October 27, 2011
I find I have taken a wrong turn in my journey to find joy and peace in God. My contentedness no longer possesses a passion for serving God. Instead, I pass through each day indifferent and shortsighted.
I think I have let Satan twist phrases like, “Take it one day at a time” and “Live in the now,” and have shifted my focus from laboring for God to checking another day off the list. Simply passing time can’t be joy. I know there is more to it. I’ve experienced a taste of true contentedness and this isn’t it.
How did I let lies lead me astray? Taking stock of my daily decisions reveals a continual failing to commune with God and dwell on His Word every day. Doing devotions is no different than studying if I don’t engage in what I’m reading and learning. In order for God to work in me, I have to consciously open my heart and mind to Him each day.
It’s not enough to simply go through the motions, even if I’m doing what God’s called me to do. If each day isn’t surrendered and if my heart isn’t focused on Jesus, then I labor in vain. How terrifying then are Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-23:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (NIV)
Performing like a Christian and doing Godly acts does not ensure salvation. The only hope we have is found in living a life submitted to knowing and obeying our Almighty God.
Recognizing my failure has spurred me to cry out to God for forgiveness and guidance. Please pray with me that:
* I would be reminded daily that Satan is always feeding me lies to keep me from living the life God desires.
* We would seek out and rely upon our ready, willing, all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present, just, and merciful Savior.
* My perspective would extend past today, this year, and even my life and focus on God’s master plan for His Creation that stretches into eternity.
* God would continue to reveal how He desires me to interact with and teach the Litsey kids, and that He would continue to grant me the patience and wisdom necessary to accomplish this task.
Striving to know Him above all else,
Julie
I find I have taken a wrong turn in my journey to find joy and peace in God. My contentedness no longer possesses a passion for serving God. Instead, I pass through each day indifferent and shortsighted.
I think I have let Satan twist phrases like, “Take it one day at a time” and “Live in the now,” and have shifted my focus from laboring for God to checking another day off the list. Simply passing time can’t be joy. I know there is more to it. I’ve experienced a taste of true contentedness and this isn’t it.
How did I let lies lead me astray? Taking stock of my daily decisions reveals a continual failing to commune with God and dwell on His Word every day. Doing devotions is no different than studying if I don’t engage in what I’m reading and learning. In order for God to work in me, I have to consciously open my heart and mind to Him each day.
It’s not enough to simply go through the motions, even if I’m doing what God’s called me to do. If each day isn’t surrendered and if my heart isn’t focused on Jesus, then I labor in vain. How terrifying then are Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-23:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (NIV)
Performing like a Christian and doing Godly acts does not ensure salvation. The only hope we have is found in living a life submitted to knowing and obeying our Almighty God.
Recognizing my failure has spurred me to cry out to God for forgiveness and guidance. Please pray with me that:
* I would be reminded daily that Satan is always feeding me lies to keep me from living the life God desires.
* We would seek out and rely upon our ready, willing, all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present, just, and merciful Savior.
* My perspective would extend past today, this year, and even my life and focus on God’s master plan for His Creation that stretches into eternity.
* God would continue to reveal how He desires me to interact with and teach the Litsey kids, and that He would continue to grant me the patience and wisdom necessary to accomplish this task.
Striving to know Him above all else,
Julie
