How do you live your life in faith? Do you seek excitement, advancement, or greatness as you pray and ask God for these things in the same breath as deeper faith? If you are a preacher in a small church filled with good families, do you plead in prayer for a megachurch and a television show that bears your name? No, our faith leads us to sainthood, not to be millionaires; all of that is of the world, and of little consequence to God.
We all have touchstones in our lives by which we measure ourselves and the quality of our lives; those people, places, and events that we consider to represent our ideal. Is Jesus the touchstone of all touchstones in your life? Do you measure all else, even your other touchstones based on Him?
Are you quietly preparing yourself for those things that the Lord would have you do? How about for His return? We are so busy doing things for God, in these days and times, that we forget to plan and prepare ourselves for the Lord’s return. We often treat this world as if it were the next, but this is only a shipyard in which we are being faired, and prepared to sail.
How intimate are you with Jesus? Is your relationship close enough, and deep enough, that you don’t keep secrets, and that you can do the grossest of natural things in front of Him without embarrassment? Can you sit under a tree for hours and tell Him your wildest dreams or confide in Him your darkest thoughts? I encourage you to not have a handshake relationship with Jesus... become more than acquaintancesin your faith and in Him.
What are the works and miracles you do in the name of Jesus? Are they greater than those done by Jesus, or are you a disappointment to yourself, and God? To get at the root of this feeling we must explore our belief, understanding, and ability to pray effectively.
Are you praying for God to call you to some great task for the kingdom? Do you have a desire to do wonderful things for our Holy Father? Well stop trying to determine how He can best use you and pray instead that God give you the strength to labor in His field... to bring in His harvest.
When you first speak to someone about Jesus Christ what do you say? Do you talk to them about how He heals, or casts out demons? No, I dare say that you talk first and foremost about how Jesus died to redeem the sins of the world and the hope that this provides each of us. You speak of the gospel of Christ.
Do you approach others with the gospel of Jesus Christ because you feel they need it, or because Jesus told you to go? Do you spread the word of The Lord because you wish to find Him in the process, or because you are living out His presence in your life? These are subtle differences that make a difference.
Are you in a situation that calls for more prayer than you can muster? Do you need the prayers of many, or at least a couple of righteous believers to intercede for you? Is your heart broken, your health waning, or your spirit down? Well maybe it is time to call out for the help of the saints in your church, or seek the prayers of someone you trust.
Do you walk with God, or yearn to walk with Him? How close is your relationship, and how desperately do you seek His presence? In your desire for salvation and eternal life do you place those goals above loving God? If so, do you realize that there will never be a quiet stroll through the garden, or a conversation spent speaking without having to utter a word?
How long will you wait for God’s answer to a prayer before you give up and try to do what you have asked of Him, or abandon that thing altogether? His silence defines our faith; in the quiet stillness we wait, until at last we feel in the darkness for the edges of our belief.
Are you studying and memorizing scripture and thinking that this will make you righteous or give you insight into God? My friends, only one thing will perfect you in the eyes of God... obedience. I would rather do one small thing perfectly than a thousand partially.
Where do you hide, and why? Are you afraid of failure, of displeasing God, sin, or the pain of living? Why do you feel inclined to seek out a hiding place or shelter yourself from life? Many of us hide ourselves from the world around us; while others hide from God Himself.
A couple of questions for you today... do you hear Jesus calling to you, and if so, are you prepared to come to Him as He beckons? Listen to His voice, and go to Him... he will give you rest.
How great was the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? Have you ever stopped to consider the unfathomable depth of His accomplishment? Maybe you can get a glimpse in your mother’s loving eyes.