Hello my friends,
It’s been a while on here. Apologies. The following excerpt is a weekly email communication I have started sending out to my small group concerning the promises of God. So hopefully, this means weekly updates here as well. Enjoy!
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I woke up this morning a bit discouraged & restless. It’s a bit inexplicable. I don’t think it’s because I had to watch Peyton Manning vs. my beloved Colts, but I’m not ruling it out.
Instead, I’m trying to apply Raudel’s message (Summit Church, from 10/19-20) from this weekend. See the sin. In this case, my own negativity or doubt or temporary darkness… whatever it is. Recognize that the situation is not the cause, the problem, or the ailment in need of remedy. I am. And lastly, acknowledge that in my wickedness, I desire to be apart from God. For whatever stupid reason, I have put this sadness on myself. It is not from God. And the devil gets no dominion here. So I’m left to face myself.
So, somewhat dragging & screaming, I have turned to our study together. Day one of Week seven. Acts 5 & II Kings 18. Not a phenomenal study, but a terrific reminder that God is to be made much of. Not my affection for Keller, Bonhoeffer, or Piper. Not a good song. Not JD, Danny Franks, or the other solid men I run to in my life. And not my own strength. Because in my weakness, God’s promises are still very real. So here’s this week’s installment:
II Chronicles 7:11-15
But the promise is boiled down to this: “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.” (vv.14-15)
Read verse 11. Solomon built what God told him to build. But in v.12 God says he heard Solomon’s pray & has decided to dwell there in the new temple. The building, the work, did not elicit God’s response. It was the sincere prayer of one devoted follower. And we are now that temple seeking to be filled by God’s Spirit. So imagine the ramifications if we got on our knees, holding the work we’ve completed, or are doing, or have set our minds to do, & lifted our work, life, plans, hearts, & intentions to God.
Oh, the consequences that righteousness could bring… staggering.
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So that’s my devotion with you all from the wrong side of my own bed. Be blessed.
Thank you for your part in provoking me out of my funk. You continue to bless me
Brad
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