Sunday, June 17, 2012
Prov 25:2 and Acts 4:29 "What Causes This Change?" (June 18)
What really causes change in our hearts? Giving thanks? Sure thing, thanks will alter our perspective but will it change our life? Obedience? Absolutely, but does it come from a heart that is obedient for the right reasons? What makes us wake up a different person this morning desirous of a life of love in direct contrast to the hate I experienced last week when I was betrayed and put down and left for dead. David and Bathsheba knew. Judah and Tamar knew. And today's reading: Peter and John and James know. The last we read about Peter, he was dodging neighbors who were accusing him of being a friend of Jesus. The inscription on a church in Israel reads: He is not my Friend. Weeks pass by and, somehow, Peter repents ~ Acts 2:38 ~ and receives the Holy Spirit and the Wind of God blows wildly over Peter and company. Now, Peter is praying Acts 4:29 to speak the word with Boldness while God stretches out His Hand to Heal. This is a new place for Peter. Boldness. What is God's Spirit blowing over our lives? Seek a Word, Prov 25:2. What really can cause us to change in our hearts this day, this place.
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Prov. 25:11 - Not only do I need a word in the midst of my circumstances, I need a word or two to those dear to me. I know, like Peter, the Holy Spirit will provide those words. (Acts 4:29).
ReplyDeleteI knew after doing Beth's study on James that I needed to live more intentionally for Him. Still not totally clear on how that is to be carried out. I do so want to know what God's Spirit is blowing over my life. I am seeking Him and His Word. Doing Ann Voskamp's 1000 Gifts has added another dimension of thankfulness and gratitude to my heart and life, yet I still feel there is more to be done. My husband is planning on "officially" retiring next year, which strikes fear in my heart for we truly have no money to retire on, unless this one thing that is a possibility in our lives comes to pass. His work has really dried up and I had feared this,and had prayed and prayed for him....he has accepted this fact and is facing the future with hope and planning. He's grown more in the Lord and this has blessed me. Said all of that to say, that I am not sure really why God has allowed this to transpire and I have NO idea how to pray or what to pray but I do know that He is moving in my life and showing me things that I did not know before. How I need a word or two to share with others and know that He will give them to me. He already did when I stepped out in faith two weeks ago.
ReplyDeletePraying for all of the Pearls that God will show up and blow over us and be clear and specific this day. May His beautiful peace descend on each one of us.
good questions about gratitude, obedience, Bev. A changed life or changed perspective? Either way it brings more fullness. Seems some have more of life happening to them than others, yet it is in the darkest of times that things seem more holy to me. Eli Wiessel put it this way,
ReplyDelete“Night is purer than day; it is better for thinking and loving and dreaming. At night everything is more intense, more true."
Sweet Holy Wind, blow on and through our lives with unity and peace. Give wisdom and direction to Mary Lou and David, and peace for a bright future. Bring a holy word of Your truth to 'Nise and her loved ones. Comfort Bev in her broken heart and disappointment. Unify us here to share each others pains and hopes and dreams. Come Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle in us the fire of Your Love. Send forth Your Spirit and You shall renew the face of the earth.
Beautiful words, Annette! Thank you! And thank you to each of you for sharing your hearts, for being so real.
ReplyDeleteAnnette, your prayer brought tears to my eyes. What a gift He gave you. He spoke through you. Praying for each one of us....
ReplyDeleteMary Lou, that prayer is part of the Reunion Group where a group of four ladies met together for accountability for years. We would start our prayer time with it. I think it is an effective one, too! I guess they all are, but it depends on who's praying! (GRIN)
ReplyDelete"The effective prayer of a righteous man availeth much!"