TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD

Do you believe that you are growing in the Lord? Do you sense the favor of God moving within? How do you measure your growth? Some base growth on how much more information they get for themselves from books or workshops or sermons, which is truly necessary for growth. On the other hand, that alone could prove to move you further away from God without realizing what happened. Remember the Pharisees? Very highly educated religious leaders in the time of Jesus, but were so far away from Him, they did not recognize Him and were partly responsible for His death. Does praying more draw you closer to God? That sure will help, unless the prayers are routine and empty. Who or what do you most pray for? Do you pray for yourself more than others? Do you believe you'll draw closer to our Lord by doing religious or church duties? The Scripture never teaches that ministry is just doing religious or church duties. Again, remember the Pharisees? The Disciples of Jesus were not very well educated, and perhaps not very pious in fulfilling religious duties. What our Lord most looks for are those who will sacrifice their own desires for God's desire for their lives. He looks for those who are much more concerned about serving others rather than serving themselves. He looks for those who will give to the least among us, without the expectation of what will be done in turn for themselves. He searches for those who would be in relationship with Him. But how can two walk together unless they agree? In order for us to walk with the Lord, we must agree with Him. Agreement is like-mindedness. Agreement is seeing the world and its people through His eyes. It's our hearts beating in rhythm with His. He loves everyone. He gives sacrificially (He gave His own Son). He reaches to the least among us. He cares for the hurting, the wounded, the broken, the poor, the sick, the frightened, the troubled. He thinks more of what He can do for us rather than what we will do for Him. He does not treat us according to what our sins deserve, but goes beyond giving for our good, what we have not and could not earn. To experience His favor is to walk with Him. To walk with Him is to be in agreement with Him. To be in agreement with Him requires the denial of self for the love, support, benefit and good of others. Deny yourself, take up your cross (daily) and follow him. This can be a hurtful path as the world, even many in the church and many of its leaders may turn from you. But what joy to pray for them and serve them because your walking with the Lord.
Please pray for those who have lost so much in the storm called Ike and the storms that came before. Help them in a tangible way if you can. Pray for those who are in the midst of their private storms, that God will bring them through. Pray for our nation and its current, and soon new leadership, that they will hear from God and lead His way, and not the way of political correctness. Seek God while he may be found and he will direct your way.
Pray for our brothers and sisters in India who are suffering increased persecution. Pray for Africa that its many nations will become one nation under God. Pray for Europe which is rapidly becoming a land void of God. I'll be praying for you all, that you will walk ever closer to our great Lord.