“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”  Philippians 4:11b

The Monday before I was to speak at church, an inspiration for the sermon came upon me. I sat down at my computer and began to write; the sermon flowed out, full and complete, leaving me with a sense of assurance that the Lord had me well prepared.

Then Thursday night when it was time to review the sermon, I turned on the computer and called up what I had written. After reading through the first screen I tried to scroll on down the page, but there was no response. Instantly I recognized what had happened: I had forgotten to save the complete document.!!!

My response was one of discontent, “Oh no! All that work down the drain—and I can’t possibly recreate the inspiration that produced it!”

But this was quickly followed by another thought: “Maybe the Lord actually has something better for me to say and is using this to direct me!” I didn’t really like that thought, because now the work of rewriting the sermon was still before me. However, this clearly was a time to lift the shield of faith by thanking God for the situation and praising Him for what He was going to do through it.

I did write another sermon; it did not feel as inspired as the first one, but was more focused. The theme stayed the same, but much of the rest changed, including the passage used. And when I gave the sermon it certainly seemed to speak to the little congregation.

Life has it downers, like this waterfall, but God knew what He was doing, and will carry us on down river! I am glad He got through to me to cooperate with Him, rather than being focusing on my loss and complaining!

Picture from internet listed as free

Prayer: “For your name’s sake, Lord, for your glory and honor, work amongst us to bring revival.

Reveal your holiness in such a way as to bring us to our knees;

show us our sinfulness sufficiently to strike us to the ground; and then pour out the healing knowledge of how much you love and forgive us.

Stand us again on our feet, transformed as Job was: humbled and broken, not trusting in himself, but trusting only in you,

the great and mighty King, the Creator of everything. I praise you now for what you are going to do. Amen.”

“Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” Psalm 86:4

All around me are difficult situations, problems, barriers and stubborn, hurting people. I do not have the wisdom, the power, the ability to solve their problems, to alter their attitudes or change their perceptions– I cannot trust in myself to help them.

But you, O Lord God, you are the Most High, the Almighty, the great Transformer who can reach into situations and hearts to bring the change necessary. Only you can open eyes, give conviction, alter circumstances and bring surrender.

Therefore, “In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me” (Ps. 86:7). Your faithfulness is my comfort; your wisdom is my joy.

“Teach me your way O Lord and I will walk in your truth.” (Ps. 86:11).

“Rejoice the soul of your servant, O Lord, for to you do I lift up my soul, for you are good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy to all who call upon you.” Psalm 86:4,5 KJV

When I pray for things, I usually have a pretty clear idea of how I want God to answer my prayer. Although God often has the same goal in mind, He usually has a much better idea of how to reach it—and rarely does His idea line up exactly with mine!

In my own life I’ve been asking God to give me growth; His answer has been to reveal sin. For instance, when I recently read an article praising the ministry of a worker I know, I was dismayed that my first reaction was a powerful surge of jealousy.!

That was certainly my natural self: competing, seeking significance in success, and finding security in being better than others. God brought me back to the Truth of the sinfulness of my old nature and to the very mixed motives I have. He was  giving opportunity to repent of and reject my wrong motives—those which are negative and neutral—and affirm my positive motives.

Through this, God refocused me on the need to constantly be transparent before Him so He can help me deal with the negative motives before they become action! And I can be secure in Him even when He’s pointing out sin in my life:

Lord,  “..you are good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy to all who call upon you.” Psalm 86:4,5 KJV May the revelations continue that I may give you more honor by confessing and receiving forgiveness. May I be a reflection of your character, like the tree in this picture.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us….” 1 John 3:1

Lord Jesus, your  unconditional Agape love is astounding. In one way, it is a brutal love–brutal to you, the Lover, who suffered all the agonies of the crucifixion, and now gives and gives, unswayed by the lack of positive response from the rebellious, self-centered, unbelieving, negative objects of your love–us.

This love, so painful to you as you are grieved daily by our rebellion, is so gracious to us: embracing, caring, kind, forgiving, correcting, guiding, rebuking, nurturing, directing and cherishing

As J.I. Packer puts it in his powerful book, Knowing God, the Judge becomes, “our perfect parent—faithful in love and care, generous and thoughtful, interested in all we do, respecting our individuality, skillful in training us, wise in guidance, always available, helping us to find ourselves in maturity, integrity and uprightness….”

In making us your children, Heavenly Father, you have invited us into the deep, intimate relationship you have with the Lord Jesus, giving us what you gave Him in His time on earth: grace, affection, fellowship, honor, and authority. As you loved your only begotten Son, so you love your only adopted children. “Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ”!!! (1 John 1:3).