Not Perfect, but Purposeful 7-1-05

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let the peace of Your presence fill my soul. ... Teach us Your ways and teach us how to teach our children Your ways. Convict us and forgive us when we fail. Let our lives be an example -- a good example -- to the generations who follow. Let them see Your words lived out in our actions. And when they don't, remind them that You are still perfect and holy even when we are not. But give us wisdom to let Your word and Your ways be our standard even though we may fall far short. There are lessons to be learned even from the failures. Even though we don't always practice what we preach, let us not stop trying to preach and teach Your words and trying to live and model Your ways. "You shall bind these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to your ancestors to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth" (Deuteronomy 11.18-21). Yes, Lord. Surround us and saturate us with Your words as You teach us to live out Your ways -- whether we are at home or away, whether surrounded by people or all alone. Then our days will go well, our prayers will be answered, our lives will find meaning, and Your purpose will be fulfilled. We may not be perfect, but we can be purposeful in the power of Your grace. In Jesus' name we pray. Be encouraged this day! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays