There are very few things in this world that has a guaranteed return on investment. Just ask the individuals on Wall Street that lost everything a few years back. With the start of the year many people decide to change their eating patterns and start exercising in the hope of losing weight. While consistency in your exercise routine and cutting back on sweets and fried foods may cause your weight to decrease, it doesn't necessarily happen in the time frame that you want it to. How many of us put money in a 401k plan hoping to save for retirement? And what about Social Security...I'm beginning to think that I will never see any of that once I reach retirement age. And for those of you who did decided to make a lifestyle change to improve your health, how many of you have stuck to it?
So why am I asking these questions? I ask these questions because as Christians you and I have been instructed to do certain things each day, like pray and read our Bible, to receive certain benefits from God. Yet, like with most of our exercise routines that we may have started at the beginning of the year, we fall by the wayside. We pray out of convenience or when we are faced with desparate situations. But how much more of a peace of mind we would have if we prayed without ceasing. Some of us are guilty of only reading our Bibles on Sunday at church. How do you expect to become stronger as a Christian? We should pray all day, everyday. Talking with our Heavenly Father throughout the day. Telling Him about the things that concern us. Those things that cause anxiety and stress. Thanking Him for the things that He does throughout our day that sometimes go unnoticed and acknowledged. The Word of God is filled with His promises. Truth that will cut the Believer to the core helping to remove those things that are not like Him. Scriptures that help to grow our faith. Stories of the 'heroes of faith' that have gone on before us. And unlike the stock market or Social Security, these things have a GUARANTEED return on your investment. Yes, God will continue to do things for you because of His faithfulness.
Today, I want to share with you the benefit that I have found in being obedient to the God's Word. Being faithful over a few things and being made ruler over many. The good thing about God's guaranteee is that you don't have to wait until you get old and you die to receive your benefits. You can receive them right now! God is no respector of persons. I thank God that I had parents that introduced me to Jesus Christ. But now I have to stand on my own and I am reaping those benefits. When circumstances seem hopeless, I continue to have hope. Situations seem shipwrecked, Jesus is my lifeboat. I don't have to worry about going overboard for I know my Savior will rescue me. Jesus is my Guarantee!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you today for your faithfulness. Thank you for seeing past my faults to my needs. Forgive me for those times when I have put other things before You. Help me to be more committed to You. I realize that is the only way real and lasting change are going to take place in my life. Help me to prioritize my life, keeping You first. Remove those distractions that hinder me from quality time with You. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
God Didn't Do Anything
"God didn't do anything!"
These were the words uttered from a friend who was going through a very rough time. While praying with her and for her, awaiting the outcome, she soon discovered that the outcome was not what she had expected. After informing me of the decision, she immediately said, "God didn't do anything." I don't know how many times in the past I have thought the very same thing. Working on a job that I didn't like praying continuously for God to give me a new job. Instead things seemed to get worse. In a relationship where you are doing all you can to improve yourself in order to be all that you can be for your partner. All the while it seems like you are the only one trying to change. What about the situation where your loved one is sick and you continue to pray for healing? After a period of time your loved one dies. Did God answer your prayer? These are just a few situations that come to mind. I am sure that you have your own.
Now maybe you have never been disappointed by God but I surely have. Waiting and waiting on God to do something amazing that never happens. I am so busy looking for the results in the situation that I don't see the change He is making in me. Strengthening my faith. Teaching me to be more loving. More forgiving. How to have a little more patience. God busy at work keeping His promises while I'm still complaining. Didn't He say in His Word, 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you'. Matthew 6:33 What are all these things? God wants to give you those things that make a true difference in your life. Those things that allow you to have an impact on others so that He can be glorified. What better way for God to be glorified than to show His child standing strong while in the midst of the storm. Ready to face, head-on, any given day whatever challenges you may face. And not only standing but accepting God's will. Isn't that what it is really about? Learning to trust God no matter what the outcome. Letting go and letting God do what He does best. Being confident that He has your best interest at heart and that He is always working on your behalf. What a great day when I discovered that those times God left me in that horrible situation He was producing for me a 'far greater weight in glory'. He was giving me that 'stick-to-it-tive-ness' that has grown my faith. As I look back over my life, I am so grateful. And even in the present, those challenges that I currently face, I am exercising my faith. Trusting God no matter what the outcome. At my moment of weakness, He gives me just enough strength. Each day I receive my portion of my daily bread and so far I have made it. And so can you. The next time you are tempted to say that 'God didn't do anything', take a minute to reflect and see the change that has taken place in your life over time. The God I serve wants to give you the desires of your heart. As you study the Word and grow a deeper relationship with God, your heart's desires will start to reflect what God wants for you as well. That is why you need not worry. At the end of the day it is just about trusting God.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Father grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the wisdom to know that difference. Help me to stop fighting against Your will for my life and accept the changes that You are trying to make in my life. Forgive me for those times I became discouraged thinking that you didn't do anything on my behalf. For I know that you are always working on my behalf, seeing the big picture. Looking ahead to my future while sustaining me in the right now. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray Amen.
These were the words uttered from a friend who was going through a very rough time. While praying with her and for her, awaiting the outcome, she soon discovered that the outcome was not what she had expected. After informing me of the decision, she immediately said, "God didn't do anything." I don't know how many times in the past I have thought the very same thing. Working on a job that I didn't like praying continuously for God to give me a new job. Instead things seemed to get worse. In a relationship where you are doing all you can to improve yourself in order to be all that you can be for your partner. All the while it seems like you are the only one trying to change. What about the situation where your loved one is sick and you continue to pray for healing? After a period of time your loved one dies. Did God answer your prayer? These are just a few situations that come to mind. I am sure that you have your own.
Now maybe you have never been disappointed by God but I surely have. Waiting and waiting on God to do something amazing that never happens. I am so busy looking for the results in the situation that I don't see the change He is making in me. Strengthening my faith. Teaching me to be more loving. More forgiving. How to have a little more patience. God busy at work keeping His promises while I'm still complaining. Didn't He say in His Word, 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you'. Matthew 6:33 What are all these things? God wants to give you those things that make a true difference in your life. Those things that allow you to have an impact on others so that He can be glorified. What better way for God to be glorified than to show His child standing strong while in the midst of the storm. Ready to face, head-on, any given day whatever challenges you may face. And not only standing but accepting God's will. Isn't that what it is really about? Learning to trust God no matter what the outcome. Letting go and letting God do what He does best. Being confident that He has your best interest at heart and that He is always working on your behalf. What a great day when I discovered that those times God left me in that horrible situation He was producing for me a 'far greater weight in glory'. He was giving me that 'stick-to-it-tive-ness' that has grown my faith. As I look back over my life, I am so grateful. And even in the present, those challenges that I currently face, I am exercising my faith. Trusting God no matter what the outcome. At my moment of weakness, He gives me just enough strength. Each day I receive my portion of my daily bread and so far I have made it. And so can you. The next time you are tempted to say that 'God didn't do anything', take a minute to reflect and see the change that has taken place in your life over time. The God I serve wants to give you the desires of your heart. As you study the Word and grow a deeper relationship with God, your heart's desires will start to reflect what God wants for you as well. That is why you need not worry. At the end of the day it is just about trusting God.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Father grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the wisdom to know that difference. Help me to stop fighting against Your will for my life and accept the changes that You are trying to make in my life. Forgive me for those times I became discouraged thinking that you didn't do anything on my behalf. For I know that you are always working on my behalf, seeing the big picture. Looking ahead to my future while sustaining me in the right now. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Exposed
Remember when you were a child and you did something that your parents told you not to do. Remember dreading that moment when they would find out. Or perhaps it was time for report cards to come home and your grades were not the best. Did you drop your report card in the trash down the street like my oldest sister did? I never quite figured out why she did that because my mom and dad found out every time, especially since I was running home to show my report card. None of us could hide anything from them. As I drove home today and thought about this, one central theme kept ringing in my ear. That central theme was - "Exposure". For some reason everything I have read the past few days has been about 'change'. Why am I so afraid of it? At my age I am just so comfortable in who I am. I am set in my ways and for the most part I like who I am. But then I start to talk to God and as I listen to Him speak to me I realize that everything is not as fine and dandy as I think it is.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12
The more I become a steward of the Word of God the more it works to expose some things in me that just aren't right. Things in my heart that causes the ugly to come out at times. Things that cause me not to see myself the way God sees me. The truth of the matter is no matter what front I may put up, when in the eyes of others, at the end of the day when it's just me and God, He sees the truth. He has those moments when He is proud of me and then those moments when He is disappointed in me, but through it all He loves me just the same. And that is why I decided to go all in and ask God to expose those things in me that are not like Him. If there is anything in my heart, soul, or spirit, I just don't want it there anymore. I want to live my life being all that I can with the help of the Lord. This is a scary thought. There are just some things that I don't want anyone to know. And even though God already knows everything about me, it's still scary admitting that those things are inside of me. The scariest things are my thoughts. I have always been a person to hold things inside thinking that I'm somewhat better than those people who just fly off the handle, saying everything they think. But what would happen if for one day those same people had an opportunity to read the thoughts in my head. Have you heard the saying, "If looks could kill..." Well I know that my thoughts could. And then there is that negative, complaining spirit. My lack of tolerance for people who continue to do the same thing over and over again. That desire to be in control all the time and control the lives of others. This is just the start of my list of things I try so hard to hide from others.
But at the end of the day, as much as I love my family and friends, making this change is not about any of them. It really doesn't matter to me what any of them think. I am not living my life to please them. As my Pastor used to say, "None of them have a heaven or hell to put you in." I must live my life to please God. And that is why I must allow Him to come in and cut out those things that are not like Him. Accepting the pain, realizing the results. What about you? What are those things that you are trying so hard to hide? I don't need to know what they are but I challenge you to pull down the shade. Be proactive. Ask God to expose those things in you that are not like Him.. Allow Him to come in and help you. When you give Him total control to make those changes, they turn out to be lasting changes instead of band-aid fixes. He takes it to the core and replaces them with a loving heart, a forgiving spirit, the mind of Christ. This is not something you can do on your own but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible. 'Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ever ask or think..' That one thing that you have been trying so hard to change, God is able. Just give it to Him. Others may have given up on you saying that you are always going to be that way. From experience, don't try to tell me what God can't do. He has a proven tract record of turning things around, changing the seemingly unchangeable.
(I borrowed this prayer from my devotional and thought I would share.),
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12
The more I become a steward of the Word of God the more it works to expose some things in me that just aren't right. Things in my heart that causes the ugly to come out at times. Things that cause me not to see myself the way God sees me. The truth of the matter is no matter what front I may put up, when in the eyes of others, at the end of the day when it's just me and God, He sees the truth. He has those moments when He is proud of me and then those moments when He is disappointed in me, but through it all He loves me just the same. And that is why I decided to go all in and ask God to expose those things in me that are not like Him. If there is anything in my heart, soul, or spirit, I just don't want it there anymore. I want to live my life being all that I can with the help of the Lord. This is a scary thought. There are just some things that I don't want anyone to know. And even though God already knows everything about me, it's still scary admitting that those things are inside of me. The scariest things are my thoughts. I have always been a person to hold things inside thinking that I'm somewhat better than those people who just fly off the handle, saying everything they think. But what would happen if for one day those same people had an opportunity to read the thoughts in my head. Have you heard the saying, "If looks could kill..." Well I know that my thoughts could. And then there is that negative, complaining spirit. My lack of tolerance for people who continue to do the same thing over and over again. That desire to be in control all the time and control the lives of others. This is just the start of my list of things I try so hard to hide from others.
But at the end of the day, as much as I love my family and friends, making this change is not about any of them. It really doesn't matter to me what any of them think. I am not living my life to please them. As my Pastor used to say, "None of them have a heaven or hell to put you in." I must live my life to please God. And that is why I must allow Him to come in and cut out those things that are not like Him. Accepting the pain, realizing the results. What about you? What are those things that you are trying so hard to hide? I don't need to know what they are but I challenge you to pull down the shade. Be proactive. Ask God to expose those things in you that are not like Him.. Allow Him to come in and help you. When you give Him total control to make those changes, they turn out to be lasting changes instead of band-aid fixes. He takes it to the core and replaces them with a loving heart, a forgiving spirit, the mind of Christ. This is not something you can do on your own but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible. 'Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ever ask or think..' That one thing that you have been trying so hard to change, God is able. Just give it to Him. Others may have given up on you saying that you are always going to be that way. From experience, don't try to tell me what God can't do. He has a proven tract record of turning things around, changing the seemingly unchangeable.
(I borrowed this prayer from my devotional and thought I would share.),
Lord show me what is in my heart, soul, mind, spirit, and life that shouldn’t be there. Teach me what I am not understanding. Convict me where I am missing the mark. Tear down my arrogance, pride, fear, and insecurities, and help me to see the truth about myself, my life, and my circumstances. Expose me to myself, Lord. I can take it. Enable me to correct the error of my ways. Help me to replace lies with truth and make changes that last. In Jesus' Precious Name Amen.
Friday, February 3, 2012
No Limit
There is a statement from Bible study this week that keeps resonating in my mind. The statement was simply about how our lack of faith when we pray can limit the power of God. Have you ever stopped to think about how much you truly believe that God is going to answer your prayer? Now let's take this question one step further...do your actions match this level of faith? If I am being honest with myself right now I would have to say that my actions haven't always showed that I believed that God was able. Instead it was more about me still having control of the situation trying to orchestrate my own outcome. But what good did that do? Have you ever stopped to think that God may have had something bigger and better planned for you? As I look back over my life I think about all the times I had prayed about a decision and moved before I heard from the Lord. I may have taken a job or started a relationship. I may have started a discussion that later turned into a heated argument because I decided that I couldn't wait patiently on the Lord to change the other person. The change needed to be immediate. But at the end of the day that is not what I had prayed for. I wanted lasting change and from my experience only God could bring about lasting change. You see, He is able to change a man's heart.
Most of the time we believe that an 'answered prayer' is a prayer where we get exactly what we ask for. Even when we pray 'not my will but thine be done'. Of course I can only speak for myself, but somewhere in the back of my mind I have already decided what God's will is. (And this is not because I have been so wrapped up in the Word of God and had a consistent prayer life.) It's more like, I know because I have really only prayed to ease my conscious so that I can go ahead and do what I want to do. 'Can I get a witness?!' If I pray telling God that I'm tired of being lonely and ask Him to help me feel that void and that man/woman that is showing me just a little bit more interest right now must be the one that I should give my time to. I just can't take it any more on this job so Lord please open a door so I can leave this place where I am so unappreciated. The call comes and without even a second thought we leave. We never stop to think that God may move the person that is giving you the grief and elevate you to an even higher position.
At the end of the day it is all about having faith in God. And I have decided that I am no longer going to limit the power of God in my life. The words that I pray are going to reflect in my actions. And I'm not going to move to the right or to the left until I am sure that I hear the voice of the Lord. More than anything I want to live my life in the will of my Heavenly Father. My challenge to you is to do the same. God wants to do amazing things in your life. Will you trust Him? We will never experience the true mighty power of God until we truly trust Him. Leaning not unto our own understanding but allowing Him to direct our paths. Say it with me, "Yes Lord."
Most Graciously Heavenly Father,
O Lord, my God how majestic is thy name in all the earth. You are holy, mighty, and righteous. A God of peace. My Shepherd. Lord I praise you for all that you've done in my life and for what you are going to do in my life. I want to trust you more. My life is in Your hands. Forgive me for those times that I've moved ahead of Your plan for my life. I surrender all. In Jesus' Precious name I pray Amen.
Most of the time we believe that an 'answered prayer' is a prayer where we get exactly what we ask for. Even when we pray 'not my will but thine be done'. Of course I can only speak for myself, but somewhere in the back of my mind I have already decided what God's will is. (And this is not because I have been so wrapped up in the Word of God and had a consistent prayer life.) It's more like, I know because I have really only prayed to ease my conscious so that I can go ahead and do what I want to do. 'Can I get a witness?!' If I pray telling God that I'm tired of being lonely and ask Him to help me feel that void and that man/woman that is showing me just a little bit more interest right now must be the one that I should give my time to. I just can't take it any more on this job so Lord please open a door so I can leave this place where I am so unappreciated. The call comes and without even a second thought we leave. We never stop to think that God may move the person that is giving you the grief and elevate you to an even higher position.
At the end of the day it is all about having faith in God. And I have decided that I am no longer going to limit the power of God in my life. The words that I pray are going to reflect in my actions. And I'm not going to move to the right or to the left until I am sure that I hear the voice of the Lord. More than anything I want to live my life in the will of my Heavenly Father. My challenge to you is to do the same. God wants to do amazing things in your life. Will you trust Him? We will never experience the true mighty power of God until we truly trust Him. Leaning not unto our own understanding but allowing Him to direct our paths. Say it with me, "Yes Lord."
Most Graciously Heavenly Father,
O Lord, my God how majestic is thy name in all the earth. You are holy, mighty, and righteous. A God of peace. My Shepherd. Lord I praise you for all that you've done in my life and for what you are going to do in my life. I want to trust you more. My life is in Your hands. Forgive me for those times that I've moved ahead of Your plan for my life. I surrender all. In Jesus' Precious name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Insanity
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.
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 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.
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