Today's quiet time was, again, something I felt that I needed to share, I think more so because I struggle with it so much.
I John 2:15-17 tells us not to love the world because if anyone does, the love of the Father is not in them. The desires of the world that we have will eventually pass away, but the person who does the will of God will live forever.
Matthew 16:25-26 is a simple but extremely difficult concept for us today. If we love Christ, we are to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. It sounds simple, but each of those are incredibly difficult when you are attached to the world. Denying ourselves means that we set aside our fleshly desires and focus solely on God's; we have to recognize that God sees the bigger picture, whether or not we understand it. Taking up your cross is something that, I think, everyone struggles with (at least in North America). Take up your cross, or any deathly torture device you choose, and follow the one, true God who laid down His life for sinners. Following Him sounds easy enough, but to follow Him during His lifetime meant leaving your loved ones, giving up everything you owned and literally following Him, so that you could learn from Him and serve with Him. Today, I don't think our calling as Christians is much different. We are still supposed to spread the news of the gospel to the nations, and in order to do that we have to forget about the things of this world and go where He sends us.
Romans 12:1-2 says that we should offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. His son sacrificed His life for us and he asks that we do the same in return. If our reward in Heaven is greater than anything we can ever imagine, how is it a sacrifice that we would give up the things that pass away to gain something that lasts forever?!
As you consider these things, I hope you'll pray with me...
Abba, Father, You are the Lord of all creation and still you know how many hairs are on my head. You know the sins of my life, but still Your son died for me. Lord, I am so unworthy of your love, much less your sons life. Forgive me of my sins against you; forgive the corporate sins of society. Father, I pray for the world; I pray that as Christians we would be reminded every day that this place is not our home, but that our home is with you. Guide us take up or crosses, whatever they may be, and to follow you wholeheartedly everyday of our lives.
Lord, I pray for myself, because as much as I believe the things I share with people and as much as I know about your word, Father, it isn't enough. So often, I get consumed by the desires of this world and I lose sight of your will. There is so much corruption and so much sin in this world, that it is so easy to give into temptation and evil; please help me to focus on You and to constantly do your will, not my own. The insecurities I have are just the world's influence on me, but they are so influential to my life everyday; I need your love and your grace to surround me, to help me to see that who I am is your child, your servant, not someone who has to live by the ridiculous standards that the word sets.
Lord, God, guide me everyday in every breath I take that I might be growing to know you better and to serve you and love others without condition. Search me, and know my heart, pull me closer to you and use me as I strive to follow you in every step I take.
I love you Lord and I long for more of you.
I pray in Jesus Christs precious and holy name. Amen.
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