When God says no

 

James 4:10 NIV

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

I had recently been praying for God to answer a prayer with a yes.  I prayed nearly daily and sometimes more than twice a day.  I wanted a yes badly.  I was interceded on someone else's behalf and I prayed with confidence.  The answer however was no.

 What do you do when God answers your prayer with a no or a not yet?  You surrender.  You humble yourself unto Him.  You trust Him and trust that His plans for you are greater than anything that you could think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).  

You praise instead of complain and you wait.  You wait until He lifts you up.  And He will lift you up as you remain humble because His word declares so and His word does not return void ( Isaiah 55:11).  You trust that HIs ways are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8-9)and believe that He knows best because He does.

We are human and disappointment is natural, but we must not wallow.  God is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).  He will comfort you and work it all out for your good who are called according to His purpose.  Take the next step in faith knowing God's got you even when the answer is no.  His no is taking care of us too.

Father, I know that You hear our prayers and that You care about us.  Help us to trust You even when your answer is a no because I know that You are opening a door in the process in the place where You would have us to be.  You have good intentions towards us and we will trust in You.  In Jesus name. Amen

In Spite Of

 

Deuteronomy 9:6 NIV

Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.

 I am blessed in spite of and not because of anything that I have done.  I am a sinner saved by grace.  God has blessed me abundantly because He is good.  He is a faithful God(Deuteronomy 7:9).

 This is not to say that I go about my life sinning with an open hand because my God is merciful.  It's the contrary.  I go about my life living to please Him because of His great mercy.  God could have left me in my state of decay and corruption, but He sent His Son to die for me so that I could be reconciled to Him( 2 Corinthians 5:18).  So that when He sees me, He sees the blood that blots out my transgressions( 1 John 1:7).  

I will spend the rest of my life trying to repay a debt that can never be repaid.  So I live a life of gratitude and humility.  I live a life knowing that it could have been another way.  Its not that I am so good, but that He is.

Lord keep me humble.  Let me not forget all of your benefits.  Keep me hungry and thirsty for You.  I am blessed and I thank You.  Help me to remember the why behind the blessing and not forget that You are the source.  It is You that has allowed me to live a good life regardless of trials.  I bless Your name Lord and thank You.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Beware of trappings

 

Acts 3:6 NIV

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Trappings of silver and gold are all around us.  Temporary things that do not save or strengthen us.  We have to be aware of constantly being on the grind to attain things rather than to attain a relationship with Christ.  For it is only with Jesus that we have power.  It is only with Jesus that we have salvation and hope for tomorrow.  It is only with Him that we can walk in the newness of life. He is our daily bread and sustainer.  He is our peace.

The trappings of this world will wither and fade away ( 1 Peter 1:25).  God will stand, His word will stand.  Let us seek His kingdom  and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33) knowing that He will take care of the rest.  He will supply our needs.  Our possessions do not define us.  Likes or followers on social media do not make us, but it is our identity in Christ that should matter.  Are we one with the Father, Son, and Spirit? Let His approval be the one that we seek.

Lord, let us not get caught up in man made symbols of status and trappings of gold.  Let our hearts be devoted to You and You alone.  Let us have relationship with You and build on the firm foundation that is Jesus Christ.  Forgive us when we get distracted.  In Jesus name. Amen

Gaining a heart of wisdom

 

Psalms 90:12 NIV

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

We are officially in year 2023 and I realize just how blessed I am to be here to see it.  There's a song that the Jubilee Choir in my church sings that says "millions didn't make it, but I was one that did."  It is a sobering fact when scrolling through the pictures of people who did not make it into a new year.  People who did not make it to see another day.

Each day is a gift and we must treasure the time that God has given us.  We must ask ourselves how we are using that time? How are we using the minutes of breath that goes in and out of our lungs?  Are our heartbeats used to bring praise to our God?  Are our steps used to serve God by serving others in tangible and intangible ways?  Are we building relationships or burning bridges. 

Are we saying good morning? Are we reaching out to the lost? Are we grateful for another day?  Are we spending any our day with God in quiet solitude?  Are we learning of Him and growing in relationship rather than religion? Are we gaining hearts of wisdom?

As we move forward into the year and days I pray that God teaches us not to take our lives for granted.  That we breathe Him in deeply and exhale His love as we go about our daily tasks.  May we remember that each moment serves a purpose; our lives are full of purpose.  May we know that and walk in that truth.  May we be wise and not foolish with our time.  May we not grumble and mumble, but be thankful.

Lord, thank You for this day and this moment.  May we seek more of You each day You grant us anew.  May we be filled with the awe of You and your goodness.  May we gain a heart of wisdom and walk in the steps that You have ordained for us.  Bless those who have lost loved ones, comfort them and may we be a comfort as You comfort us. In Jesus name we do pray.  Amen