1 Kings 18:36-39
At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God and that you are turning their hearts back again.”
Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”
My parents got some bad news last week. Their Florida condominium is covered with black mold. Since they left the condo in May, the insidious, toxic mold has entered through their ductwork, attacking every soft surface. Furniture, books and shoes were ruined; all clothing, carpet and linens would have to be cleaned.
Sometimes we’re lulled into a complacent black mold of the soul. It invades everything and is difficult to eradicate once it takes hold. It may creep in as we miss a week of worship here and there, or quit reading our Bible each day; or it may be triggered by an overwhelming life circumstance. No matter how it starts, suddenly we’re awakened, as the Israelites were in 1 Kings 18, and realize we’ve strayed far from where we’d wanted to go.
How do we get back on track? Psychologists have determined that resistance to depression is best developed by doing two things: applying critical thinking to emotional reactions and setting and working toward goals (Psychology Today, “A Nation Of Wimps,” by Hara Estroff Marano). These same two tactics can help us spiritually as well. We need to be grateful, no matter our circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and add discipline to our lives in the form of goal setting and accomplishment to be effective workers for God in the world.
How can we thank God for our spiritual dryness? In Exodus 3:20, God speaks to Moses of the “wonders” He will perform in Egypt. You know, God sent flies, blood, locusts, open sores, and even killed their firstborn. We see these things as plagues, but God viewed them as the wonders that would free His chosen people.
We’re God’s chosen ones today (1 Peter 2:9). The plagues in our lives may be working to free us of our spiritual complacency and dryness, our black mold of the soul.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the hard things you send my way. Help me to live life with a grateful heart and to be disciplined in working hard for You. Keep me from the black mold. Keep me focused on You. Amen.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Changing Roles
Exodus 17:10-13
So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
What’s your dream of retirement? Do you look forward to kicking back and taking it easy, no alarm clocks or appointment books? When your physical ability can no longer compete with the incoming “young guns,” will you relinquish your position gracefully?
Moses had stopped leading men into battle, handing the reins over to Joshua. Some might think he’d completed the job God called him to do. He’d led the Israelite nation out of Egypt and slavery. He could have given himself the best tent, relaxed and enjoyed a novel on the enormous beach where they now resided. Instead, he went into battle with Joshua.
While Joshua fought the battle physically, Moses fought it spiritually. It wasn’t easy. Sometimes standing still can be more difficult than constant motion. Yet from his vantage point up high, Moses could watch the momentum of the battle shift when he brought his arms down to massage his weary shoulders. It was crucial that he keep his hands up. The fate of his people depended on it.
That’s where friends came in, loyal supporters who wouldn’t get much credit later. Aaron and Hur moved a rock so Moses could sit with his hands still in the air. They held up Moses’ arms when his ability gave out. The Israelites were victorious.
Once while I was going through a frightening crisis, a dear friend told me she’d be there to hold up my arms as Aaron and Hur had held up Moses’ arms. She knew there would be little notice or acclaim for what she did, but her prayer support kept my arms in the air for months, even still today. We’re still winning that battle. I hope she never stops supporting me.
All of us have useful roles to play in God’s kingdom during all phases of our lives. We may get to lead people into battle, another time we may be called only to pray for the success of others. Often, we’re Aaron and Hur, physically called to support our spiritual leaders. Our place is only to listen for God’s voice and obey.
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us work to do during each phase of our lives. Help me to be gracious in allowing others to lead, praying for their success. When You call me to encourage others, help me to hold up their arms with a willing spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
What’s your dream of retirement? Do you look forward to kicking back and taking it easy, no alarm clocks or appointment books? When your physical ability can no longer compete with the incoming “young guns,” will you relinquish your position gracefully?
Moses had stopped leading men into battle, handing the reins over to Joshua. Some might think he’d completed the job God called him to do. He’d led the Israelite nation out of Egypt and slavery. He could have given himself the best tent, relaxed and enjoyed a novel on the enormous beach where they now resided. Instead, he went into battle with Joshua.
While Joshua fought the battle physically, Moses fought it spiritually. It wasn’t easy. Sometimes standing still can be more difficult than constant motion. Yet from his vantage point up high, Moses could watch the momentum of the battle shift when he brought his arms down to massage his weary shoulders. It was crucial that he keep his hands up. The fate of his people depended on it.
That’s where friends came in, loyal supporters who wouldn’t get much credit later. Aaron and Hur moved a rock so Moses could sit with his hands still in the air. They held up Moses’ arms when his ability gave out. The Israelites were victorious.
Once while I was going through a frightening crisis, a dear friend told me she’d be there to hold up my arms as Aaron and Hur had held up Moses’ arms. She knew there would be little notice or acclaim for what she did, but her prayer support kept my arms in the air for months, even still today. We’re still winning that battle. I hope she never stops supporting me.
All of us have useful roles to play in God’s kingdom during all phases of our lives. We may get to lead people into battle, another time we may be called only to pray for the success of others. Often, we’re Aaron and Hur, physically called to support our spiritual leaders. Our place is only to listen for God’s voice and obey.
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us work to do during each phase of our lives. Help me to be gracious in allowing others to lead, praying for their success. When You call me to encourage others, help me to hold up their arms with a willing spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
What Shall I Do?
Acts 2:37
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Figuring out how to tell others about my faith is tough for me. After I become acquainted with people and find out they have no church home, I’m stumped about what to do next. Do I tell them right then that they need to make some major changes in their lives? Do I invite them over, sit them down and walk through my faith journey? Do I stay silent and drift away from the friendship to safer relationships with other Christians? Every time I’ve tried to forge ahead and share my faith early in a relationship, I’ve driven a wedge in the developing trust of the forming friendship. Likewise, an orchestrated lunch is met with suspicion by new friends. I’ve learned to wait for God’s timing, pray for opportunity and wisdom, and live authentically in the meantime.
This is the model the disciples left us. After Jesus was buried and resurrected, they had to feel disoriented about how to continue. How could they communicate the profound effect Jesus had on their lives? How would others respond? How could they make a difference in the world?
Pentecost didn’t happen when they were ready. It happened at the precise moment God knew it would have the most impact. Peter stood and spoke with the support of his faith brothers surrounding him. I’m thinking even he was shocked by the words that poured out of his mouth. The Spirit gave him wise words, through which thousands, then millions, then billions were saved.
So, what happens if we ask ourselves the same questions as the disciples? How can we communicate the profound effect Jesus has had on our lives? How will others respond? How can we make a difference in the world? If we wait for God’s timing, speak with the Spirit’s wisdom and live authentically for Jesus in the meantime, we, like Peter, will hear others exclaim, “What shall we do?”
Lord, I can’t seem to tell others about You well. I stumble around and say too much or too little at the wrong times. Help me not to be self-conscious about my words, but to rely on You for perfect wisdom and timing. I lift up those I know who need Your leadership and Lordship in their lives. Lord, if You’re willing, use me and my imperfections to lead them to You. Amen.
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Figuring out how to tell others about my faith is tough for me. After I become acquainted with people and find out they have no church home, I’m stumped about what to do next. Do I tell them right then that they need to make some major changes in their lives? Do I invite them over, sit them down and walk through my faith journey? Do I stay silent and drift away from the friendship to safer relationships with other Christians? Every time I’ve tried to forge ahead and share my faith early in a relationship, I’ve driven a wedge in the developing trust of the forming friendship. Likewise, an orchestrated lunch is met with suspicion by new friends. I’ve learned to wait for God’s timing, pray for opportunity and wisdom, and live authentically in the meantime.
This is the model the disciples left us. After Jesus was buried and resurrected, they had to feel disoriented about how to continue. How could they communicate the profound effect Jesus had on their lives? How would others respond? How could they make a difference in the world?
Pentecost didn’t happen when they were ready. It happened at the precise moment God knew it would have the most impact. Peter stood and spoke with the support of his faith brothers surrounding him. I’m thinking even he was shocked by the words that poured out of his mouth. The Spirit gave him wise words, through which thousands, then millions, then billions were saved.
So, what happens if we ask ourselves the same questions as the disciples? How can we communicate the profound effect Jesus has had on our lives? How will others respond? How can we make a difference in the world? If we wait for God’s timing, speak with the Spirit’s wisdom and live authentically for Jesus in the meantime, we, like Peter, will hear others exclaim, “What shall we do?”
Lord, I can’t seem to tell others about You well. I stumble around and say too much or too little at the wrong times. Help me not to be self-conscious about my words, but to rely on You for perfect wisdom and timing. I lift up those I know who need Your leadership and Lordship in their lives. Lord, if You’re willing, use me and my imperfections to lead them to You. Amen.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Accepting God's Will
Ecclesiastes 3:11-13 (NIV)
(God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.
Uncovering and pursuing God’s will for my life is never easy for me. I am often confused by choices where neither option appears to be sinful or wrong, just different. Perhaps I’m discernment-challenged or a world-class justifier, but I can see the good in either side of many opportunities. I recently wrestled with this sort of decision, and ended by praying, “I’ll give this my best shot and consult You every step of the way, Father. If Your Spirit asks me to stop or You close doors, I’ll accept that it’s Your best for me and my family.”
My unrest was brought on by a job opportunity that fit my qualifications and experience beautifully. The catch was, it would be a high pressure, full-time-plus-evenings-and-weekends position. While it would have been a challenge I would have loved to take on, I didn’t know if I could meet my family and ministry commitments, plus do the job well.
The interview went well. I became even more excited about the opportunity, convincing myself we could work out all the details. A week later I received a call. The interviewer let me know the position had been filled by another candidate. While my qualifications had been a good match, the other candidate had been a near perfect match. My dreams were deflated. God had answered my prayer, and in this case, the answer was, “No.”
I felt relief that I wouldn’t have to figure out how to tell my current employer or find full-time daycare. No more conflicted feelings about neglecting my family. But in the middle of the night, the doubts crept in. Had I said too much in the interview? Not enough? Could I have done things differently and gotten the job? Did I not measure up?
Blessedly, in that moment of turmoil and doubt, I pulled out my Bible. Through His Word, God reminded me He has a plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). He doesn’t want me to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6). If I set my mind on Him, He will give me perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). If I had meant what I prayed at the start of this, I had to be okay with not “winning.” I had to accept and embrace God’s negative response.
I was able to go back to sleep, resting in God’s peace. The answer from God was “No” this time. This position wasn’t the right one for me now. Trusting God means I rest in His perfect will, even when I don’t understand.
Lord Jesus, finding the path You want me to take can be confusing and overwhelming sometimes. Thank You for the guidance You offer each of us through Your Word and the quiet voice of Your Spirit. Help me to rest in Your peace and trust Your plan. Help me not to shy away from future opportunities because Your answer was “No” this time. Amen.
(God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.
Uncovering and pursuing God’s will for my life is never easy for me. I am often confused by choices where neither option appears to be sinful or wrong, just different. Perhaps I’m discernment-challenged or a world-class justifier, but I can see the good in either side of many opportunities. I recently wrestled with this sort of decision, and ended by praying, “I’ll give this my best shot and consult You every step of the way, Father. If Your Spirit asks me to stop or You close doors, I’ll accept that it’s Your best for me and my family.”
My unrest was brought on by a job opportunity that fit my qualifications and experience beautifully. The catch was, it would be a high pressure, full-time-plus-evenings-and-weekends position. While it would have been a challenge I would have loved to take on, I didn’t know if I could meet my family and ministry commitments, plus do the job well.
The interview went well. I became even more excited about the opportunity, convincing myself we could work out all the details. A week later I received a call. The interviewer let me know the position had been filled by another candidate. While my qualifications had been a good match, the other candidate had been a near perfect match. My dreams were deflated. God had answered my prayer, and in this case, the answer was, “No.”
I felt relief that I wouldn’t have to figure out how to tell my current employer or find full-time daycare. No more conflicted feelings about neglecting my family. But in the middle of the night, the doubts crept in. Had I said too much in the interview? Not enough? Could I have done things differently and gotten the job? Did I not measure up?
Blessedly, in that moment of turmoil and doubt, I pulled out my Bible. Through His Word, God reminded me He has a plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). He doesn’t want me to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6). If I set my mind on Him, He will give me perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). If I had meant what I prayed at the start of this, I had to be okay with not “winning.” I had to accept and embrace God’s negative response.
I was able to go back to sleep, resting in God’s peace. The answer from God was “No” this time. This position wasn’t the right one for me now. Trusting God means I rest in His perfect will, even when I don’t understand.
Lord Jesus, finding the path You want me to take can be confusing and overwhelming sometimes. Thank You for the guidance You offer each of us through Your Word and the quiet voice of Your Spirit. Help me to rest in Your peace and trust Your plan. Help me not to shy away from future opportunities because Your answer was “No” this time. Amen.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Breathe Normally
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray continually.
I have to confess that I don’t pray continually. Sometimes I’m thinking about stuff like what we need at the grocery or Bob the Builder’s cat’s name (Pilchard—didn’t mean to distract you if you were praying).
At the doctor’s office the other day, she asked me to “breathe normally.” I laughed and said, “Now I can’t.” Have you ever noticed the harder you try, the weirder you breathe? A friend of mine recently had a health scare. The doctor recommended that she work hard at relaxing. Again, the more you work at it, the less you’re able to achieve the intended result.
I think that’s how it is with praying unceasingly. If I get all hung up about doing it wrong and focus on all the times I’ve let God slip my mind, I’ve done exactly what I’m trying not to. I’ve got my eyes on myself instead of on my Lord. The command to pray unceasingly is all about relationship and not about rules. If I’m in a love relationship with Jesus, I’ll want to share my day with Him, consult with Him about my struggles, celebrate with Him my joys. Praying unceasingly then becomes a running mental dialogue—a silvery spider web of connection with Jesus that runs through everything I do.
If my eyes are focused on Him during the mundane and the crisis, then I don’t have to feel guilty about thinking through the mechanics of my day and my dreams for the future. Jesus has given me a mind to chase after Him. Much as I don’t spend my time in a self-conscious state of breathing normally, I can release my load of prayer guilt to the joy of His presence.
Lord Jesus, I love You and want Your input and wisdom on everything I think and do. Help me to stay in a constant state of communion with You. Draw me closer to Your Spirit and give me Your peace. Amen.
Pray continually.
I have to confess that I don’t pray continually. Sometimes I’m thinking about stuff like what we need at the grocery or Bob the Builder’s cat’s name (Pilchard—didn’t mean to distract you if you were praying).
At the doctor’s office the other day, she asked me to “breathe normally.” I laughed and said, “Now I can’t.” Have you ever noticed the harder you try, the weirder you breathe? A friend of mine recently had a health scare. The doctor recommended that she work hard at relaxing. Again, the more you work at it, the less you’re able to achieve the intended result.
I think that’s how it is with praying unceasingly. If I get all hung up about doing it wrong and focus on all the times I’ve let God slip my mind, I’ve done exactly what I’m trying not to. I’ve got my eyes on myself instead of on my Lord. The command to pray unceasingly is all about relationship and not about rules. If I’m in a love relationship with Jesus, I’ll want to share my day with Him, consult with Him about my struggles, celebrate with Him my joys. Praying unceasingly then becomes a running mental dialogue—a silvery spider web of connection with Jesus that runs through everything I do.
If my eyes are focused on Him during the mundane and the crisis, then I don’t have to feel guilty about thinking through the mechanics of my day and my dreams for the future. Jesus has given me a mind to chase after Him. Much as I don’t spend my time in a self-conscious state of breathing normally, I can release my load of prayer guilt to the joy of His presence.
Lord Jesus, I love You and want Your input and wisdom on everything I think and do. Help me to stay in a constant state of communion with You. Draw me closer to Your Spirit and give me Your peace. Amen.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Philip Method
Acts 8:29-31, 35
The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
How many of us think we could do great things for God if only He’d ask? This passage provides a good framework for a follow-up to Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. I’ll trademark it as “The Philip Method.” Lots of us know God has a purpose for our lives, but we aren’t sure exactly how to carry it out. Here’s a series of questions we can ask ourselves as we move through life.
1. Do I obey when the Holy Spirit leads me? I’m not sure what Philip had planned that day, but he cleared his schedule to head down a road with no real plan. Am I available to help as needed, or is my schedule so crammed that it leaves no room for extras? Others have referred to this as “margin.” Just as margins frame a page, the margins in our lives give us space for the spiritual framework around our physical lives.
2. Am I bold in carrying out God’s mission? Philip ran up alongside the chariot of an influential man and asked him a personal, probing question. It would be like coming up next to Barack Obama’s motorcade and chatting with him. How long do you think the Secret Service would let me do that before “detaining” me? Philip took a risk, maybe even risking his life, to carry out God’s mission.
3. Am I prepared for the work? Philip was ready physically, mentally and spiritually. He was able to hold a conversation as he ran alongside the chariot, so obviously he was in good shape. He was able to connect the good news of Jesus to the place where the man was and lead him to Jesus. Am I physically able to meet the challenges Jesus could throw my way? Am I familiar enough with my faith and Scripture to tell the story of Jesus in a way others can relate to?
4. Do I recognize the authority Jesus gives me? What would I do if someone wanted me to baptize them right now? Would I feel like I needed a pastor to do it right? Mike Slaughter talks of the “priesthood of all believers.” God gives each of us the authority to do what He calls us to do. We don’t need a “hired gun” to do God’s work.
5. Am I able to dive into the next thing when it’s time? Honestly, after the experience Philip went through, I would be anxious to go home and tell my friends all about what had happened. I could be content to rest on that incident of being used by God for weeks (maybe years!). But Philip found himself in another place so he kept preaching, doing God’s next assignment.
We can do great things for God, but we have to be available, courageous and prepared. Where can you use the Philip Method today?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Spirit who leads and guides us. Help us to be available, courageous and prepared to be used by You. Amen.
The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
How many of us think we could do great things for God if only He’d ask? This passage provides a good framework for a follow-up to Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. I’ll trademark it as “The Philip Method.” Lots of us know God has a purpose for our lives, but we aren’t sure exactly how to carry it out. Here’s a series of questions we can ask ourselves as we move through life.
1. Do I obey when the Holy Spirit leads me? I’m not sure what Philip had planned that day, but he cleared his schedule to head down a road with no real plan. Am I available to help as needed, or is my schedule so crammed that it leaves no room for extras? Others have referred to this as “margin.” Just as margins frame a page, the margins in our lives give us space for the spiritual framework around our physical lives.
2. Am I bold in carrying out God’s mission? Philip ran up alongside the chariot of an influential man and asked him a personal, probing question. It would be like coming up next to Barack Obama’s motorcade and chatting with him. How long do you think the Secret Service would let me do that before “detaining” me? Philip took a risk, maybe even risking his life, to carry out God’s mission.
3. Am I prepared for the work? Philip was ready physically, mentally and spiritually. He was able to hold a conversation as he ran alongside the chariot, so obviously he was in good shape. He was able to connect the good news of Jesus to the place where the man was and lead him to Jesus. Am I physically able to meet the challenges Jesus could throw my way? Am I familiar enough with my faith and Scripture to tell the story of Jesus in a way others can relate to?
4. Do I recognize the authority Jesus gives me? What would I do if someone wanted me to baptize them right now? Would I feel like I needed a pastor to do it right? Mike Slaughter talks of the “priesthood of all believers.” God gives each of us the authority to do what He calls us to do. We don’t need a “hired gun” to do God’s work.
5. Am I able to dive into the next thing when it’s time? Honestly, after the experience Philip went through, I would be anxious to go home and tell my friends all about what had happened. I could be content to rest on that incident of being used by God for weeks (maybe years!). But Philip found himself in another place so he kept preaching, doing God’s next assignment.
We can do great things for God, but we have to be available, courageous and prepared. Where can you use the Philip Method today?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Spirit who leads and guides us. Help us to be available, courageous and prepared to be used by You. Amen.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Gut-level Honest With God
Hosea 14:1, 2
Return, Israel, to the LORD your God,
Your sins have been your downfall!
Take words with you and return to the LORD.
Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously,
That we may offer the fruit of our lips."
How honest am I really with God? If I'm totally honest with God, I have ask myself some hard questions. Do I really give to others expecting nothing in return? Do I begrudge others the time it takes to listen to their problems? Am I pleasant to my kids in public but curt and uncaring in private? Confession means looking at myself with a magnifying glass and admitting to God where I come up short.
Many disciplines of Christianity have been my focus for seasons of my life, as I've worked to make them positive habits. I've focused on one of the fruits of the Spirit each day (Galatians 5:22, 23). I've memorized the books of the Bible and verses therein. I've focused on fasting, intercessory prayer, praise and solitude with God. But never have I made consistent confession my focus. Like a child caught with my hand in the cookie jar, I confess frantically when I'm caught red-handed.
I think I'll see what fruit comes from a season of scrutiny and confession. My guess would be a humbled spirit, a greater awareness of my positive or negative impact on the lives of others, and gratefulness to our loving God who lavishes His love and grace on me even while I continue to mess up.
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me though I am imperfect. Help me to be gut-level honest and admit my weaknesses and mistakes. I want to make the changes I need to make to reflect Your love and grace to others in ever-increasing ways. Amen.
Return, Israel, to the LORD your God,
Your sins have been your downfall!
Take words with you and return to the LORD.
Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously,
That we may offer the fruit of our lips."
How honest am I really with God? If I'm totally honest with God, I have ask myself some hard questions. Do I really give to others expecting nothing in return? Do I begrudge others the time it takes to listen to their problems? Am I pleasant to my kids in public but curt and uncaring in private? Confession means looking at myself with a magnifying glass and admitting to God where I come up short.
Many disciplines of Christianity have been my focus for seasons of my life, as I've worked to make them positive habits. I've focused on one of the fruits of the Spirit each day (Galatians 5:22, 23). I've memorized the books of the Bible and verses therein. I've focused on fasting, intercessory prayer, praise and solitude with God. But never have I made consistent confession my focus. Like a child caught with my hand in the cookie jar, I confess frantically when I'm caught red-handed.
I think I'll see what fruit comes from a season of scrutiny and confession. My guess would be a humbled spirit, a greater awareness of my positive or negative impact on the lives of others, and gratefulness to our loving God who lavishes His love and grace on me even while I continue to mess up.
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me though I am imperfect. Help me to be gut-level honest and admit my weaknesses and mistakes. I want to make the changes I need to make to reflect Your love and grace to others in ever-increasing ways. Amen.
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