052408
Psalm 136:26
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Romans 5:11
And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
In Psalm 136, the phrase, "For His lovingkindness is everlasting" is repeated after every single line. It is so redundant because it is so important for us to remember. This is the last verse of this chapter, and it says to give thanks to God. God is the only God of heaven. He reigns and rules all things. It is so good that He is a loving and king God. Also, He is eternally good, so He can never fail at loving us and being kind to us. That is something we should always be thankful for. In Romans 5:11, Paul explains that we should also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Exulting is the difference between a reluctant "Thank You" and a joyful "Thank You." Jesus reconciled us to God, our loving and kind God! We were fallen away from God, but God reconciled Himself to us, when He didn't go anywhere, we were the ones that went astray, and He justified us by sacrificing His only Son.
Lord, I have not been exulting You through Jesus. Often, I act out of my reluctant gratitude, thinking that if I don't give You the credit, You will stop loving me. I am so wrong. I want to be a person that is always joyful and exulting You. Lord, I want to be overflowing with gratitude and praise for Jesus. Help me to understand that You are always going to show me lovingkindness. Help me to know that I can't earn Your love, Your goodness, & Your grace. Lord, forgive me of my sins. I know that I am so short from Your glory. Please change me. I thank You, God, for Your Son. I thank You for Your lovingkindness. I give my life to You today. May I move and speak only what You desire. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
No Favortism
052108
Psalm 98:8-9
8 Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy;
9 let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.
Romans 2:11 For God does not show favoritism.
The Psalmist in Psalm 98 says that the earth, all of creation, will sing for joy before God. God is coming to judge the earth and He is the perfect judge. Leon said that God judges perfectly because He knows every intention, thought, and motive. Then, Paul says in Roman’s 2:11 that God does not show favoritism. God doesn’t show more love to the righteous person than He does to the unrighteous person.
Today, I felt so sorry for my boss as he was trying to open his office door and his bag slipped off his shoulder, causing his coffee to fall from his hands and spill on his clothes and on the floor. I thought, Oh Lord, that’s not fair. He wasn’t trying to do anything bad. I did offer him help to open the door, but he didn’t seem to want it. I think he didn’t want to burden me. But then when that happened, I got so confused. Just a few moments later, I see Larry, coming up the stairs with coffee in hand along with several textbooks and his bags. I thought to myself, Oh no, here we go again. What if he spills his coffee. Then, Larry stopped. Put his coffee and books and bag down and said, “No need for me to be Superman.” I don’t think Larry realized how profound that moment was to me. God knows our hearts. He knows when we are trying to do things on our own strength and when we have a heart that is willing to be humbled. I think God wasn’t showing favoritism here. God loves my boss just as much as he loves Larry. But I do see a valuable lesson on my part. When someone offers help, I should take it. I shouldn’t try to be Superwoman. God will see the tiniest ounce of pride in me and He loves me so much, He will deal with that pride accordingly.
Heavenly Father, I am so sorry for all the sin and pride I have in me. Please show it to me, Lord, so I can deal with it in private. Lord, forgive me and send Your discipline my way so I can learn to be righteous. Father, I pray for wisdom and discernment. I pray that Your will is done. I need You, Lord. Thank You for Your lessons and Your word. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Psalm 98:8-9
8 Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy;
9 let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.
Romans 2:11 For God does not show favoritism.
The Psalmist in Psalm 98 says that the earth, all of creation, will sing for joy before God. God is coming to judge the earth and He is the perfect judge. Leon said that God judges perfectly because He knows every intention, thought, and motive. Then, Paul says in Roman’s 2:11 that God does not show favoritism. God doesn’t show more love to the righteous person than He does to the unrighteous person.
Today, I felt so sorry for my boss as he was trying to open his office door and his bag slipped off his shoulder, causing his coffee to fall from his hands and spill on his clothes and on the floor. I thought, Oh Lord, that’s not fair. He wasn’t trying to do anything bad. I did offer him help to open the door, but he didn’t seem to want it. I think he didn’t want to burden me. But then when that happened, I got so confused. Just a few moments later, I see Larry, coming up the stairs with coffee in hand along with several textbooks and his bags. I thought to myself, Oh no, here we go again. What if he spills his coffee. Then, Larry stopped. Put his coffee and books and bag down and said, “No need for me to be Superman.” I don’t think Larry realized how profound that moment was to me. God knows our hearts. He knows when we are trying to do things on our own strength and when we have a heart that is willing to be humbled. I think God wasn’t showing favoritism here. God loves my boss just as much as he loves Larry. But I do see a valuable lesson on my part. When someone offers help, I should take it. I shouldn’t try to be Superwoman. God will see the tiniest ounce of pride in me and He loves me so much, He will deal with that pride accordingly.
Heavenly Father, I am so sorry for all the sin and pride I have in me. Please show it to me, Lord, so I can deal with it in private. Lord, forgive me and send Your discipline my way so I can learn to be righteous. Father, I pray for wisdom and discernment. I pray that Your will is done. I need You, Lord. Thank You for Your lessons and Your word. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Self Discipline
051908
2 Chronicles 2:6 "But who is able to build a house for Him, for the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain Him? So who am I, that I should build a house for Him, except to burn incense before Him?
This is Solomon saying that he is going to build a house for the Lord to dwell in. But Solomon, in all his wisdom, realizes that no temple or house would be able to contain the Lord of all the Universe. Solomon knows that he isn't worthy for the things that God has called him to do. The only reason why Solomon feels like he should build a house for God is to burn incense before God. Literally, to burn incense it means to offer up in smoke. Solomon in 1 Kings 3:4 went to the pagan high places to offer his burnt offerings. But now, Solomon wants to worship His God alone. That is the only justification he has for why he should build the temple.
2 Thessalonians 3:7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,
Paul is writing to the Thessalonians, encouraging them to do the work that God has set for them. There are believers in Thessalonia who are looking like busybodies, but not really working for what they are reaping. To carry out what is commanded to you is all that is required. There is self discipline involved for this. It is the key to righteousness.
I have to carry out what God is calling me to do, instead of looking like I'm a busybody. Who am I that I should carry out the work of the Lord, but to worship Him? If the things that I do, do not bring honorable, righteous, loving sacrifice, then I shouldn't do it. Those sacrifices given begrudgingly are no good. They are gross to the Lord. I want to be a good dwelling place for Jesus. If there is any junk inside of me, I need to clean it out. Jesus, the King of Kings, dwells within me. I need to keep my heart clean. How do I keep a clean heart? I need to practice self discipline. Maybe I need to start a routine for exercise. Or I need to be disciplined in my snacking habits. I need to use self discipline more, so that I do not fall into temptation. I can do it. Jesus is in me and He is helping me through it.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your word. I thank You for Jesus. Jesus, I thank You for Your sacrifice. I thank You for dwelling within me. Lord, I am unworthy to be called a Christian, but You have chosen me. Lord, I ask that You forgive me of my sins. Lord, please help me to be more self disciplined. Lord, may all my works be a result of my calling. I don't want to be a busybody, Lord. I love You and I offer my life to You again today. Take it and make something beautiful of it. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
2 Chronicles 2:6 "But who is able to build a house for Him, for the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain Him? So who am I, that I should build a house for Him, except to burn incense before Him?
This is Solomon saying that he is going to build a house for the Lord to dwell in. But Solomon, in all his wisdom, realizes that no temple or house would be able to contain the Lord of all the Universe. Solomon knows that he isn't worthy for the things that God has called him to do. The only reason why Solomon feels like he should build a house for God is to burn incense before God. Literally, to burn incense it means to offer up in smoke. Solomon in 1 Kings 3:4 went to the pagan high places to offer his burnt offerings. But now, Solomon wants to worship His God alone. That is the only justification he has for why he should build the temple.
2 Thessalonians 3:7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,
Paul is writing to the Thessalonians, encouraging them to do the work that God has set for them. There are believers in Thessalonia who are looking like busybodies, but not really working for what they are reaping. To carry out what is commanded to you is all that is required. There is self discipline involved for this. It is the key to righteousness.
I have to carry out what God is calling me to do, instead of looking like I'm a busybody. Who am I that I should carry out the work of the Lord, but to worship Him? If the things that I do, do not bring honorable, righteous, loving sacrifice, then I shouldn't do it. Those sacrifices given begrudgingly are no good. They are gross to the Lord. I want to be a good dwelling place for Jesus. If there is any junk inside of me, I need to clean it out. Jesus, the King of Kings, dwells within me. I need to keep my heart clean. How do I keep a clean heart? I need to practice self discipline. Maybe I need to start a routine for exercise. Or I need to be disciplined in my snacking habits. I need to use self discipline more, so that I do not fall into temptation. I can do it. Jesus is in me and He is helping me through it.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your word. I thank You for Jesus. Jesus, I thank You for Your sacrifice. I thank You for dwelling within me. Lord, I am unworthy to be called a Christian, but You have chosen me. Lord, I ask that You forgive me of my sins. Lord, please help me to be more self disciplined. Lord, may all my works be a result of my calling. I don't want to be a busybody, Lord. I love You and I offer my life to You again today. Take it and make something beautiful of it. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Stand Firm in His Love
051808
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 13But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you[b] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings[c] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
Paul just finished talking to the Thessalonians about the Man of Lawlessness. It seems that there were people who were falsely saying that Paul and the other apostles were preaching the end times. However, Paul assures them that when the end times do come, it will be noticeable. They themselves will see the Man of Lawlessness so plainly. Paul ends his letter by encouraging them with his gratitude for them. Paul points out that God chose them to be His children. God called them to be set apart and to share in Jesus’ glory. He tells them to stand firm in their faith.
When I am attacked spiritually, it’s like my whole foundation of belief is shaken with one thought, “Am I good enough for God’s love?” This is a whisper of the enemy and I always indulge myself in hearing it. Once I’m convinced that I need to earn God’s love, then I continue to beat myself up inside. The TRUTH is that God loves me no matter what. He chose me! He called me. I must stand firm on that. Nothing I could ever do would make Him love me less. Today I am encouraged to remember that I am chosen by God to share in Jesus Christ’s glory. When the attacks come again, for the enemy is waiting for the opportune moment to strike, I must stand firm on the truth. God loves me.
Heavenly Father, I am so sorry for ever doubting Your love for me. I’m sorry that I constantly need affirmation. I pray that You forgive me for listening to the whispers of the enemy and for beating myself up. God, I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus, thank You for loving me. May I remember it all of my days. Lord, renew my mind, transform me! May I consider it all joy. You love me and everything else is second. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 13But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you[b] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings[c] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
Paul just finished talking to the Thessalonians about the Man of Lawlessness. It seems that there were people who were falsely saying that Paul and the other apostles were preaching the end times. However, Paul assures them that when the end times do come, it will be noticeable. They themselves will see the Man of Lawlessness so plainly. Paul ends his letter by encouraging them with his gratitude for them. Paul points out that God chose them to be His children. God called them to be set apart and to share in Jesus’ glory. He tells them to stand firm in their faith.
When I am attacked spiritually, it’s like my whole foundation of belief is shaken with one thought, “Am I good enough for God’s love?” This is a whisper of the enemy and I always indulge myself in hearing it. Once I’m convinced that I need to earn God’s love, then I continue to beat myself up inside. The TRUTH is that God loves me no matter what. He chose me! He called me. I must stand firm on that. Nothing I could ever do would make Him love me less. Today I am encouraged to remember that I am chosen by God to share in Jesus Christ’s glory. When the attacks come again, for the enemy is waiting for the opportune moment to strike, I must stand firm on the truth. God loves me.
Heavenly Father, I am so sorry for ever doubting Your love for me. I’m sorry that I constantly need affirmation. I pray that You forgive me for listening to the whispers of the enemy and for beating myself up. God, I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus, thank You for loving me. May I remember it all of my days. Lord, renew my mind, transform me! May I consider it all joy. You love me and everything else is second. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
What I Really Need
Psalm 30: 2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
David wrote this Psalm as a dedication of the temple. Here it says that David called for help. Instead of it saying that God helped David, it says that He healed David. There are times when we ask God for one thing, and He gives us instead what we really need.
I think that I have been calling for help when I really need healing. I am sick. Not just physically, like my coughing and sneezing, but I’m sick in my head. I’m not right upstairs. It’s a scary thing to admit. I have been crying out to God to save me from the adversary, but the truth is the adversary is myself. I’m the cause of all my grief. Today, I will not shy away from the truth. The truth is I need more of God and less of myself.
Heavenly Father, You know what needs to be done to help me, Lord. Please forgive me of my sins. Please allow me to feel Your grace and love. Jesus, may Your presence be strong in my heart. Heal me, O Lord. I am so sick. I don’t want to be sick anymore. Please cast out all darkness in my heart and mind. I love You, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
David wrote this Psalm as a dedication of the temple. Here it says that David called for help. Instead of it saying that God helped David, it says that He healed David. There are times when we ask God for one thing, and He gives us instead what we really need.
I think that I have been calling for help when I really need healing. I am sick. Not just physically, like my coughing and sneezing, but I’m sick in my head. I’m not right upstairs. It’s a scary thing to admit. I have been crying out to God to save me from the adversary, but the truth is the adversary is myself. I’m the cause of all my grief. Today, I will not shy away from the truth. The truth is I need more of God and less of myself.
Heavenly Father, You know what needs to be done to help me, Lord. Please forgive me of my sins. Please allow me to feel Your grace and love. Jesus, may Your presence be strong in my heart. Heal me, O Lord. I am so sick. I don’t want to be sick anymore. Please cast out all darkness in my heart and mind. I love You, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Fulfilling God's Will
050908
Matthew 26: 52"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"
Jesus knew that this was God’s will. He knew that He had to go through all this to fulfill the Scriptures. One of Jesus’ companions drew a sword to attack the men apprehending Jesus. Jesus makes it clear to all that He is able to stop what is going on, but He won’t because He knows that it is God’s will for it to happen.
There are times in my life where I feel like I can change situations through prayer. No doubt, prayer is powerful, but Jesus doesn’t use prayer to avoid God’s will. If Jesus didn’t suffer and die for all of our sins, then we would not be redeemed. I sometimes pray for more money, a better car, an easier life, but truly, I am so selfish and Jesus wouldn’t pray for those things. My prayer today is that I would ask that God’s will be done and that His best for the world would happen. Asking to change the situation never solves the real problem. Asking to change our hearts to trust in God during these situations will liberate us from sin.
Heavenly Father, I feel like I’ve drifted a bit from You. Draw me close to You. Lord, may Your will be done. Father, I know You have the best in mind for Your children. Please forgive me for trying to defend myself from all the growth opportunities that You place in my path. Jesus, thank You for redeeming me. Thank You for fulfilling the scriptures. I love You, Lord. Keep me close to Your heart today. Keep me from sin. I pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Matthew 26: 52"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"
Jesus knew that this was God’s will. He knew that He had to go through all this to fulfill the Scriptures. One of Jesus’ companions drew a sword to attack the men apprehending Jesus. Jesus makes it clear to all that He is able to stop what is going on, but He won’t because He knows that it is God’s will for it to happen.
There are times in my life where I feel like I can change situations through prayer. No doubt, prayer is powerful, but Jesus doesn’t use prayer to avoid God’s will. If Jesus didn’t suffer and die for all of our sins, then we would not be redeemed. I sometimes pray for more money, a better car, an easier life, but truly, I am so selfish and Jesus wouldn’t pray for those things. My prayer today is that I would ask that God’s will be done and that His best for the world would happen. Asking to change the situation never solves the real problem. Asking to change our hearts to trust in God during these situations will liberate us from sin.
Heavenly Father, I feel like I’ve drifted a bit from You. Draw me close to You. Lord, may Your will be done. Father, I know You have the best in mind for Your children. Please forgive me for trying to defend myself from all the growth opportunities that You place in my path. Jesus, thank You for redeeming me. Thank You for fulfilling the scriptures. I love You, Lord. Keep me close to Your heart today. Keep me from sin. I pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Match up my words and actions
050608
Matthew 23:2-4
2"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
Jesus tells His disciples and the crowds to obey those who are in authority over them. But even though He tells them to submit to their authority, He advises them not to do what those people do because their words and actions do not match up. I think in leadership, there is always that fine line between delegating and dictating.
While I was learning how to drive, my mom used to tell me to do as she says, not do as she does. I see that often in political campaigns, the things that the politicians say are in complete opposition to what they actually do. Being a leader in ministry, I am not exempt from this common mistake. This passage scares me. I do not want to be someone who’s words and actions do not match up. Jesus was a perfect example of how He lived out God’s word and He spoke God’s word. In fact, He is God’s Word. How do I reach this goal? How do I keep from crossing over the line of delegating into dictating? Moreover, this passage truly makes it plain to me that I can respect and submit to my leaders, but not have to be like them, because really, no one is perfect, and everyone can improve. Today, may I align my words with God’s Word and my actions with God’s actions. Also, may I consistently check the work load that I am delegating so that it is not something that I wouldn’t do myself.
Heavenly Father, please help me to apply this to my life. I thank You, Lord, for showing me Your way of living. Please forgive me for my sins. Lord, I know that I need to work on submission. Please give me a joyful spirit and fill me with Your strength. I love You, Father. Thank You for making me feel like a Princess. I thank You for my husband. I pray that You guide Him in every aspect of His thought and actions. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Matthew 23:2-4
2"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
Jesus tells His disciples and the crowds to obey those who are in authority over them. But even though He tells them to submit to their authority, He advises them not to do what those people do because their words and actions do not match up. I think in leadership, there is always that fine line between delegating and dictating.
While I was learning how to drive, my mom used to tell me to do as she says, not do as she does. I see that often in political campaigns, the things that the politicians say are in complete opposition to what they actually do. Being a leader in ministry, I am not exempt from this common mistake. This passage scares me. I do not want to be someone who’s words and actions do not match up. Jesus was a perfect example of how He lived out God’s word and He spoke God’s word. In fact, He is God’s Word. How do I reach this goal? How do I keep from crossing over the line of delegating into dictating? Moreover, this passage truly makes it plain to me that I can respect and submit to my leaders, but not have to be like them, because really, no one is perfect, and everyone can improve. Today, may I align my words with God’s Word and my actions with God’s actions. Also, may I consistently check the work load that I am delegating so that it is not something that I wouldn’t do myself.
Heavenly Father, please help me to apply this to my life. I thank You, Lord, for showing me Your way of living. Please forgive me for my sins. Lord, I know that I need to work on submission. Please give me a joyful spirit and fill me with Your strength. I love You, Father. Thank You for making me feel like a Princess. I thank You for my husband. I pray that You guide Him in every aspect of His thought and actions. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Monday, May 5, 2008
My heart's desire
050508
Psalm 20:4May He grant you your heart's desire
And fulfill all your counsel!
Matthew 22:46 No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.
In Psalm 20, David has written a prayer for victory over enemies. Who is David praying for? Is he praying for his men, going out to battle with him? I imagine that David is praying for his warriors and encouraging them through prayer that God willing, they will be able to return to their home and their military plans will be successful. This tells me that God desires to give us our heart's desires. Our heart's desires are not to be confused with our flesh's desires. I have so many questions regarding God's word, but Jesus is the fulfillment of God's word which puts to rest any questions. Since the time Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, the teachers of the law were hounding Him with questions. Often, these are ridiculous hypothetical questions, but Jesus takes the time to answer them. Jesus has already brought the answer, but am I still going to keep questioning Him about it?
I sense that my heart's desires are not something I should be ashamed of. I should be embracing them and trusting in the Lord to fulfill them. I know that my flesh has desires as well, and those, I am not to confuse with my heart's desires. The desires of my flesh will only lead to death. I think that God wants my heart's desires and plans to be fulfilled, but if I am mixing my heart's desires with the desires of my flesh, then God will not allow them to pass. He loves me far too much. I think I ask God too many questions. Jesus has already silenced all questions. What more do I need to understand? God wants me to return to my child like faith. If I wrap my head around too much unnecessary knowledge, I just may miss the desires of my heart. God needs my heart to be engaged. He doesn't like a robot who just obeys out of duty. He wants me to be passionate. Where did I let that fire go? I need the Lord to light the flame in my heart.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for encouraging me to pursue the desires of my heart. I thank You that there is a difference between the heart and the flesh. I choose Your heart, Lord. I choose to follow Your desires with passion! Lord, ignite my fire! I praise You, Jesus, for being the answer to all questions. I concede to Your authority. I want to stop prodding for answers that don't concern me. I love You, Lord. Thank You for everything. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Psalm 20:4May He grant you your heart's desire
And fulfill all your counsel!
Matthew 22:46 No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.
In Psalm 20, David has written a prayer for victory over enemies. Who is David praying for? Is he praying for his men, going out to battle with him? I imagine that David is praying for his warriors and encouraging them through prayer that God willing, they will be able to return to their home and their military plans will be successful. This tells me that God desires to give us our heart's desires. Our heart's desires are not to be confused with our flesh's desires. I have so many questions regarding God's word, but Jesus is the fulfillment of God's word which puts to rest any questions. Since the time Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, the teachers of the law were hounding Him with questions. Often, these are ridiculous hypothetical questions, but Jesus takes the time to answer them. Jesus has already brought the answer, but am I still going to keep questioning Him about it?
I sense that my heart's desires are not something I should be ashamed of. I should be embracing them and trusting in the Lord to fulfill them. I know that my flesh has desires as well, and those, I am not to confuse with my heart's desires. The desires of my flesh will only lead to death. I think that God wants my heart's desires and plans to be fulfilled, but if I am mixing my heart's desires with the desires of my flesh, then God will not allow them to pass. He loves me far too much. I think I ask God too many questions. Jesus has already silenced all questions. What more do I need to understand? God wants me to return to my child like faith. If I wrap my head around too much unnecessary knowledge, I just may miss the desires of my heart. God needs my heart to be engaged. He doesn't like a robot who just obeys out of duty. He wants me to be passionate. Where did I let that fire go? I need the Lord to light the flame in my heart.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for encouraging me to pursue the desires of my heart. I thank You that there is a difference between the heart and the flesh. I choose Your heart, Lord. I choose to follow Your desires with passion! Lord, ignite my fire! I praise You, Jesus, for being the answer to all questions. I concede to Your authority. I want to stop prodding for answers that don't concern me. I love You, Lord. Thank You for everything. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
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