I know that God can do anything, anytime, anywhere. However my prayer life is often far too weak, and I fail to pray boldly. I build walls and boundaries to keep me safe, preventing me to even talk with someone that is far away from Christ. I’m assuming a person is distant from following Christ but I’m limiting my concern, love and investment in that person. May God change my practice and behavior!
“Christianity that isn’t supernatural is superficial.” - Leonard Ravenhill
Listening to many in the news and to a few I’m acquainted with can be demoralizing. Some days it is difficult to rise above the quagmire of confusion if I do not have the perspective that God is the King of kings and Lord of all things. He will bring true justice and fairness which might be quite different than what we think. He is the Creator and Sustainer, so why should I doubt His grace each day?
“Grace is God’s multifaceted resource of divine help that is yours because of the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Where there’s divine help, there’s hope.” - Paul David Tripp
I’ve read that the most important part of a job interview is the first seven seconds. First impressions are made by a person’s nonverbal behavior, including tone of voice, facial expressions, eye contact, and hand shake. Post Covid behavior avoids much of that first impression building, taking much longer to develop the potential for a relationship. I’m learning and relearning the importance of focusing on the person to really get to know them, not just go with my first impression. I’m glad our Father accepts us just as we are rather than trivial impressions.
“You’re in spiritual trouble if in your view the people around you are way more in need of grace than you are.” - Paul David Tripp
I may be off base, but Joyce Meyer’s solution to keeping focus is somewhat lacking. It’s hard to be in depth with a short reflection but keeping my focus with today’s cultural issues takes more than a positive attitude. It’s more than trying harder or following a ritual. The fruits of the Spirit include peace, joy, and hope, which can happen instantly during an obedient decision or can develop as a process of seeking God no matter the circumstances. He is alive in us and we in Him, which is a process that is more than trying harder.
“Any power that you and I hold is God’s and has been given to us by Him for the sole purpose of glorifying Him and blessing others. Any time we use power to damage or use another in a way that dishonors God, we fail in our handling of the gift He has given.” - Diane Langberg
Not leaning on my own understanding is not my main method of operation. Surrendering and trusting Him in the worst of times comes faster than surrendering to Him on ordinary days. The daily frustrations and disappointments can accumulate and I fail to trust Him, remaining frustrated and disillusioned. Lord, help us to trust you in all situations, looking to You for wisdom and insight, that we may be filled with faith, hope, and love, being the light to others that they need.
“God longs for us to be fully alive, soaring into the sky and bearing witness to God’s good life that is available to us. But if we hope to be shaped and changed in this way of life, we must have a root system powerful enough to hold us together.” Excerpt, The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas
In a perfect world, I may not get upset about a crisis or tough times. Anxiety today seems at an all time high, yet God has not left His throne. Our culture may be further away His reign failing to listen to His Word. I hope to get better at being a non anxious presence when the next tough time arrives. It will surely come, because we are not living in perfection yet. The more we can link arms, encouraging each other, praying boldly, the less anxiety we will feel, trusting Him for the outcome.
“Sinful humans do not turn into godly ones quickly. Our own lives attest to that. You cannot tell if repentance is genuine for a long, long time. If you think you can, you will have not only fooled yourself, but you will risk vulnerable people.” - Diane Langberg
I am my own worst critic and enemy. I allow myself to be discouraged, have doubts, and blame others for circumstances beyond anyone’s control. It’s like I the the world is all about me and circumstances should go my way. But such negative thinking gets me in downward spiral every time. When I look upward toward our Father, I’m less likely to look horizontal or inwardly. The more I praise and worship Him, the less I chase circles of defeat.
Wherever “you find yourself on the journey today, know that God is gracious. He knows we are from dust. Christ knows our weaknesses, as he was human himself. The Spirit resides in us to comfort and strengthen us. The body of Christ exists to be the presence of Jesus on earth. You are not alone. God has the power to redeem all things.” Excerpt, The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas
