This morning during my quiet time I had one of those “aha” moments: this world is not my home. I know that, not a news flash, read about it often in the Bible. 1 Peter 2:11 calls us “aliens and strangers in this world.” Hebrews 11:13 called our ancestors “foreigners and strangers on earth.” Philippians 3:20 says that “our citizenship is in heaven.” Nothing new here.
Then why do I try so hard (and expect) to keep my life here on earth as comfortable and easy as possible?
Yes, I enjoy my life, and receive that as a blessing from God. I am blessed with an amazing husband, an awesome family, good friends, a wonderful church, and good health. But sadly I often stop there and forget my true purpose: to be a disciple of Jesus and make disciples. And that, plus the fact we live in a fallen world, can make life challenging and painful at times.
Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God here on earth, including miracles, signs, and wonders. I long to see those here, now, in my own life. But what am I doing about it? Am I pressing into God, diving deeply into His Word, praying, focusing on eternity?
Sometimes. But it’s not my lifestyle and I believe that’s what it takes for Jesus to be more manifest in my life. Here is what the Lord showed me this morning.
T – Truth. We need to not only know biblical truth, but to focus on it, learn it, and walk in it. Speak it out without fear. Study God’s Word more than just as a checklist item. Surround ourselves with people who will challenge us to grow in our understanding of the Bible.
I – Investment. It doesn’t just happen that we grow in relationships with people, so why would we expect that our relationship with God will just “happen” without any investment? Give Him time, attention, and devotion.
M – Music. Sing praises and worship to God. Listen to worship music every day, and take pauses to worship along with it. Tune out music that is not God-honoring; exchange it for music that fills our souls with truth and life-giving words.
E – Expect. As you go through your day, expect God to show up. Be looking for Him. Be aware of the people and situations around you, and invite God into them. Then expect that He’ll show up.
All these things take intention to spend time investing more into the Kingdom of God than on ourselves and our comfort.
As I received this word in my prayer closet, and as I write it now, I am overwhelmed by God’s presence. He is enough. He has always been enough. He will always be enough. He is Jireh, my provider for all I need. He is El Shaddai, God Almighty, above Him there is no other.
And He is my Father, and I will be with Him for eternity! What more could I ever want or need?
Join me in this prayer?
Lord, I am sorry for all the time I wasted on my own comfort. Thank You for all the joys You’ve given me. Help me to re-order my time so that You are really at the center in thought, word, and action. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me into Your truth so I can pour out to others the love I receive from You. Help my life to reflect my belief that You are El Shaddai!
In Jesus mighty name I pray, amen!
As God answers my prayer, I know I need to do my part and make needed changes in my life. I’ve learned that when you receive a revelation from God you are then accountable to walk in it. I am excited, and a bit apprehensive, about what the coming days will be like.
God is enough!
So I kneel humbly in awe before the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah,
the perfect Father of every father and child in heaven and on the earth.
And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor
until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power.
Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you,
and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.
(Ephesians 3:14-17, The Passion Translation)
I can’t leave you without a worship song. Join Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music with Jireh.
