JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Romans 8:1) “There is now therefor no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”!
So you've blown it and made a huge slip up.
And now the enemy of your soul is doing everything he can to harass you and cause you guilt and shame.
You've gone to the Father and have obediently confessed your issue before Him… but you just can't shake the self-condemnation and deep down inside you… there's a nagging feeling that there is something more you should do.
Or maybe your thinking what you've done is so bad that God won't forgive you.
Friend listen to me… and listen to me good!
If you've seriously repented before God… there is nothing more you can do… or need to do!
Simply hide in the shadow of His love!
Accept His forgiveness and move on!
God is not into holding things over your head.
(Psalm 103:10-14) “The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities”.
He gave us an example of His forgiveness in the story of Joseph who's brothers had sold him into slavery.
Not only did Joseph forgive his brothers… he protected them from their worst nightmare… that of having to go back and tell their aging father what they'd done twenty-two years earlier.
Joseph is a step ahead of them… he tells them what to say and what not to say:
(Genesis 45: 9-11) "Go up to my father, and say to him, 'Thus says your son Joseph… God has made me lord of all Egypt…
Come... You shall dwell in the land of Goshen and you shall be near to me … you and your children... and I will provide for you'."
Now perhaps your thinking… "but they should have been forced to confess what they'd done."
But no… that’s the human nature talking!
If they had done that… it would have given their father Jacob, an even greater burden to bear, struggling with regret over his lost years with Joseph… not to mention having to fight bitterness toward his other sons.
But Joseph was wise… and it made his brothers respect him all the more.
There's a big difference between confessing and "dumping."
Irreparable damage can be done when you try to get relief by dumping the details of your guilt on somebody who can't handle them.
After David sinned with Bathsheba he wrote, "Against You God… You only have I sinned" (Psalm 51:4)
When you consider that God already knows all about your sin… yet promises to keep it a closely guarded secret…
It should increase your sense of humility and gratitude… and cause you to refuse to hold anybody else's sins and shortcomings over their head.
Hey, God wants you to walk in peace filled with His joy!
That’s why Christ died on the cross and bore our sins and the sins of the world.
When it comes to sin, there is not much we can do about it.
But God can and He did!
So let Him do what He does best!
If there is something more you feel you need to do… then do this…
Now perhaps your thinking… "but they should have been forced to confess what they'd done."
But no… that’s the human nature talking!
If they had done that… it would have given their father Jacob, an even greater burden to bear, struggling with regret over his lost years with Joseph… not to mention having to fight bitterness toward his other sons.
But Joseph was wise… and it made his brothers respect him all the more.
There's a big difference between confessing and "dumping."
Irreparable damage can be done when you try to get relief by dumping the details of your guilt on somebody who can't handle them.
After David sinned with Bathsheba he wrote, "Against You God… You only have I sinned" (Psalm 51:4)
When you consider that God already knows all about your sin… yet promises to keep it a closely guarded secret…
It should increase your sense of humility and gratitude… and cause you to refuse to hold anybody else's sins and shortcomings over their head.
Hey, God wants you to walk in peace filled with His joy!
That’s why Christ died on the cross and bore our sins and the sins of the world.
When it comes to sin, there is not much we can do about it.
But God can and He did!
So let Him do what He does best!
If there is something more you feel you need to do… then do this…
Give thanks with a grateful heart for His grace, His forgiveness, and His salvation through
Jesus Christ our Lord!
“There is now therefor… ‘no condemnation’… to them who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1)
Good Day!
“There is now therefor… ‘no condemnation’… to them who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1)
Good Day!
(1st Thessalonians 5:11) "Encourage…and build up one another".
Here are four questions we all need to answer periodically throughout our lives.
1) Do people feel better about themselves after spending time with you?
2) Are your expectations so high that you focus on people’s shortcomings rather than their strengths?
3) When somebody speaks well of a person you don’t particularly like, do you feel the need to inject a disparaging remark?
4) Are you so insecure and lacking in self-worth… that you only feel good about yourself by putting others down?
Well… how did you do on the test?
If you’ve answered yes for even one of these questions, then its time to spend some extra "face time" with God in prayer… rather than time wasted on face book.
It's time for you to ask Him to help you "change your attitude"… and help you guard what comes out of your mouth.
Paul says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths… but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs… that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29)
Words are like hammers… they can be used to break down or build up.
It all depends on the person swinging the hammer!
It’s just as easy to be part of the "construction crew"… as it is to be a member of the "wrecking crew".
All of us need to develop the habit of "encouraging".
Let your wife know she’s the only woman in the world for you!
Express appreciation for your husband’s care and sense of responsibility.
Applaud your teenager for avoiding drugs and alcohol and going the way of their peers!
Thank your friends for keeping your secrets!
Accept people as they are and resist the temptation to constantly ‘fix’ something about them.
(1st Thessalonians 5:11) "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…
Christians should let the prospect of spending eternity with Jesus motivate them to encourage and edify one another.
We look forward to the day when Jesus arrives to rapture His church
We should be doing our best to help one another become more like Jesus and better equipped to serve Him.
We need to be involved in what ever way we can with our friends and neighbors… providing encouragement and hope that is given to us in the promise of the scriptures.
(Hebrews 10:23–25) implores us to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some… but encouraging one another… and all the more as you see ‘The Day’ drawing near."
Remember, we only have each other for a short time!
An old song says “only one life soon will pass… jut what’s done for Christ will last… don’t let Satan steal your time. “
How will we look back on our time spent with them when they are gone?
With regret we didn't do more for them while they were here… or with fondness that our time with each other was a blessing and a joy… that we did what we could to encourage them in the faith and help them prepare for the day of our Lords return.
He is coming soon!
Good Day!
(Ephesians 4:25) "Each of you must...speak truthfully to his neighbor."
There is nothing more important to me, outside of my relationship with God, than my relationship with my wife, my family, and my friends.
And I think the biggest key to success in all of my relationships, is a little word called “trust”.
It may not be a big word, but it is huge in its application.
Trust and truth is the cement that forms the foundation for successful relationships.
Whether it’s a personal or marital relationship, a business relationship, family relationship, even a musical relationship in a band or group… you have to be able to trust one another.
In order for a relationship to be something that benefits others and yourself… it needs to have the confidence of "fidelity".
Fidelity is the quality of "being faithful or loyal".
Its original meaning regarded "duty" in a broader sense.
We as believers have a duty as it were… “to love others as I have loved you”… that was the words of Jesus from (John 13:34-35)
He not only instructed us to live this way… but He modeled it for us as well.
The word fidelity is derived from the Latin word "fidelis"… meaning "faithful or loyal".
In financial markets the word “fidelity”… has traditionally been used in the sense of or encompassed
in the motto… "My word is my bond".
In the recording industry and technology... it is used to describe "authentic reproduction".
Telling the truth sounds simple, but it takes commitment on three levels…
(1) Verbally.
When you’re found out in a lie, it undermines the confidence others have in you.
(Ephesians 4:15) tells us we must “speak truth in love”… a sign of maturity.
In the recording industry and technology... it is used to describe "authentic reproduction".
Telling the truth sounds simple, but it takes commitment on three levels…
(1) Verbally.
When you’re found out in a lie, it undermines the confidence others have in you.
(Ephesians 4:15) tells us we must “speak truth in love”… a sign of maturity.
Immature believers can fall prey to the false choice of speaking truth with out love, or speaking love with out truth.
The first problem promotes legalism… the second problem depravity.
The first problem promotes legalism… the second problem depravity.
Gods will and command for all of us is to grow in maturity… and one of the greatest proofs of a "spiritually mature individual”… is the ability to love authentically
(2) Behaviorally.
In (John 13:35)... Jesus establishes mutual love as the distinctive mark of all Christians... “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”
Jesus said “Unless you are honest in small matters, you won’t be honest in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities” (Luke 16:10)
“Integrity is the key to living an authentic life".
You become known as a person of integrity by keeping your word.
So when you make a commitment… follow through, even when it costs you and even when you get a better offer.
(3) In actuality.
Why is telling the truth such a big deal… because every relationship in your life is based on trust?
When you don’t live with integrity at the for front of everything you do… you end up losing your influence and the respect of others!
You live in fear of being found out… which makes you insecure and forces you to live on two levels… public perception and private struggle.
You have to worry about what you’ve said and to whom.
You yourself get to where you can’t trust or believe others because as you live your life… your tendency is to judge your neighbor in the light of your own actions and or choices.
You make yourself feel better by rationalizing your actions with the thought that “everybody lies.”
Today make "fidelity” your goal in life.
Be an "authentic replication of God"… in all you do.
As a result you’ll enjoy a long and happy life filled with rewarding relationships.
Good Day!
(2) Behaviorally.
In (John 13:35)... Jesus establishes mutual love as the distinctive mark of all Christians... “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”
Jesus said “Unless you are honest in small matters, you won’t be honest in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities” (Luke 16:10)
“Integrity is the key to living an authentic life".
You become known as a person of integrity by keeping your word.
So when you make a commitment… follow through, even when it costs you and even when you get a better offer.
(3) In actuality.
Why is telling the truth such a big deal… because every relationship in your life is based on trust?
When you don’t live with integrity at the for front of everything you do… you end up losing your influence and the respect of others!
You live in fear of being found out… which makes you insecure and forces you to live on two levels… public perception and private struggle.
You have to worry about what you’ve said and to whom.
You yourself get to where you can’t trust or believe others because as you live your life… your tendency is to judge your neighbor in the light of your own actions and or choices.
You make yourself feel better by rationalizing your actions with the thought that “everybody lies.”
Today make "fidelity” your goal in life.
Be an "authentic replication of God"… in all you do.
As a result you’ll enjoy a long and happy life filled with rewarding relationships.
Good Day!
(Luke 16:10) "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much".
There is an attitude that has swept our world in the last generation.
It’s an attitude of “slothfulness”!
Sometimes insignificant tasks can be tedious and boring.
And many times we tend to cut corners to get thru the task quickly and get on with something we
deem more important or exciting.
I don't now how many times I've heard the words… "that’s good enough"!
Well in truth it's not!
It’s never “good enough” if it is not finished or done right.
If a job is worth doing… then it's worth doing right!
Cutting corners is not scriptural, it’s called “slothfulness” and it’s a sin!
From the Book of (Proverbs 6:16-19)… Of the seven deadly sins the Lord hates… “the sin of sloth”
I don't now how many times I've heard the words… "that’s good enough"!
Well in truth it's not!
It’s never “good enough” if it is not finished or done right.
If a job is worth doing… then it's worth doing right!
Cutting corners is not scriptural, it’s called “slothfulness” and it’s a sin!
From the Book of (Proverbs 6:16-19)… Of the seven deadly sins the Lord hates… “the sin of sloth”
is listed right along pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust and gluttony.
The Bible speaks much about “the sin of slothfulness”.
The Book of Proverbs is the main source of warning re slothfulness… where the words “sluggard”
The Bible speaks much about “the sin of slothfulness”.
The Book of Proverbs is the main source of warning re slothfulness… where the words “sluggard”
and “slothful” are used together.
“Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.” (Proverbs 19:15)
“The sluggard does not plow in the autumn… he will seek at harvest and have nothing” (Proverbs 20:4)
These are some of the examples commonly sought out to define “slothfulness.”
Though these scriptures describe an effect of slothfulness… it doesn’t quite get to the core of what leads a person there… nor does it provide us with encouragement or instruction to share with someone caught in it.
As Christians… for us to understand what someone is going through is the ultimate goal or
“Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.” (Proverbs 19:15)
“The sluggard does not plow in the autumn… he will seek at harvest and have nothing” (Proverbs 20:4)
These are some of the examples commonly sought out to define “slothfulness.”
Though these scriptures describe an effect of slothfulness… it doesn’t quite get to the core of what leads a person there… nor does it provide us with encouragement or instruction to share with someone caught in it.
As Christians… for us to understand what someone is going through is the ultimate goal or
purpose… because empathy translates to compassion, which propels us into action… that action is
to “love our neighbor as Christ love us”!
The following Scriptures show a larger picture of what is missing in a person caught in “sloth” or slothfulness.
“Do not be slothful in zeal [zeal is defined as great energy or enthusiasm toward a cause]… be fervent in spirit serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
“So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12)
“For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper and arise from the dead… and Christ will shine on you.’” (Ephesians 5:13-14)
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear… but of power and love and self-control.” (2nd Timothy 1:7)
Understanding and encouragement flow from these verses.
The charge not to be “slothful in zeal”… shows that the root of slothfulness can be found in losing sight of purpose, which leads to idleness.
The charge to be “imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises”,
Reminds us that it is possible to lose sight of the job at hand… but we have the influence we need (from the scriptures and the presence of the Holy Spirit) to stay on the path we know in our hearts we should be on.
Finally, the charge to “awake!”… is a call not to be afraid to act.
Fear is “fruitless”… and it is not from God.
The sin of sloth is a bit deeper than laziness, and that subtlety is found in the thing that keeps us bound up… which to often is fear.
At the root of slothfulness is the fear of failure… a desire to please people more than God.
God is not interested in our perfect attempts…
He is interested in our boldness to practice and seize life with the tools that He gave us.
So today and every day forward… we need to exercise the “spirit of power” by connecting your message and your life to purpose.
Find your purpose… in God… in serving Jesus… and by serving others.
Exercise your spirit of love and self-control… by working hard to honor others (Romans 12:10).
Most of us probably do not understand the full difference of what it means to struggle with the sin of sloth versus having moments of laziness.
The Greek word used in the scripture is “acedia”, meaning the absence of care”.
You see… slothfulness or “sloth”… is more than just being lazy.
Slothfulness is an attitude… a sinful heart condition… and it’s related to the ability to be trusted.
Jesus said… "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much? (Luke 6:10-12)
Listen, God won’t promote you beyond your current level of competence and commitment.
Indeed… He’ll keep bringing you back to these two things until you get them right.
As you walk with Him… He’ll cause your faith to grow by testing you in settings that require only a little faith.
And as you pass each test… He’ll expose you to circumstances that require more faith.
Each time you prove your willingness to trust Him at a higher level… He will reveal a little more of Himself and entrust to you a greater measure of blessing.
That’s how it works.
Every small step of faith leads to a deeper, richer… and more rewarding relationship with Him.
When Michelangelo was painting the “Frescoes” in the Sistine Chapel, he spent endless hours lying on the scaffolding perfecting the details.
It was a miserable job.
A student, curious about why the renowned sculptor took such pains with details that could not be seen from a distance asked… "Who will know whether or not it’s perfect"?.
The master artist replied, ‘I will!’
And so will your Master… His name is Jesus!
What you’re doing today matters!
It’s the determining factor in what God will call you to do tomorrow.
So be trustworthy in the little things.
Good Day!
The following Scriptures show a larger picture of what is missing in a person caught in “sloth” or slothfulness.
“Do not be slothful in zeal [zeal is defined as great energy or enthusiasm toward a cause]… be fervent in spirit serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
“So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12)
“For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper and arise from the dead… and Christ will shine on you.’” (Ephesians 5:13-14)
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear… but of power and love and self-control.” (2nd Timothy 1:7)
Understanding and encouragement flow from these verses.
The charge not to be “slothful in zeal”… shows that the root of slothfulness can be found in losing sight of purpose, which leads to idleness.
The charge to be “imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises”,
Reminds us that it is possible to lose sight of the job at hand… but we have the influence we need (from the scriptures and the presence of the Holy Spirit) to stay on the path we know in our hearts we should be on.
Finally, the charge to “awake!”… is a call not to be afraid to act.
Fear is “fruitless”… and it is not from God.
The sin of sloth is a bit deeper than laziness, and that subtlety is found in the thing that keeps us bound up… which to often is fear.
At the root of slothfulness is the fear of failure… a desire to please people more than God.
God is not interested in our perfect attempts…
He is interested in our boldness to practice and seize life with the tools that He gave us.
So today and every day forward… we need to exercise the “spirit of power” by connecting your message and your life to purpose.
Find your purpose… in God… in serving Jesus… and by serving others.
Exercise your spirit of love and self-control… by working hard to honor others (Romans 12:10).
Most of us probably do not understand the full difference of what it means to struggle with the sin of sloth versus having moments of laziness.
The Greek word used in the scripture is “acedia”, meaning the absence of care”.
You see… slothfulness or “sloth”… is more than just being lazy.
Slothfulness is an attitude… a sinful heart condition… and it’s related to the ability to be trusted.
Jesus said… "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much? (Luke 6:10-12)
Listen, God won’t promote you beyond your current level of competence and commitment.
Indeed… He’ll keep bringing you back to these two things until you get them right.
As you walk with Him… He’ll cause your faith to grow by testing you in settings that require only a little faith.
And as you pass each test… He’ll expose you to circumstances that require more faith.
Each time you prove your willingness to trust Him at a higher level… He will reveal a little more of Himself and entrust to you a greater measure of blessing.
That’s how it works.
Every small step of faith leads to a deeper, richer… and more rewarding relationship with Him.
When Michelangelo was painting the “Frescoes” in the Sistine Chapel, he spent endless hours lying on the scaffolding perfecting the details.
It was a miserable job.
A student, curious about why the renowned sculptor took such pains with details that could not be seen from a distance asked… "Who will know whether or not it’s perfect"?.
The master artist replied, ‘I will!’
And so will your Master… His name is Jesus!
What you’re doing today matters!
It’s the determining factor in what God will call you to do tomorrow.
So be trustworthy in the little things.
Good Day!
(Proverbs 17:17) "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity".
Lets face it, we all need people around us that encourage us... spur us on to greater challenges and who will lovingly correct us when the time is needed.
If your wise… you’ll surround yourself with people who support you emotionally and spiritually as well as people whom you can share your dreams and ideas with.
C S Lewis and J. R. Tolkien were members of a men’s group called "The Inklings"… an informal “literary” discussion group… associated with Oxford University.
It comprised of teachers, writers, and friends who met regularly at a well-known Oxford pub to discuss passages from their favorite books as well as their own writings.
In 1936, they decided the world needed more novels that had "faith and morality" as their central theme.
So Lewis and Tolkien decided to write science fiction after realizing the inferior quality of similar stories being published at the time.
They literally tossed a coin to decide who would write a book on space travel versus time travel.
Tolkien got the time travel nod… but his early efforts writing such a story never really worked out.
Later however, he would achieve great success with "The Lord of the Rings".
Lewis wrote his famous series of novels called "The Space Trilogy" and from that momentum he went on to pen… "The Chronicles of Narnia" and... the great spiritual classic... "Mere Christianity".
Now here’s my point this morning!
That group of men saw a need… and two men decided to do something about it!
Surrounded by peers who spurred them on and encouraged them to "go for it"… they attempted to do something that would influence and effect the world around them.
Now you may not reach their level of success… but you will go further with the encouragement of true friends… than you will without it.
So ask yourself… what’s involved in cultivating the kinds of friendships that’ll help you fulfill your "God-given" potential?
It may mean coming out of your shell and reaching out to others.
It could mean changing the “sphere of influence” around you… and by that I mean what your watching… what your reading… and what are you listening to and whom you are hanging with.
(Psalm 1:-12)… “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the [ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful… But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night”.
I personally know young men whom" once lived fast, loved hard, and spent their time around others that lived the same way.
They were all going nowhere… living each day on “dead end street” and “heartbreak hotel”.
?
Many of them came to a point in their lives where they realized that something was wrong… the supposed "friends" they were" hanging with" were not really friends at all… and were only using them to bolster their own bravado and recklessness for life.
Some of these young men left the influence of those wild reckless outlaws… and decided to go back to church and get their lives together.
Surrounding them selves with loving Godly people whom encouraged them, influenced them to Godly living… they finally got their lives together... found wonderful and Godly young ladies to marry… and now have successful careers, families… and a life that gives them purpose, fulfillment and happiness.
Was it easy to make the change?
No it wasn't!
Could you encounter hurt and rejection?
Sure!
But you’ll succeed only if you’re willing to take that chance.
There is help, there is direction, there is a better life to be lived… and it all hangs on the choices you make… and the friends you allow to be your influence and your roll model… friends that influence and encourage you!
Friends that stick closer than a brother…
(John 15:13) “Greater love has no man than this… He that lays down his life for another”
Jesus is “the friend that sticketh closer than a brother”.
Good Day!
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-7) "There is…a time to be silent and a time to speak"
The Bible has a lot to say about being critical and judgmental.
But there are times when silence isn’t "golden"… and it can be deadly.
For example:
1) Silence is deadly when you use it as a passive, "retaliatory" means of expressing your anger or displeasure.
That’s called "emotional manipulation".
Jesus said… "If your brother sins against you go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother". (Matthew 18:15)
I have listened to the stories of many couples who are near divorce simply because of misunderstandings that were not talked out.
Many "feuds" could be extinguished if the two parties would only communicate with each other.
Jesus is recommending "assertive behavior" in this… by commanding us to "take the initiative" in addressing the "trespass".
Its called "communication".
Trespassing is the "unauthorized crossing of a boundary"… and there are many times we feel like we’ve been trespassed against or wronged.
However… rather than addressing the issue directly with the offender… we resort to sulking and pouting.
Jesus says… "Don’t do that"!
Your lack of communication can leave the wrong doer/trespasser “unaware” of their behavior… causing them to more likely repeat it again and again.
2) Silence is "deadly" when you fail to "defend someone"… against unwarranted criticism or vicious rumors.
Don’t let fear of alienation and rejection cause you to let slander and character assassination go unchallenged… especially when you’re aware of facts to the contrary.
Stand up… speak up… and challenge those that would spread gossip or slander concerning a brother or sister.
Ask them this question… “and you know this for sure”… or… “you know this how”?
3) Silence can be deadly when it results in your making an "undesirable decision" by default.
The fact is… silence can indicate consent.
Prayer was taken out of public schools in the United States and Canada because the "silent majority" stayed silent… instead of speaking up.
The Scripture says… "There is…a time to be silent and a time to speak".
So have the courage of your convictions and speak up!
Speak up when you know the truth is not being told.
Speak up when the rights of others are being trampled upon.
Speak up when some one is being torn apart by the gossip of others.
We have to stand for something or we'll fall for anything!
Jesus said “greater love has no man than this… one who would lay down his life for a friend”. (John 15:13)
Good Day!
(Genesis 2:5) "There was not a man to till the ground."
The Bible says, "The Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth… and there was not a man to till the ground."
At the beginning of creation God would cause a mist to come up from the earth and water the botanical part of His creation
Up until that time there had been no downpour or rain from the heavens.
One author surmises that the reason for that… is that there was nobody to do the prep work and "till the ground." (Genesis 2:5)
There's a spiritual lesson here!
There are things God has planned to do in your life… made provision for and desires to do but doesn't… because your not in the "right place" yet.
Your not ready for the unveiling of His plan for you!
You need to "get into place"… where you can receive what He longs to give you.
The blessing is there… reserved for you… safe in God's keeping.
The need is there… persistent in its pain… but the blessing can't come until your heart is in the right place for God to act.
Right now you may be enjoying a "mist"… but understand and know that God has more for you.
You have a frustration that causes you to say… "Why am I not further along?"
Rather than blaming people and circumstances… you need to pause… look up… and ask "Lord… are You waiting for me to get into place? Where do you desire me to be? Not my will but thine be done".
When you ask those questions from an honest heart before God… be prepared to hear the answer and obey it.
Even if it means "rearranging" your priorities and paying the price to receive what God wants you to have.
What does He want you to have? Not a mist… but a downpour!
Jesus said “I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly” (John 10:10)
So why are you not living this abundant life you ask?
Could it be that you are not “under the spout”?
Could it be that you are not in the “right place” to receive?
I am not necessarily talking about location… but I am talking about “attitude”.
Do you really think God is going to bless this selfish, amoral, hedonistic (those engaged in the pursuit of pleasure and sensual self-indulgence)… society of ours.
When we come to the place where we are consumed with the first two commandments of the scripture,
#1) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul”…
#2) “Love your neighbor as your self”… then and only then… can we truly expect our Heavenly Father to pour His blessing out on us.
Jesus taught in (Matthew 6:33) “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness… and all these things will be added unto you”.
“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God”… this is what I believe is… “tilling the ground”.
Paul writes, “Let a man examine himself and see if He (or she) be in the faith” (1st Corinthians 11:28)
Tilling the ground prepares soil to receive the seed.
When we till the soil of hearts… we prepare ourselves to receive the seed of Gods blessing.
“For God is willing and able… to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think… according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3:20)
“The eye has not seen, the ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man all the things that God has prepared for those that love Him” (1st Corinthians 2:9)
Any thing good takes work… its time to prepare our hearts… its time to "till the ground"!
Good Day!