Lord, I Pray!

Lord, 

 

          You know my life, because You created it. 

          You know my worries and how I feel.

          You know what I think and what I long for.

          You know what I lack, my failures, and my desires.

          You know my needs even when I don’t.

 

     I pray to place my worries in your hands. 

     I pray to replace my stinking thinking with Your holy thinking. 

     I pray that my desires will be Your desires.    

     I pray forgiveness over my sins and failures. 

     I pray to trust you with my needs. 

     I pray for protection by Your almighty All-Knowing. 

     I thank You and praise Your Holy Name!

                                              Amen!

Choose

One of my devotionals this morning talked about love and how “Jesus spent his life around people in homes, in the marketplace, in the temple, in the country, on the sea, and on the road, and He loved people wherever He met them, just as they were.”

     This got me to thinking about everyday life. I meet people everywhere and sometimes even have to deal with occasional mishaps, but it is up to me to make choices on how I react.   

 

Do I: 

 Choose to accept others just as they are and show love

 Choose to forgive offenses and show grace 

 Choose to accept unchangeable mishaps and laugh instead of cry

 Choose to see the positive instead of the negative 

 Choose to smile instead of frown

 Choose good over evil

 Choose God’s way over Satan’s way 

 

Having said all this, I remember a quote often said which is actually taken from Joshua 24.

 

“Choose you this day whom you will serve,

but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

 

Joshua 24:15 “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” 

 

 

 

In Need Of Prayer

Life gives me opportunities, if I take the time to look for them. Just this week I discovered at least 2 if not more. 

     I was busy and had projects at home I wanted to do, but I also needed to meet with an advisor. I really did not want to make the drive and could have initialed it by a phone call from home, but I do believe the best results are gained by face-to-face contact. During the visit we both took time sharing personal information. He did not say as much, but his family stories and life told me he was a Christian. What was most important was that his wife struggled with an illness. This is my main point. Because I listened, I picked up the fact that here was a lady who needed prayers. I Could Do That! 

     The next day I wanted to stay at home and do “my thing,” but I also felt the need to support a family member who was committed to helping a friend with a “minor medical” procedure which did not turn out to be so minor. Instead of a few hours in the hospital, it turned into an all-day process. Also, we had to deal with unexpected car issues. Without telling the whole story, the one having the procedure stated, “I am scared.”  It was then I realized that, here again, this was someone that needed prayers.  

     Life can be busy- life can get hectic---but there is always someone who needs prayers.  I just have to take the time and look for them. It can be a part of "running the race that is set before us (me)."  

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1 KJV 

Tempted

I am tempted everyday. Jesus understands the tempting because He was tempted too. Yet, He resisted!

The Tempting 

 

Forty days and forty nights-

Living in barren sights.

No human voice around-

No vocal sound-

Until Satan passed His way;

A tempter coming to Jesus that day.

 

Satan said, 

“Turn these stones to bread.”

Jesus’s stomach must have rolled, and He was probably cold.

He was tempted cause his stomach was empty.

But Jesus spoke, “Man does not live on bread alone,

But on the Word of God, not food from a stone.”

He did not play Satan’s game.

I wonder if I could have done the same.

 

Satan then took Jesus to the temple’s highest point,

And said, 

“Jump! Prove the angels will protect every limb and joint.”

Jesus shook His head;

Held God’s Word to His breast and did not put His Father to the test.

Yet, Satan was not done. He was having fun.

 

The Tempter led Jesus to the top of the highest mount 

And promised Kingdoms of splendor-more riches than He could count. 

Jesus was not enticed at what was priced.

 

Hunger did not get to Jesus.

He was not like us.

Satan’s testing was ignored. 

Jesus used God’s Word as His sword. 

Riches did not entice my Christ.

He did not play Satan’s game.

I wonder if I could have done the same.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 5/27/2025 

 

“Jesus answered him, “It is written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” … “Away from me, Satan! For It is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” Matthew 4:7, 10 NIV 

Road Signs

When I learned to drive, I had to know the road signs. Stop and Yield, as well as, Dead End, and Do Not Enter are important driving communication tools offering safe driving warnings. 
     As I continually study and learn about God, I find He gives me road signs too, and it is for my safety that I observe them. Because of my human weakness, stubbornness, or even self-centeredness, the visual signs on the highway are much easier to follow than the silent road signs given by God. It is up to me not only to study scripture but to stay in willing communication with God in order to know the signs set before me by God.  Just as in driving, I need to heed God’s warnings, especially when He tells me to Stop, to Yield, to Turn Around, and Do Not Enter. On the other hand, I also have to listen for when He says, “Go Forth,” and I need to be ready

Not My Job!

I don’t know how many times I have heard people say, “That’s not my job!” In all honesty I have said it, as well. The question is that if it is not my job, whose is it, and what is my job?  

     In the office place, I could have answered it pretty quickly, but what about in the frailty of everyday living. Take worry, for instant! I have to remind myself often that “it is not my job” to worry, and I need to be told “it is not my job.” Let me summarize.

 

     Worry—I might thing it is my job, but “it is not my job.”

     Whose job is it? God’s

     What is my job? My job is to pray; make my request and be thankful. 

     What’s in it for me? My reward? By letting God do His job and me performing mine, my reward is the peace of God. 

 

Philippians 4:6-7 answers all my questions. 

      “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

 

Holy, Holy, Holy!

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain…For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” 

God’s love for me is so great He gave me a pathway to eternal life, so why would I ever think to use His name in vain but rather to praise and uplift His Holy name!

My Lord,

I uplift your Holy name;

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, 

You’re the same.

Holy, Holy, Holy are You!

Almighty through and through.

You are “I Am”, 

“He That Is”; 

Yahweh-

The God to whom I pray!

You are the God who sees all: 

El Shaddai-

The One who lives on high;

The God whom I trust;

The God who is just.

You are the Prince of Peace

Whose power will never cease.

You are Alpha and Omega-

The Beginning and the End-

You are my Friend!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 5/24/2025

 

“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth.” Psalm 8:9 KJV

 

“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee.” Psalm 9:10a 

 

 

Love Beyond Comprehension

Romans 8:38-39 “…neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us (me) from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our (my) Lord.”
     There is so much power in these verses. God’s power is amazing. It is beyond comprehension! I take the greatest comfort in knowing the power of God’s love for me. I AM LOVED! For this very reason, I wake every morning with peace and joy.
 

Food for Thought

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 gives a conclusion Solomon made about the advantages of companionship. “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” 

     I actually used this verse in my marriage vows; however, I believe that the “two” do not necessarily mean spouses. It could be a friend or even the church family. We all need someone to talk with. For that reason, I certainly need to develop friendships; friendships that are meaningful. 

     Thinking about this, what about the “two” meaning the Holy Spirit. He lives! He is my constant companion. He came into my life when I believed and accepted Christ as my Savior. He picks me up when I fall down. He directs my path. He pulls me back to God when I choose to stray. He inspires my joy. He works toward the assurance I have in my final, good reward! I also believe in the Three-in-One; God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Actually verse 12 goes on to say, “and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” 

The Hidden Word

One of the first verses I memorized when I was growing up was from Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Of course, it was the King James Version which is always my go-to for discerning scripture. There are not many ways a Bible version can change the words of this verse. I did look up the International Children’s Bible Version which stated it this way, “I have taken your words to heart so I would not sin against you.” 

     This scripture is completely self-explanatory, I have to study God’s Word in order to hold it fast in my heart and my thoughts to follow God’s laws and help me resist Satan’s temptations. 

The Lord's Name

It is never, never alright to use God’s name in vain, and I hear it used in disrespect by many  unthinking people. 

 

When I hear, God Almighty, my instinct should be to shut it down and explain a better use of the term; like: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” For the name of God is not to be used vainly. He is my Almighty King and Lord over all. He is King of Kings. He the Alpha and Omega!

 

When I hear someone say, “O God,” I should explain a better term of use, like: “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee.” In no way, should God’s name be used in any other setting than to praise Him. “O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust.” 

 

Also “By God” when used incorrectly should be corrected, for by the Lord, My God, I was created, set on the right path, loved, protected, saved by His Only Son, and promised a spiritual forever home with my God. He deserves the upmost respect in the use of His Holy Name.

 

The 10 Commandments sets us right: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7 

 

 

 

Do Likewise!

One of the first verses I learned in my Christian walk was Luke 6:31, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” 

 

Today, I want to do likewise and be wise- like:

 

If I want a smile, I need to give a smile.

If I want a good neighbor, I need to be a good neighbor.

If I want to be treated nicely, I need to be nice.

If I want forgiveness, I need to be forgiving.

 

I could go on and on, but to end, today I hope to be friendly, share a laugh, a smile, and strive to love others. 

Clean and New

After an unproductive, and often failing in something the previous day, I wake to a new day wanting a new start and a new me; one more pleasing to God. I cannot change yesterday, but I can strive to change my today.

A New Start - A New Me 

 

I desire a fresh start;

One to change my heart,

My thoughts,

My rotten inner spots,

My actions, deeds,

My wants and my needs.

Yesterday is gone,

And I’ m struggling in a new dawn.

Tomorrow may never be;

One I may never see.

What I have is today,

So, change my way.

I ask, Lord, for something revamped and new;

A heart others see love through,

A life that is pleasing;

One that is appeasing.

Revamp in me a new self from the inside out

Excite me with what You are all about.

Change my walk, 

And my talk.

Lord, today, spotlight my inner being.

Clean up the wrong others are seeing.

Shine within your revealing love, so free,

Search me, try me, change me!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 5/13/2025

 

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

 

 

Rooted and Grounded

I’m just a country girl who is blessed to live in an area with tall magnificent timbers with strong limbs that branch out in all directions. They are “rooted and grounded” just as I want to be, and I am. God grants that. 

     He grants me “…according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit…so that Christ may dwell in your (my) heart through faith…and being rooted and grounded in love…to comprehend…what is the breadth and length and height and depth…to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge…and to be filled with the fullness of God.”  Ephesians 3:16-19

     I am blessed to be rooted and grounded in God’s love.

One Day At A Time

A popular song, I love to hear Cristy Lane sing is One Day At A Time. The lyrics go like: 

 

One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from You
Just give me the strength to do everyday
What I have to do
Yesterday's gone, sweet Jesus

And tomorrow may never be mine

Lord, help me today, show me the way

One Day At A Time is also a slogan I used a lot when I was going through a difficult time in my life and it is also what scripture tells us to do. We are to live in the today. Yesterday is gone and Tomorrow may never be.

 

Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 

 

If I have problems worrying about what I did yesterday or what will happen tomorrow, I am simply to pray.

 

Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” 

 

If I cannot stop thinking about yesterday or possible problems of tomorrow I can always strive to change my thinking.

 

Philippians 4:8, “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.”

 

So, I have to tell myself, “Yesterday is gone, it cannot be changed. Tomorrow may never be. Lord, help me plan for good and not evil Today, for it is here right now. Help me live in it. Lord, show me the way One Day At A Time!

 

 

 

Pass It Around and Pass It Down

My ancestors were mostly farmers. They grew their food. The table was sometimes scarce of food, but they “passed it around”. They also “passed it around” to neighbors when they could.  And, they believed in God. They kept the faith, and they “passed it down.” 

     This is exactly what Paul said he was thankful for in 2 Timothy 1:5, “For I am thankful of the sincere faith within you which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.”  

     Here it is generations and generation after Biblical times and faith is being “passed around" and it is being "passed down.” 

     There is a God and He sent His beloved Son to die for me and I am “passing it around" and "passing it down.”  

The Key Ring

I wrote a poem a few years ago about a key. It was about the key to my heart; it opened the door to give me Christ as my Savior. 

     I have other keys I carry; one opens the door of courage; it helps me to walk away from what might or who might harm me and hinder the work of God in my life. I also carry a key which opens the door to a surrendering heart; one which allows God to come in and guide me through tough situations. Yet, another key opens the door to each morning’s adventure. When I use that key, I never know what to expect. I only know that God has walked through the open door because I invited Him in, and all will be well for God brings love with Him wherever He walks. 

     The moral: Keep your key ring close by and if the key fits; open the door.

The Final Test

I’ve taken many tests in my lifetime. I remember in school that all was silent with the teacher quietly walking around and observing. Would I cheat? Would I copy? Would I work on my own? This was more than one test! It was a test of knowing the answers and a test on how I would act. 

     With each test, I have been anxious but should have been confident in my ability, in my knowledge, and in my judgment. 

     I know I will always have tests, but I also know there will be one final test. I will be anxious but confident when it is graded. I will be anxious about how many “Xs” I receive versus how many checkmarks, yet I will be confident about passing because I have done the one thing in life that I truly needed to do in order to pass.

     I received and believed in the One who sits at the right hand of God. I believe in Jesus! He came to save me. He is the Teacher who observes my work. He walks around silently watching whether I cheat, copy, or stand strong with the answers He has provided. 

     When I take the final test, I know I will pass. I also know I will not be assigned the chair of honor because Jesus claimed that seat when He bled upon the cross and took my sin, but I am assured I will pass through the gate, and I will fall at my Teacher's feet. 

LET Go!

Psalm 46:10 KJV tells me, “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

     The GW translation states it like, “Let go, of your concerns. Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth.” 

 

The GW version reminds me of a slogan used in AA- “Let go, and let God.”

It could also be said, “Let go and know.”

 

God is over all! I just need to "let go" and let Him take the wheel. What God has planned will, in His time, come to fruition in my life and in the lifetime of this world. 

Lord, 

     I pray to let you control every thought and action today as I place my concerns into your mighty hands. I pray that the leaders of our nation look to you for guidance in their decisions and actions because You are truly in control. I pray all people will be drawn to you and KNOW you are the ruler of all. 

                                                       Amen!

Adding a Balance

“For the body is not one member, but many….the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.”  1 Corinthians 12

     I never realized how necessary all the members of my body are until I had to use crutchers when I sprang my ankle. My foot was injured, and I needed my hands in order to walk around.  That left me with no way to carry items.  All my members work together as a whole. Consider the fingers and toes; how even the big toe keeps me stable.  All my members add a balance.  

     It is the same when people congregate to work together. They become a team! Just yesterday, it took ten people as a “team” to co-ordinate a very successful wedding shower. 

     It takes the body of Christ working together to serve God. Although I have no special talent to speak or brag about, I am so glad to be a member of my Church- a body of Christ working to serve the Lord with the gifts that God provides to each individual member. 

     My presence may be the only gift I give, but it supports the church and the pastorial staff. My prayers may be the only gift I have to offer, but it benefits the one needing my prayers. My words of kindness may be the only gift I provide, but it uplifts a friend. Even outside in the community, there are needs to be met with the gifts God gives me. 

     Although weak in talent, I believe, somehow, I add a balance! 

Capital "D's"

My capital “D’s” for the Day: 

 

Daily, on my own I can create

         Doubt and 

         Despair 

OR I can 

         Do Damage control by 

         Deciding to 

         Dispel Doubt, follow God’s  

         Direction, and obtain His 

         Discernment. 

 

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

 

Where Would I Be

I just had a birthday which gave me pause to think about where I would be if God had not thought about me, created me, led me, saved me, and guided me though the years. 

Where

 

Where would I be 

If 

Not in God’s thoughts?

I’d be distraught;

I’d be unborn, uncreated-That is where.

Instead, He molded a hunk of clay to make me an heir.

Where would I be 

If 

Not in God’s plan?

I’d be an empty man;

Wandering and lost-That is where.

So, I offer up a heartfelt prayer.

Where? Oh, where would I be

If 

Jesus had not come to set me free?

If 

God did not think about me day and night? 

I’d be lost in the darkness of my plight.

I’d be fearful I was not within His sight.

Where would I be

If 

God is not always near;

Beside me, the way to steer?

Where would I be

If

God was too busy; Too preoccupied 

To walk by my side?

Where? Oh, where would I be

If 

God turned away? 

If 

God didn’t stay?

If 

He let me go astray?

If 

I failed to pray? 

Where would I be? 

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 5/2//2025

 

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him.” Psalm 145:18a NIV 

Help

In day-to-day chores, I often hear the word “help” from family members. Sometimes, this is a disruption from what I am doing, and it frustrates me. I get impatient to get back to my own task. God is NEVER frustrated and NEVER impatient when He hears me call for “help”. He is always available!

 

God is:

H appy always to help  

E ver-present to help

L onging for me to call for His help

P atiently waiting to help me

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped…” Psalm 28:7a KJV