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obedience

What’s On the Other Side of Obedience?

Posted on February 16, 2018

Have you ever wondered what’s on the other side of obedience? What would happen if we all obeyed God like we say we want to? What would our life look like? What would the world look like?

Seeing the results of our obedience starts with us being obedient to God and His commands. How can we do this? How can we be more obedient to God? First, we must love Him. John 14:15 says, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” Do you love God? If your answer is yes, then I urge you to examine how obedient you are to His commandments. This is a tough area for me personally because I’m not always obedient to what God says to do. That’s why I’m so thankful for His grace and mercy. I’m thankful that He never gives up on me. I’m grateful that I get more than one chance to be obedient. He shows His love to me by giving me life every single day. All I have to do to show my love to God is to be obedient to Him.

As Christians, we should always look to Christ as an example of how we should obey. In Philippians Paul encourages us to have the attitude of Christ.  Philippians 2:6-8 says, “Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born a human being. When he appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

In order to be obedient, we have to become more like Christ. We have to humble ourselves like Jesus did. Jesus gave up His divinity in order to save us. He gave up all of His privileges to be obedient to God. He didn’t think more highly of Himself than he could have. He wasn’t selfish. He was loving and compassionate. He worked with one purpose in mind, to obey His Father. In order to be obedient to God, we have to do exactly as Christ did. We have to lay down our own fleshly and selfish desires and put on the characteristics of Christ.  We have to know our purpose and pursue it. God isn’t asking us to make the ultimate sacrifice like Jesus did, He’s just asking us to put Him first and obey Him.

Once we obey God, what’s on the other side of obedience? 2 Chronicles 27:6 says, “King Jotham became powerful because he was careful to live in obedience to the LORD his God.” God gives us power when we are careful to live in obedience to Him. Ezekiel 20:13 says, “But the people of Israel rebelled against me, and they refused to obey my decrees there in the wilderness. They wouldn’t obey my regulations even though obedience would have given them life…” There is life on the other side of obedience. In this context, life means restoration, protection, and prosperity. Job 36:11 says, “If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant.” On the other side of obedience is your blessing. On the other side of obedience is pleasantness. All of your years will be pleasant, not just some.

Let’s look back at Jesus. What was on the other side of His obedience?  Philippians 2:9-11says, ” Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus was elevated and given honor. Once we are obedient to God, he will elevate and honor us when the time is right. Let’s not forget the best thing on the other side of obedience, eternal life. 1 Corinthians 9:25 says, “ All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.” We do this for an eternal prize. We obey for eternal life. We obey so that we can live forever in Heaven with our Father, God. On the other side of obeying God is restoration, protection, prosperity, blessing, pleasant years, power, honor, elevation, and most important eternal life in heaven. We get to live forever when we obey God.

Obeying God shouldn’t be about obtaining blessings and favor, although those are great things. We should obey God because He is good and what He has for us is always better than the alternative. God has done so much for us and all He asks in return is that we love Him and obey His commandments. Granted, that isn’t always easy. But why isn’t it easy when we see all that we get from obedience, not only in this life but also in the hereafter? Disobedience not only delays our destiny but the destiny of those people who need our  God-given gifts. We are needed in the earth. We all have a purpose from God and are needed to accomplish His will. If we don’t obey God, what’s on the other side of disobedience?

Judges 2:10-13 says, “After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They aroused the Lord’s anger because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.” Disobedience arouses God’s anger. Disobedience is a sin. Sin always separates us from God. Sin caused Adam and Eve to run away from God. Sin caused the people of Israel to run to other gods. Sin disrupts our relationship with God. When we aren’t in right relationship with God, we are outside of His protection. Our prayers don’t reach Him as well as they used to. On the other side of disobedience is God’s anger and separation from Him. So, what’s keeping us from fully obeying God? 

What has kept me from fully obeying God is following my own selfish desires. I wanted to do what I wanted to do. Which really means that I didn’t trust God enough to keep me. I didn’t trust that God would do what He promised. What’s keeping you from fully obeying God? Do you trust Him? Do you love Him? Is there another reason? This is the perfect time to go to God and ask Him to reveal to you what’s really keeping you from obeying Him. Once you get the answer, ask Him how to turn from that. He loves all of us so much that He will reveal Himself strong in your weak area. We don’t have to do it alone. God has given us His strength to accomplish those things we can’t do on our own. That thing you’ve been praying for is on the other side of your obedience. God’s promises are on the other side of your obedience. All you have to do is love Him and obey.

Our Father,

You are awesome! We see what you have done for all those who are obedient to You. Thank you for showing us love, kindness, and mercy throughout our disobedience. We love You, God, show us how to obey you completely. Reveal what is hindering us from fully submitting to You. We desire eternal life with You. Help us to put You first and love You more. Help us to put on the attitude of Christ. Be strong where we are weak Lord. We desire to be in right relationship with You God. 

In Jesus’ name,

Amen. 

1 Samuel 15:22  (NLT)

But Samuel replied,

“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
    your burnt offerings and sacrifices
    or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
    and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

You Lack No Good Thing

Posted on January 18, 2022

The truth is we all believe we lack something. There are promises that we have yet to receive. We desire things that we do not have in our lives. Our hopes, dreams, and expectations have yet to come to reality. So how do we cope with a God who says we lack no good thing in Him, yet there are areas where we feel a lack?

Marriage

As I went to God in prayer with this question, I was advised to write down everything I lacked. The first was a husband/family. And this is something that I desire and something that I have not. Looking back over all of the people I have dated or were in a relationship with, only one person came close to what I would consider husband material. And even that relationship was a little off. So this begs the question, am I lacking a husband? Or is there just a space reserved in my life that God has yet to fill? Do I lack a relationship, or do I need to be more patient?

Lack of Money

Could we all use a bit more money? As Americans, we live in a capitalistic society that screams at us to earn more so we can buy more. Social media shows us the best and the latest. It’s easy to feel we lack by comparison. Money can solve a slew of problems. Yet, how do we cope with no money? God promised that we are the lender and not the borrower, but it feels like we’re always borrowing. I looked at how much I earned and how much I spent. Am I truly being a good steward over what God gave me? The honest answer is no. I can do much better with my finances. Though all of my bills are paid, my savings and retirement accounts can be more prominent. If I want to be the lender, I must save and steward.

Perception 

Is there something underneath the thing I perceive I lack? Because I don’t have a husband, do I think I am not worthy? Since I need more money, do I feel like I can’t receive more? How do I perceive myself in my God? Is He who He says He is? I will take Him at His word. God blesses us at our level of obedience. Do I have a lack, or is it a space where God can come in and be my strength and inspiration? I don’t want to fill my time and space with things, not from God. Perhaps the lack I perceive isn’t a lack but an area in which I need to lean more on God. Maybe my perception is wrong. Instead of focusing on the unfulfilled desire, let’s focus on the One who can provide those desires.

Rejoice

So, I believe there is always an opportunity to rejoice. Amid a perceived lack, where can I find joy? I find joy knowing that God does hear and answer my prayers. I rejoice because He has blessed me so richly. God will give the desires of my heart when I delight in Him. I take account of what I have and give thanks. It’s easy to focus on what we don’t have. Let’s start to focus on what we do have. Once we focus on our blessings, we see that we lack no good thing.

Pray, Listen, and Obey

Pray, Listen, and Obey

Posted on June 23, 2020

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There is so much going on in the world right now. This is the time, more than ever, to pray, listen, and obey. We must pray and ask God the right questions. After we pray, it’s time to listen to the instructions God gives. After we have heard from the Lord about the matters concerning us, it’s time to obey. God is intentional and will give specific instructions for us to follow. This is a time to be strategic and follow the Lord wherever He leads us. Let’s pray, listen, and obey.

Pray


Prayer is an essential part of our relationship with God. Prayer is simply talking to God. It’s how we communicate with God. Prayer can be done in private or in public. Prayers can be said silently or aloud. They can be said with your eyes open or closed, kneeling, standing, or walking. There is no way that is better than another. The most important thing is making sure our hearts are in the right position.

Prayer is a way to get peace, it’s a way to stop worrying. The effectual and fervent prayers of the righteous accomplish much (James 5:16). 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to pray without ceasing. Praying persistently and at all times helps us discern God’s will and defeat whatever the enemy is throwing at us. This is the will of the Lord concerning us. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Listen


God is speaking all the time. If only we would take the time to listen to Him. How can we hear from God? Through His word. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). When we take the time to study and learn His Word, the Holy Spirit will bring it to our memories at the most opportune time. (John 14:26)

I have never heard the audible voice of God. However, I hear and see things all the time that remind me of His Word. As I sit and meditate on a scripture, He reveals things to me in a new way. The most important part of listening to God is taking the time to do so. We must be intentional and disciplined about spending time with Him and His word. Once we begin to listen we will know his voice. (John 10:3-5; 27) Once we can discern His voice and hear the instructions He gives, it’s time to obey.

Obey


Obedience is always one of those things that are easy to say but hard to do. The blessings of the Lord make us rich and add no sorrow. (Proverb 10:22) We obtain His blessings by obeying His commands. So, why is it so hard to obey? The story of Saul’s disobedience may help explain this.

In 1 Samuel 15, God tasked Saul with defeating and completely destroying the Amalekites. Saul gathered his army and destroyed the Amalekites except for their king. Saul and his army also kept everything else that appealed to them. He was cheerful and rejoiced that he carried out the Lord’s command. However, Samuel reminded Saul that the command was to destroy the Amalekites. But Saul insisted that he obeyed in his way. By saving the king and the other things the army desired, Saul argued that they could now give great offerings to God.

Samuel replied, “ What is more pleasing to the Lord; your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice. Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)

Although Saul obeyed some of God’s commands, he didn’t fully obey. Isn’t that where a lot of us find ourselves in our journey with God? We obey in a manner that is comfortable for us. What this reveals is that we are rebellious and stubborn. How can God fully trust us to carry out His will, if we don’t fully obey? What blessings and opportunities are we missing out on because we don’t fully obey the voice of the Lord due to our discomfort and rebellion?

Pray. Listen. Obey.


This is a time when we need the guidance of God more than ever. The way of the world is no longer working and it’s time for us Christians to step up and provide the leadership that the world so desperately needs. We have to pray, listen, and obey so that we can move when and where God tells us to. It’s no longer optional. We must choose one side. Let’s stand on the side of the Lord and start with earnest prayer, attentive listening, and obeying His commands. This is how we bring about change and make a better place for future generations.

Thanks for joining me on my journey through singleness,

Kim

Recommended Resources

www.singleinchrist.org/prayer

dating slump

Dating Slump

Posted on January 18, 2020

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Lately, I’ve been in a dating slump. I’m tired of the dating process.  Each step takes so much energy and time. It’s an exhausting thing. Let’s break it down.

The Meet-Cute

You know that first time you meet someone whether online or in public? In movies, it’s called a ” meet-cute.” It’s a scene where two people may eventually form a future romantic couple meets for the first time. Usually under humorous or ” cute ” circumstances. That hasn’t necessarily been my experience in real life but let’s roll with it. You meet a guy and you two hit it off. Laughter, flirtatious conversation, and the exchange of telephone numbers commence. Y’all are really feeling each other. You depart and then is the next stage. There’s no real energy exerted during the meet-cute because it’s natural and easy. You’re usually enjoying the moment. Plus, you don’t know this man. There’s no real reason to be stressed.

Getting to Know You

After the meet-cute is the getting to know you stage. At this point is where the dating fatigue usually sets in for me. Here come the same old questions that you always hear. When’s your birthday? What’s your favorite color? etc… Tired of the same old questions I found a list of interesting questions online to shake things up a bit. However, my attempt failed. I found that a lot of men were resistant. I even explained to one man why I ask the questions. Only to get the response “Oh.”

Sir, that’s it? Nothing else? No interesting questions in response? Oh ok, onto the next. Which is why I’m in this dating slump. I’m tired of it. I know I have to power through this, but I don’t even have the energy for that. I desire marriage but this dating thing is for the birds. I’m quickly approaching apathy.

Apathy

I’ m not excited to date at all anymore. The fun has been sucked out by all of the lackluster conversations I’ve had lately. Now, I know I’ m partly to blame. In the beginning, dating was actually fun. I had a good time and enjoyed being out meeting new people. Somewhere along the line, it became a chore. It became a routine song and dance and I fell into the lull of monotony. As my interest waned so did the energy and quality of men I met. It’s a vicious cycle.

People have suggested that when I meet “the one” it will be different, that the dating slump will be over. Maybe I’ll have the same attitude and he’ll be turned off. Or, maybe he’ll see through the apathy and push to be with me. I have no idea. What  I do know is that every time I feel this apathy and frustration with anything in my life, it means that I have been relying on my own strength. In this journey, I started thinking I could do it on my own. Obviously I cannot. My own way has led to exhaustion and frustration. I need to rely on God.

Time with God

This slump extends to more than one area of my life. I feel exhausted, lost, and unenthused. Therefore, I need to spend more time with Him. I literally cannot do this on my own. His wisdom and spirit must guide my every decision; especially who I want to date. I want to date and eventually be married so I have to rely on God to show me who to date.  Fun fact, a long time ago I asked God to hold my heart in His hands and only give it to the man who asked Him for it. Since then, I have snatched my heart back so many times and given it to whoever I deemed worthy. Only consulting God on a few occasions.

It’s finally time to leave my heart in His hands. It’s finally time to leave my entire life in His hands. I’m going to pray and praise my way out of this slump. On the dating front, I’m going to take things a little slowly. I’ll take my time and seek God for real. Honestly, what’s the rush? I’ve already waited this long, might as well keep going and see what’s on the other side of my prayerful obedience.

The Journey

I’m not sure of the specifics, but I know I’ll be married to a wonderful man one day. I’ll tell him about my journey and we’ll laugh together. Then we’ll thank God for bringing us together. It’s all working for my good. Every straight-faced LOL and all of the repetitive questions will help me to get to my destination in God. Through Him, I can renew my mindset and perspective on dating. I’m coming out of this dating slump! I’m coming out of this life slump! I know that God will be with me every step of the way.

Thanks for joining me on a journey through singleness.

-Kim

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Pray and Wait

Posted on July 27, 2019

As Christian singles, especially single Christian women, we are advised to pray and wait. For every conceivable request, the answer is, and I think will probably always be, pray and wait. God will give you the desires of your heart girl, just pray and wait. He’s going to do it. Don’t give up, keep on praying and waiting. So, what happens when that advice isn’t working?

Advice for Christian Singles

I have even given that advice before. Just hold on to the promise. Don’t lose faith. It will be worth the wait. Keep praying. What no one discusses is the fact that the pray and wait mentality can lead to passivity. It can lead to a bunch of nothing. It can lead to frustrated men and women who are sick and tired of waiting and praying.

I do not believe the intention behind the advice to wait and pray is for the person to just sit back and expect God to do all the work. Nonetheless, it has that effect. People place all the responsibility on God and none on themselves. They get mad at God for not moving on their behalf and jump ahead of Him or abandon His promises altogether.

Talking About Me

Let me be clear when I say people I’m talking about me. I’m people. I thought that praying and waiting literally meant just that. I would pray about a thing, then wait for God to do something. So, I waited and waited. Nothing happened. I prayed again, thinking my prayer wasn’t good enough. Then nothing happened. This process was so frustrating. I decided my faith wasn’t strong enough. 

I prayed again, this time in faith.  Quoting scriptures, and writing declarations, I was so sure God would deliver this time. I was confident. But, nothing happened. Life went on as normal. The problem was that while I was praying and waiting, I wasn’t doing anything. All I did was serve in my church and community.   

Serving

Don’t get me wrong, you’re supposed to get involved in your local church and serve others while you wait. But isn’t that what I should be doing anyway? Regardless of if I’m waiting on God or not, shouldn’t I still be serving Him and His people? 

So, what now? I believe the “pray and wait” advice creates a mentality that the person praying and waiting only has to do these 2 things and whatever they want God will deliver. It makes God into this magical genie that gives you exactly what.

Prayer With Works Is Alive

I’m not discounting prayer or waiting. I believe that God will do what He said He will do. I also believe that I have to do my part. Prayer with works is alive. It’s time to stop placing all of the responsibility, and consequently the blame, on God. He gave us wisdom. He gave us discernment. Why aren’t we using it?  

Waiting is not just about serving. It’s also about expecting the Lord to move.  Waiting is about putting yourself in the position so that when God does move, you’ll be prepared to act. The question is, while you’re waiting in expectation, have you placed yourself in the position for your strength to be renewed? Are you ready to mount up like eagles? Are you ready to run and not get weary? Run and not faint? 

Just Do It

None of those things are passive. These things require movement on your part. Your job in the wait is to know that God will move on your behalf once you move, once you make your faith alive. He will renew your strength as you expect Him to do what He said. Don’t take this as an opportunity to do nothing. God will guide you.  Continue to trust Him.

I’m not against prayer or waiting. In fact, I believe that prayer is one of the most important things we can do. Prayer must spur us into action though. It’s in prayer that God gives us the action plan. It’s in prayer that He shows us what we can do. It’s up to us to actually do it. So, create a plan around that idea God gave you. 

Let’s pray and then act. You want to get married, date. You want to own a business, incorporate with the state. You want another job, start applying. Continue to pray and then be led by the Holy Spirit to move. Allow God to guide your decisions through prayer. His promises are still yes and amen! 

Thanks for following me on my single journey!

-Kim

Recommended Resources

https://www.gotquestions.org/wait-on-the-Lord.html

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Choosing Happiness

Posted on May 12, 2018

I believe there is always a choice. We can choose life and blessings or death and curses. We can choose to see the good in a situation or choose to concentrate on the negative. It all depends on your perspective. From now on, I’m choosing happiness.

I recently was blessed with the opportunity to care for some lovely children. What I learned from the experience is that I’m grateful for the way my life is right now. Although I’m not married and have no children, I’m choosing to be happy with my life. I choose to see the benefits of being single.

I don’t have to consider someone else’s schedule when I plan mine. I get to spend my money on things that I want to spend my money on. I only have to consult God. I don’t have to depend on or rely on anyone else but God, and that’s actually very freeing.

I sometimes get so caught up in preparing for and anticipating the next stage, that I forget to enjoy the now. I want to savor this stage of my life. I got a small glimpse into what my future may hold and I just thank God for this season. Yes, I still desire marriage and children, but I can definitely wait. I’m sure my next season will be wonderful. But this season is just as wonderful. Thank God I am fully realizing how truly blessed I am.

During this time, I get to spend as much time with God as I want. I only have to worry about myself. I can be as spontaneous as I desire. I don’t know how much longer my single season will last but I want to enjoy every minute of it. I want to make sure that when I look back at this time of my life, I can say that I have no regrets. I took risks, I did what God told me to do. I fulfilled my purpose.

Now is the best time to do it. I have the time to live fully for God. Not that married people can’t live fully for God, they just have added considerations single people don’t. I’m choosing to see how happy I can be right now. I don’t have to wait for contentment. I don’t have to wait for happiness. I can be whole, happy, and confident right now. A husband and kids aren’t the rewards. My reward is in Jesus. I choose to delight in Him. I choose life. I choose happiness.  I’m certainly not advocating singleness over marriage. I just want to encourage everyone to choose gratefulness right now.

Everyone wants to be happy. One way to obtain happiness is by being grateful for the things you have right now. Take stock of your life and find things that you have that you’ve prayed for. They don’t have to be so-called big things. I’m grateful for life, health, friends, and family.

I was once diagnosed with a condition called papilledema. It’s the swelling of the optic nerve and I was in danger of losing my sight. I remember how I prayed and prayed. Yet to this day I can see. I did have to undergo some medical procedures, but God saw me through. He’s allowed me to be able to see. I choose to celebrate Him and be happy for my sight. I’m grateful that God answers prayers.

There will be trouble. I’m not saying don’t recognize it or address it. I’m saying to choose life and blessings despite the troubles. Choose to see God through it all. Choose happiness. Choose joy. There will always be a choice. It’s not always easy to choose the brighter side. It may take a while to renew your mind. You will have to think differently than you have before. That’s fine. God is always there to help you.  He has the power to renew your way of thinking. Choose happiness. Choose life and blessings so that you can live.

Our Father,

Thank You, God, for everything You have given me. Help me to be grateful for my life as it is right now. Let me not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind in Jesus. Help me to put on the attitude of Christ and think on things that are praiseworthy and good. Help me, God, to shift my perspective and choose You. Help me to choose life and prosperity. Help me to live for You each day. Give me the strength to wait for what You have for me. Help me to put my hopes in You alone. God, You are my refuge. I delight in You. Thank You, God, for restoration and renewal. 

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Deuteronomy 30:15-16 (NLT)

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees, and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

 

Check out the latest podcast episode: Happy, Holy, and Single

 

Real Love

Posted on February 2, 2018

The following is a prayer I wrote to God when I needed to feel His love.

Our Father,

I’m so in love with You! You’re my entire world, my being. I owe my entire existence to You. God, my spirit cries out to You. I’m in desperate need of Your love. Your love covers all sins and infirmities. Your love cancels the debts I owe. Your love is the cure for all that ails me. Your Holy Spirit comforts and guides me into Your love and peace. Saturate me with Your love so that I may love others. As I sit at your feet and bask in Your abundant love, calm my fears. Reassure me of my purpose. Put in me the passion to pursue Your will. I love You, God. You are the restorer of my soul. You are my fortress, my Redeemer, the truest love of my life. Your love for me is overwhelming. Nothing can match the depths of Your love. Nothing, on earth or in heaven, in life or in death, can separate me from Your love. My heart is so full. I’m amazed that You would even allow me, a sinner, an emotionally charged, fleshly person to even worship You. You humble me, God.  Break me so that I will submit to Your will. I give You all of me. I know there’s something on the other side of my obedience. Loving You is the best decision I’ve ever made. Help me to do everything as unto the Lord. Your word is true and just. You freely give Your love to everyone. You loved me before I was even born. I’m not asking for You to love me, for You already do that. I’m simply asking to feel Your love and to be able to share it with others. I’m convinced that if people could just feel even a tiny piece of Your love, then they’ll come to You. Your love has granted me access to a peace I’ve never known. I am so content with where I am in my life right now. God, You have given me everything I need. Father, help me to love like You. I pray for a refreshing and renewal in my spirit. Provide a vision and enable Your people to carry it out. I know that You can bridge gaps, open minds, and turn hearts. God, You’ve called me to love and I pray that I am obedient. Restore my fervor for You Lord. I am living in the full authority and grace of God. Help me to listen to You and take the direction of the Holy Spirit. Your love covers and protects. Your love lasts forever. Your love is true and real. Thank You for loving me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wrong. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Falling Short

Posted on November 10, 2017

Lately, I’ve been feeling like all I want to do is please You, God, but I’m falling woefully short. I feel so inadequate. I know who You are and who I am in You, but for some reason, my head isn’t connecting to my heart.  Help me to receive it.  I want to soak in You so that I can pour You out to those who desperately seek You. Your presence is here. I invite You into my heart. I’m still available to use if You’re still willing to use me.

Open my heart. I need You. Help me to rest with You. Holy Spirit, help me to remember God’s grace and mercy are new each day. Though I fall, His grace bestows unmerited favor on me. When I turn to Him, He makes me right in His sight. He knows me, sees me, and cares about me. Help me to remember how far I’ve come.  It’s with His words I want to speak. I won’t be afraid to do what He’s called me to do. I won’t be ashamed. I won’t be distracted.

I am gifted and purposed. I will fulfill the purpose God has put on my life. I will remember His promises and stand in agreement with them. I will be patient and wait on the Lord. I will let the Lord complete His perfect work.  I cast down every vain imagination and every high thought that comes against the knowledge of God. I command my thoughts into the obedience of God. I have to be available and open to what God has for me. I will remember that I am worthy because God says that I am.

I must die to myself so that Christ can live in me. Holy Spirit, give me ears to hear what the Lord is saying. Forgive me, Father, for not always doing things Your way. Help me to honestly repent. Help me to let go of those things that are not from You. It is my sincere prayer that I am pleasing to You, Father. I cannot do this in my own strength. It’s only in Your strength that I am able to do anything. The accuser is conquered by the blood of the lamb,  the word of my testimony, and by me not loving my own life unto death.

Heavenly Father, 

I’m leaning on You to guide me through. I am grateful for Your provision, Father. I trust in You. I cannot afford to miss where You are leading me any longer. I need to move with You and the Holy Spirit. Please guide me to where You need me to be. Help me to combat feelings of inadequacy with the truth. I am worthy. I am in right standing with You because Jesus died for me and now sits at Your right-hand interceding on my behalf. Let Your will be done in my life Lord. 

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Romans 3:23-24 (NLT)

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

Rebellion

Posted on October 14, 2017

I rebel against God often. He tells me to do one thing and I do another. Even when I do something that He tells me to do, I mumble and complain because I don’t want to do it. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I know that only good things come from obeying Him. I know that He only wants what’s best for me. But sometimes my best and His best don’t line up.

I really want things to go the way I envision them in my head. So I try really hard to make it happen. The only thing is, it rarely turns out the way I envision it. Then I’m left mad and frustrated because I have put so much energy into making something work that was doomed from the start. So after all of that time and work, I have to crawl back to God asking for forgiveness and seeking His grace and mercy, just do it His way.

Why isn’t His way my first option? Why do I think I know better than God? It’s because I don’t trust Him enough to lead me. I doubt Him. I question Him. I have to be honest with myself. My life isn’t working out the way I planned because I didn’t involve Him in most of my major decisions. I make decisions based on my emotions instead of praying and relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Then I get frustrated all over again because I don’t want to do it. I don’t want to war in the spirit for my husband. I don’t want to pray without ceasing and read and study the bible. Why can’t I just be a regular person? Why do I have to do all of this?

I get mad and rebel because I just want what I want now and I don’t want to have to do anything to get it. I don’t want my blessings and promises to be connected to my obedience. I get mad because praying and studying show me who I really am and I don’t like it.  Yes, it shows me that I am God’s daughter and a co-heir with Jesus, but it also shows me that I am lazy and selfish. He shows me that I don’t love like I’m supposed to. He shows me that I have a lot of knowledge of Him, but I don’t apply His precepts and commandments very well. How can I really make a move from acting on impulse and desire to consulting God in everything? How do I move from mere head knowledge to actually living His word out daily?

I do it by surrounding myself with people that are already living for God and will encourage me to seek His ways. I have to ask God to help me do this. I cannot do this on my own, in my own strength. He reveals things to me when I ask Him and earnestly seek Him. I have to pray for wisdom and understanding.  This is a process. I have to learn how to renew my mind every day. I have to crucify my flesh daily. I have to remember that I’m not in this alone.

I have a wonderfully supportive group of family and friends that want to see me flourish in Jesus. I also have a wonderfully kind, patient, and tolerant Father in God that has provided enough grace and mercy to see me through. Although the process of changing into who God wants me to be can be painful and uncomfortable, I know it’s worth it.  I know that it will ultimately work out for my good. I know I can be a disobedient brat sometimes but I’m so grateful God still loves me and is willing to take me back in His arms. I’m so grateful that He hasn’t given up on me, even when I’ve given up on Him.

Thank You, God, for still hearing and answering my prayers. Thank You, God, for still covering and protecting me when I was in open rebellion against You. I don’t know why You still love me, but You do. Help me to be obedient to Your word and Your will Lord. Forgive me for defiantly disobeying You. Thank You for Your grace and mercy that is sufficient to see me through every trial and test. Thank You for still loving me in spite of me. Thank You, God, for touching my heart and giving me the desire to walk in the way You would have me to go. Help me to be holy as You are holy. Help me to just trust You, Lord. Help me to put You first in all things. You’ve been so good to me even when I didn’t deserve it. Help me to live my life for You, in Your power and strength.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Romans 7:15-20 (ESV)

15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.