[John 11:39]
Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days."
:: Awareness
When you are faced with something seemingly unchangeable, is your first reaction to doubt the unimaginable? Do you live, expecting miracles to happen? Or do you struggle with weak faith, unable to see the forest beyond the trees? It’s hard to see God’s way in a situation, when we are relying on our limited human knowledge and filter what we experience through our senses only. What is standing in your way to great faith? What are the stones that you have allowed to block the power of the Holy Spirit in you? Jesus tells Martha to remove the stone, so she will see and believe that God’s power is far greater than anything she could possibly conceive. What stone has He been asking you to remove, that has prevented you from witnessing His glory in you? The LORD wants to work miracles in us, but we must be willing to rely on His power, and believe that with Him all things are possible, even the unimaginable. An unwillingness to surrender, a hard heart, and fear will keep you from God’s blessings. In order to see miracles we must be willing to remove the obstacles of our faith. Living each day ready to experience His Kingdom means that we don’t let our doubt, fear, and ignorance become a hindrance that prevents us from seeing the power of God at work.
:: Prayer
Almighty Father, I know and believe that with You all things are possible. And I confess there are times when my faith is weak and I am unable to see beyond my human knowledge. Help me to break free of fear and remove the obstacles that I let keep me from completely surrendering to You. I want to experience Your Kingdom and see Your power at work today. I want to live free of any stones that will hinder the maturing of my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
[Luke 12:15]
Speaking to the people, he went on, "Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot."
:: Awareness
If we are to be a witness for Christ, to live sent and set apart for His glory, desiring to share the Good News and bring others into a relationship with the One true God, then it is important that we live without hypocrisy and show by our own lifestyle we live out what we profess to believe. It means living at the Cross and all it stands for - denying self, lusts of the flesh, the pride of life, and our glorification. Jesus warns us to flee from greed. If we are going to be a light to others and testify of God’s work in us, then why would we covet the riches of the world? If we didn’t truly believe that His blessings far outweigh the comfort of material things, how can we possibly expect to draw others into seeking God? Ask yourself, are you living for Jesus today? Or does a great mansion stand in your way?
Don’t allow yourself to be led astray from your purpose for God because of temporary abundance. Be concerned with your image, if what you project on the outside lines up with what you believe on the inside. Live honest in being approved before God, not men, and faithful to the One whose glory you are testifying about. Don’t be half-hearted in obedience, or wavering in faith. If you don’t truly believe God is the way, and that He will provide all your needs, your lack of faith will crumble your witness. God does not bless us with material possessions to make our life easier, and define who we are. Don’t elevate the importance of wealth in your life. Instead, use it as a tool for His edification, and to define the person on the inside God’s desires you to be.
Where is your faith? Believe and testify that He has all your needs covered. Therefore, you can be free to live for His glory, knowing that the riches you accumulate are eternal and far exceed any temporary rewards in this life.
:: Prayer
LORD, God, protect me from being caught up in the passing riches of this world, and for weakening my testimony of your faithfulness to others. You said how difficult it will be for a rich man to enter into Your Kingdom. Help me to live with integrity the faith I have in you, and to deny the lusts of my flesh. You truly provide all I need and have promised to never leave me or forsake me. Your blessings are eternal and far surpass all the world could offer me. Guard my heart, and may all I desire be in truth for Your Kingdom. In Your Name, Amen.
[John 9:3]
Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.”
:: Awareness
The time is short. As anyone can attest, we get so caught up in our day to day business, we often miss out on spiritual opportunities because we fail to act. Living sent means we take serious obedience to Christ. We cannot experience the blessing if we are unready to act; if we are not abiding and testifying, and recognizing opportunities as they present themselves. God longs to reveal Himself to us. The disciples questioned Jesus about the man’s blindness, assuming that it was put on him as a form of punishment for sin. They were looking at it through human eyes, rather than as a tool for God to be revealed. Imagine if we approached all difficulty, all sin situations, all hardships, as a glorious opportunity to see God? We naturally fear obstacles, confrontations, and disasters because they disrupt the rhythm and the comfort of a familiar routine. We are drawn to security and ignore the ugliness of life, but in doing so, we put an obstacle in the way of our faith. Then In a moment of crisis, how hard it is not to look with human eyes and emotions, rather than with the eyes of Jesus, intent on seeing God work a miracle? By living in a zone of safety, unwilling to go out to face the unpleasantness of life, we damper Jesus’ work. We need to live each day mission-minded, expecting to see God work, while we work the work Jesus revealed in us to do. Greet each moment with an attitude toward the unfamiliar, and believe that by your testimony and obedience to Him, He will “draw all men to Himself” (John 12:32).
:: Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to see You reveal more of Yourself today. Help me not to put my hope in my comfort and in the security of my life now, but to live out each moment, knowing that the day is short and night is approaching, and I don’t want to miss any opportunity or blessing You have for me. Use me and put me in situations where I am out of my comfort zone. Empower me by Your Spirit to be obedient, to be faithful, and to act when You lead me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
[Matthew 5:14]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
:: Awareness
Do you let your light shine to lead others to righteousness, or do you keep it to yourself because you are afraid of being looked at as an offense? Jesus is God’s agent, who confronted man without trepidation, and revealed truth into the hearts of those who sought Him. He illuminates the radiance of the Father to those who choose to be unveiled. He fulfilled His mission at the cross, and is the gateway through which all must come to and live at, if they are to know complete oneness with the Father. Jesus has delegated us, His people, with the task of multiplying His work. To be the salt that permeates blandness. If we choose not to obey, the people won’t experience godliness. When we live in spiritual readiness for His Kingdom, we let our light shine in all things we do, for His glory. It’s as if you are an agent of God on assignment in a foreign world. You have been entrusted with a very valuable mission: you are being sent to deliver His message. Your Master is counting on you for the survival of His people. You have a special gift in your possession, but you cannot contain it, if you are to accomplish your task. You have been counted as a trustworthy agent, and your Master longs to reward you. Your Master accomplished the work He came to do. Now He commands you to communicate His work, and enable it to light upon those you come in contact with. Live in readiness, sent, prepared to shine His light in the dark places you will encounter today.
:: Prayer
Almighty God, You have chosen me for a very special purpose. Who am I to regard lightly the mission You’ve entrusted to me, and not elevate it as the most important charge of my day? LORD, give me the power of Your Spirit to shine forth Your glory in me. Let me be the light that pierces through the darkness, walks without fear, and does not prevent others from seeking You for themselves today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
REVEALED: AWARENESS
God has chosen to reveal His Son in You. Are you living, looking unto Jesus? Be aware of His presence in You, and live your life in spiritual readiness for His Kingdom.
[Luke 12:40]
“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
:: Awareness
How we live out our spiritual life each day reflects the measure of faith we have and what is important to us. Do you operate in a state of readiness, where each day is a gift and another chance to obediently live for Christ knowing He may come at any moment, or have you adopted a complacent attitude of unbelief, without purpose for Him, uncommitted, and wavering in faith? Being in readiness means we are living prepared to serve Him at any moment. We have pledged ourselves to becoming “vessels of honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21) We have adopted obedience to Christ, and are living as if His Kingdom has already come. We are living prepared, clothed in truth, and not unaware of the evil of the day. If He were to return today, are you ready? Can Jesus count on you to be dependable, pure, and doing your job faithfully for His glory?Seek to desire more of His Kingdom than you have been given. Live, striving to be that “fragrant aroma” to God, who when He comes, finds you the loving committed servant He’s chosen you to be. Prove your faithfulness to Him, so that when He returns He will say blessed are you good and faithful servant.
:: Prayer
Almighty Father, sanctify me in truth and encourage me by Your Word, so that I will live desiring Your Kingdom. I know that the days are evil and as Your servant, I must prepare myself for any obstacle that may cause me to sin. Knowing Your Word enables me and sets me apart as a vessel for Your honor. I will live today prepared for Your coming, committed and cleansed, ready to serve You, by the precious blood of Christ, Jesus, Amen.
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