Now that Easter is over it is important that we keep our thoughts stayed on the daily reality of the resurrected Christ. The best-selling author and preacher of the 20^th century, A.W. Tozer, said that the most important thing about a person is what comes to mind when they think about God. This is true every moment of every day, compelling us to renew our minds according to the truth.

Because the hardest thing about the Christian life is that it is so “daily”, we must embrace a biblical, fresh, and intimate experience of the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Keeping our mind stayed on Him empowers us with peace, power, and endurance for the race set before us. 

For many years, I’ve enjoyed daily mental and spiritual renewal in the biblical answers to the core questions of life, starting with the question, “Who is God?” A particular exercise of focusing on the name and character of the Lord Jesus Christ has been a “game-changer” for me.  I wrote an acrostic that has focused my thoughts on a daily basis. Below, you will enjoy this exercise that has come to mean so much to me.

Take time today, and in the days to come, to meditate on the names of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let them renew your mind, encourage your heart, and empower your trust and obedience as you follow Him.

My Lord Jesus Christ

My Jesus is the . . .

Light of the World, so I will invite His warmth and radiance into all the dark and cold places of my life that He might expose and cleanse my sin and selfishness.

Only Wise God, so I can boldly ask and receive from Him all necessary insight, guidance, and direction for my life today.

Rock of my Salvation, so I will rest secure and safe, knowing that He has already done everything to save me and to keep me in His love forever.

Desire of all Nations, so I will passionately proclaim His truth and beauty in every place, expressing to others the delight I have found in Him.

 

Justifier, so I do not have to work today to be accepted by God, but can simply live in the grace that has made me pure and lovely in His sight.

Emmanuel, so I will enjoy and practice His wonderful presence in my life today, knowing that He is with me always.

Strength of My Soul, so I come to Him in humility, delighting in my weaknesses, that His power may be demonstrated through me in every situation I encounter.

Unchanging Friend, so I will enjoy His faithful companionship and rest securely in His always-reliable love and commitment to me.

Savior, so I will kneel before His cross in grateful worship and will live by faith in the One who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

Cornerstone, so I will confidently base my well-being on the truth of who He is and allow Him to build my life by His strength and stability.

Healer of my Soul, so I will come to Him with all my hurts, disappointments, and fears to receive His supernatural touch of wholeness, encouragement, and peace.

Resurrection and the Life, so I will let Him live through me today in the triumph He has already achieved over all sin and death.

Image of the Invisible God, so I will draw near and gaze upon Him in intimacy today that He might reveal the fullness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to my heart.

Shield of my Salvation, so I will trust Him today to protect my faith and to preserve my life in Him by His promise and power.

Truth, so I will come to Him with all my doubts and questions, receiving counsel from His reliable word and consolation from His Spirit in order to live with confidence in this world.

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Also for your encouragement, you will find below some new words for the classic patriotic song, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”  These revised words speak of “My Jesus ‘Tis of Thee.”  Perhaps you will find a quiet place to sing this hymn of worship to Him today as you “glory in Christ Jesus.”

My Jesus ‘Tis of Thee

My Jesus ’tis of Thee, sweet Lord of liberty, of Thee I sing

In love, for me You died, through grace I’m justified

By faith I’m sanctified, let freedom ring

 

My Master all for Thee, I stand here new and free, Your name to praise

Loosed from the chains of sin, the contest I will win

Oh, let Thy grace pour in, Your song I raise

 

Let worship fill this place, true joy on every face, sweet freedom’s song

Oh, may my heart awake, and from Your life partake

The yoke of men to break, ever brave and strong

 

Our Lord and God to Thee, Author of liberty, to Thee we sing

Long may Your church be bright, with freedom’s holy light

Uphold us by Thy might, great Savior, King

 

Words by Daniel Henderson  © Daniel Henderson

To the Tune of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” – Music by “Thesaurus Musicus” 1740 – Ascribed to Henry Carey, c. 1690-1743

Copyright © 2015 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.