I am wondering about my displays of love for God this morning. Have I ever thrown caution to the wind and done something totally outlandish and bold for Him... just because? Have I left behind my more stoic religious faith and loved Him purely from my heart?
The mundane acts of life... do they drag you down or define your faith? Moreover, are they mundane at all, or just the day to day living of a life of faith?
Are you sleeping through the major opportunities and events in your life and faith? In doing so, do you regret and despair over lost opportunity? As we consider this today, let's also realize that the time we have to do these things is short and the timing of them unforgiving.
Are you depressed about something this morning? Do you feel that the Lord has backed away or allowed some tragedy to befall you? If so you are not alone. This has happened Throughout the Bible, and in my own life, but there is a word of wisdom for you this morning... just keep living.
Is God calling you to greater things but you just can't seem to join Him in the effort? Is the Holy Spirit moving on you in a powerful way, but you can't seem to be able to bring that movement to the point where it bears fruit? This is our contemplation this morning.
What happens when our faith is at risk? Have you ever contemplated the effect that we have on those around us when we slip into negative behavior or sin? How about the impact we have on our church? Heaven? Even though our Christian walk seems totally personal... it isn't. Our faith has a ripple effect that touches all those around us, and beyond.
I am sitting in my prayer chair sipping on a cup of Dark English Breakfast Tea in the pre-dawn grey; having prayed, read my morning devotional and scripture. The house is still, as am I, and the spirit is swirling about me with a sweet peacefulness. This is the time of day that I can hear the Lord without distraction.
This morning I am contemplating how well I hear the Lord's voice. I know that I hear it often, but do I hear everything He says to me; or do I always recognize His voice? I recall Samuel being awakened by God calling his name in the night. Samuel, who from birth was Nazarite, dedicated to God, and who would be a great prophet... didn't recognize the voice he was hearing. It wasn't until Eli told him how to respond that he said...
Father, call me to follow you in my youth, and again in the old age of my faith. Lead me between these calls and reveal yourself to me with every breath I take and every prayer I utter. Lord I thank you and praise you always for your provision and forgiveness. I am humbled by my failings but even more by your understanding and ever present love.
When we serve others and do small things of good in our day it should become a sermon, but only if we will allow ourselves to receive the blessing of that deed. Equally, when we see God at work around us, or his majesty in creation, it becomes a prayer.
God hears our prayers and leads us to high places where He can easily defend us, and then provides for our every need. In what, or whom, should we fear? We should fear nothing and No one, for God is with us.
Heavenly Father, lead us through this life, direct us in our prayers, and prepare us for eternity with You. We thank you for the example of your son Jesus Christ as, even on the cross, He taught us to not only follow your teaching, but to pray in your Word... unto His dying breath when after "He cried again in a loud voice, yielded up the ghost."
Father thank you for your quiet blessings and the silent depth of your love for me, and mine for you.
"He who prays stands midway between God and people." - E.M. Bounds
Today as you pray, remember to ask God that His will be done concerning your prayers... You will find that what the Father gives His children is far greater than you could have possibly imagined... Even when the answer is "no".