More than a priority

I am learning that I do not need to prioritize God...

As I was talking with a friend yesterday, I reflected on one of his comments. My friend said that he wanted to make God more of a priority in his life. This comment sparked me to share something with him that I have been considering for some time now.

I am learning that, as believers, we do not need to prioritize God. This type of thinking supports a worldview that we are the ultimate masters of our own lives. We can select who and what will be number one in our lives. I feel that when we grapple with this behavior - we are ultimately struggling with "complete surrender" and "whole-hearted devotion" to the Lord.

God's plan is not such that we strive to put Him in the middle of our lives. God's plan is not meant for us to move Him from #1 priority to #2 priority, to #3 priority, and back to #1 again, etc...

Having no other Gods before Him is the context. The reason God is #1 in our lives is not because He is "our" top priority... But, because we are His! God loved us so much that He GAVE His Son to us as a Savior.

So, rather than God being your top priority... let's realize that God is our PARAMETER. Stop trying to make God the center of your life... and start making your life the center of God's will!

God is our parameter! He is the context for our thought life, our behavior, our speech... our entire lives!
It's ALL about Him! So, don't get stuck making God your priority...
MAKE GOD YOUR PARAMETER!

Sir, Yes Sir!

Every person on the planet has needs. Whether we recognize it or not - every person has spiritual needs. The need for salvation, the need for spiritual growth, the need for intimacy with God. We have needs of restoration, healing, provision, guidance; and the list goes on.

Last week as I was seeking God I was challenged to consider how I model the pursuit of God. I strive to seek Him first. My goal as I pray is to honor God, and to know Him more. I also bring my requests before the Lord as I approach the throne-room with boldness.

Again - my thought became: "How am I modeling my pursuit of God?" I want to share one of the truths that God settled in my heart.

Often times we pray for God to do things "FOR" us. We pray for Him to offer wisdom, guidance, provision, healing, restoration, etc... This is Biblical to pray for these things!

However, my recommendation is not only to pray that God would work "IN" me (as referred to above); but also "THROUGH" me.

Do not just pray - "Lord, what will you do in me..." But, pray: "LORD, WHAT DO YOU DESIRE TO DO WITH ME."
We are all soldiers in the God's army. It is as if God is giving us marching orders. What are your marching orders from God? What is your assignment?

We have assignments that are general and long lasting. Some of us have assignments that place us in certain geographical locations - and for decades. However, we also have daily "marching orders" (assignments) from the Lord.

What is God doing "WITH" your life - TODAY?

Let's not just strive for fulfillment - strive for OBEDIENCE. And, obedience (through complete surrender) will produce the fulfillment and abundance that only God can offer.

I am in over my head...

I am in over my head...

I have just completed a sermon series entitle "SATURATE." The result of this sermon series is that it has enabled me to be in over my head. What am I talking about? I have chosen to submit to the Lord, and His power, anointing, and leading at a deeper level.

Using Ezekiel 47, and the illustration of the river: I recognize that there are people who have been on the banks of the river just watching. I have noticed others who are wading in the water - and getting their feet wet regarding the things of God. There are others who are knee deep in it all... and it is no secret that they are followers of Jesus Christ!

Yet, there are others who are waste deep. It is at this level that the river of God starts to really take control. Unaware, I was at this level. I was allowing the river of God to move me... yet, the shore was in still sight! I could swim to the banks of self reliance if I so chose. I could dig my feet into the river's floor and try to stand on my own strength.

During this "SATURATE" sermon series God has directed me to go deeper into His presence. I now feel like I am "in over my head."

I no longer have control of the situations I am in. The church I pastor belongs to God! I am but a steward of HIS church as I shepherd HIS flock!

I am drowning in his presence!

I have already invested more time in prayer this week (and it is only Tuesday) than any week so far in 2010. I am SEEKING HIM!!! I feel like the river of God is in total control of my life! The river of His presence and power will take me where I need to go. I am at the mercy of God!

I love being in His presence! I love being in His will! Lord - give me the strength to continue to obey your leading; to be faithful to your calling; and to fulfill YOUR desires for my life!!!

Light

In Scripture we read about a description of believers. This description is... LIGHT.

Light is a noun... and a verb (an action word)... And, as we are light in a "dark" world (of sin)... our lives become what sheds the truth, hope, and freedom that is found in Christ.

REMEMBER: If you are light... then your life is exposed. Don't let an exposed life deter you from being light in a dark world filled with sin.

Let the fact that an exposed life will keep you accountable to flee from sin! Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you!

So, fulfill one of your Biblical purposes... and BE LIGHT!