Listening & learning

Listening and following directions is a challenge for many. Add God to the situation it becomes more daunting. Christians profess to follow God's word and trust in Him. We recite verses, pray to order my steps, yet we still doubt or question God. 1 King 17:7-15, the prophet Elijah, and the widow listened. Just what if neither didn’t. God told Elijah to go into enemy territory. Likewise, the widow was cooking her last meal and a stranger comes wanting water and bread to eat. How many of us would have listened to God and done either task without questioning?  When things don’t look favorable learn to listen to God's guidance. Trust God's word, even when it don't make sense. What appeared to be dismal situations for Elijah and the widow turned out to be a blessing. We're in challenging times right now. Listen to the voice of God. He may be leading you to do something that is unconventional and don’t make sense. Whatever God tells you to do, or take away he always makes provisions. Listen and trust God. 

 

Unused gifts and talents

 

 God has given everyone a talent. Yes, even you! The question is are you using them or are they dormant? The "Parable of the Talents", in Matthew 25:14–30, which servant represents you? God talents need to be used. Not buried.  Don't let your talents be wasted. There was a man who wasted his life instead of doing great things with the gifts and talents God had planted in him, he spent his life sleeping and complaining, doubting himself. Mahatma Gandhi stated, “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be.” So, what do you believe? Use what God gave to you. Edify him and be a blessing to others. 

Don’t forget God is still in control

In the face of the world spiraling out of control, let’s not forget God is still in control! Psalms 12, David prays for the people who had lost faith. The world’s unstableness is causing mental turmoil. Our nation has no compassion for the people plundered while the needy go unnoticed. God’s word is flawless. He arise and protect us from the maleficent (Ps. 12:5). 

By our tongues we can fix the conundrum we currently live in. Who is lord over you? Man or God? Christians it’s time to unite! Close the chasm that separates us from God. What we see and read daily may appear one way but it does not have to stay that way. Invoke God in your conversation not doubt, doom, and your shallow theories. Use your tongue to speak God’s word. Pray that God will keep us safe and protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored is by the human race. There is power in prayer. Don’t lose your faith the end is not here yet. We are still in this race call life. 

Do you know how to pray?

Prayer is essential. Prayer is transformational. Prayer is our way of communicating with God, yet many don’t know what to pray. When loss for words or prayers become monotonous, pray using scripture. Allow God’s words to be your prayer. Don’t know where to go, start with the prayers in Psalms. Praising God, (Psalms 105), prayers for the afflicted who is now weak (Psalms 102), prayers for grateful praise, (Psalms 100). By reading/praying God’s word you are aligning yourself with him! Prayer takes on a new meaning. They are not self-gratifying, or egotistical prayers for desires. 

Prayer is your intimate time with God. If you are desiring to Draw closer to God the Father, affirming His words in prayer is one way of doing so.  Remember, Prayer is: 

• Action – pray without ceasing Thes. 5:17
• It’s supplication – Phil. 4:6
• It is NOT vain repetition Mat 6:7

Father God, your eyes are on the righteous and your ears are attentive to their prayer. For everyone who reads this devotion, I ask for  you to keep them covered in your grace. May they become more connected through prayer and supplication with you. This is my prayer in Jesus name - Amen. 

 

You deserve punishment

When forgiveness is not enough what do you do? Demand harsh punishment? God’s love and forgiveness can wipe away the heinous act, but you want retribution. God asked Jonah to deliver a message to the people of Nineveh, repent from their cruel and savage ways or be destroyed. Jonah flees from God, he didn’t want to deliver the message (Jon 1:1-16). He felt they were not deserving of forgiveness, they should be destroyed. After much running and being swallowed by a whale Jonah conceded. God forgave the people but Jonah was angry at God’s compassion (Jon.4:1-2). Our God is compassionate and slow to anger. Many people feel that some leaders, organizations, and nations need to be punished for their cruel and hateful behavior. Yes they do. But who are we to judge unless we want to be judged? Stop talking, running, and thinking like Jonah. As hard as it is for us to ask God to forgive we have to. Pray to God ask to make himself known unto all the people of the land. May they turn from their evil ways, humble themselves and seek God! Despite what we think God still has concern and love  for this great nation of America.