A small GIFT!

DANIEL 3:25, 34-43

stood up in the fire and prayed aloud: “For your name’s sake, O Lord, do not deliver us up forever, or make void your covenant. Do not take away your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham, your beloved, Isaac your servant, and Israel your holy one, To whom you promised to multiply their offspring

like the stars of heaven, or the sand on the shore of the sea. For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation, brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins. We have in our day no prince, prophet, or leader, no burnt offering, sacrifice, oblation, or incense, no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with you. But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received; As though it were burnt offerings of rams and bullocks, or thousands of fat lambs, So let our sacrifice be in your presence today as we follow you unreservedly; for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame. And now we follow you with our whole heart, we fear you and we pray to you. Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy. Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord.”

I read these lines and something stirs in my heart. I know that in the past I thought I had to do BIG things to win God's love. I smile and chuckle at myself. I don't need to win God's love. He already loves me. I don't have to do great things to make him proud. I don't have to stand on stage and declare his word to masses of people. When I sin I don't need to give all I have to charity. I don't have to whip myself with cords. All God wants is my heart. All he wants is my love. Does he want me to use my talents for his glory? Yes, but I don't have be the best songwriter ever. All he wants is what a good father wants. He wants me to be the man he knows that I can become and to use all I have and am to glorify him.

God,

I am sorry. I can be a proud man. I can be hard hearted. I can be stiff-necked. I can be really stupid. I love you. Please forgive me and teach me with your loving heart. Help me to love like you want me to. Show me your way even when I act and say that I don't want to know. God you have given me talents. Help me to make the most of them YOUR way. I want to write and sing and work for you. I want to share your word and way with all that I meet. Thank you God for my whole life.

In Jesus Christ's name I pray,

Amen