This morning I sat down early on the patio with my coffee and my daughter’s homemade “grinola” to spend some time in the Word and worship. After reading some in Colossians 1-2, I was singing though “Jesus I My Cross have Taken”, and got to the point where it says,

“Oh, while Thou dost smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might;
Foes may hate and friends disown me, show Thy face and all is bright”

I just stopped and reflected in amazement how, within the framework of the Gospel, God continuously smiles at me and follows it up with loving actions of devotion to my good. Then I pondered, “Do I return the favor? – continuously smile upon Him and follow it up with loving actions of devotion to His good?” Hmmm…

Lord, let me grow in my consistency to truly bring to You devoted love in action, from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. When it comes down to it, this is what a relationship with the Lord is all about – smiling back.