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Father, let me not become so casual with you that I forget who you are.   Everyone fears something.  If you do not fear God, you will fear men.  And if you do not fear God or men, you will fear death or disease or poverty or rejection or loneliness or some other thing. It is unavoidable.  Fleeing fear is like fleeing your shadow. We do not control the universe and deep down we know it.  We cannot shake it.  And we fear that some of our thoughts might actually be true.  Fear touches our deepest desires and unites them…

For I know in whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep unto that day that which has been entrusted to me.   A Pharisee asked a cynic, “Why do you doubt everything?” “I doubt because of you,” replied the cynic. “You are certain about the number of fleas on the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem.  Why should I trust anything else you say?” “Then don’t trust me.  But shouldn’t you at least be confident in God?” “Whose god? Your god? I don’t think I want that. I would rather be humble enough to…

Father, you have given me the peace of God that passes all understanding.  May I rest in it by your grace.   “Tell me,” the officer said.  “If you could have one thing in the world, what would it be?”  I was a high school senior sitting in a chair in the Air Force ROTC office at Kansas University. I wore a fancy suit, and the officer was interviewing me as part of the application process for an ROTC scholarship. “Peace of mind,” I said. I don’t think he was expecting that answer.  He looked too surprised.  Nonetheless, I did…

Father, I have in Christ the hope of glory.  Hallelujah!  When I was a boy, I always looked forward with great anticipation to Christmas.  I still do.  Maybe I am still a boy (my wife says it is so), but Christmas is such a special time. I was talking with a guy at work last week.  He and his wife are looking forward to a trip to Europe this summer, and we talked about their plans.  Because I rub elbows with so many in the university, I often encounter people looking forward to graduation or to the beginning of their…

Father, praise you for the inner power of joy that flows in me through Christ and through Christ alone. I proposed to Leanne at Christmas.  I was actually sick at the time and felt miserable, but when she said “yes,” my misery didn’t matter.  I rejoiced, and my mom threw a big dinner party to celebrate.  Later we had children.  Upon receiving news that we were pregnant with child #1 and then #2, and then #3, we called our friends and family because we couldn’t help it.  We were elated.  And nine months later, when Charissa, Matthew, and Rebekah were…