Empty and Boastful

 "These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error."

— 2 Peter 2:17-18

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

I used to live this way. I was one who was an empty spring and just a vaporous mist driven by the storms of life. I used to mouth empty and boastful words and tried to entice people to sin. Often I was good at it, even those who were trying to escape from sin. My heart hurts thinking of those I harmed and drew away from You. Lord, thank you for forgiving me, saving me, and bringing me to the truth.

Lord, sometimes those old thoughts drift back in, during daytime imaginations and during nighttime dreams. Lord, bring me back to You today; free of the blackest darkness that still hunts me down. May I walk in Your light today, unencumbered by the lustful desires of my flesh. May I speak only Your truth today, delivered from mouthing empty, boastful words. May I stand in Your grace today, not swayed by fear or enticed by sin.

Lord, today I put on the full armor of God. The helmet of salvation to protect my mind. The breastplate of righteousness to protect my heart. The belt of truth to gird my loins. The shoes of peace to protect my walk. The shield of faith to cover my life. The sword of the Spirit to empower my words. Lord, may I be ready for action today. May I walk with a focused determination, prepared for what may come. Lord, may I be fully delivered from any evil that besets me and free to bring Your Gospel, Your Word, Your life to those I encounter today!

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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