Greetings in the name of – “the pain-taker – the way maker – the prison-shaking Saviour – the chain-breaker”, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What a delightful ‘one month until Spring’ morning in the Kingdom. I trust that you enjoyed all the blessings of God over the weekend and Monday. I believe that this will be a great week as we walk out our faith in our unique ‘kingdom’ among family and friends. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to release good health, positive thoughts, and loving actions to you and through you.
I have done a self-diagnosis and realised that I am sick. I believe that I am suffering from “spiritual lethargy”! I look at my life and situations repeating the words of a friend of mine – and said Eyore, “Oh well, I guess I’ll just…”. I think it was Paul who said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…” Philippians 4:11b-12a. However that is slightly out of context…but it works if I don’t put those words alongside: But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13b-14.
So..what to do? …’press’ and ‘strain’ – stop looking in my rear view mirror. I was challenged by a quote by Walt Disney – “Around here we don’t backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious…and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
I wonder if all this is God beginning to answer the prayer of Jabez that I have been looking at and speaking out – “God…would you expand my territory…” I wonder if God is telling me that to expand my territory I must stop wrapping my arms around what I already have – i am not protecting it but I am limiting it, isolating it – I am quenching the Holy Spirit.
Let em share a Bible verse that God gave me to ponder a few days ago – Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list…” Matthew 22:37-38 The Message. Just as I am writing this God, I believe, has sent me this verse – For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God..2 Timothy 1:6a.
I know God has been speaking to me…and maybe there is someone else with ‘spiritual lethargy’ who needs to ‘fan the flame’ and to ‘press’ and ‘strain’ .
Lord, it is so easy for me to stick to familiar routes and safe routines. But I know this is not the way you call me to follow you and lve mylife. Today I ask for passion and boldness to step out into the new territories you are opening before me…I pray that you would ignite your pioneering spirit within me. Amen. – Brian Houston
Have a grand day – be blessed!