Thursday, December 27, 2012
Building People of Substance for Works of Power
Make room, Friend.
It is a very rare occasion indeed when I quote the Pope of Rome, but in his Christmas address, Pope Benedict said something that paralleled my own thoughts. I had been meditating on the innkeeper who had no room for the baby Jesus. The Pope commented on the same verse, “We want what we can seize hold of, we want happiness that is within our reach, we want our plans and purposes to succeed. We are so "full" of ourselves that there is no room left for God.” As we come up to the beginning of a new year, I find it helpful to make a little special room for God, for His plans and purposes As we close the ledger on 2012 and look ahead to 2013, what does the Lord who saved me think of my condition, my progress, and my future? I want to challenge you to make one hour for God in your day for the next 3 days. Get your Bible and a note pad. Each day begin your hour by praying in the Spirit, worshipping the Lord, and asking yourself and Him a few pointed questions. Listen carefully for His responses.
- Day One: Go back to the day you met the Lord and revisit all the clear directions He has spoken to you. We all have had those Divine moments when we knew He was talking to us. Dust off your vision. Have you forgotten what He told you? Have you wandered a little off course? What adjustments are needed to get back on track? Write them down.
- Day Two: Reflect on your life today and over the last year. Are you satisfied? Do you sense the internal smile that tells you God is satisfied? If not, what areas would you improve or change? Write them down.
- Day Three: Get quiet and listen for His direction in the year ahead. Where do you want to be a year from now? Is that where you believe He wants you to be? What changes are you willing to make to get there? Write them down.
Now look at the things you have written. Pick any one of the changes you believe need to be made. What are you willing to do to move in that direction? Write that down. Put the first step on your calendar and ask the Lord to help you. His direction comes complete with His grace to fulfill it. All He needs is a little room.
Somebody Said: Things alter for the worse spontaneously, if they be not altered for the better designedly. Francis Bacon
Scripture Reading: All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. (2 Corinthians 3:18 MSG)
God’s stuff is always better than our best imaginations. Make sure He has room to move. Have a wonderful new year.
vls
pastorvirgil.com 