There is a popular workout series that's out right now called 'Insanity'. My sister and brother-in-law did it and I have decided to start it. As I sat there contemplating on when I was going to start my latest exercise routine, the Word of God begin to quicken my spirit. I begin to think about all the insane things that I have done over the years. Albert Einstein stated that the definition of insanity is 'doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results'. I begin to think about how many times I have done just that. The times when I attempted to take back control of my life from God, trying to do things in my own strength. Each and every time achieving the same meaningless results. Often times taking the long way around to the blessing God had for me. There were many reasons that I took back control (or at least thought I took back control), the primary one being that God was just taking too long. In my opinion, 'I had been in the storm too long'.
But now that I look back on things, I have to ask myself where did it really get me? To know better is to do better, I can hear my mom and dad and my second grade teacher, Mrs. Douglass say. And I most certainly knew right from wrong. I could clearly feel the Spirit speaking to me telling me to "But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory." II Chronicles 20:17 As I reflect on different relationships in my life and my need to get my point across when clearly the Lord was telling me to "Be silent. Pray my child." Yet and still I insisted on speaking up for fear of being walked on. Or what about when God clearly showed me that someone was not good for me and yet I continued participating in the negative activities that always seemed to come about in their company. I have taken jobs without praying and have been miserable. I have failed to read my Bible regularly and pray regularly only to experience a period of drought, feeling like God had forsaken me. Even when I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that 'God will never leave me nor forsake me'. There are times that I have felt like a failure because I had not achieved certain goals so I would complain all the time. I had forgotten the scripture that said 'God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns'. Philippians 1:6
As a child of the King, we must remember that nothing that we do is about us. It is all about glorifying God. When we are at work, when we are at church, in our homes, at the grocery store, driving in our cars...someone is always watching waiting to see what your response will be and more times than not, some of them are hoping that you will fail. But don't get discouraged. There may be a lot of things that you and I have done over and over again hoping to achieve different results but there is one thing I know that will always achieve a positive outcome and that is PRAYER. Your own direct channel to the Almighty God. Your access is not limited, call on Him anytime. In fact the Bible tells us to 'Pray without ceasing'. I Thess. 5:17 What does that mean to the saints? Keep on praying. And as you continue to pray, let your prayer become praise. There is just something about knowing that I can talk to the Father and He hears me. I used to hear the preacher say, "He's never to busy. He may not come when you want Him, but He's always on time."
Most Gracious Heavenly,
Help me to remember the spiritual discipline of prayer. Before I move to explore any other avenues let me first turn to You. Grant me sustaining power to make it through the storm. Let me remember that no matter how dark the night, daylight is coming. I will forever give You all the glory, honor and the praise You so richly deserve. In Jesus' precious name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Just For Me
'The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results'. James 5:16b
As I was sitting tonight and talking with my mom she reminded me of a simple fact. What is that one fact you ask? 'That God honors the prayers of the faithful'. Even though you may be surrounded by people who have their own agenda in mind and may not be praying that God's will be done, God holds true to His Word and He can make things happen when the odds seem stacked against you. When man has made plans and it seems that those plans are beginning to come to fruition...Watch out now! Because that is when God shows up! He can throw a monkey wrench in man's plans anytime He sees fit. And that is why you must keep right on praying. As she and I sat there and talked she begin to tell me the testimony of a lady who was scheduled to go in to meet with her boss, knowing very well that she was getting ready to be laid off. The rest of her department had been laid off earlier that morning and yesterday. But she was a praying woman. Each night she had prayed that God's will be done. But she needed her job. It was the only income she had to support her family. As she walked into her boss's office, she had made up in her mind that she was okay with whatever happened. As her boss begin to speak she immediately begin to cry and praise God. You see, she was not laid off. There had been a position created for her in another department. Are you praising Him yet?
Do you know that most Christians believe that the God of miracles lived only in Bible times? I wouldn't go as far to say that person was me. But I will say that I expected God to do it in other people's lives and not mine. Yes I would pray but I didn't expect God to do the impossible. I would pray safe prayers. As I continue to mature as a Christian I realize that there are some things God is going to do 'just for me'. There are people attached to my life who will be blessed because of my faithfulness. Why? Because God honors my prayers. Not because I have lived such a holy life but because of His faithfulness. So when I become bothered with the things I see going on around me, wondering if it will ever get better, I don't open my mouth to complain. I talk to my Heavenly Father. And I believe that because I have turned it over to Him, everything will turn out alright. There are a lot of uncertainties going on around me and I could become frustrated, throw up my hands and just say whatever. But I can't. As I take a walk through the Bible I see time after time how the children of Israel continued to try to do things on there on and at time they were disciplined because of it. But there were also times that their judgment was spared because of a few individuals who prayed.
So what is my challenge to you today? Don't stop praying. In fact, during uncertain times you should pray more. Don't allow the naysayers and the negative people around you to make you think that you are resigned to settle. That you have to give in and go with the majority. Remember that you and God are a majority not a minority. Resist the urge to get caught up in petty arguments or even discussions with those who don't have a say in the final analysis of the situation. Take your concerns directly to God and let Him work it out. He can and He will
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
How excellent is thy name in all the earth. Lord I praise you because you are holy. You are righteous. You are worthy. You alone are God and You don't need my help. Forgive me of my sins. Thank You for your forgiveness. Thank You Father for the reminder that You have the final say. In spite of what man thinks and how they may plot and scheme, you have the final say. Help me not to become discouraged. Even though there may be times that I feel like I am all alone, let me remember that You and I are a majority and that nothing is impossible with You. So Lord I am going to keep on praying knowing that You will sustain me through it all. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray Amen.
As I was sitting tonight and talking with my mom she reminded me of a simple fact. What is that one fact you ask? 'That God honors the prayers of the faithful'. Even though you may be surrounded by people who have their own agenda in mind and may not be praying that God's will be done, God holds true to His Word and He can make things happen when the odds seem stacked against you. When man has made plans and it seems that those plans are beginning to come to fruition...Watch out now! Because that is when God shows up! He can throw a monkey wrench in man's plans anytime He sees fit. And that is why you must keep right on praying. As she and I sat there and talked she begin to tell me the testimony of a lady who was scheduled to go in to meet with her boss, knowing very well that she was getting ready to be laid off. The rest of her department had been laid off earlier that morning and yesterday. But she was a praying woman. Each night she had prayed that God's will be done. But she needed her job. It was the only income she had to support her family. As she walked into her boss's office, she had made up in her mind that she was okay with whatever happened. As her boss begin to speak she immediately begin to cry and praise God. You see, she was not laid off. There had been a position created for her in another department. Are you praising Him yet?
Do you know that most Christians believe that the God of miracles lived only in Bible times? I wouldn't go as far to say that person was me. But I will say that I expected God to do it in other people's lives and not mine. Yes I would pray but I didn't expect God to do the impossible. I would pray safe prayers. As I continue to mature as a Christian I realize that there are some things God is going to do 'just for me'. There are people attached to my life who will be blessed because of my faithfulness. Why? Because God honors my prayers. Not because I have lived such a holy life but because of His faithfulness. So when I become bothered with the things I see going on around me, wondering if it will ever get better, I don't open my mouth to complain. I talk to my Heavenly Father. And I believe that because I have turned it over to Him, everything will turn out alright. There are a lot of uncertainties going on around me and I could become frustrated, throw up my hands and just say whatever. But I can't. As I take a walk through the Bible I see time after time how the children of Israel continued to try to do things on there on and at time they were disciplined because of it. But there were also times that their judgment was spared because of a few individuals who prayed.
So what is my challenge to you today? Don't stop praying. In fact, during uncertain times you should pray more. Don't allow the naysayers and the negative people around you to make you think that you are resigned to settle. That you have to give in and go with the majority. Remember that you and God are a majority not a minority. Resist the urge to get caught up in petty arguments or even discussions with those who don't have a say in the final analysis of the situation. Take your concerns directly to God and let Him work it out. He can and He will
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
How excellent is thy name in all the earth. Lord I praise you because you are holy. You are righteous. You are worthy. You alone are God and You don't need my help. Forgive me of my sins. Thank You for your forgiveness. Thank You Father for the reminder that You have the final say. In spite of what man thinks and how they may plot and scheme, you have the final say. Help me not to become discouraged. Even though there may be times that I feel like I am all alone, let me remember that You and I are a majority and that nothing is impossible with You. So Lord I am going to keep on praying knowing that You will sustain me through it all. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray Amen.
Monday, January 23, 2012
One, Two...Punch
'Pray continually'. I Thessalonians 5:17
My Saturday's for the past month have been spent taking two of my daughters to basketball games. This past Saturday while enjoying my youngest daughter's game, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me. (Thank God that I am in tune with the Holy Spirit and I can hear Him talking to me no mater where I am.) This is her first year playing basketball. In spite of this she has picked up the game very well. During this particular game I watched as she raced up and down the court. On several possessions she played the roll of the point guard and like clockwork as she dribbled up and down the court looking for one of her teammates, she would pass the ball and SWOOSH a layup. Her sisters' and I started saying, "Babygirl got that one, two, punch." And as the Holy Spirit spoke to me I started thinking about how this relates to my prayer life. Each and every time I pray I'm giving the assist up to God, giving Him total control to make the finishing move, scoring every time. There was one unique piece of her point guard play. She only passed the ball to one particular teammate. You see, she had confidence that this person was going to make the correct move. She was not going to turn the ball over. She was going to make decisions that was best for the team. Isn't that just like God?
The problem arises when we decide to skip our quiet time with God. We decide that our way is a much better way. We don't pray. And if we do pray, it's just about asking for something and not an attempt to build your relationship with God. There is no assist. Instead we take our lives in our own hands becoming a 'ball hog' by always driving to the basket and not seeking the help from the One who has proven to have a guaranteed return. You see, my daughter has come to rely on her teammate. She spends time with her in practice. At this point in the season, she has played several games with her and her role in the game has been proven. And if you ask yourself hasn't God already proven Himself to you? Hasn't he answered your prayer time and time and again? Proven Himself to be consistent in your life? If we are to make it in this life we must do so by keeping God first in our lives. Let prayer be the assist that takes us to the life we have always wanted and the life that God wants for us. A life in line with the will of God. A life that even when trials come we continue to shine and trust God to make decisions that our best for our life. During my daughter's season there will be times that my daughter dribbles down the court and passes the ball to her teammate and she misses. But glory be to God, that when we pray we never have to worry about a negative result. The mere fact that we know that God is always listening is a win-win for the believer. God is the one who has our best interest at heart. He wants nothing but the best for us and will push us to become better if we let Him. We must give up control and not be a 'ball hog'. Pray always and allow God to make the difference. You and God together will have that One, Two...Punch.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the privilege of prayer. Thank You for being a merciful God. A God of grace. I want to become a person of prayer, realizing that nothing happens when I don't pray and everything happens when I do pray. Father, I realize that in order for things to change in my life...for me to become the person You want me to be I must seek Your will. Please forgive me for the times I have been disobedient, neglecting my prayer life. Those times when I have tried to do things on my own. I submit to Your will and to Your way. Change me in the way You see fit. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Focused
They went in whatever direction the spirit chose, and they moved straight forward in any direction without turning around. Ezekiel 1:12
Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:27
This morning during my quiet time with God I decided to alter my regular reading schedule and instead read in the book of Ezekiel. As a dear friend of mine and I talked this weekend about some things going on right now in our lives, she reminded me of how the story of the Israelites in the book of Ezekiel related to the current situation. In this story one is reminded of the sovereignty of God. No matter what the situation God is always in control and He has a plan. At least 65 times in this one book, God says, "Then they will know that I am the Lord.". With the overall theme being that God always has a plan for deliverance, as one commentator states - it is an ultimate plan for revival, redemption and restoration. The sad part about this story is that while God outlined the way to blessing; he also outlined the consequences that would result from disobedience. Disobedience that comes from following our own voice instead of the voice of the Lord.
The chapter begins with Ezekiel having a vision and at first glance it sounds kind of strange. But as I was reading through the first few chapters my mind kept going back to verse 12. Not only that but as I was reading one of the devotionals that I am subscribed to it talked about how much of a struggle one can cause in his or her own life when fighting against the will of God. Worrying instead of praying. Stressing out instead of trusting. Seeking ungodly advice instead of heeding the urgings of the Holy Spirit. It's real easy to get wrapped up in your own plan for your life. As I sat and meditated on this fact, I thought about my life and how rough things have been when I was not being obedient to the Word of God. The results were never positive.
Verse after verse we are told what the result will be when we 'seek first the kingdom of God'. The Word also tells us that the Holy Spirit is there for us to 'guide us into all truth'. But we do have free will and that's where the problem arises. This year I have decided to 'pray more and worry less', seeking God for every situation no matter how big or small. And because I know the power of God I don't have to worry, because there is nothing too hard for my God. There are very few things in life that have a guaranteed return on investment. Just take a look at the stock market back a few years ago. There is one thing that does have a guaranteed return on your investment and that is having an established prayer life. A clear channel to God, not as a genie in a bottle, but in building a relationship so that when you are faced with those critical moments where you are not sure what direction to go, God's voice drowns out everything else. It's no longer the guessing game...should I do this or that? Instead you learn to stand still until God speaks. There is no need to rush. Remember what I said at the beginning of this post. God's ultimate plan is for your deliverance. Sometimes God needs to remind you that you didn't do it on your own and that is was nobody but God so He make you wait. However, this by no means negates the power of God and His ability to show as soon as you call His name. That is why you must remained focused, ridding yourself of all distractions. Everyone in your life who says they mean you well doesn't. But with that being said your focus cannot be on those individuals. Your focus must be on God. Your thoughts must be pure. Satan is going to send distractions yous way. Remain obedient to the Word. Stand your course. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Guard your heart. Watch what you allow to enter into your life. Seek God.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the plan you have orchestrated for my life. I know that there have been times that I have whined and grumbled, not understanding Your plan. Forgive me, Lord. Give me a heart to want to be obedient and do your will. Help me to remember that You are in control. I am asking You to remove all distractions from my life that keep me from being focused on You. Help me to go throughout my day thinking on things that are are true, noble, right, pure and admirable so that I can be a vessel to be used by You. I want You to get the glory out of my life, for it is all about You and not about me. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray Amen.
Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:27
This morning during my quiet time with God I decided to alter my regular reading schedule and instead read in the book of Ezekiel. As a dear friend of mine and I talked this weekend about some things going on right now in our lives, she reminded me of how the story of the Israelites in the book of Ezekiel related to the current situation. In this story one is reminded of the sovereignty of God. No matter what the situation God is always in control and He has a plan. At least 65 times in this one book, God says, "Then they will know that I am the Lord.". With the overall theme being that God always has a plan for deliverance, as one commentator states - it is an ultimate plan for revival, redemption and restoration. The sad part about this story is that while God outlined the way to blessing; he also outlined the consequences that would result from disobedience. Disobedience that comes from following our own voice instead of the voice of the Lord.
The chapter begins with Ezekiel having a vision and at first glance it sounds kind of strange. But as I was reading through the first few chapters my mind kept going back to verse 12. Not only that but as I was reading one of the devotionals that I am subscribed to it talked about how much of a struggle one can cause in his or her own life when fighting against the will of God. Worrying instead of praying. Stressing out instead of trusting. Seeking ungodly advice instead of heeding the urgings of the Holy Spirit. It's real easy to get wrapped up in your own plan for your life. As I sat and meditated on this fact, I thought about my life and how rough things have been when I was not being obedient to the Word of God. The results were never positive.
Verse after verse we are told what the result will be when we 'seek first the kingdom of God'. The Word also tells us that the Holy Spirit is there for us to 'guide us into all truth'. But we do have free will and that's where the problem arises. This year I have decided to 'pray more and worry less', seeking God for every situation no matter how big or small. And because I know the power of God I don't have to worry, because there is nothing too hard for my God. There are very few things in life that have a guaranteed return on investment. Just take a look at the stock market back a few years ago. There is one thing that does have a guaranteed return on your investment and that is having an established prayer life. A clear channel to God, not as a genie in a bottle, but in building a relationship so that when you are faced with those critical moments where you are not sure what direction to go, God's voice drowns out everything else. It's no longer the guessing game...should I do this or that? Instead you learn to stand still until God speaks. There is no need to rush. Remember what I said at the beginning of this post. God's ultimate plan is for your deliverance. Sometimes God needs to remind you that you didn't do it on your own and that is was nobody but God so He make you wait. However, this by no means negates the power of God and His ability to show as soon as you call His name. That is why you must remained focused, ridding yourself of all distractions. Everyone in your life who says they mean you well doesn't. But with that being said your focus cannot be on those individuals. Your focus must be on God. Your thoughts must be pure. Satan is going to send distractions yous way. Remain obedient to the Word. Stand your course. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Guard your heart. Watch what you allow to enter into your life. Seek God.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the plan you have orchestrated for my life. I know that there have been times that I have whined and grumbled, not understanding Your plan. Forgive me, Lord. Give me a heart to want to be obedient and do your will. Help me to remember that You are in control. I am asking You to remove all distractions from my life that keep me from being focused on You. Help me to go throughout my day thinking on things that are are true, noble, right, pure and admirable so that I can be a vessel to be used by You. I want You to get the glory out of my life, for it is all about You and not about me. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Contentment
Vision is limited, more often than not, when left wandering in the wilderness. When I have personally been in a wilderness experience I find myself focused more on my hurt and pain and discomfort more than anything. All too often I find myself unable to see any relief in sight. That is until I am remember to 'look to the hills from whence cometh my help'. One thing that I am learning and becoming more comfortable in is 'welcoming my wilderness experience', whatever it may be. Just knowing that it is God who has not just allowed, and even led me to this place gives me comfort. Comfort? I see the question mark on your face. Yes, comfort! How? Because as the popular saying goes...'if God brings me to it, He will most certainly bring me through it'. Think about one of the first Bible verses we learn...the 23rd Psalm. Verse 4 which says, 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me'. What you and I have to learn to do is look for the vineyards in the wilderness that God has strategically placed for us right in the path of the wilderness. Have you ever been right smack dab in the middle of a trial, wondering how you were going to make it and suddenly you feel a sense of peace (that's somebody praying for you). Or maybe you take out your Bible and start to read and instantly you feel renewed. Or maybe you are right at your breaking point and you receive an encouraging word from a friend at just the right time. You had decided to stay home from church but something in your spirit said "GO" and you receive a much needed word. Although you may not be able to see the resources of the Lord when we are stuck between a rock and a hard place, you must still trust God. Who else has a proven history of being able to supply water in dry places?
I read a quote on yesterday that said, 'I am no longer afraid of the storm, for I have learned to sail in my ship'. Louisa May Alcott How many times have you heard that your storms serve a purpose? Too many times to count is my response. How many times do you have to hear it before you start believing it? When do you finally stop whining and accept the process? God is the only one who knows how to bring out of you that which is enduring. That kind of stick-ti-tive-ness that made Paul write the words....'for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.'. Phil. 4:11-12 That is why I am able to smile while riding through the storm. This journey of trust is about knowing that trouble won't last always.. Whether it be 4 minutes, 40 days, or 400 years....stop treating temporary situations as permanent fixtures. Always crying "Woe is me" in every bad situation instead praising God for who He is and what is about to do. That's really what it is all about.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father:
I just want to take a minute to say "Thank you Father for the storm." Thank You that you thought enough about me to not leave me in my current state. Forgive me for those times that I have grumbled and moan blaming you for my pain. Help me to see past my current circumstance and look unto the hills for my help so that You can get the glory out of my life. In Jesus' precious name I pray Amen.
I read a quote on yesterday that said, 'I am no longer afraid of the storm, for I have learned to sail in my ship'. Louisa May Alcott How many times have you heard that your storms serve a purpose? Too many times to count is my response. How many times do you have to hear it before you start believing it? When do you finally stop whining and accept the process? God is the only one who knows how to bring out of you that which is enduring. That kind of stick-ti-tive-ness that made Paul write the words....'for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.'. Phil. 4:11-12 That is why I am able to smile while riding through the storm. This journey of trust is about knowing that trouble won't last always.. Whether it be 4 minutes, 40 days, or 400 years....stop treating temporary situations as permanent fixtures. Always crying "Woe is me" in every bad situation instead praising God for who He is and what is about to do. That's really what it is all about.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father:
I just want to take a minute to say "Thank you Father for the storm." Thank You that you thought enough about me to not leave me in my current state. Forgive me for those times that I have grumbled and moan blaming you for my pain. Help me to see past my current circumstance and look unto the hills for my help so that You can get the glory out of my life. In Jesus' precious name I pray Amen.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Take Away
Take away any desire in me that hurts you;
Take away anything that stands between me and You.
I want to be what you've created me to be.
It's my desire that you find favor in me
Lord take away anything that displease you.....Yolanda Adams
Sitting in my car at lunch one day last week and listening to my Yolanda Adam's station on Pandora and talking to the Lord, the song above came on and instantly arrested my attention. As the tears begin to flow I realized that there was still alot of work God needed to do on me. I am not where I want to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be. would like to think that after growing up in the church and being saved now for twenty-five years that I would be rid of all those things that are not like God. But truth be told, I am not. There are just some things that I enjoy that I continue to hold on to. It isn't that the Holy Spirit hasn't pointed those things out to me. It's more about me ignoring the Holy Spirit. And not only that, there are times that I feel that God is dragging His heels. He doesn't seem to come to my aide quickly enough. Now don't get me wrong, God always shows up, just not always in a time frame that coincides with what I want. Nevertheless, I can't continue to ignore the voice of the Lord and the urging of the Holy Spirit and expect to be growing in the Lord. Now if you are satisfied with where you are in your relationship with God and don't feel the need for growth then stop reading. But if you are like me and have a strong desire to be everything that God wants you to be and who He created you to be than keep reading.
With that being said what do you do when you recognize things in your life that hinder your relationship with God? Of course SIN is at the top of the list and I will leave it up to you to dig deeper in your personal life and identify those specific things or people that continue to separate you from God. Above everything else in my life, my heart's desire is to live my life pleasing to God. I have learned that first and foremost I must submit and give God supreme authority to make decisions over my life that may at times be painful but very necessary. I must confess that I haven't always made the best decisions for my life. Therefore, because I know me and I understand that I have become comfortable and secure in my way of doing things. (You know, those behaviors that are not necessarily becoming of a child of God.) But I thank God for the piercing power of His Word that brings to my attention those things that I need to change. And because I am a creature of habit and used to trying to control my own life it is not easy to just give those things to the Lord. Instead I have to ask the Lord to 'take away' everything that displeases Him.
The Psalmist said it best, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See is there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting". (Psalm 139:23-24) This is not a scripture to be taken lightly. When David wrote these words He was asking the Lord to search him thoroughly, till every point of his being is known, and read, and understood; for he is sure that even by such an investigation there will be found in him no complicity with wicked men. This type of request is not for the weak at heart. It is for a thorough investigation, the innermost search. I like the way one commentary put it. 'Read not alone the desires of my heart, but the fugitive thoughts of my head'. That's deep. Total exposure. Nothing is hidden. Even though God already knows our hearts and our innermost thoughts it is showing total trust. Go ahead and try me by the fire, send the flood. I want to better by any means necessary. Singing...I trust you Lord. It's the beginning of the new year and many of us Those of you that have been with me for a while know that I often refer to this life as a journey of trust. Along this journey there should come a time when we stop bucking and fighting against what God wants to do in our lives. I don't make New Year's resolutions but I do take a moment each year to reflect. Upon my reflection this year I determined that the only change I wanted to make was to trust God more. To be the person He created me to be which in turn would make be a better wife, mother, friend, servant. My challenge to you today is that instead of trying to determine what things need to be changed on your own, give that task to the Lord. Pray as David did and give God free reign to make you better. Truly 'take away' those things that hinder your service unto Him.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this another day you have granted me. Whatever bad choices I may have made on yesterday, I ask You to forgive me. Some of those things I may have been aware of and some things may be unknown to me. Whatever the case I ask that You see whether there be in my heart, or in my life, any evil habit unknown to myself. If there be such an evil way, take me from it, take it from me. No matter how comfortable I may be in this behavior, if it is contrary to Your will and Your way then please deliver me from it altogether. Take it away from me by whatever means you deem necessary. I truly want to me what You have created me to be so that You can get the glory out of my life. In Jesus' precious name I pray Amen.
Take away anything that stands between me and You.
I want to be what you've created me to be.
It's my desire that you find favor in me
Lord take away anything that displease you.....Yolanda Adams
Sitting in my car at lunch one day last week and listening to my Yolanda Adam's station on Pandora and talking to the Lord, the song above came on and instantly arrested my attention. As the tears begin to flow I realized that there was still alot of work God needed to do on me. I am not where I want to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be. would like to think that after growing up in the church and being saved now for twenty-five years that I would be rid of all those things that are not like God. But truth be told, I am not. There are just some things that I enjoy that I continue to hold on to. It isn't that the Holy Spirit hasn't pointed those things out to me. It's more about me ignoring the Holy Spirit. And not only that, there are times that I feel that God is dragging His heels. He doesn't seem to come to my aide quickly enough. Now don't get me wrong, God always shows up, just not always in a time frame that coincides with what I want. Nevertheless, I can't continue to ignore the voice of the Lord and the urging of the Holy Spirit and expect to be growing in the Lord. Now if you are satisfied with where you are in your relationship with God and don't feel the need for growth then stop reading. But if you are like me and have a strong desire to be everything that God wants you to be and who He created you to be than keep reading.
With that being said what do you do when you recognize things in your life that hinder your relationship with God? Of course SIN is at the top of the list and I will leave it up to you to dig deeper in your personal life and identify those specific things or people that continue to separate you from God. Above everything else in my life, my heart's desire is to live my life pleasing to God. I have learned that first and foremost I must submit and give God supreme authority to make decisions over my life that may at times be painful but very necessary. I must confess that I haven't always made the best decisions for my life. Therefore, because I know me and I understand that I have become comfortable and secure in my way of doing things. (You know, those behaviors that are not necessarily becoming of a child of God.) But I thank God for the piercing power of His Word that brings to my attention those things that I need to change. And because I am a creature of habit and used to trying to control my own life it is not easy to just give those things to the Lord. Instead I have to ask the Lord to 'take away' everything that displeases Him.
The Psalmist said it best, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See is there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting". (Psalm 139:23-24) This is not a scripture to be taken lightly. When David wrote these words He was asking the Lord to search him thoroughly, till every point of his being is known, and read, and understood; for he is sure that even by such an investigation there will be found in him no complicity with wicked men. This type of request is not for the weak at heart. It is for a thorough investigation, the innermost search. I like the way one commentary put it. 'Read not alone the desires of my heart, but the fugitive thoughts of my head'. That's deep. Total exposure. Nothing is hidden. Even though God already knows our hearts and our innermost thoughts it is showing total trust. Go ahead and try me by the fire, send the flood. I want to better by any means necessary. Singing...I trust you Lord. It's the beginning of the new year and many of us Those of you that have been with me for a while know that I often refer to this life as a journey of trust. Along this journey there should come a time when we stop bucking and fighting against what God wants to do in our lives. I don't make New Year's resolutions but I do take a moment each year to reflect. Upon my reflection this year I determined that the only change I wanted to make was to trust God more. To be the person He created me to be which in turn would make be a better wife, mother, friend, servant. My challenge to you today is that instead of trying to determine what things need to be changed on your own, give that task to the Lord. Pray as David did and give God free reign to make you better. Truly 'take away' those things that hinder your service unto Him.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this another day you have granted me. Whatever bad choices I may have made on yesterday, I ask You to forgive me. Some of those things I may have been aware of and some things may be unknown to me. Whatever the case I ask that You see whether there be in my heart, or in my life, any evil habit unknown to myself. If there be such an evil way, take me from it, take it from me. No matter how comfortable I may be in this behavior, if it is contrary to Your will and Your way then please deliver me from it altogether. Take it away from me by whatever means you deem necessary. I truly want to me what You have created me to be so that You can get the glory out of my life. In Jesus' precious name I pray Amen.
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