Doer

Father, I pray for healing over minds that still yearn for what was lost. Those of us who continue to depend on ourselves, instead of following what is good for us and doing what seems hard. Forgive me for wasting time on things that do not matter Lord. Playing too much and risking my faith to the things of the world. I know that ultimately, my faith determines my choices. Continue the work you have started and give me your counsel, directing my path in each area of my life where you want to see change. I want to be better for you Lord. I pray that you keep me unspotted from the world. I cannot do this alone Lord Jesus, I need you. I lift up my heart, mind and soul to you. Let me trust your timing Lord. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

I could not write without prayer. For prayer, I’ve discovered is a weapon of spiritual warfare and one we need to practice without ceasing. Prayer keeps us from worry, and opens doors which would otherwise remain closed. Some will not understand this, and if you are one, I give you Elijah, a prophet in the bible found in 1 Kings who continually prayed and God answered.

Stop talking and start walking.  I can’t count how many times I’ve heard that saying. I myself have used it, when I’ve wasted too much time talking about something I need to move on. The truth is, I sometimes get caught up in a cycle of waiting until the right time. But what is that… when is the right time?

Today I had a revelation that the Spirit allowed me to see while reading Hebrews and James for school. I had two opportunities while out and about in the city to serve God. Yet I simply brushed them off. The grace of God, a gift that I could not earn, that He gave me freely. I had to get to the point in my life where I could receive the gift of grace. And this made me think of the two gentlemen I came across. By the worlds standard, they were bums…but with Godly eyes they are His children…who probably don’t know about His amazing grace or His love for them. The love we are to have for our neighbors as we have for ourselves. He tells me to be a doer of His word. Not only because of the reward I will reap when I am finally with Him, but how much more enriching my life will be here and now.  The more I ponder on my lack of extending grace, I am convicted. The hands and feet of Jesus, this is who I am.  In Hebrews 13:1-2, let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. When I read that I could be entertaining and angel, I smile and joy fills me. In my conviction, I now have God’s wisdom. As I continue to read James 1:25, which says,  But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. What a beautiful truth! His goodness is never ending. While I have heard, read and have knowledge of love, today would have been a perfect example of showing unexpected love. So much of the teachings in the bible are morsels of delight to the soul. Once realized, walking confidently becomes a way of life. Thank you Lord for chastening me in the most graceful way and helping me to see you despite my faults. You love me, this I know, but do those two men who were begging today? Do they know your love? Forgive me for my worldly thinking and for correcting me so quickly. I am grateful that you allow me to see myself. Please help me with my unbelief Lord and continue to unharden my heart to the things that matter to you. Shame on me if I don’t take the time to fix or call on your help, once you’ve revealed what isn’t right within me. What good is a man who loves the world and loses his soul. I don’t want to be that woman! I have seen unprecendented change in the world this past year that shook me Lord. Illness over my body, fear that brought a tidal wave of mental health prayer requests, outward hate in the world and division in the church. This awareness, makes my faith walk even more important. Walk in the boldness of Jesus and do as you have taught me. I am reminded of faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. My faith grows through trial and tribulation.

Be a doer of the God’s word you tell me and through Jesus I can do all things. I am the head and not the tail which means I should see myself as Jesus sees me, blameless, sinless, forgiven and redeemed by His blood. This life isn’t easy because there is so much inside of us that isn’t good, isn’t from God that we have made our truth.

But if you take a moment, step outside of your comfort and allow your heart to be vulnerable, you may be able to accept that you are beautiful and worthy of goodness. That’s half the battle! I never asked to be bullied and beat up by boys after school because of the color of my skin. I didn’t ask to be abused in a relationship with a man who called himself a believer, but was so broken, that he could not love himself. I didn’t ask to be ridiculed, mocked and rejected simply for being misunderstood. But that is me! That is why I have a heart for those who suffer the same. In my search for something more, God has turned my pain into good! What the devil tried to use against me, God restored in me! The truth is, I wouldn’t be who I am today had it not been for those experiences. I allowed myself to be in places I had no business being. I lacked love for myself. I once believed the lies the evil one would tell me. Shame, guilt and a world of insecurities were his lies that kept me weighted in self pity and sorrow. I could not break free because everything I surrounded myself in was not of Him. But Jesus kept calling…oh blessed Jesus. Through people, situations, the radio, tv programs, cirumstances and church. He used friends from the past and groups to help me get out of my rut and realize who I am in Him! Truthfully, it’s an everyday battle, one that I remain mindful of. I could slip anyday, at anytime if I am not mindful of my thoughts. It’s not enough to say I am a believer, people should see that in all I do. With God’s teachings, today I stand knowing I am imperfect and He uses me in my imperfection. I don’t need to make it to the finish line to be a winner. I am winning in truth today! The truth has set me free! Thank you Lord for your grace. I am blessed and grateful for this lesson in doing.