Today's Devotion Sunday, June 15, 2003 HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord: This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter." (Psalm 118:19-20) Today's Thoughts David is a wonderful example of God's mercy which was continually displayed throughout his life. When he deserved judgment, mercy was granted; when he deserved punishment, mercy was applied. As a matter of fact, David was so assured of God's eternal mercy that he could boldly proclaim himself as numbered in the ranks of the righteous . . . his sins had been thoroughly purged and cleansed. It is so easy to allow our past to keep us from the entering into an intimate relationship with the Lord. Today as you contemplate His greatness, when you are reminded of how "bad" you once were, keep in mind how "good" God is in that His mercy thoroughly covers you so that you may walk in the freedom granted to you . . . through His gates, into His holy presence! Today's Prayer Dear Lord,Your mercy is all-encompassing and ever present in my life. Help me, Father, to comprehend the depths of your merciful love toward me so I can unashamedly enter Your gates with thanksgiving in my heart for all you have done for me. Father, on this day set aside to honor our fathers, we ask You to not only bless them, but to encourage them, increase their desire for You. Give them wisdom, Lord, as they lead our families . . . even as they lead our nation in these troubled times. Lord, we ask Your touch today, Lord, as fathers are honored, and open their eyes to the need to walk closely with you day by day, setting the example of humility, honesty, integrity, boldness, and Godliness to our families. We thank You, Lord, for the family . . . we thank You for all things! In the precious Name of Jesus and by His shed blood, I pray, Amen! Have a blessed day! Jan Ross jan@... http://todaysdevotion.com "Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:2-3) ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~ **NOTE: Once or twice a year I like give everyone an opportunity to sow into the ministry of Today's Devotion. The devotions reach thousands daily, the exact number is impossible to determine since many of our subscribers pass them along to friends and family who, in turn, pass them on to others. I am continually amazed at the far-reaching affects of Today's Devotion and give the glory to God for the work He has done in each life through this daily endeavor. There is no pressure or obligation, and I apologize if you feel this notice is inappropriate. Your donations may safely be given online through PayPal with your Master Card/Visa (no extra charges) at http://www.paypal.com for jan@... . A check or money order can be mailed to me directly at 2647 Admiral Drive, Grove City, OH 43123. Thank you for your prayers and continued support! ~Jan Ross