Not Without You

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-Your peace-Your knowledge and discernment. I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name...

Verse of the Day:  Proverbs 9:10

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Memory verse: Psalm 42:2(New American Bible )

"My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I enter and see the face of God?"

Today's reading: Jeremiah 6-8 1 Timothy 5

Not Without You

About 30 years ago, I spoke to what was called a 'christian women's business' club. I made the statement during that address,

"The beginning of a successful day is always to first confess total dependence upon God."

Afterwards, I was approached by a woman who was of very professional appearance and she spoke with controlled anger and great self-assurance as she said, "I can never depend on anyone but myself", and then triumphantly marched away.

This could have come from only one place. The enemy had to let me know that the word I had spoken for God was questioned.

"Lord, give me strength", was my inner response.

Jesus was teaching his followers about forgiveness in Luke, chapter 17,

"4 Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

The disciples, seemingly out of nowhere, responded with this,

“Increase our faith!”, verse 5. The divine idea of forgiveness was a lot for them to swallow and what they said is what many have said in such times, "Give me strength".

That is exactly what "Increase our faith" means. "Lord, give me strength" to put up with or endure whatever has just blindsided my current capacity. In my case with the 'stern' woman, truthfully, my ego was bruised because it was on 'my sleeve'-and not the Holy Spirit-not the armor of God.

The next time you have the urge to say, "Give me Strength", remember that this is a real prayer to our real God. Don't just spout it out frivolously-hear the disciples as they said, "Increase our faith". Hear Jesus say to you:

"And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."(John 14:13)

This is about remaining conscious in The Holy Spirit and not wasting words. Make sure all your words count for the kingdom because you are 'counting on the Kingdom'.

Every waking minute, to me, means I am being refreshed in every thought by God's spirit.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Your name be glorified in Christ Jesus and Your kingdom come in glory. Give me what I need today with Your wisdom to use it.Forgive me my slothfulness. Lead me away from weakness.

Constant companion and gentle creator,

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen