resolute

“Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar” 

Psalm 118:27

I don't spend enough time in prayer. I often have other things to do or am too tired. I set out to pray or meditate on scripture and then lose focus or become distracted by the needs of my children, the household duties, work, or far less noble, some book, magazine, or ugh, facebook.


My mantra, motto, excuse: I don't have enough time.


Funnily enough, I have been waking up every morning now for a few weeks at 4 am. Why, I don't know. I turn over in bed and try to fall back asleep, sometimes with success.

"You must be willing to be placed on the altar and go through the fire; willing to experience what the altar represents-burning, purification, and separation for only one purpose-the elimination of every desire and affection not grounded in or directed toward God. But you don’t eliminate it, God does. You “bind the sacrifice . . . to the horns of the altar” and see to it that you don’t wallow in self-pity once the fire begins. After you have gone through the fire, there will be nothing that will be able to trouble or depress you. When another crisis arises, you will realize that things cannot touch you as they used to do. What fire lies ahead in your life?"

Oswald Chambers

What am I willing to sacrifice to follow God more closely?


more tomorrow...