MAKE IT SO
And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
As we close out this week’s readings, let’s recap our week on spiritual renewal. First, it’s recognizing our need for God and our current condition, our state of mind. I had an outside building that was so cluttered and full of unnecessary things that I wouldn’t turn loose of, and it became overwhelming. Until one day, I decided I needed to do something, but where do I begin? It came down to dealing with what was the first thing in front of me, what was blocking me from getting to the other things that needed to be dealt with. We must start somewhere to move forward. That’s what repentance is: seeing the thing that’s blocking us from God and His plan to renew us and choosing to surrender that to Him. When we do that, God reassures us that He has heard us and sees us. Not just that, but He wants to begin to change us from the inside out, renewing our minds to think and be more like Him.
As He works for us and cleans us up, He gives us a better view of things. Not physically perfected, but making progress. God places others in our path that benefit our walk, but do not hinder it. That’s what community is all about: accountability and transparency. We run the race together in community; a race is not to be run alone. That’s called isolation; the enemy’s greatest tool is to get us alone. Our Scripture today assures us God will keep working on us, keep our eyes on the prize and don’t give up. As mentioned earlier this week, the Creator of the universe says you are worth it.
APPLICATION: In your quiet time today, ask God to show what is in your way that’s hindering your walk. Ask Him to help you choose to remove that from your life. As the great captain from Star Trek says, Make it so, Number One. God, because You are first, please change me.
PRAYER: Father, I choose today to listen to what You have to say to me, give me the desire and strength to get out of the way of what You are doing in my life. Renew my spirit and grow my life here on earth. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?