Life Journal, May 20, 2009
Today's readings: 1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalms 97; Romans 1

Answered Prayer

Scripture

One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

Romans 1.10-12

Observation

Paul prayed for the opportunity to come and see the Roman people.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

We learn about Paul's prayer being answered in Acts 28.16. Paul arrives in Rome--as a prisoner . . .after being arrested, slapped in the face, shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake. Not exactly the type of answer to prayer I would be looking for.

God answered Paul's prayer--but not by just letting him go to Rome. There was a series of events--seemingly negative--that got him there. But, I don't hear Paul complaining about them.

Paul's journey to Rome reminds me that God answers prayer--just not always the way I would like for Him to. Sometimes it is not an easy journey to the answer. But Paul never gives up--he never gives in--he stays in the moment--always looking for a way to serve God and bring Him glory and honor.

Even when the journey gets difficult, I need to keep my focus on God and trust that He is answering my prayers--whether it looks like it or not--or whether it feels like it at the time. I need to be alert and aware in the moment--taking life as it comes, making the most of today for the Kingdom, trusting that God is at work in me and through me--answering my prayers.

Prayer

God, this is a really hard lesson. I like the easy road . . . the easy answer to prayers. Forgive me for my lack of patience, my lack of faith and trust. Forgive me for wanting a quick fix. Give me wisdom for each day and help me to focus on the day at hand--looking for all the opportunities You give me to serve You, worship You, thank You, love You, and walk with You. Thank You for never giving up on me--even when I give up on myself. Thank You for loving me . . . always.

Life Journal, May 12, 2009
Today's readings: 2 Samuel 21-23; 1 Thessalonians 1

Protection

Scripture

Once again the Philistines were at war with Israel. And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted. Ishbi-benob was a descendant of the giants; his bronze spearhead weighed more than seven pounds, and he was armed with a new sword. He had cornered David and was about to kill him. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David's rescue and killed the Philistine. Then David's men declared, "You are not going out to battle with us again! Why risk snuffing out the light of Israel?"

2 Samuel 21.15-17

Observation

David had men who cared for his welfare and had his back.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Reading these Scriptures today made me appreciate all the more those who "have my back" and walk with me in the journey God has me on--my Leadership Team. Sometimes we take the people God gives us, to walk and work with us and what they do for us, for granted. And sometimes we push back--wanting to prove that we are strong and can do it ourselves--when we don't have to . . . and shouldn't.

I am blessed to have this group to walk into battle with. They are willing to step in and fight for me when I can't (and shouldn't) do it by myself. They set a guard around me, protecting me and encouraging me.

I don't have 30 warriors--but I do have four who are faithful to do battle on my behalf and make the journey with me.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for reminding me that I am not alone in the battle. That You are with me and You have sent others to travel with me and fight with me . . . and for me. May I never take them for granted. Bless them Lord in a special way. Protect them. Strengthen them. Heal them. Give them wisdom. Give them vision for Your church. Renew them and refresh them. When they are weary or weak or tired of the battle, may they lean into Your strength, Your power, Your might for the journey. Lord, thank You for Jim, Rex, Cindy and Ron. May they experience Your love for them in a special way today. Thank You for my friends and co-workers in Christ.

Life Journal, May 8, 2009
Today's readings: 2 Samuel 15, 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25

The Joy of Confession

Scripture

Oh, what joy for those

whose disobedience is forgiven,

whose sin is put out of sight!

Yes, what joy for those

whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,

whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

When I refused to confess my sin,

my body wasted away,

and I groaned all day long.

Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.

My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you

and stopped trying to hide my guilt.

I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord."

And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone!

Psalm 32.1-5

Observation

There is freedom and healing when we confess our sins.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

So true--when I carry my sin around with me, I get weighted down--it's difficult to function. It seems to grow. And it's so easy to get rid of--all I have to do is confess it to God! And He is faithful to forgive. [If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1.8-9]

Sometimes I am so slow to confess my sin--do I think by not confessing it God won't see it? Do I think I don't need to confess it? What we forget is that confession is for us--it opens our eyes, it humbles us, it frees us from the hold of sin in our lives.

Today, I will examine my life and ask God to show me any unconfessed sin in it. Then I will spend time with Him, confessing and then praising Him for His faithfulness in forgiving me through Jesus.

Prayer

Father God, I confess that I don't always confess my sins as I should. Forgive me. Today, Lord God, shine Your light on all darkness in my life. Help me to recognize the sin that separates us, that holds me back from me being the person you want me to be. Thank You for sending Jesus to pay for my sins--without His sacrifice I could not come before You. Thank You for forgiving my sins and removing those burdens from me. Thank You for Your discipline--even when I fight against it--You love me too much to allow me to remain as I am. It is in the name of my Savior I pray this . . .

Life Journal, May 1, 2009
Today's readings: 1 Chronicles 14, 15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

Asking God

Scripture

So David asked God, "Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?"

The Lord replied, "Yes, go ahead. I will hand them over to you."

1 Chronicles 14.10

And once again David asked God what to do. "Do not attack them straight on," God replied. "Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army." So David did what God commanded, . . .

1 Chronicles 14.14-16

"Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it properly."

1 Chronicles 15.13

Observation

David asked God for guidance and God gave him clear instructions.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

How often to I ask God for direction and actually hear Him? When I read these verses I found myself jealous that God spoke so clearly to David--why doesn't He speak to me that way?

Maybe I don't ask and really expect to hear from God. . .Maybe I ask God and then move on too quickly or I am too busy to hear or I just want Him to bless my plans, rather than hear from Him and do what He wants.

David expected to hear from God and didn't do anything until he did. In 1 Chronicles 15, he realizes when he didn't bother asking God and there was a consequence because of it [1 Chonricles 13.9-10].

So, how will I be different today? Stopping and asking and waiting and listening and expecting to hear from God. God is willing--but I must be a willing vessel.

Prayer

Lord, I am sorry that I get ahead of You, that I don't ask You--or when I do, I move ahead so quickly that I don't wait for Your answer. Forgive me. Speak to me, just as You did David. You are the same God, there is none like You. You came to be in relationship with me. You want to be in relationship with me. You want to guide me and lead me--give me wisdom so I can be used by You. Thank You for being so patient with me. Thank You for loving me so much.