In the morning when I rise

These words belong to a Negro Spiritual, or Traditional Spiritual, and there are numerous variations and arrangements of it out there - all beautiful, especially when sung acapella.

My soul is drawn to this song and I've chosen it as my theme song. At first I thought it rather odd, because I've never known of anyone having a "theme song" for their life. But, it can't be much different than a personal philosophy, or a motto - a personal statement - or more culturally relevant - "the soundtrack of my life."

The picture above suggests that Alma Blackmon was the originator of that thought. But she was not. I had the privilege of knowing her when she was my English Professor in college. She was also an outstanding choral director of the Aeolians, a highly acclaimed and internationally known concert choir. Of the many posters I found online with these very words, I chose to share this one because I believe I know what Professor Blackmon meant.  The other verses of this song are:

Dark midnight was my cry

Dark midnight was my cry

Dark midnight was my cry

Give me Jesus

When I am alone, Lord

When I am alone

And when I am alone

Give me Jesus

<chorus>

Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

You may have all this world

Give me Jesus

And when I come to die

When I come to die

When I come to die

Give me Jesus

In the morning when I rise

In the morning when I rise

In the morning when I rise

Give me Jesus

Dr. Blackmon, who passed away in 2009, composed an arrangement of this song; she was in agreement with its words, as am I.  And as the year 2016 comes to a close, I have great expectations of what God has in store. I've made a vow to the Lord, and no matter what will or may come, whether I live or die, He is my soul's desire.

Blessings unto all of you in 2017!

Pray, period. December 31, 2016

Boaz Ministries

 

Dear Father in heaven, cover me.

Bible reference: Psalm 32; Romans 4:7-8

Pray, period. December 30, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Thank You, God, for giving us hope and a future. When this world struggles, when it seems like there is no end in sight, let Your Spirit move in us, I pray. Search our hearts and rekindle our hope for Your glory.

Bible reference: Romans 8:18-27; Isaiah 40-5

Pray, period. December 29, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, you've placed me here, within a river that flows deep and wide with history and tradition. Help me to faithfully interpret Your Word and Your work to a new generation. Help me to live the transparent life of a believer, so all may see that You are real.

Bible reference: Deuteronomy 32:7-11; Matthew 5:16

Talking to God

Throughout my life I've known people who got up well before dawn for prayer time and Bible study. As a youngster, then teenager, then young wife and mother of three, I just never felt like I could find the time. And certainly not early in the morning.

I've always been impressed, however, by my mother-in-law, who, no matter the weather or her health, rises early in the morning, and prays for each one of her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren. She calls us by name, one by one. And whenever we speak on the phone, she always tells me that her fervent desire is to see all of her children and family in the Kingdom - and she encourages me to continue to grow in my relationship with the Lord. You can imagine, that when anyone in the family has an issue or challenge - we always call her and have her pray with us. Mom  seems to be able to "get a prayer through." There is no doubt about it, and all of us can testify of that fact. She has a very close relationship with God. They know each other.

My father was also one who rose early before dawn. He would pray and meditate - and I can say that I came to appreciate his spiritual leadership in the home after I was already grown and gone. He was my go-to guy for special prayer, and an incredible spiritual and emotional support when my first husband died. My mother, while she isn't an early riser, is and always has been available for spiritual guidance and counsel - and just there for me when I need to vent.

Although I've been blessed with very strong spiritual guidance and support from my family members, I knew I needed to develop a one-on-one relationship with the Lord for myself. I knew it would mean that my approach had to be intentional, and I had to be willing to set aside a special time to commune with Him; a time that could not be interrupted by the mundane things of everyday life. I remember just speaking out loud - to no one in particular - "I need to find some quiet time for prayer and meditation on the Word." You know how you say something and have no idea (or even no intention of figuring) how or when you'll even start the process? That was me.

Until one morning, seems like all the sudden, I noticed that I was waking up at 3:30 a.m.  I was not sleepy and had no desire to go back to bed. It happened every day for a week - when I realized what was going on. God was saying to me, "How about now?" After all, I felt totally rested, the house was quiet, there were no distractions whatsoever. It became so clear to me that I was nothing but a sham if I did NOT get my Bible, go into my den and have worship - immediately.  I had heard of this same thing happening to a few other friends - and they had come to the same conclusion. God was calling.


The best times of my day are those quiet moments I spend alone with God.  Learning His will and His way are the keys to "getting a prayer through."

I know I can get a witness.

Pray, period. December 28, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Amen.

Bible reference: Psalm 139

Pray, period. December 27, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, there are so many material things of this world that can become my main focus. Keep my heart, mind, soul - eyes - "on watch" against such misplaced focus. Lead me to fulfillment in You!


Bible reference: Matthew 6:19-24; Matthew 19:16-30

Pray, period. December 26, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, help me to come to You, open and trusting, like a small child. Teach me to love You, to hang on Your every word, and to look forward to special times with You.

Bible reference: Luke 18:15-17

Pray, period. December 25, 2016

Boaz Ministries

What a blessing, Lord, You have poured upon us that we have the privilege of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world! We know that in our ministry we will be misunderstood and at times face rejection, but Your Word will ultimately prevail! Remind us always we are a people who have been sent on a mission by the King and it is His rule we represent!

Bible reference: 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Pray, period. December 24, 2016

Boaz Ministries

 Almighty God, by Your hand I have been led through all of my life. You lead me in the way of true covenant with You. Help us, Your people, place our entire trust in Your grace and in Your love. Let ALL people and nations sing of Your glory! Amen!

Bible reference: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 96:1-2

Pray, period. December 23, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, I give You all that I am and all that I have. I believe with my whole heart that You have made a place of rest and reward for me in Paradise. Until I join You there, with the rest of the redeemed, I serve as Your faithful disciple. Walk with me each step of the way.


Bible reference: John 14:1-7

Pray, period. December 22, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, teach me how to pray. I want to bless Your people, Your ministries, as You have so richly blessed me. Give me the attitude of a servant. Who can I pray for and encourage today, Lord?


Bible reference: Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; James 5:14-16

Pray, period. December 21, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, help us to see You working in others. Break our pride in thinking we have a monopoly on serving You. Let us work with those who are doing good, so that Your glory is multiplied, and so we can more easily share the Good News we have from Christ!

Bible reference: Mark 9:38-41

Pray, period. December 20, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, there are times - like today - when I think my prayers are not worthy to be prayed; that in light of all that happens in this world, maybe what I'm lifting up in prayer for myself is not important. But Your Word tells me to ask, seek, and I will find. Lord, You know the desires of my heart, I lay them before You. Work in me, align my heart with Your will. Amen.

Matthew 7:7-12; Psalm 37:4

Pray, period. December 19, 2016

Boaz Ministries

"Your statutes are wonderful;therefore I obey them.The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commands.Turn to me and have mercy on me, as You always do to those who love Your name.
Direct my footsteps according to Your Word;let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey Your precepts. Make Your face shine on Your servant and teach me Your decrees."

Bible reference: Psalm 119: 129-135 NIV

Pray, period. December 18, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord Jesus, You were tested, yet You remained faithful. You suffered torment and persecution, yet You did not lash out in bitterness. You were scorned and rejected, and yet You remained open to any who would come to You. My strength won't allow me to respond to the world in that way, Lord. Guide me, then, to rely on Your strength, so I may be a witness.


Bible reference: Hebrews 2:10-18

Pray, period. December 17, 2016

Boaz Ministries

O God, give us the wisdom to tell the time. As we pause today to hear Your voice speaking to us, tell us what to do. Show us the Kingdom work to be done today, and give us the courage to either dance or mourn, or to tear or mend.

Bible reference Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Pray, period. December 16, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, I'm so thankful that Your wisdom, understanding and perspective are far beyond my human understanding! When I am lost and confused, I can trust that You have in mind the path forward. When my world is shrouded in darkness and clouds, I know that Your light shines bright above my limited perspective. Help me to always rest my confidence in You!

Bible reference: Isaiah 55:8-13

Pray, period. December 15, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, we need Your help to love one another. In this busy season, it's too easy to just look out for ourselves. Slow us down, open our eyes so that we see that You shine brightest in us when we love who You love!

Bible reference: John 13:33-35

Pray, period. December 14, 2016

Boaz Ministries

"O God, You are my God; early will I seek You: my soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see Your power and Your glory, so as I have seen You in the sanctuary. Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. So I will bless You while I live. I will lift up my hands in Your Name."

Bible reference: Psalm 63:1-4; Proverbs 8:17

Pray, period. December 13, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, You are the Light of the world. I desire to walk in the Light of Life, as You said in Your Word. Shine on me today.

Bible reference: John 8:12

Pray, period. December 12, 2016

Boaz Ministries 

 Lord, Your Word teaches that You brought a new commandment of love into the world. Your life, death and resurrection writes God's promises on our hearts. You have called us to live in the light and love like You, not the world. Reset my heart today, Lord, to be open and loving, as You command. Amen!

Bible reference: John 13:34-35; 1 John 2:7-17

One more second upon the stage...

Celebrating Mr. E's birthday!

Today we celebrate...

And thank the Lord for one more dance around the sun... We're grateful for 365 days and 8760 hours of protection, good health, sound minds, and strength to serve Him in ministry.

Today we give all glory and honor to God for bringing us to this moment. 

William Shakespeare said that we strut and fret our hour upon the stage and then are no more (paraphrase Macbeth)...

Life is just that fleeting, and therefore, so incredibly precious.

I thank God for the life of my husband...and pray that he continues to live in service to the Lord for the remainder of his hour.

Pray, period. December 11, 2016

Boaz Ministries

When one of us is suffering, Lord, we all hurt. Bless the people who make up the body of Your church. Give them comfort and love. Unify us and strengthen us by Your Spirit and love, as we meet in Your presence, formed to do Your will.


Bible reference: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Colossians 3:15

Pray, period. December 10, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, today I lift up someone who is having a difficult season, where each day feels very challenging. I pray that You will give my friend the courage to persevere. Let me be a person who reminds them of Your love, and that together we can be provoked to do Your will.

Bible reference: Hebrews 10:19-25

Pray, period. December 9, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, You spoke peace into a storm, and You can still speak peace into our chaos today. The world needs Your message of hope and peace. Help that peace begin in me so that wherever I am - on my job, in my home, on the street - I can be one who reminds others that You are on this journey with us. Thank You, Lord!

Bible reference: Mark 4:35-41

Pray, period. December 8, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, I spoke before I thought and now I have wounded my spouse. I know I cannot take away the words I have spoken. Give me the courage to ask my spouse for forgiveness. May this rift in our union be speedily mended. Forgive me, Lord. Heal our marriage.


Bible reference: James 1:19-26; Ephesians 4:29-32

Pray, period. December 7, 2016

Boaz Ministries

I didn't get done half the things I needed to accomplish yesterday, Lord. And today I feel as if I have no energy. So here I am, early this morning, to spend time with You. Please give me strength so that I may walk in Your power. Amen.

Bible reference: Isaiah 40: 28-31; Philippians 4:6-7

Pray, period. December 6, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Just as You restored sight to the blind man, Lord, open my eyes today to the things I need to see about myself and others, so that I can fully live into truth, grace and love. I want to be available to You, but first, I have to be willing to be healed by You!

Bible reference: Mark 8:22-26

Pray, period. December 5, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, sometimes I lose sight of the magnitude of Your sacrifice for me. You gave Your life so I could live. I am freed by grace because You stand in the place of judgment. You are the loving lens through which God views me. THANK YOU, JESUS!

Bible reference: Matthew 26:26-28

Pray, period. December 4, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, in all I do, help me to do it with a spirit that glorifies You. When I think something is beneath me, give me the spirit of service and humility so that I might see the bigger picture. Lord I thank You that I have a purpose today. Let it bring meaning to me. Amen.

Bible reference: Colossians 3:23-24

Pray, period. December 3, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, help me find my voice in You, as John was a voice in the wilderness. In a moment where someone shares their wilderness experience with me, help me to be Your voice of hope. Make my own path straight as well, so in my own wilderness I find You.

Bible reference: John 1:19-31

Pray, period. December 2, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Thank You, Lord, for Your Word that shows me how great a friend You are to me and how I can be a good friend to others. Give me a better attitude, and positive, encouraging words. Guard my mouth and, when necessary, put Your hand upon it to keep it closed. Amen.

Bible reference: Proverbs 15:23, 16:24, 25:11; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6

Pray, period. 30 days left

For the year, 2016, Boaz Ministries has been sharing daily prayers for readers in the hope that we all will make time to connect with God. The prayers are simply a reminder that we can talk to God any time, anywhere, about anything, throughout the day.

There's an old hymn, In Times Like These, that says:

"In times like these, you need a savior
In times like these, you need an anchor
Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds
and grips the Solid Rock"

For believers, we know that the Solid Rock is Jesus.  This ministry is dedicated to presenting to some and introducing to others, our Lord and Savior, Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus, the Christ).

Developing an intimate relationship with the Lord is the key ingredient to learning about His ways and His laws. Two main avenues of discovery are, study of the scriptures, and prayer. It is more than simply following rules that make us "look" holy. As a wise man once said, "That method is nothing more than behavior modification." There's no change on the inside.

A relationship with the Savior will transform our lives from the inside out. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we become new creatures  (2 Corinthians 5:17). It becomes evident to everyone who knows us; and the difference is remarkable. Some will want to learn more about this awesome transformation in our lives and want it for themselves! It's the third and most powerful avenue of getting to know the Lord, and it's exciting!  However, others will leave us, claiming the change in us is akin to fanaticism, too much - and go their own way. Both scenarios will happen when we make the decision to be sold out for the Lord.

As followers of Christ, the governing principle is love (1 John 4:7-17). It is love, pure and true, and like no other love on earth. The Lord gives us the extraordinary ability to love the unlovable, and pray for those who hate us, and those who no longer walk in friendship with us - with a sincere heart (Matthew 5:44).

There is trouble all around us, just as the Bible says, but it won't last forever (Matthew 24; 2 Timothy 3:1-7). In these perilous times, when people are living in fear, distrustful of one another, and doing evil deeds in an ever increasing state of lawlessness - we offer hope. There is peace that defies human comprehension that God gives to all who are willing to trust Him with their whole heart (Philippians 4:7; Deuteronomy 6:5).

Let us be very sure our anchor holds as ill winds blow upon the earth. Let's stay connected to God, our Power Source, daily. For no matter what will or may come, we're safe.

Pray, period. December 1, 2016

Boaz Ministries

In my heart, I long to follow You, but then my mind sways. When I am tempted, narrow my path. When my actions lead me down a road of destruction, be a healing renovator. Lord, forgive me when I lose sight of what it means to be faithful to You first.

Bible reference: Romans 7:14-25