The more I study holiness the more I realise it is about love more than everything else!
It will undoubtedly involve self sacrifice and obedience but they must be responses to God's love.
We have to be 'in Christ' to be effective.
I struggle with this. I know how to pray for people and situations and my prayers are answered but I'm not sure I'm that good at just being 'still' and knowing that God is all that he says he is.
"Teach me how to love thee, teach me how to pray..."
Today's bible readings: I'm a busy person, definitely a Martha rather than a Mary! In recent months I have become painfully aware that the only thing that really matters in life is to regularly spend time in the 'presence and power' of God.
Lord, teach me how to handle silence and inactivity, teach me how to pray, 'teach me how to love thee... better day by day'
Larnelle Harris sums it up well when he says...
"I miss my time with you,
those moments together.
I need to be with you each day
and it hurts me when you say
you're too busy,
busy trying to serve me
but how can you serve me
when your spirit's empty?
There's a longing in my heart
wanting more than just a part of you.
It's true; I miss my time with you
What do I have to offer?
How can I truly care?
My efforts have no meaning
when your presence isn't there.
But you will provide the power
If I take time to pray..."
1 Chronicles 2:18-4:7
When Paul said to Timothy that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" he hadn't recently read the first few chapters of 1 Chronicles. My bible reading plan takes me through scripture once a year and I have to confess that the last two day's OT passages have left me cold!
Psalm 89:19-29
David's understanding of God was almost Christian in its familiarity and intimacy 'He will call out to me, 'You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Saviour.'(v26)
Romans 10:1-11:10
"If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Verses 9-13)
Where would we be without Paul – if you could only have access to one book in the bible which would it be? For me it would be a difficult choice between Romans and 1 John!
Grace and peace, A
1 comment:
The words of this song have often challenged me especially when I think of the fact that the song writer is portraying what God is saying to me on those occasions when I become too busy with commitments and leave too little time to really wait on God. It is such a vital aspect of our lives as Christians and God is so available to us. Today has been a good day because I have been able to spend over two hours with the Word of God and prayer - firstly because I made it a priority and secondly because some of the things that were scheduled for the day were postponed. I even took the opportunity to read a couple of chapters of the book by Jim Cymbala "Fresh wind, Fresh Fire" whilst waiting for my turn for a Doctors Appt. I feel spiritually refreshed for having this time to spend with God and things concerning His Kingdom. God bless you
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