Divine Direction Mindset From Our God

Help Me Jesus

There are many things we all do unconsciously, right? Then there are other things of which we need to be consciously aware.

One of the main things we must recognize, believe, embrace and walk in is the authority we have as children of God.

David had this kind of awareness long before he became king, which empowered him to speak to that giant Goliath with no fear.

I know this Bible story in 1 Samuel 17:41-54 is very familiar, but it never gets old.

I so love verse 45 where little ruddy David tells this imposing, intimidating, irreverent Philistine, “You are coming against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the Israelite armies, which you have defied.”

David’s awareness of the power and sovereignty of God gave him the confidence he needed to speak to that giant.

Friend, when you know who you are and whose you are, you can walk boldly into the enemy’s territory, fully assured of your victory.

In 1 Samuel 17:26, David called Goliath an “uncircumcised Philistine.”

Circumcision, which God implemented through Abraham in Genesis 17, was a physical sign of a spiritual covenant. David knew he was in covenant with God—one of the Lord’s chosen—but Goliath was not.

This distinction David made signified his awareness that he was in a position of favor with the Almighty, while his opponent was an outsider and enemy of God.

David knew that the size of the obstacle before him wasn’t greater than the size of his God. And since God was for him, he  had no need to fear who or what was against him.

Now, if you and I can remember this while we’re facing seemingly impossible and insurmountable odds, we can behave like David and speak to our giant.

Today’s word comes to remind you that no matter what the name of your struggle is—whether it be disease, lack, depression, or devastation—the name of the Lord is greater.

So don’t focus on the size of the problem, but rather, the size of your God.

He is bigger than the mountain standing in your way.

So speak to it.

Speak to your giant and tell it, you are coming against me… but I come against you in the name of the Lord!

Just as David got the victory over Goliath, you will be victorious over this circumstance. God has ordained it to be so.

You may be wondering, Dianna, exactly what do I speak?

Speak the word of God, which is the will of God.

Speak His promises.

In Matthew 4:4, which is the scripture I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration, Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, stop speaking the problem and start speaking God’s promises.

There is power in His word.

So speak to your giant and watch it fall like Goliath fell before David!

As you receive this word, I believe God is shifting your circumstances.

And right now, I'm asking that you come into agreement with me, not just for your breakthrough, but also for the outpouring of favor over the lives of those who have asked to be included on our “Thoughtful Thursdays” intercessory prayer list.

All Is well

All Is Well 

You who have shown me many troubles and distresses will revive me again. PSALM 71:20

I’m sure you get the same kind of phone calls and emails that we do—reports about friends and family members facing difficulty. Perhaps it’s an upcoming surgery or the loss of a job. On occasion it may involve something much more severe—a relative has been diagnosed with cancer or a friend’s child has unexpectedly taken his life. Frequently when these messages show up on our message machine or in our in-box—those times when you really don’t know what to say or how to pray—

 

 

PRAY

Pray for the grace to walk through trials with a faith strong enough to still be speaking long after the situation has come and gone. Can you pray, “We cannot, Lord, Thy purpose see, but all is well that’s done by Thee”?

Wisdom Is Key

 

 

For reading & meditation: Proverbs 2:12-22 "Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men '" (v.12)

We touched yesterday on the thought that in the book of Proverbs, particularly in the first nine chapters, wisdom and foolishness are seen as persons. Jesus was also using the device of personification when He said in Matthew 11:19, "But wisdom is proved right by her actions." Some have thought that the personification of wisdom in the Scriptures indicates that wisdom is to be seen as a personality, perhaps a member of the angelic hierarchy, who visits men and women and imparts to them divine wisdom, but this, in my opinion, is taking things too far. The writer is simply using a literary device to make a point. However, it is the opinion of most evangelical commentators that the device of personification as it relates to wisdom is to prepare the way for the apostle Paul's great statement in 1 Corinthians 1:24 that Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God." If this is so, then it suggests that the divine purpose underlying the personification of wisdom in Proverbs is not simply to acquaint us with an absorbing set of rules or helpful suggestions by which to run our lives, but to hint that true wisdom lies in a Person, that Person being none other than our Lord Jesus Christ. Christianity moves beyond the wisdom of Solomon, which, by the way, commends itself to non-Christians as well as Christians, and points to the fact that the highest wisdom comes from a relationship with the One who is the fount of all wisdom - Jesus. Knowing the principles of wisdom is one thing; knowing the Person in whom all wisdom resides is another.

 

Prayer:

O Father, how can I sufficiently thank You that by faith I am linked to the source of all wisdom - the Lord Jesus Christ? Let the wonder of this relationship - I am in Him and He is in me - sink deep into my soul today. Amen.

Keep Moving Forward

What sense would it make for me to fixate on the days when I was 20 years old and start longing to be that age again for whatever reason?

Instead of trying to recapture that past season, it makes more sense to embrace my current season and look forward to what God has in store in the future.

But often, naturally and spiritually, we look backward.

In our walk with the Lord, we sometimes get stuck reminiscing about an old thing, when God is trying to do a new thing.

The Children of Israel made that mistake.

After suffering under cruel Egyptian slave masters for over 400 years, they were initially happy when God freed them through His servant Moses.

But freedom mandated that they deal with the temporary discomfort of treading through the wilderness until they reached the “land flowing with milk and honey.”

On their hungriest and thirstiest days, even Egypt, which was once appalling to them, looked appealing to them.

In Exodus 16:3, while feeling frustrated and disillusioned with their circumstances, the Bible says the Israelites complained to Moses and Aaron that they wished they had never left Egypt.

"If only the LORD had killed us back in Egypt," they moaned. "There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death."

Have you ever looked back at the lesser on your way to greater, because you didn’t know how to deal with the difficulty of the in-between?

Have you ever romanticized and fantasized about bondage because freedom didn’t feel as good as you imagined it would?

Have you ever been aggravated by the meantime experience to the point where your former circumstance, though imperfect, in hindsight, appeared to be the better option?

It can be discouraging, I know.

Yet, I also know this: the journey is worth it. The sacrifices, tears and work it takes to step into your season of better are never in vain.

Don’t give into discouragement. Walk through the transition, the trial, the test, knowing that, on the other side, God indeed has more for you.

As long as you walk in obedience to His will, even when He carries you through a dry, tough, dark place, you will come out victoriously.

Don’t retreat. Keep moving forward by faith. Don’t dare look back! Things often look better in the rear view mirror of life when what you see through the front window is uncertain or unpleasant.

But remember, God brought you out of where you were then to the place where you are now for a reason. While you await clarity and manifestation, it isn't easy. Nevertheless, in the meantime, don’t settle for worse, because of the hard work and sacrifice it takes to have better. March on.

Cry if you must, but don’t go backward. Keep moving forward.

Be like the four figures Ezekiel saw in a divinely inspired prophetic vision in Ezekiel 1:12 NASB, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration.

It says, “And each went straight forward; wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go, without turning as they went.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, you are being empowered to push ahead and follow the spirit of God, even in the face of hardship, adversity, hurt and pain.

Go straight forward and don’t turn back.

You will bear fruit in your life if you remain connected to God and walk the path of destiny He has laid out for you.

Apart from Him, you can do nothing, but through Him, all things are possible.

Will You receive The Blessings

 

 

"Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day." Deuteronomy 11:26-28


DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

God is setting before you this day a blessing and a curse. What determines whether you receive the blessing? If you obey. What  determines whether or not you are going to receive the curse? If you
disobey.

There are six blessings God wants to give you today in exchange for your obedience: plenty (Isaiah 1:19-20), peace (Jeremiah 26:13), protection (Exodus 23:22), power (Acts 5:32), purity (1 Peter 1:22), and perception (Psalm 119:100).

ACTION POINT:

Do you want Jesus to be real to you so that He's not just someone that you know or read about? Maybe you want to do more than just "pray" to Him; perhaps you want to talk to Him, and
you want to relate to Him. Then read John 14:23 and obey Him.

You Are The City of the King

 

 

How great is the Lord, how deserving of praise!... Psalm 48:1

My Holy Daddy is the God of the Universe; I hold His heart in the palms of my hands. He's captivated by thoughts of me, and my mind is brimming with thoughts of Him. Why does He deserve my attentions? Because He loved me when I was unlovable. When no one else approved of me, He called me His priceless masterpiece. In His eyes, I'm precious!

My Father sits in His holy mountain, truly, the mountain of my heart – He reigns as the love of my life. He sits in a place of great authority in my heart like He dwelt in the mountains of Zion. The whole earth rejoices to see Him high and lifted up in His holy people, reigning in the hearts of His children. In dominion, He ascends to take the throne of our hearts like He reigns in the mountain of Zion, the city of our God (see Psalm 48:1-3).

Never say No To God

Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD (Jonah 1:3).

Jane (not her real name)was reflecting on the weekend women’s conference. Surrounded by women who had been through similar difficult circumstances, she noticed that they were now free and thriving while she was still stuck in a cycle of discontent. The Scriptures shared had implored her to do the same things as the other women. But while they had said “yes” to God, she had said “no.”

Jonah said “no” to God, and his disobedience landed him in deep water—literally (Jonah 1:15). The Lord saw the sinful ways of the people of Nineveh and told Jonah to bring His message of how they could be made right with Him by turning from their sins, but the prophet chose to run away from God instead. He hopped aboard a ship set to sail in the opposite direction, towards the city of Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). Jonah despised the evil of Nineveh and knew that if he brought God’s message to the people, they might turn to Him and be spared the destruction He had threatened (Jonah 4:2). Sometimes we too will say “no” to God because we want certain things to happen—our view of justice or how life should be. But His wisdom and ways are always best!

Ultimately, Jonah was thrown overboard and swallowed by a fish. Only then did he repent and choose to obey God (Jonah 2:1-10). When we choose to disobey Him, the results can be devastating. How much better to follow His ways out of love! (John 14:21).

Jonah’s obedience was reluctant, yet it brought glory to God. When the sailors saw the storm subside as soon as they threw Jonah overboard, they vowed to serve the Lord (Jonah 1:15-16). And the 120,000 people in Nineveh repented and turned to God after hearing His message (Jonah 3:5-10, Jonah 4:11). God’s perfect will will always prevail. May we choose to say “yes” to Him today

Find Confidence In God

 

 

"Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel" (1 Chron 21:1-2).

God always requires total trust in Him alone for our victories in life. Throughout scripture we are cautioned not to place our trust in the strength of horses, other men or our own abilities. David's decision to take a census was a failure to keep his trust totally upon the Lord.

David's purpose in counting his population was to assess his military strength, much like the second census taken under Moses (Num. 1:2,3). David found 800,000 men eligible for military service in Israel and 500,000 men in Judah (2 Sam. 24:9), more than double the previous head count.

David's commander evidently recognized the grave error that his king was about to make. "But Joab replied, 'May the LORD multiply his troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all my lord's subjects? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?'" (1 Chron 21:3).

This census displeased the Lord. David was falling into the temptation of trusting in the size of his army rather than in the Lord. God punished David and reduced his forces by bringing a plague that killed 70,000 men (1 Chron 24:14,15). How do we do this in our lives today? We trust our bank accounts, our skills, and the security of our workplace. When we begin placing our faith in these things instead of the provider of these things we get into trouble with God.

What a lesson this is for each of us. Today, place your total trust in the Lord for all of your needs.

 

Razor Edge

Flee from the midst of Babylon, and each of you save his life! JEREMIAH 51:6 

 

Centuries ago, a popular queen was interviewing applicants to serve on a six-man team responsible for carrying her on a portable throne on long journeys. As she interviewed each man, the queen asked, “If you were bearing me along a mountain path, how close would you go to the edge of a cliff?”

 

Some men would answer, “Your Royal Highness, I am so strong, I could go within a foot of the edge of a cliff.” Others would boast, “Not only do I have superior strength, but I have almost perfect balance. I could go within six inches of the edge.” But a few declared, “Your Highness, I would go nowhere near the edge of a cliff. Why would I want to imperil your valuable life by leading you so close to danger?” Guess who earned the job? 

 

We live in a cultural landscape where it seems there are more cliffs than clearings. We spend large parts of our day within easy walking distance of all kinds of sharp drops and perilous dangers. Sexual temptation. Financial greed. Immoral entertainment. Emotional affairs. Addictions galore. Ethical compromise. Rather than stay as far as possible from these obvious threats to our families, we often allow the enemy of our souls to lure us closer for a better look. We sample just a bit too much of what the world has to offer. My friend Josh McDowell says, “I would rather build a rail at the top of the mountain than have an ambulance service at the bottom of the valley.” I agree. But I’d suggest we take it a step further. I would prefer not putting myself in position to find out whether or not that guardrail would hold me! Safety rails aren’t meant for pushing on but for steering away from. 

 

DISCUSS

Looking back over your life, what “cliffs” draw your curiosity? Which avoidable ones do you have the hardest time keeping your distance from now?

 

PRAY 

Ask the Lord to help you not only spot spiritual danger, but also to have sense enough to run from it. 

What You Are Missing

What you Are Missing

BIBLE MEDITATION:

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." 1 Peter 5:10


DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Isn't it wonderful to know that the works of God are perfect?That God's ways are perfect? And that His will is perfect? Now, someone reading this may think, "But I don't know about God's will. I don't want to give myself completely to Him or He might send me to a remote desert as a missionary."

Let's set the record straight. God's will is not so much something that you surrender to as it is something that you get in on. God will choose for you what you would choose for yourself if you had
enough sense to choose it!

ACTION POINT:

Let your prayer today be, "Help me, Lord, not to fear what I'll miss if I do Your will; help me to fear what I'll miss if I don't."

BIBLE MEDITATION:

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make youperfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." 1 Peter 5:10


DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Isn't it wonderful to know that the works of God are perfect?That God's ways are perfect? And that His will is perfect? Now, someone reading this may think, "But I don't know about God's will. I don't want to give myself completely to Him or He might send me to a remote desert as a missionary."

Let's set the record straight. God's will is not so much something that you surrender to as it is something that you get in on. God will choose for you what you would choose for yourself if you had
enough sense to choose it!

ACTION POINT:

Let your prayer today be, "Help me, Lord, not to fear what I'll miss if I do Your will; help me to fear what I'll miss if I don't."

Do Not Be Terrified

"The kings of the earth joined forces and advanced against the city. But when they saw it (His glory), they were stunned; they were terrified and ran away" (Psalm 48:4-5 NLT). Hating you because He loves you, your enemies rage against you. Yet, they have underestimated the Father's heart toward you – they did not understand the strength of His love for you.

Those who see you as insignificant and unlovely rage against you with tantrums of great strength, yet it is not you they come against. In striking at you, they strike at the Kingdom you belong to. The Kingdom of your Father reigns in you and fills you with His glory. He filled you with Himself; He's chosen to dwell in human temples – in YOU!

Surely, just like the enemies of Israel, your enemy thinks, "I will devour and destroy them. It will be an easy thing to do." He readies his armies and they rejoice with delight at the thoughts of your destruction.

However, they do not realize what's inside you, or Who's inside you. Led by their presumption, they underestimate you and have no idea the suffering they've unleashed on themselves as they come against you. For the Father Himself dwells in you, His precious temple of glory. As they attack with confidence, they will be caught unaware as they unleash their attempts to malign you. (Photo of Victoria Boyson)

They've travailed and struggled in vain as they conceived your annihilation. As your heavenly Father unleashes His power against them and effortlessly thwarts the plans of your enemy, you will realize it was an easy thing for Him to do. Like the city of the Lord, He makes you safe forever, and they will say, "We had heard of the city's glory, but now we have seen it ourselves – the city of the Lord of Heaven's Armies" (Psalm 48:7-8 NLT). You are what He guards; you are what He protects with His presence dwelling in you. Filling you with His great power, no planned attack can stand against you!

When they come against you, they are taken aback! They thought you to be weak and insignificant, yet when they attack you, they suddenly realize you are filled with His glory. They soon realize you are made a fortified city, defended by the Lord Himself. They are terrified!

Prayer for the day

 

Father please renew those who are exhausted and constantly tired. – Give their bodies a boost of energy, revitalize their health, and increase their productivity.

 

~In Jesus' Name, Amen

Forward to a Friend

LET lOVE RISE

Psalms 103:17-18

From everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousnesswith their children's children -- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

 

Thoughts on today's verse

 

Forever love is talked about in dime store novels, but only found in God. We tap that reservoir of eternal and divine love through the Holy Spirit, who helps us receive it and share it.

 

Prayer:

 

Everlasting Father, may your love fill your people so the world may know we are Jesus' disciples. Through him I pray. Amen.

The Best To Get Gods Glory

 

The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. - (Genesis 39:2)

When it looked as though life was over for Joseph, in many ways it was just beginning. His brothers had sold him to slave traders, and as it turned out, those slave traders sold him to a very important person named Potiphar, who was the captain of the guard in Egypt. Potiphar was basically the head of the military police and part of the royal body guard. It was sort of like being the head of the Secret Service of that day. Also, as the chief of the executioners, Potiphar was responsible for the execution of all criminals. He was not a man to mess with.

Potiphar became the owner of Joseph and put him to work, and the Bible tells us that the Lord was with Joseph (see Genesis 39:2). God blessed Joseph because of his hard work, faithfulness, honesty, and integrity, and success followed him like a shadow.

It was almost as though Joseph had a Midas touch. He kept his priorities straight, and whatever Joseph did, he did so well that Potiphar eventually put him in charge of everything. Even Potiphar, who was clearly a nonbeliever, recognized that the Lord was with Joseph.

Joseph’s life serves as a reminder that Christians should be the hardest workers and do the best work. Colossians 3:23–24 tells us, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”Whatever you do, do it as though you were doing it for Christ Himself—not for the paycheck, not for the boss, and not even for the promotion.

What to do when Everthings wrong

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Luke 22:31-32

Jesus prayed for Peter. He knew the temptations and the trials that Peter would be facing, and He prayed specifically that Peter's faith would not fail him. Even though Peter's faith hit a bump in the road when he denied Jesus, his faith did not ultimately fail him. Peter's first public sermon on the day of Pentecost resulted in three thousand people getting saved. Jesus' prayers were answered.

When Jesus prays for you, those prayers will be answered, and Jesus is praying for you right now. He is at the right hand of the Father forever making intercession for you. He knows the bumps in the road that you may be hitting. Jesus is aware of the trials and tribulations, the afflictions, and the persecution that may be ahead of you, but you can be encouraged and emboldened to keep on going because Jesus is praying for you. He said that the Father always heard and always answered His prayers. (John 11:42) So lift up your voice, lift up your hands and thank Him today. He is praying and He will make a way!

 

Prayer for Today

Thank You, Lord, for making intercession for me at the right hand of the Father. I lift up my voice; I lift up my hands in praise and thanksgiving for Your tender care for me, in Jesus' name.

What is God's Plan For You?

"I say to you, My children and servants and leaders and My heirs, go to the closet of prayer and seek Me."

Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

"Go to the doors of your house and apply the Blood. Apply it lavishly."

Exodus 12:7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.

"Go to your children and tell them once again it's time for a change. And I am bringing about great change.

"YOU have the word of My Spirit in your mouth, and I will it to you to use carefully. Now I ask you to cry aloud and spare not! Do not hold back this Gospel of salvation, healing, deliverance and prophecy. DO NOT HOLD BACK.

Why You Must Battle Against the Contender

The word "perilous" is from a Greek word, chalepos (pronounced khal-ep-os'), and it describes a time which is "dangerous," "difficult," and "fierce." It is further described as a time where "strength is reduced." I have written numerous times concerning this passage, but while I was in prayer recently concerning the events occurring in our nation, as well as worldwide, I was reminded of the Biblical account of Isaiah 37:3 which says, "...Thus says Hezekiah: This day is a day of trouble and distress and of rebuke and of disgrace; for children have come to the birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth" (AMP).

If you recall the situation, Hezekiah had been reforming the nation of Israel, and the people themselves were experiencing the process of reformation. Though their land had been laid waste by their enemies, Israel was basically willing to settle with what little restoration was available to enjoy. In other words, passivity found a place in their hearts!

Hezekiah had experienced a rather peaceful period with Assyria for a while – all which seemed good. Then one day, Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, decided to infiltrate Hezekiah's realm. Evil messages were sent and delivered by the king's messenger, Rabshakeh, with the evil intention to blaspheme God and frighten Hezekiah, as well as the people.

The speech he delivered was done so in their familiar Hebrew language – so that all would hear and understand what he had to say. His speaking in their own language was done so with very evil intent. Rabshakeh wished to sound "familiar" to them and, by speaking in a "familiar voice," he could more easily sway them, through fear, to align with Sennacherib through him. Of course, the enemy of the Jews is always attempting to seduce their hearts away from God and His covenant of faithfulness. So, all of this was done in an attempt to dishonor their king, Hezekiah, and also to dishonor God.

Interestingly, these evil ploys from the Assyrians caused King Hezekiah to run to God, rather than from God. Again, Hezekiah's declaration of the season he was experiencing was that it was "...a day of trouble...and of disgrace...," and he further explains that it was such a difficult season that those who are pregnant have come to a season of birthing, yet there is no strength to do so.

Help Us God

Here’s the thing: God never uses fear as a tactic to make us holy. His ways are higher than stooping to that level. If that’s true, there’s no need to panic. No worrying that God has lost control of things. No anxiety over things unknown. Just the calm, confident confession that God is still holy.

And in that holiness, God manages the details of the whole universe … including you, me and the people we love.

God isn’t just the God of the calm and peaceful. He isn’t just God in the happy and safe. He’s God in the chaos. He’s God in the courtroom, the emergency room, the waiting room and the viewing room.

He is always holy. Even now.

Trouble may abound but God is holy still. His sovereignty takes the pressure off of us to control our sometimes scary circumstances and hold tightly to the things we think will bring us comfort. Because God shows up, we can live our lives unafraid.

When the pressure overwhelms, when we’re broken on the floor or feel like we just can’t handle what the world may hand us … may we find God holy after all.

God, I am frightened of far too many things. Things that overwhelm me and cause me to believe You’re really not in control. And You know how I often try to become the savior of my little world, hyper-managing my children and the people I love, because I’m terrified You won’t show up. Regardless of how dark my circumstances feel or how terrifying my personal problems, You are holy. Thank You for being holy — and for being in total control. Let me rest in the peace of that knowledge. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY: Luke 12:31-32, "Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself." (MSG)

Move Forward

You may be reeling from recent events, but I am bringing you to a new place of  equilibrium and balance.  I will give you the strength to put the past  behind and move forward with faith and confidence.  Refuse the temptation  to condemn yourself with thoughts of regret.  I am still with you, says the  Lord. 

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who  are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to  the Spirit.

When we don't get what we want

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Have you ever wanted something so badly your heart ached with each thought of it? It seems life would be so much better if you had that.

There would be more happiness.

More contentment.

More fulfillment.

More satisfaction.

More peace.

We can envision ourselves with this thing, this person, this opportunity. And all things are better. So, why doesn’t God give us this longing of our heart?

Because He wants us to willingly release it to Him.

Ouch.

Not the answer we want. Why would God let the aching desire linger and not make things happen? He could. He’s certainly able. But when He doesn’t, it seems unfair. Not good. Confusing.

It’s easy to get down when we’re constantly let down.

We hope this thing will happen … we’ll meet this right person … we’ll get this job … we’ll finally be healed … we’ll get that chance … we’ll see that family member turn their life around. Time and again it doesn’t happen. That’s when it’s easy to slip.

We can so easily slip into feeling a little distant from God because we feel hurt by God.

That’s what happened when the man I thought I was going to marry told me he met someone else. That’s what happened when I didn’t get the job I was so certain was going to be the answer to all my financial problems. That’s what happened when my son didn’t get into the charter school we were so certain would have been perfect for him.

But, in each of these things, I eventually had to make a choice. I could either be consumed with my unmet longing or trust the plans of our loving God.

As an offering of trust, we must give up that which could so easily bring us down.

Not give up as in a discouraged surrender. But giving up as in placing this desire in the hand of God and saying, "Either way, I will see Your answer as the good answer and walk in trust."

The Scriptures and today’s key verse promise He rewards those who honestly seek Him: "And without faith is it impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him"(Hebrews 11:6).

Sometimes I get so consumed with seeking my unmet longings, I don’t earnestly seek Him. But then I miss out on His reward. And His reward is the only thing that will fill the void in my heart.

Yes, I still struggle with unmet desires.

But not as much today as I did yesterday.

And that is good. Not easy. But good.

Dear Lord, I sacrifice chasing what I want so I might more fully, and with more focus, chase You. I release this grip of desire. I praise You for who You are, what only You can bring, and how You will fill whatever gap this release might leave. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY: 1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (NIV)

Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."

We Need Power

   

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

D.L. Moody was a shoe salesman until God moved him into a full-time preaching ministry, often in the streets of Chicago. There came a point in his journey with God that he realized he needed more in his life than what he was experiencing. "At the close of the Sabbath evening services I remember two holy women they would say to me, 'We have been praying for you.' I said, 'Why don't you pray for the people?' They answered, 'You need power.'

'I need power?' I said to myself. Why, I thought I had power. I had a decent Sabbath school and the in Atlanta.   I was in a sense satisfied. But then came these two godly women who prayed for me, and their earnest talk about "the anointing for special service" set me thinking. I asked them to come and talk with me, and we got down on our knees. They poured out their hearts, that I might receive the anointing of the Holy Ghost. And there came a great hunger into my soul. I knew not what it was. I began to cry as I never did before. The hunger increased. I really felt that I did no want to live any longer if I could not have this power for service. I kept on crying all the time that God would fill me with His Spirit. Well, one day, in the city of Atlanta - Oh, what a day! I cannot describe it; I seldom refer to it; it is almost too sacred an experience to me. Paul had an experience that he never spoke for fourteen years. I can only say, God revealed Himself to me, and I had such an experience of His love that I had to ask Him to say His hand.

I went to preaching again. The sermons were no different; I did not present any new truths, and yet hundreds were converted. I would not be placed back where I was before that blessed experience if you would gave me all Glasgow.*