Matthew 16:24-26(AMP)
24 Then
Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let
him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his
own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also].
25 For
whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security
here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his
comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting].
Sometimes I get so tired of my own self because I feel as if I am just conforming to the world....my world....around me. I know that there are times when I need to deny myself....lose sight of....my own interests and only be concerned about what the Lord wants from me. So why don't I do that? Because it's hard....hard to conform completely to the will of the Lord. Satan fills you with thoughts and feelings that aren't from God. Why?
Because Satan doesn't want me....or you....to be who God wants us to be. He doesn't want us to do what God had planned for us from the beginning. Satan wants us to stay afraid....stuck in our own little comfortable (sometimes) world....doing what we have always done. Better yet....not stepping out and trusting the Lord to do....or accept something....that would make our life better. Satan wants us to be miserable in all we do....or don't do. What would make our life better?....
Living our life so that others ask us what is different about us. Allowing the Lord to radically change us....our thoughts....our words....our attitudes. Jesus only wants what's good for us. He knows that if we follow Him....give up our own wants....and live radically for Him....we will have the life we have always wanted. Jesus will fill our thoughts....our lives....with good things. If we give up and just say....okay Lord....we will find real life where ever He has us.
In the day and time that we are living we really need to be radical for the Lord! I was talking to a great friend tonight who has taught me many things. One thing she said to me was...."I asked myself, What did I accomplish for the Lord today?" That one statement....which might not be exact....really hit me. It made me think....What did I do today? Did I talk to anyone....anyone at all....about Jesus today? No....and I believe there is a good
reason for that. I didn't ask the Lord to give me an opportunity to
speak His Words into someone's life today! Have I prayed for anyone today? Actually....no! I believe that if we ask Him to give us those opportunities....He will.
The only way I can think of to end this is with a prayer....
Lord I come to you tonight and ask your forgiveness for not doing anything for You today. Tomorrow could You please put someone in my life that needs to hear about You. When You do that could You please give me the words to say....from You....and the boldness I need to say them. Let them only see You in the words I speak and let them feel Your love. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. In Your name I ask this....Amen
That's a beautiful prayer my friend.
ReplyDeleteI find myself asking God, more and more, of the words I should say, because there are often times I don't know what to say until I ask of Him.
God bless you my sister in Christ,
Lon
Hi Chelle, many times I have asked similar questions of myself. Why is that if nothing is more important than God, why do I let my things get in the way of letting God fulfill His will in my life. This post gives us something to think about.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ken