'Want to'

Monday, ‎March ‎13, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Romans 8:28-29

28 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. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Memory of the Month: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Today's reading: DEUTERONOMY 19-21 MARK 13:21-37

'Want to'

There is the reason God Promises that He will work all things to the good.(Romans 8:28)

For those who are saved, born of the Spirit of God, the scripture says that He will work all things for good. The good things we can understand. The bad stuff in our lives-now that we have a harder time understanding. How or why does God use it all and to the good?

It takes decades to figure some of it out. But then we read Romans 8:28-29 together. God knew what was going to happen. He wants us conformed to the image of Jesus.

Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

We miss so much if we do not realize the gravity of this in our lives. God wants us to be molded in the image of His son.

I stood outside the window watching the potter make small pots at the Marshall pottery company. He had many little tricks and measurements but beside him sat a cart covered with identical pots.

The Lord shapes our lives into the image of Jesus. We are all different on the outside but in our hearts, God wants us to be like Jesus. Which part? All of it. Well, how do we know what and how?

That part is up to Him. We must take care of our part.

Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The appeal is to our will-our free will. Everyday we must choose to follow and obey.

Luke 9:23

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

'Whoever wants'-If we take care of our part-obedience-God will take care of the transforming our inner selves into the image of Jesus.

We do not control what and how-only the 'want'...

How much do we want this? How deep is our desire to worship and obey?

Dig, seek, ask, obey...Waiting on the Lord is learning patience and learning that day by day turns into year by year but obedience is learned heartbeat to heartbeat.

...because He loves us...

Our Father in heaven,

Forgive my weak focus. Increase my faith and desire to love and worship You as I take up my cross today. Help me to see beyond the trials and start expecting Your good.

Wonderful and great God!

In the name of Jesus,

Amen