Shifting Perspective

Friday, November 22, 2024

Good morning, Lord

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

Verse of the Day: Colossians 3:15

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

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:  Ezekiel 20-21 James 5

Shifting Perspective

Our perspectives on certain things are changing all the time whether we admit it or not. But some perspectives hardly ever change.

Our challenge today is to expect God to change our perspectives on Him everyday. That may seem strange at first, so be patient.

I have lived by this little mantra for many, many years:

"If I don't learn something new today, I have wasted the day."

As little as the lesson may be, I hang on to that addition or change to my 'knowledge and experience banks' and count it as a victory-as small as it may be. Yes, it is a good way to stay positive and we should see the positive with everyday readings of the scripture.

Here is a quote from a man who lived 100 years ago: J.C. Ryle says,

    "The “means of grace” . . . such as Bible reading, private prayer, and regularly worshiping God in Church . . . are appointed channels through which the Holy Spirit conveys fresh supplies of grace to the soul."

Lamentations 3:22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

One day a week we meet together to worship God. We pray, sing, fellowship, break bread together with our small part of the family of God-the body of Christ-blessings upon blessings. It is a glorious time.

The other six days? Bible reading, prayer, meditation-are these 'fresh supplies' of grace for your life the other six days?

Have you felt a fresh supply of grace today-yet? Do you expect a fresh supply of grace today? Have you experienced a fresh supply of grace-ever?

It is here-not through this writing-no-but from the Spirit of God. When we humble ourselves under God's hand(1 Peter 5:6&7) and take up our crosses(Luke 9:23)and confess our sins(1 John 1:9) we are flooded with a fresh supply of God's grace.

Sound too easy? That is because life does not have to be as hard as we make it.

Whatever it is-let go-relax in God's presence-be still in that secret place and realize God's:

 "...compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love..."(Lamentations 3:32)

God's compassion for you-for you individually-is boundless because His love is endless.

Grace flows from God's heart to you-turn your cup up and catch it.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Your name is the compassion and endless love of Your kingdom. Give me new grace today to experience our great You are. Forgive me for being so negative about being alone with You. Lead me away from being asleep in the Spirit.

God of all compassion and steadfast love,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen