Day #43

So excited to open up God’s Word with you and share this time together!!!

I ask that you would pray right now, yes seriously stop reading beyond this paragraph, and ask that the HOLY SPIRIT would guide what we would learn today.

When I read God’s Word each day, it can be a great comfort to me.  It warms me and encourages me to continue, especially in times of hurt and when I am faced with the HORRID things that go on this world. 

Reading God’s Word can also be, in times of PRIDE, a time where I do something DISGUSTING and DESPICABLE.  In all my filth, I apply what I am reading or learning to everyone else but me.  I immediately think of ways that I can use the WORD I have read as a weapon to condemn someone or shame them.

Finally, reading God’s Word can also be annoying to me… like a little tiny rock in my shoe that I just can’t seem to get out… like that little piece of price tag still left in a piece of clothing and it is rubbing your skin raw, but you just can’t find where it is??  Get what I am saying?  Ha, Ha!  Let me explain.  Sometimes the Word makes me uncomfortable.    

The Word makes me uncomfortable in two separate and distinct ways.  First, the discomfort I feel may be over something that I know I have done and then I have to become SELFLESS and go confess and make right my wrong.  In other words, the sin is clear and the way of making it right is clear.  I just have to be obedient and do it.  But, there is another discomfort that overtakes me from time to time.  This is where you know something is not right, but you aren’t sure what it is.  Eventually I come to know what it is, but feel powerless to stop it or clueless where to even begin the process of repenting (turning away from it). 

Some actions we have are highly ingrained in us because we have been doing them for so long we don’t know any different.  BUT, as a follower of Christ He will never allow us to stay in the condition we are in.  “He disciplines those that He loves” Hebrews 12:6.   

The way I see it, we have two choices…

1.    We can ignore this discomfort by looking to one of the many things we have in life to numb ourselves like hobbies, friends, TV, internet, etc.  We can ignore it by running from it.  We can even be “in your face” defiant like a child who spits in the face of his parent.  But, if we are a Christ follower, God will NOT ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE.  Again, He disciplines those that He loves (Hebrews 12:6).  He is faithful to not leave us in the condition we are in!!  Yay!!

2.    We can ask God to reveal what the issue is and ask Him to make clear to us what needs to happen next in the process of turning away from it.

TARGET of the DAY

I stopped our study in James today, because we are learning so much that sometimes it can be overwhelming or maybe not taken seriously.  Sometimes what we are learning can be so heavy, we don’t take time to really think on it and allow change to take place.  Begin asking God to help your heart pay attention to that ANNOYING and IRRITATING thing.  Talk to Him.

I have good news!!  There is HOPE in all the irritation!!  To prepare for the hope… read Psalm 138:6.

“Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble;

He keeps His distance from the proud.”   

We will study this HOPE tomorrow!!