August 24, 2012
Today, sometimes the Love Worth Finding devotional has an encouraging word. It is about knowing Jesus, really knowing. The story is about a man who goes from believing the Gospel to really knowing Jesus. I believe that most Christians are in the believing stage of faith. I can read books on apologetics and be convinced in the historical Jesus and even in the truth of the Gospel. Do I really know Him? I would have to say no. I have a relationship with Jesus, but a weak one. It is not like I am too busy and do not have time with Him. I have prayed and worshiped more in these three months than I did the first five months of this year. My relationship is weak. I desire more but feel weak in my faith.
Today had been a very ordinary day. Nothing special. I took a morning and afternoon nap because I was super tired, and read up on a diet that I have been wondering about, but nothing out of the ordinary. I am not looking for lightening and earth shaking, but I feel lukewarm in my faith these days. After the LWF devotional I have a Heartlight prayer on enduring and being faithful. I have been tempted to try methods of healing that go against orthodox Christiany. There are times in this difficult season when I have desired to take my life. Although these moments are few and most often late at night when I cannot sleep, I am bothered by the fact that I feel so defeated and discouraged. My prayer today is not just to know Jesus deeper, but to remain and endure even when it feels really hopeless.
That I May Know Him
BIBLE MEDITATION:
“That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.” Philippians 3:10
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
One day I was making a call on a businessman with a friend of mine. This dear man of God began giving his testimony of how the Lord saved him. But then he said something that really shocked me. I was speechless. He said, “I used to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and that He was buried and rose again. But I don’t believe it anymore.”
I was stopped dead in my tracks. Then with a smile on his face he said, “I don’t believe it anymore. Now, I know it!”
Oh, to go from believing to knowing the Savior! What a change of thought. What a change of heart. What a glorious revelation and transformation!
ACTION POINT:
Do you know Him? Really know Him today? Or do you just believe that He died, was buried, and rose again?
Praying with Paul for 08/24/2012
"Endure, Never Deny" — 2 Timothy 2:11-13
Dear Father, ever faithful God,
Thank you for my Savior, Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, as preached in the gospel of your grace. Help me endure all things for the sake of that glorious message. May my words and deeds be a clear witness. May I endure everything for the sake of your elect, that they may obtain salvation and eternal glory.
Thank you that I have died with Christ and will also live with him. May I endure, so I might also reign with you. May I never deny you, so you will not deny me. And may I remain faithful to you, as you yourself are faithful.
In the name of Jesus, grant me perseverence in your love. I give you my unreserved obedience. Amen.
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