I was supposed to post for Saturday, but forgot to do so in the midst of AMI! :x

What truly makes us happy?  And how do we strive to bring happiness to others?
I am the most happiest ever when I am sitting by the ocean, surrounded by my blue towel, my blue water bottle, a colorful umbrella, a black journal, and ten different shades of blue pens. I love this scene because it's just me and Jesus - I can completely be myself and worship Him openly through my joys and my fears. Even if I wasn't by the ocean, I know that I can have this moment whereever, whenever. In this moment, it truly is all about Jesus.
But when I convey this scene to my non Christian friends and coworkers, it's not about that intimacy with Jesus - it turns into happiness about the physical environment that I'm at, instead of joy of being with the Lord. When I "minister" to my non Christian coworkers, I spend time listening to them, bringing them thoughtful gifts, but I shy away from pointing them to Jesus, and so they just think that I am a "good person"

Jesus, help me to be honest about the priorities in my life. Help me to remember that what You think is more important than what others think of me. And help me to truly understand how much they need to taste the joy of the Lord.

Matthew 10:32
Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.

Empowering Faith

[Some background info before I start: I went to school from 3rd grade to 8th grade at a Christian school in New Jersey.  Even today, I still remember some of the memory verses and lessons that my teachers instilled in me during my time there that help me know that God is real.]

In 3rd grade, my teacher would lead us in a time of prayer every morning before she taught.  She would encourage us to share prayer requests with the class and then write them on a thin strip of paper.  For every answered prayer, we would take that 'prayer request paper', close it into a circle, and join it with other 'circles' to form a chain of answered prayer.  Even as a little 3rd grader, I was pretty skeptical of how long this chain would end up.  By the end of the year, this chain was able to line the walls of our classroom twice.  This chain represented prayers for success in the classroom, healing from illnesses, and even freedom from addictions.  

I'm reminded of that time when I'm going through today's AMI devo because I remember feeling so empowered by knowing how much God loves people.  And I think that's why God blesses us: to empower us for His purposes.  Here, 'empower' means to increase faith in God, remove doubt, or both.  

When we count our blessings and celebrate them, we feel good.  We are thankful for what we have.  With that said, I like to think that God designed us purposefully to have that capacity to celebrate and feel such emotions.  When I take those emotions and pair it with my relationship with Jesus, the result is empowering faith in my God and His future blessings since all good things come from Him.  

Romans 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

1 King 8:30:  “Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place.  Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.”

My greatest and most desperate need in my life is to be in a right relationship with the Father. How many times do I honestly pray for that kind of request when I come before the Lord? This is something that is often lacking in my own prayer life. I am only reminded to do so when we pray together in groups or perhaps right before heading to bed. Oh, that my heart would be changed, that I would continue to grow to know and become more sensitive to asking for forgiveness in not caring or being considerate of the Father's  heart or our relationship. Let me not forget or take for granted His unconditional grace and love, and His desire for me to know Him-for who else is like our God? He is worthy to be praised, and worth so much more than my affections.

Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
    nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.-Psalm 103: 2-12

Doing what I want to do and not doing the very things I hate

The book of Revelation is out of this world. In chapter 8, as John describes his vision of seven angels with trumpets and all of the other-worldly things that come to pass as each of them blow their horns, I am reminded that God is not someone to be understood. He is not something to be grasped. It’s only by His spirit of revelation that we have these texts and images and ideas of who He is and what might transpire when Jesus returns, but until that day comes, we can only imagine a dull glimmer of His fullness.

Knowing that God is this all-powerful, almighty, other-worldly God before whom angels and unimaginable creatures fall face down in reverence, I’m reminded of Romans 8:31 which says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Oh, you're against me?? I serve a God that will call upon ONE of His angels and when he blows his trumpet, fire blood ice bullets will be thrown from heaven and a third of the planet as we know it will burn up. Oh, and there are six more angels behind him ready to go. Good luck.

When I really consider my life, though, I have to wonder...are there people actively working against me? Who are my enemies? Am I taking refuge in God's promises to fight for me because there are people out for my blood? The answer is a sheepish no (with the great exception being the Enemy who we know is against us - but we have an Authority and His name is Jesus!!).

The more I consider the reality that God is for me, not against me, I have to ask myself…am I for God? Am I for the things that He is for? Am I myself on His side? I think of Romans 7:15 which says, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” To be honest, I’ve been struggling recently in having faith in God’s ministry of transformation within me. Why am I still this way? Why do I still struggle with this sin? Why do I do what I know is bad and why don't I do what I know is good? 

Father, I pray that in this season, you would grant me greater understanding of who You are so that I may grow in humility. I think too highly of myself. I think too often of myself. Grow me and help me to WANT to share in caring for Your bride, Your people, and Your purposes. Help me to be patient with Your ministry in me and to have faith in Your promise to author and perfect what you started. You are for me, so who can be against me? Not even my own sinfulness can separate me from You. That's amazing grace. Thank you for making the way, Jesus!

Jam of the day: No Other Name

Remember the time when God split the Red sea or when Jesus fed the 5000?  I forget so easily God's faithfulness thousands of years ago let alone in my own life.  He faithfully brought me through school and difficult family situations.  But I am still sitting here doubting that he can handle the rest of my future.  I was really challenged by today's devo to take an active step of faith.  Why was I so afraid to take downtime to read God's word at work?  I don't  know when, but I somehow separated my life into God and work.  Even though it may seem to me that I can control things at work, ultimately I need to surrender my job to God.

"I have a challenge for you today.  Take your Bible to work or school, and then read a chapter (perhaps during lunch break) whether or not people are looking; then do what it says.  Read God’s word and uphold his truth with a life of faith and integrity."

Do not be lukewarm!

1 Kings 6:11-14: 

 The AMI reflection today focused on something I've been thinking a lot about: why it seems that verses in the bible portray God's grace as almost conditional. But I am reminded without our obedience to Him, how do we experience the full grace of God? He has been offering us grace since the beginning of time, and this grace of God. There cannot be grace if we do not know or experience Him, because that is what manifestation of grace is better than the presence of the Lord. 

Revelation 3

15-17 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

I hope I do not fall into the folly of being a lukewarm Christian. I am reminded that God is not satisfied with our lukewarm offerings and rituals, but He wants us hot for him! It's easy to step our foot into the waters and say, God I will give you this and that, but not this. Personally there are still aspects of my life that I still have not given all the Lord; falling into the same sin over and over again. Verse 17 points out when we become this 'lukewarm' -- when we say we do not need God. let my struggles remind me even more of how desperate I am for Him! 

Lord, thank you for Your unconditional love and grace. Despite our faults, You continue to love us, but You also offer us the opportunity to know You even more! Mold me to become even more on fire for You. Let me not be satisfied with being lukewarm, but move my heart to seek Yours! 

Reading about God's overflowing grace and how much he desires obedience to strengthen our relationship with him comforts me. As we are preparing for missions in Atlanta, finalizing logistics and juggling our own individual schedules, as a go-getter with high standards it is easy for me to stress over being as prepared as much as possible on every known detail. My desire to represent God well on every front doesn't make it easier for me to want to internally obey the Lord, but I am learning that part of the journey of "getting out of the boat" as we are reading this summer is to simply obey because knowing Jesus' love has changed me forever. Everything is covered by His grace, even it doesn't go according to the original plan/expectations or I might have no idea where it'll end up.

"When you fail...Jesus will be there to pick you up. You will not fail alone. You will find that he is still wholly adequate to save."

As the departure date comes closer, I pray that our team will continue to only want to know more of His heart so the Father's grace is evident to all in His Glory.

Mark 12:33(NIV): "To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

Revelation 3: 20 (NIV): "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

Current song choices: Closer by Bethel Live
Your love has ravished my heart
And taken me over, taken me over
And all I want is to be
With You forever, with You forever
  
So pull me a little closer
Take me a little deeper
I want to know Your heart
I want to know Your heart
 
Cause Your love is so much sweeter
Than anything I've tasted
I want to know Your heart
I want to know Your heart

- Freedom by William Matthews

You came to set the captives free
You came to bring us liberty
My sin and my rejection
Your blood and my acceptance
Now I'm alive to bring You praise
 
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
Every chain is broken through You, Jesus
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
Whoa oh, oh, oh
 
Your blood has covered every sin
Your grace empowers me to win
My pain and my oppression met
Your blood and my acceptance
Now I'm alive to bring You praise
 
I'm free I'm free, I'm free to dance and sing
I'm free, I'm free, I'm free to shout it out
I'm free, I'm free, I'm free to dance and sing
I'm free, I'm free, I'm free to worship You
I'm gonna worship you 

I agree with Joy that the details are important to God because he cares.  I find comfort in that fact as I try to sleep and not worry about the next day.  He cares if I try and love people, even if I fail.  I need to remind myself that God is the one who is perfect and not my own efforts.  His spirit in me helps me to love beyond my own capacity to care for others.  I know we have a greater calling to love people and share the gospel, but sometimes I get lost trying to see the big picture.  I guess I need to be more prayerful about what God wants to do in me and through me right now.  In the day to day encounters and struggles, I hope that I will be able to see past my circumstances and care for others.

Details

It was encouraging to be reminded that God pays attention to the little details in our lives. I'm generally a meticulous person, and I pay attention to details to, but sometimes that comes out because I want to have control over every little thing, or something catches my eye because I'm being judgemental. It's interesting that God pays attention to detail because He cares, whereas I pay attention to detail sometimes because I fear.

Because of the YA summer book we are reading, I've been thinking about what fears are in my life, and how I need to take that step of faith to trust God. Even if I take that step, it doesn't mean that everything will be perfect, and that God will remove the fear, but God is intricate and He works for the good of those who love Him. Whatever happens will allow me to grow, and it will continue to glorify His name. As the days go by, and the time to leave for missions gets nearer, I get more anxious about preparations, logistics, and even if I've prayed enough for the trip. But I know God is working, and I trust that He is working in me too.

Wonder

Ministry and serving is a gift of His grace, but it took a while for me to accept this truth into my heart. Many times I would do things halfheartedly or reluctantly because of how inconvenient or mundane it was; however, I'm always humbled by Jesus and what He did on the cross because his attitude definitely did not match mine. The love and joy for His father surpassed all that He went through, and He did it with such a willing and genuine heart.

Philippians 3:8 - "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ."

Revelation 1

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.

The several chapters preceding the one above illustrate John's vision of Christ, and verse 17 describes John's response to what he sees. One of my prayers has been to imitate John in his response to the vision, but to be like him in everyday situations and circumstances. My desire is to constantly strive to be in awe of the Lord no matter what my circumstances are, for He is far more worthy and deserving of such praise than anything that can happen to me or any emotion I may feel.

Lord, thank you for your son Jesus Christ. Let me never lose my awe and wonder of Him. In response to your amazing love for me, allow me to always have such genuine joy in loving and serving you. Thank you for the gift of ministry you have placed me in. I ask for more of you and your wisdom to guide and use me.

Let all that I do be pleasing to You

Sorry!! Making up for yesterday's... 

King Solomon is remembered for his wisdom and for his construction of the temple. What I often forget is that King Solomon built the temple during a period of relative peace and prosperity for Israel. How he chose to spend his leisure time is a reflection of his heart. I see in King Solomon a heart of gratitude towards God for this time of abundance. King Solomon is experiencing God’s grace and in turn chooses to honor and recognize His grace by serving God through the building of the temple. King Solomon might have built a physical temple, but I also think how King Solomon spent his resources (time, energy, wealth) is just as beautiful of an act of worship to the Lord.

As this school year comes to a close, a time of rest lies ahead of me. I know that this upcoming period of rest is a privilege, of which I cannot but to give God all of the glory. I’m not sure how that will look. But just as King Solomon was intentional with his resources and time in constructing the temple, I am challenged to be impactful in how I spend my time.

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 2 Corinthians 5:9.I pray that we are all able to please God with what we offer to him, through our work, our rest, and our interactions with one another. 

"But the only way to truly know God’s will is to know God; thus our time ought to be devoted to knowing Him more. This is true wisdom: to know God. Foolishness is ignoring God and thinking we can still understand His will. Before attempting anything for God, we ought to start with first knowing Him more." 

As we serve God, we often fall into the sin of making our faith about us. We focus so much on what we do, who we serve with and how we serve that we lose focus on why we are serving at all. Just as Pastor Kirt was preaching yesterday, when we get stuck on us, we don't even realize that we have lost intimacy with God. When we lose touch with God, there is no way for us to live according to His will. I make this mistake so often. I foolishly desire the seeking of God's will rather than God's will and think that I am somehow capable of accomplishing this on my own without depending entirely on Him. I am reminded by this devo that it is our duty and delight to choose to obey His will, but we must never forget that "it is God who works in us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). 

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:36)

"Oftentimes we get our priorities mixed up as we seek riches and honor before we seek Him and the wisdom He has for us. When we have our priorities mixed up, we end up idolizing the very riches and honor He wants to bestow upon us. "Ami devo

I am reminded of the book we are reading for family group and how we can lose sight of Jesus as we try and live on this earth.  When I get comfortable, i don't  want to take risks.  The easy thing to do is to have that boat nearby and hop back in when things get choppy.  But there is no guarantee that my old life will be any safer from taking on new challenges.  The only thing I can do is cling to God and pray that my circumstances do not dictate my relationship with him.  Help me God to trust in your love for me and help me to love you and your people in return!

God, Guide Me

1 Kings 3:7-12
Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

Taking care of people is hard -- taking care of yourself is already hard. Solomon asks God for wisdom, something that I do not often stop and ask God for. It is easy to get in the gear of serving/living out of habit and experience without taking the time to call upon God. Personally I've been realizing that I can often fall into the trap of going on brief sprees in which I am focused on "living out the Gospel" without pausing to spend time with the Lord and seeking His guidance and strength. When of presents opportunities, I am a go-getter. I take it at first glance, but oftentimes I can fall into numerous things, more than I can chew, and intimacy with the Lord is sacrificed to "take part is His work" or "growing myself". I forget that these things are in truth an overflow of intimacy with the Lord. Lord, may  seek Your wisdom even more!

Ezekiel 47
 9 And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. 

Lord, how often I can overlook You when presented so many different opportunities and responsibilities. Remind me that I can only achieve these things through Your guidance, wisdom, and strength. May I not seek my own wisdom and knowledge but trust in Yours alone. May my thoughts reflect Yours and may my life follow after a hear pursuing You. 

Jesus at the Center

1 Kings 3:7-12

It always amazes me how much God can change people and circumstances. When joining family group freshman year, I was so grateful to be served by such godly leaders. But never would I have imagined myself being called to serve in similar capacities years later. While reading the blog, I was reminded of how thankful and privileged I am for the ministry God has placed above and under me. That each relationship is truly a precious gift from God. I'm seeing more and more of His intentionality behind every relationship, and how much God has moved through each of those brothers and sisters. Like Solomon, I want to constantly desire more of His wisdom and guidance for these relationships; so that every single one of them would always have God in the center and nothing else.

Lord, I want more of your presence and Spirit and less of me in ALL of my relationships, especially my relationship with you. Father, please give me your spirit of wisdom to guide all of these relationships to the feet of your cross. I pray for more humility Lord, for all of these are truly a gift that was not created through my own hands, but out of your grace. 

Fully Restored

The title of this chapter is: Israel Fully Restored.

It seems like this is one of the things that I've run up against a few times over the past year or two. There was this question: "is full restoration possible." Is God able to heal? Is God able to redeem and restore my past? Am I ever going to __________ ? Insert whatever impossibility you face.

Many times there is something that happens in life which forces me to confront what I believe about my answer to those questions. I'm not talking so much about the theology in my mind. The knowledge of correct answers don't necessarily mean I believe them in my heart, if you know what I mean.

And in times, there are times when I am discouraged. There are times I get frustrated, tired, and feel like I'm ready to give up. Many times my doubts push me into some really difficult places.

But there is something that I think has become deeply rooted in me - and it's something that I always end up being able to fall upon in times of questioning: I don't have a say in who God is! God says and does what He wants! Doubt His goodness? That's fine, but you are wrong, so give it up! (this is what I tell myself).

In this season, I'm glad for God's character. I'm thankful He never gives up. He is wholeness - He is completion. Full restoration? Yes. Without question.

Blessings in Complete Obedience

1 Kings 2: 2-3:“I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, ³ and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go"

Reading today about how we often think we know better than the Creator about what rules and ideals to follow really made me reflect on us and our relationship with the Lord.  How hard our hearts truly are, and how proud we are of our own accomplishments as if they were our own. It is truly hard to be continuously humble in our normal every day lives, and yet the only way to truly experience God's blessings is through complete obedience to Him.

 I woke up today from what seemed to be a dreamlike daze,  so spiritually hungry to be filled and fed with the Lord's Word.  It made me realize how much harder I have to fight my old self to vigorously devote time studying his Word.
  
 Lord, I want be filled with you, Oh, the Spirit of Truth! Help me to keep fighting against the desires of this world and its many distractions. I want to serve You Jesus!! wholeheartedly in everything I do here on this earth, even when no one is watching. When I fail, may my weaknesses still be used for your Glory. Guide my words, actions, and thoughts, so that I am on my guard to take every opportunity given from You. Let me experience Your power as I obey You to the utmost.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV): "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

1 Corinthians 1: 27-30 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,"

2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 (ESV): "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ," 

Guarantee

Frankly, I really dislike having conversations about God's sovereignty because such conversations can potentially get really really complicated.  I like to think that it can be boiled down to this: nothing is guaranteed in your life on Earth; our only guarantee is God.

I was actually talking with a brother at GCC earlier today about that very idea (but in different words).  In the past two years, it seems like God has been stripping away things of Earth that are a part of my identity in order to ultimately leave me with no other choice but to turn to God.  Slowly but surely, I didn't have earthly things to fall back on when I felt worried or alone.  At the same time, I began to assume the identity 'child of God'.  As a child of God, I have inherited such promise in the future that nothing on Earth can give me.  As a child of God, I don't have to worry.  As a child of God, I am loved by the King.


Jeremiah 29:11

Matthew 6:25-34

Ephesians 1:11-14

Pastor Kirt talked about the great exchange we make in our hearts or minds when we have other idols.  I don't  know why, but when I read today's ami devotional it felt like David's  son had made such an exchange.  Instead of following God's will or hearing what his father had to say, he took it upon himself to proclaim himself as king.

Thinking on my own life there are and have been many times where I made decisions based on my own understanding of the facts.  I guess it is hard to rely on God when I am busy looking at my earthly circumstances and weighing  the options.  Calculating risk vs benefit is ingrained in me, but I think I am slowly getting used to taking steps in faith.  Trusting God for time off for missions or figuring out the next steps in life after missions are challenges I need to pray about.  I hope that both the things I can control and the things outside of my control will be permanently given to God.

Power of the Holy Spirit

1 Kings 1:1-4

I was listening to an online sermon on the power of the Holy Spirit and was deeply convicted when the speaker pointed out that the same Spirit that was in Christ when He conquered death  is also alive and working in and through us everyday. Just like how the Holy Spirit was able to allow David to overcome one of his biggest sin battles, I'm praying that I'll have the same confidence and boldness to believe and call upon the vast power of the Spirit to work through and in me.

Lord, give me the faith and discernment to see your Spirit's work in and through me. Open the eyes of my heart Lord to see such things so that I may see more and more of your glory in and around my life. Thank you Lord for instilling in us the same Spirit you used to raise your Son from the dead. I pray that my dependence on you and Your spirit will continue to grow so that I can truly display how good and faithful you are in my life.  

A Call to Celebrate

Ezekiel 37 is like an unforgettable scene from an incredible film. I’m not much of a movie buff, so it’s hard for me to make a rightful comparison, but this passage blows my mind…can you see it happening? There’s the first miracle of the power of God bringing these dead skeletons to life by joining bone to bone, causing tendons and flesh to appear, and covering them in skin. Then, there’s the second miracle of the power of God breathing life into these dead bodies so that they would not just exist in the physical world, but that they would rise to their feet and really come to life – mind, body, and soul.

There was a period of time in my life where my bones were dried up and my hope was gone…I was cut off (verse 11). I was in sin and totally separated from God. I didn’t know Him, didn't fear anyone or anything, and this reality led me into cyclical destruction. I was physically alive, meaning, I had bones, connected by tendons, covered in flesh and skin, but my spirit was dead. I know I run the risk of sounding dramatic, but if we really believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, eternal death and separation from the Father is a spiritual reality that ultimately culminates as a result of how we live in our reality right now.

Whenever we sing that song "Hosanna," I love getting to that bridge because my face gets all twisted up, my hands are stretched to the heavens, and I'm shouting with the rest of the congregation, "Break my heart for what breaks yours!!! Everything I am for your Kingdom’s cause!!!” My stance while singing those lyrics is as such because even in times when I don’t “feel” it, I want so badly for it to be true. In this current season, there's been a lot of stuff weighing on my heart and though it's not "pleasant," I'm so thankful because I've never been more convinced that God loves me (Prov 3:12) and that God's heart is always breaking for those who don't yet know Him. So, I want to put on the cloak of Samuel who considered it a sin not to pray (1 Sam 12:23) and do so in a way that's faithful, challenging, and humble.

Currently in the middle of this book called Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin and in it, he says this:

“The gospel is not merely one of the many possible themes we can touch on as we come to worship God. It is the central and foundational theme. All our worship originates and is brought into focus at the cross of Jesus Christ. Glorying in Jesus Christ means glorying in his cross. That doesn’t mean looking at some icon or two pieces of wood nailed together. Nor does it imply that every song we sing has the word cross in it. It has little to do with church gatherings that are more like a funeral than a celebration.”

How easy it is to lose the joy of salvation. I was once dead, but now I'm alive! I was once among the skeletons in the valley of dry bones, but now I'm on my feet, no longer an enemy of God, but part of His army. Lord, help me to commit to celebrating my salvation with thanksgiving, praise, awe, and wonder. Increase my heart to feel for the things that break Yours and help us to remember that no matter what circumstances we're facing, the joy of our salvation is always the higher promise of greater things to come. 

Against pride and self-centeredness

Ezekiel 32

9 “I will trouble the hearts of many peoples, when I bring your destruction among the nations, into the countries that you have not known."

The passage is a lamentation of the Egyptian Pharaoh and of his nation. Egypt appears to be a strong country, but one strong and wicked. Instead of being strong in the Lord, the Lord is displeased with Egypt. However, the fall of Egypt is also a sign to the other nations, a foreboding of their own destruction. No strength is stronger than our Lord's, and that it made clear in this passage. The fall of Egypt declares God's glory.  I can seem strong, but if I am not following our God, it will all be for naught. Do I make sure that my influence and position in the world is used for God's glory or my own satisfaction? Am I obedient to the Lord? Even in the church community and while serving, it is easy to fall into the mindset of hierarchy or 'success' in the ministry. However, I must keep in ming that it is not me; it is because of God that I live and am able to do those things. To God be all the glory. 

Lord, let me not fall into the depths of pride and self-centeredness. Amidst any success or rise in influence, may my life point to you even more powerfully. I pray that Your glory shine throughout my life and that my lips can declare Your power.