As in my earlier post, God really spoke to me concerning some things that I have put off. It is now time for me to act! We each have to take time and just listen to God and act in obedience. One of my favorite scriptures is from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It reminds us that the Lord has a plan for each of us. I find encouragement in that scripture. It seems that some of us are more interested in the worldly ways than God's ways. It seems that we are so consumed with the business of our lives that when it comes to God, he is often overlooked, sometimes becoming second in our life and in some cases maybe even further down. We must take a look at our priorities. God should always come first, he comes before our husband, our kids, our family and friends, our work, our school and all other activities. Hope you are paying attention. We get so consumed with watching TV, playing video games, computer games, and spending time on the Internet that God's time becomes minimal. We spend more time with that than we do with the Word of God or praying. We have probably got up at least one morning in a rush and didn't even think to give the Lord time that morning. We probably all have been guilty of this very thing. God has something so great for us if we would just listen and spend more time in His Word and be willing to be used. It is time to start taking that leap of faith and doing it and stop sitting back waiting for something to happen. We have to desire the same love for others as Jesus Christ. He sought the lost and that is what we are each called to do. We must seek the lost and share the good news of Jesus Christ. It is time to act! We cannot be a people or a church of complacency but a church and a people whose deepest desire is to minister to others and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ desires that personal relationship with Him. Revelation 2:4-5 speaking to the Church of Ephesus "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love... Repent and do the things you did at first..." James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
The Lord really spoke to my heart about really loving him during the Winter Retreat. It really makes you think, are we really doing everything God has intended for us to do? Can we do more? It takes being committed to Christ and living for Him. We must learn to Pray, Live, Serve, Tell and Give.
* Pray - Prayer is the key, it is our communication with the Lord, our time alone with the Lord where we lay down our requests and our burdens before the Lord and listen for His Word.
* Live - Live a life that reflects that of Jesus Christ, in other words, be an example of His great love. May others see your life as a reflection of Jesus Christ.
* Serve - Be a servant, in order to serve you have to be willing to be a servant first.
* Tell -Tell your story, your testimony, everyone has a story. You have to be willing to be a witness for Jesus Christ. You must be willing to share your story with others. You never know what others have been through; your testimony could be what they need to hear.
* Give - Give your lives to God, give him your all in all. Give of your time and of your finances. He deserves our very best in everything we do.
We each have a mission in life. Are we willing to yield? Are we ready to follow Christ? Are we ready to give him our very best in everything we do? Are we listening to His Word? Are we being obedient to what he has called us to do? Now is the time to act. Put your complete trust in Christ and allow him to use you. God has incredible things in store for each of us if we only obey his Word. We can all be used whether in school, at work, at the check-out line, at the park or even at a game, God can always use each of us to be a witness. It may even be in front of you and you may not realize it until you take the step of faith. It seems God always uses you the most when you least expect it and sometimes in circumstances in which you are facing a hardship. I thank God for his saving grace. He has graciously blessed us. May God help you to become a prayer warrior, live fully for Him, a servant, a witness and give your life to Christ. Help us to be obedient to your Word and walk by faith. Help us Lord to give our very best in all that we do. Help us to take that leap of faith and act now! May your will be done in our life Lord, not our will, but your will be done. Thank you Lord for your many blessings!
