Saturday, February 23, 2013

On the Throne of Our Hearts


But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

It's natural for us to be concerned about our finances. We want to be able to pay our bills and have enough for our present and our future. Jesus addresses our tendency to worry about such things. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Money in itself is not evil. A person who loves God can do a great deal of good with an ample amount of finances. However, if money becomes our idol, if we put it in front of our relationship with the Father, we will find ourselves in the dark – in disobedience to our Lord and Savior.

Jesus said we must seek God first. This means that He must trump any other desire we have. Our relationship and obedience to Him must be paramount – larger than our work, bigger than our hobbies, stronger than the relationships we have on earth - even our closest ties. God the Father will not settle for second; He must be first.

When we put our Lord first, we find that all the other legitimate desires we had will be met in His way and in His time. He is Lord; we are not. Yes He loves us, but for us to truly experience His love, we must be in right relationship with Him. God doesn't ask for us to be perfect, He just asks for us to place Him on the throne of our hearts.

Dear Father God,

Please show me if there are any idols in my heart. I desire to place You and keep You as first in my life. Forgive me for loving other things more than I love You. Have Your way completely in me. I surrender. And thank you Lord for taking care of all my needs. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Sanctified by Truth


Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17

When we read God's word, it separates those things in us that glorify the Lord from those things that displease our Master. The words from the Bible are alive; they have the power to divide our souls (our mind, will and emotions) from our spirits (the recreated part us that was perfected at salvation) (See Hebrews 4:12). The word rakes the debris that pollutes us and causes us to walk uprightly. We become well-groomed lawns void of leaves and garbage.

The Scripture is a potent spiritual cleansing agent. Paul said that Christ cleanses us by the washing with water through the word (Ephesians 5:26). We are to expose ourselves to its sanctifying power daily. When we invite the written word of our Father deep within our hearts, we are enabled to grow up in Him; we become more holy, and we more accurately reflect the One who saved us.

In order for Jesus to have His way with us, we must commit to being a doer of the words we read. When we obey the Bible through the power of the Holy Spirit, we align ourselves with the One who desires to bless and prosper us (See Psalm 1).

Let's make it our daily practice to feed on God's word. It is our manna from heaven. Let's allow Christ to sanctify us by His truth, His life-giving word. When we allow Him to renew our minds through the washing of the word, we become more useful in our Lord's service, and we bring God the Father great pleasure.

Dear Father God,

Help me to sit daily before You as I feast on Your word to me. Help me to obey your truth. Sanctify me Lord and make me holy so that I can be used in greater ways for Your glory. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Sweet Sleep

Sleep falls within
A given space in time where
We replenish, refuel, and recuperate

With it
We can face the day
With enthusiasm

Without this elixir
We feel crabby, impatient, and worn
Our future vision
Grows myopic

When we care for ourselves
Through rest
It enables us to care for others
Thankfully, He gives His beloved sweet sleep

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Embrace the Father


Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23 NIV

Do you desire to experience love? Has your heart grown weary? Do you long for acceptance? Do you have hurts that you have harbored within you for what seems like an eternity?

Let me introduce you to God, our Father. He is a balm of healing for the tattered soul. He is a Friend unlike any other . Of all the relationships in your life, make it your first priority to cultivate this one. Give your attention to this One; seek Him with all your heart!

He is a Father to the fatherless. Invite Him to father you. When this world rises up against you, He will take your side. When all others leave, He will remain.

When God fathers you, He will guide you in the truth. He will teach you the best way. He will encourage you to practice walking in the word. Just like a good earthly father, he will teach you the right way of doing things. When you allow Him to do this , He will make His home in you. When you welcome Him into your life, you will enjoy sweet intimacy with Him.

Would you embrace God as your Father? He is waiting to make Himself known to you. He longs to fellowship with you. Come and seek Him. If you seek Him with all of your heart, you will find him, and when you find Him, you will have found a Friend who will never let you go.

Come and invite Him to mentor you as His son or daughter....

Dear Father God,

Reveal Yourself to me. I desire to know you more intimately. Come and teach me Your truth. Come and heal me on the inside. Come and father me and cause me to grow. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.