Prayer to Live By

It's been a good week so far.  Even though we've gone without Internet access and I haven't been able to blog each day, I have been enjoying my times with God.  I've even been successful at getting up early for quiet times every morning this week.  So far.  That would be yesterday and today.  Two days isn't much, but it's a start; and when facing a challenge as difficult as the get-up-early one is for me, it's important to celebrate each victory!  :)

This evening, while sorting through some books to take to the thrift store, I came upon a slip of paper in one that had this inspirational message written on it:

This is the beginning of a new day.  God has given me this day to use as I will.  I can waste it or use it for good.  What I do today is important, because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it.  When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving me in its place something that I have traded for it.  I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.
~ author unknown

As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
~ 1 Peter 4:2

Back on Track

I've gotten off track, derailed this week by Internet connectivity issues, a busy schedule, and a lack of focus.  But rather than bemoan my temporary derailment, I'm ready to put that aside and jump back in.  I'm so grateful for fresh starts and new beginnings, eagerness and hope, and the promise of abundant manna to feed my soul!

Tonight these verses from The Message are ministering to me:
What a God we have!  And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus!  Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven--and the future starts now!
~ 1 Peter 1:3-4

When My Pride Is Attacked

I am constantly praying that my pride may be humbled; and then when it is attacked, I shrink from the pain the blow causes and am angry with the hand that inflicts it.

~ Stepping Heavenward

by Elizabeth Prentiss

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

"God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble."

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

~ 1 Peter 5:5-6