Refreshed :: Monday E-Devotion

"Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your Word." Psalm 119:18 (TEV)

Thank you for allowing me to be away last week. You missed a week of devotions, I am sure you realized. My family spent time together at the beach and found some great refreshment.

Along the way, God showed up in a big way for me. It was not only powerful words for me personally. It was also a time to revisit some of what the Lord has called me to be ... holy as an individual and intentional as a leader. Thinking those thoughts I have to give all the praise to God. He is awesome. He meets us. He lifts us. But wait, that doesn't just happen. We often have to get still and get in His presence. No, you don't have to go to a special church or a special location to be in His presence. You will find Him anywhere you allow that to happen. For me, last week was an intensely spiritual and encouraging time.

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him." Psalm 62:1 (NIV)

Here are a few of the BIG thoughts I had flowing through my head as I spent time with the Lord:

1 --- Listen to people who have been with Jesus. Some of them are often not on our radar. I read some quotes from the former Pope, and I was blessed big time.

2 --- Our enemy many times looks different than we perceive them. Much of the time we just don't understand where people are coming from. I try to be relevant in sharing about Jesus which means I have to speak the language of people I am not normally around.

3 --- God intends for His kids to be Saints. We will not be perfect, but being in His presence changes us. The proof of a godly life is a changed life.

4 --- Reading Scripture and listening to God to get what I want is dangerous. He wants me. He doesn't want my opinions. Grace means He accepts us now, not after we make changes. The opportunity to enjoy God is now.

"Many things. Too many to tell. You cannot kill all the gnats that distract you. You must simply ignore them. But you should be aware of the biggest one. That is pride. You want to do it your way. You want control. That is why I began to give you these direct answers (speaking about questions about being a saint) only when you uttered the magic words 'I give up'." Peter Kreeft in "How To Win the Culture War" page 117

God showed up and refreshed me ...

"The wise of heart will receive commands...He who walks in integrity walks securely...The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life..." Proverbs 10:8-9,11 (NASB)

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Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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