From: Sylvia Gunter
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These days all of us are acutely aware of the job market, the stock market, or the status of last year’s earnings from filing our income taxes. It is that inevitable time of year. Our son Charley talked with God one day about his “balance sheet.” Can’t we all identify with this true accounting of the state of our hearts?
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Heavenly Father, I have a large surplus and a great shortage. I have a surplus of selfishness and wanting my own way, right away. I have a great shortage of obedience and, by extension, love for You. You said, “If you love Me, do the things I command you.” I haven’t been loving You like I should. It shows to me, if to no one else.
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 Bankrupt me of my surplus. Remove from me the selfishness and disobedience that I choose. Replace it with a deep and growing love for You and teach me to know You. Help me keep my mind set on things above, not on earthly things.Â
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God, I feel small and needy. I need You infinitely more than You need me. Yet You chose me before I knew You. Amazing! Hold on to me. Keep me in Your love, in Your will, and in Your way. Help me to live for You today. I can’t change what was, and I can’t control what will be. Help me to value the time that You give me, moment by moment, so that I will spend it doing things of eternal value, not storing up treasures on earth, not entertaining myself, not indulging my selfishness, not passing the time to pass the time. Put me to work doing Your work, whatever You would have me do. I’m willing and available, even if not qualified or able.Â
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You are my strength, my rock, my fortress, my refuge, and my shield. Of whom then shall I be afraid? You love me with a perfect love, more than I could ever earn or deserve. Thank You, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by:Â Charley Gunter
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