I have been exerting in this physical realm efforts to accomplish it. Maybe You are trying to tell me something. Maybe, You are directing me to seek it in the spiritual realm; and if I do that, then it will come manifest in the physical. Hallelujah, I'll take that. Thank You Lord for answering my prayers. Amen and so it is.

It
Come On
Give it to me
I need it bad
Indeed
I wish it I had

I want it
I desire it so
I know I have a lil bit, but
I want some mo

Don't hold it back
Let me have it all
Don't let my chasing it
Be the beginning of my fall
Don't let my replacing it
Be the beginning of the end
Don't let my embracing it
Lead me to sin
Don't let my adoring it
Leave me wanting more
Don't let my getting it
Make me abhor

I know it is Yours
So mine it is too
I know everything I have
Comes directly from You
I know that the billows and the winds
Cannot blow it away
I know You are forever my source
That's tomorrow and today

Written by Marc a Christmas

Who Are You Listening To?

Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. (Hebrews 12:25 NLT)

Today's Prayer
Lord, there is so much going on in and around my life. Everybody has an opinion about what I should or shouldn't do. Many folks offer there advice on what is right for me and what is not. I appreciate their intentions Lord, but it's so overwhelming. Who's right and who's wrong? Is there some relevance in all their offerings? I'm asking You to speak to me. I pray that I hear Your voice plain and clear. Let me tune out those words that are not of You, and hear Your message. Teach me how to appreciate other's willingness to be helpful and yet have discernment about the truth. Teach me how to willingly hear their words but selectively listen to Yours. In Your name I pray and thank You. Amen and so it is.

Hear Me
Hear me when I'm quiet
Hear me when I'm silent
Hear me in the waves of the water
Hear me in the wind that is slight
Hear me in the sounds of the crickets,
or the toads croaking in the dead of the night
Hear me when the noise comes to a halt
Hear me when you stand still
Hear me for I speak to you
Hear me...
Your spirit hears what is real

Written by Marc Christmas 

What Are You Taking With You?

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (1 Timothy 6:7 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, You are excellent and worthy to be praised. Thank You for reminding me to put things in their proper perspective. I pray that I be willing to give life my everything and leave nothing on the table. Grant me the courage to be bold in my faith. Instill in me the willingness to never hold back. I pray that my life be an example of how great You are. Help me to help others come to know the power and the peace that comes along with serving you. Amen and so it is.

All Night
"Got me up all night
Steady singing this love song
Got me up all night
Got me up all night
Baby, do you really believe I'm in love"

Got me up all night
But I ain't singing no love song
Got me up all night
Cause stuff ain't going right
Got me up all night
Too many things that I've done wrong
Got me up all night
Lately...

Lately...
I really believe that I'm ready
I really believe that it's true
I really believe my tossin n turnin
Is because I'm afraid of what I must do

You got me up all night
You been tryin to tell me sumthin
You got me up all night
My spirit and soul been rumblin
You got me up all night
Telling me the plain truth
It's time to get it together
It's time to ride with You

Written by Marc Christmas  

Who Do You Take After?

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3:10 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, today, right now, I dedicate my life to You. Now, I know I have to act as such. If I don't behave like I'm Yours, then people won't believe my testimony. So, I pray that you ease my trepidation as I humbly ask You to help me behave as the elect of God. Let me display the character of one that is holy and beloved; one in whom You are well pleased. Help me to be forbearing, longanimous in the face of suffering. Let tender mercy and kindness be my calling card. My supplication is that You place within me a true spirit of forgiveness; the kind of forgiveness for others, that You give to me. Most of all, anoint me with the bond of perfectness, which is Your spirit of love. Ordinate my life in such a way that peace flows through my soul like a river. I am so grateful that You chose me. Help me to remember that, at all times and in all situations, to give You thanks. Amen and so it is.

Thanks
I mean it, You did it
I must agree
Nobody else could've or would've
Yet, You did it for me

I'm not sure why
I'm not sure how
I feel so undeserving
I've acted selfish, I've been unjust and foul

Wow...

You did it
I don't know what to say
You did it
There was no other way

It had to be You
It certainly wasn't me
Nor was it anybody else, as far as I can see
I must give You, all the glory

Written by Marc Christmas

Do You Have The Love Of Money?

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, teach me how to pay attention to the details of the words being used. The scripture clearly says the "love of money" is the root of all evil, not money itself. Help me to understand what the "love of" is. Love means to hold dear; to treasure; to cherish; or to dote. "Of" is a preposition meaning reason or cause. Therefore, make my understanding clear. I desire the love of God. For the love of God, let this money do what it does, and let me be a steward of that that work. Let me follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. Instill in me a genuine and robust desire to put my trust in the living God, who gives to me richly all things to enjoy.  I pray for direction on how to use my money to do good, to be rich in good works and generous to those in need, and always ready to share with others. In Your name I pray and I thank You. Amen and so it is.

M.O.N.E.Y.
Majesty
Over
Nonsense
Elevates
You

Written by Marc Christmas

Do You Want Long Life?

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. (Proverbs 13:3 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, I want to live for You. I want my life to be a living testimony that is pleasing unto You. Teach me how to do that Lord. Teach me how to really live and receive the fullness of life. I pray that I don't let my emotions dictate my responses and reactions to circumstances. I pray that I am able to recognize the God opportunity in each moment and every experience. Please don't let me ruin the moment with my intolerance or impatience. Show me the way to behaving like a descendant of God, and help me to use my spiritual ears to listen twice as much as I speak. Amen and so it is.

I've Been
I've been meaning
I've been needing
I've been grieving
I've been holding
I've been molding
I've been learning
I've been yearning

"It's like fire
Shut up in my bones
Like Jeremiah,
It won't leave me alone"

I've been praying
I've been staying
On my knees
Begging please
Lord, deliver me
From all my insanity

Written by Marc Christmas 

Do You Want To Live?

Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. (Ezekiel 37:5, 9 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Teach me o Lord, how to speak to the atmosphere with boldness. Let me demonstrate with conviction that God has given me power to speak things into existence. Let me use this knowledge as a foundation for manifesting truths. Realizing that I need to be mindful of the words that I use, for with those words I bring to life. Amen and so it is.

Speak To Me
Tell me
Tell me what you want
Tell me what you need
I am here to give it to you
I will provide, yes
Yes indeed

Say it
Say it out loud
Say it from your soul
Say it like you believe it
God has given you the power to control

Speak to me
I am telling you
Know that this principle will always be true
Whatever it is that you tell me
Is whatever it is that I will do

Written by Marc Christmas 

Who Do You Receive?

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. (John 13:20 KJV)

Today's Prayer
I'm on my bending knees, because I need to be humble. I need to physically submit myself to something greater than me. I need to be reminded that I haven't always done the right thing by You. Please forgive me for my disobedience. Lord, I'm praying and asking You for a Teflon coating over my feelings today. I'm having a hard time not taking things personal. I feel like people are intentionally being disrespectful towards me. Totally disregarding my opinions, my wants, and my needs. I feel like I've given freely, but that my giving is not appreciated. Help me to remember all that You gave and give everyday because You love, not because You expect it back. Teach me how to really embrace that spirit of love. The kind of love that loves, despite being loved back. Amen and so it is.

Need vs. Want
"I don't need you, I don't need you, but I want You"
That song says it with a twist
Need and want can be misaligned
Or they can intertwine like this....

I need to breathe
I need my heart to pump
I want my brain to function
Otherwise I will lay in a lump

I want to live
I need to give
I need to experience life like a sponge
I want to soak it all up

I want to get it right
I need to face the truth
I need to find the God in me
I want to be living proof

Written by Marc Christmas

Did You Come?

No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. (Hebrews 12:22, 23 NLT)

Today's Prayer
I pray that You reveal to me the meaning of this scripture. I pray that I truly come to know You as a living God, not as a God of history. I pray that I discover my Mount Zion, the highest of holiest places in my life. Let me go there to seek You in solace and reverence; and find You in me. Place spirits of praise and jubilation in my presence. Let them be sources of strength and encouragement to Your dear child. Help me to receive the help and admonition from those that You have placed in and around my life. Make my spirit perfect in You. Amen and so it is.

I Surrender
It's not what I want to do
It's what I must
I give everything
To You, I truly trust
Take all of me
My mind, my body, my soul
I surrender all to You
Total and complete control

Written by Marc Christmas

What Will You Fight For?

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12 KJV)

Today's Prayer
Lord, I've fought so many fights that it is hard to even remember what most of them were about. I pray that You stir up in me the desire to fight my biggest contender, and to recognize that the most import battle is the spiritual one. I sometimes forget that this is not about me, but about principalities and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Help me to remember that when it's all said and done, there is only one battle that matters, the battle for my soul.  I pray that You place a stronghold of angels around me, here on earth, to protect and inspire me. Give me charge over my life in an even more meaningful way. Amen and so it is.

You Better
You better do it before it's too late
You better do it before you can't
You better do it while it is still day
You better do it before darkness comes your way
You better do it despite how you feel
You better do it this time for real
You better do it
You know what they say
If you don't do it,
It goes away

Written by Marc Christmas

Are You Content?

But godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6 KJV)

Today's Prayer
The scripture tells me that if I have food and clothing that I should be content. I find my self wanting more. I've often prayed for better clothes, a bigger house, a newer car, more money and things of that sort. I seldom pray for more Godly things. If I had to list them, I'm not even sure that I know what they are. Deliver me from destruction and perdition caused by my own foolish desires. Let me not succumb to the temptations and snares of the material things of this world. Grant me wisdom to discern the foolish and hurtful elements of my lusts. Let my soul be satisfied in You. Amen and so it is.

Satisfied
Only you can make me feel this way
Satiated, I'm filled
Nourished, I'm replete
Slaked, it's quenched
Abate, it's cinched
All different words
That mean the same thing
When I feel some type of way
It's satisfaction that You bring

Written by Marc Christmas

Why Me?

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (Hebrews 12:11 NLT)

Today's Prayer
Lord, I need You to have mercy on me. I know I haven't always done the right things. I haven't always treated others with compassion and love. For the times I spoke harshly or was inconsiderate of others, please forgive me. I repent for my acts of selfishness when others needed me to be there for them. Lord, I'm sorry for my moments of only self-concern. I know scriptures say you reap what you sow, but I'm asking You for a slight pass. I feel like I've reaped about all I can stand. I'm asking for mercy that I don't deserve. If it's not for me to get a pass at this time, then grant me the fortitude to withstand Your chastisement and receive Your discipline with honor and grace. Amen and so it is.

Why Me Lord, Why? 
Why must I suffer through this journey
Why does it seem like all hope is gone
Why do people turn their backs and forsake me
Why do I feel so alone

Why does sorrow seem to always come my way
Why is it a struggle just to make it through today
Why does circumstance bring me bad chance
Why do I struggle in my romance

What did I do to deserve this
Did I speak something amiss
Did I treat another unkind
Did compassion my heart not find

That's enough of "woe is me"
Time to get back on my feet
Time to take a firm stand
Face life with courage, be a man

You only allow what's best for me
Though circumstances are sometimes hard to see
Everything happens for a reason
I will come to know that truth in due season

Written by Marc Christmas