Pray… Keep my heart and my mind in Your Son’s loving care, O God, for He alone is my refuge. While the sorrows of those who have sold their souls to other gods grow, Your chosen ones who worship You in Spirit and in truth are the delight of Your people. Give me wise discernment that I would not join with the wicked in their evil practices, nor continue in their legacies. You are what I need and what You give shall be my inheritance. You are my all in all who keeps me from tiring and losing heart, and in You my cup runs over. The path You have given to me to walk leads me to faith and hope, and it causes me to bear fruit for Your glorious kingdom on earth. Forever let the portion from Your table be beautiful to me, Lord Jesus.

I want to be a blessing to You, for You have counseled me wisely and given me everything I need to live a life of godliness. Indeed, Your Spirit guides my thoughts even in the night. I pray, forever guide me and be my inspiration, so nothing can shake my faith. You did not allow Your holy One to remain in the grave, O God, therefore I can dwell safely among an evil generation. Because You raised Him up in righteousness, my soul will never be abandoned to the depths of sin and decay I witness around me. Because I can abide in Your Son, and He in me, I can understand and walk a righteous path in this life. In His presence alone is fullness of joy, and through His sacrifice I find eternal rewards even now in His kingdom. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices!

ConsiderI came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. Consider the pleasant portion, the incredible path of life that our God has given us to walk upon, and rejoice! No child ever had a playground so full of wonder. No job ever afforded such a bounty of riches and possibilities, and no human relationship such security and love. Drink it in, O saints of God, when life’s chaff tries to grow up and choke your fruitfulness. Jesus came that we may have joy, and that our joy would be made full! Remember these words and be renewed when the battle threatens to overtake you, and never lose heart in doing good. Remember the hopeless past when you bartered with other gods, and find hope in where life in Christ has brought you now. Then rejoice, and rest in a peace the world will never know. Be renewed in the knowledge that the portion that has fallen to you is pleasant indeed!