Gobsmacked by God’s Guarantees

When your fuzzy mind announces, “What a fantastic new day!” and cynical circumstances counter, “Really?”, one needs a plan.

So, on the wall near my bed — using green frog tape — I posted a visual aid. Three verses on this piece of paper set a terrific tone and perspective for any upcoming opportunities, appointments, expectations, travels, challenges, plans, responsibilities, disappointments, and delights.

God’s Guarantees

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, will have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJ)

Meditating on these, my mind pivots. I am gobsmacked to realize that God guarantees I am already fully equipped with supernatural resources. Thank You, Sweet Jesus. Yes indeed, this IS a fantastic new day.

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

“For me to live is Christ.” (Philippians 1:21)

What are your thoughts? Perhaps you think the verses were meant for someone else but not for you. Yet what if they are for you?

Which verse resonates the most with you in your present circumstances? Why?

How would the faith decision to take God at His Word make a difference in your day?

Shout For Joy

As I turned the blinds on this winter’s morning, a glorious, breathtaking kaleidoscope of color shouted back at me. Without hesitating, I uttered the verse that stays close at hand for such dramatic moments as these:

“Thou dost make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.” (Psalm 65:8 NASB)

Oh, how I love this verse! Its impact reaches way back to the days of the Jesus Revolution that took place on our university campus in the 1970’s. Never will I forget the moment I looked out the window of my dorm and beheld with fresh eyes God’s glorious ball of fire. The Holy Spirit used the Living Word to orchestrate a memorable experience for this neophyte in the faith: “Thou dost make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.” Wow.

The verse traveled with me across oceans, across continents, across time zones, and across decades. In Siberia, in Croatia, in Poland, in Africa, in Asia, and even in America, the Message remained as steadfast and consistent as its Author, “Thou dost make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.”

Like a declaration and a doxology all wrapped in one, these twelve words pack a profound theology. This brilliant, trumpet-like statement about God declares His power, His presence, His love for beauty, and His canopy over all the earth. Simultaneously, this verse is a sanctified whisper to remind me of His canopy over my day, even over my entire life. “Thou dost make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.”

But pause to consider, one day there will come a final bright and cloudless morning when the heavens part and He descends. So, “Until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,” join the chours, throw back the sash, and celebrate like you mean it! “Thou dost make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.”

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

“For me to live is Christ.” (Philippians 1:21)

Psalm 19

Malachi 4:2

2 Peter 1:19

On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, and the glory of His resurrection share; When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. (James Milton Black, 1893)

A Puritan Prayer for 2026

Voyage

O Lord of the oceans, My little bark sails on a restless sea, Grant that Jesus may sit at the helm and steer me safely; Suffer no adverse currents to divert my heavenward course; Let not my faith be wrecked amid storms and shoals; Bring me to harbour with flying pennants, hull unbreached, cargo unspoiled. I ask great things, expect great things, shall receive great things. I venture on thee wholly, fully, my wind, sunshine, anchor, defense.

The voyage is long, the waves high, the storms pitiless, but my helm is held steady, thy Word secures safe passage, thy grace wafts me onward, my heaven is guaranteed.

This day will bring me nearer home, Grant me holy consistency in every transaction, my peace flowing as a running tide, my righteousness as every chasing wave.

Help me to live circumspectly, with skill to convert every care into prayer, Halo my path with gentleness and love; smooth every asperity of temper; let me not forget how easy it is to occasion grief; may I strive to bind up every wound, and pour oil on all troubled waters.

May the world this day be happier and better because I live. Let my mast before me be the Saviour’s cross, and every oncoming wave the fountain in his side. Help me; protect me in the moving sea until I reach the shore of unceasing praise.

[The Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions]

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

“For me to live is Christ.” (Philippians 1:21)

Intimacy with Jesus Authenticity with others A passion for your calling A purpose for your influence

Thoughts to Consider in Living with Eternal Intentionality®

1. As you (like the Puritan writer of old) set sail into the unknown, where are you focusing your sights?

2. Help me to live circumspectly, with skill to convert every care into prayer, speaks to me. Which line do you find poignant and why?

3. Consider the Words of Psalm 107:23-32; how do they add depth of meaning to life’s turbulent voyage?

Artwork by Beth DeVries. Words from the prayer Voyage are inscribed across the billowing sails. Contact Bethany at nbethanyann@gmail.com