For All Time

Scripture
2 Chronicles 7:14-16 
14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever.  My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.

Observation
Jerusalem and the temple of God.  I've been to Israel and walked on the Temple Mount, but the Bible also says in 1 Corinthians 6:19, that my body is the temple of God's Holy Spirit.  When I read these verses, 'if my people who are called by my name, (the name of Jesus - that's me, I'm called by His name, I'm a Christian), will humble themselves (which means to me to fast, to deny myself), and pray and seek my face (something I am trying to do every day) and turn from their wicked ways, then God will hear our prayers, forgive our sin, and heal our land.
Now the Lord's eyes are open and His ears are attentive to my prayers, for where His temple is (which is me) He is listening and His eyes are open all the time because I am His chosen and consecrated house where His name is.  His eyes and heart will be with me for all time!


Application
So I will humble myself and pray and seek the Lord and turn from any evil, wicked, or vile thing that separates me from God; and ask forgiveness and intercede on behalf of our land.  God hears and sees and His heart is with me for all time . . . because I belong to Him.  I've been bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.


Prayer
Father, You have chosen and consecrated me.  You have made me holy by the blood of Your Son.  Help me keep this temple according to Your word and purpose for honor.  Keep me focused upon You; do not let me turn to the right or to the left.  
Thank You for Your reassurance that You will never leave me nor forsake me; that Your eyes and heart are with me for all time.  I am not alone.
In Jesus Name,
A-men.

Becoming Real

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her children.  Having a fond affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.

Observation
Gently imparting truth into the lives of others . . . Relationship is key to having a place of trust in others lives; to pour your own life and the gospel into theirs.  Proving takes time too - so there is a commitment involved as well as a nurturing relationship with those we serve.  A fond affection like a mama to her young is something God will give us as we align our heart with His heart.

Application

I'm not always gentle - but God is working gentleness in me.  Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and only God can make it happen in me.  Developing a loving, caring relationship with those we influence and mentor means not being distant, aloof, or patronizing, or condescending.  It's not just passing on the 'good news' of Jesus Christ but rather, giving and sharing my life to those God has placed in my care.  That's what God wants me to do; pour myself into the lives of those I serve and love; like a 'mama tenderly caring for her own children'. 

Prayer
Father God, oh how I come up short on all counts!  I need You Lord, I need Your Holy Spirit to help me love like You love.  Teach me Your ways, show me Your heart O God, and let there come a gentleness and love that flows from me to the lost, the brokenhearted, the wounded, and the shattered souls You have allowed me to serve - those who desperately need Your touch!  Let me reach even just one!  

Sometimes Lord, I feel like the old skin horse in the story of the Velveteen Rabbit when he said, "those with sharp edges, or those who break easily won't become real".  I want to become REAL Lord and not get sharp or edgy or grumpy doing Your work.  Make me BECOME a vessel fit for Your use with all the sharp edges rubbed out. Let Your love have it's perfect work.
In Jesus Name,  A-men.

I Cry Out

Scripture

Psalm 55:16-17 & v.22

16-17As for me, I shall call upon God and the Lord will save me.  Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice.  22Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Observation 
I can call out to God anytime, morning, noon, and night, and He will hear me.  I can cry, complain, murmur, be loud, be quiet and still, sigh deeply, or whatever way I come to Him, He hears me.  I'm to give my burden to the Lord and He will sustain me - He will maintain, nourish, provide food, bear, hold up, protect, support, and defend me.  He won't allow His children to be shaken or moved.  I can trust in Him no matter what's happening in my life.

Application
As for me . . . I will come to the Lord and lay my burdens down and cast all my cares on Him for I know He cares for me and will sustain me.  I need not be concerned about how I lay my burdens down.  I  can come 'just as I am' and vent it all to Him, and He hears me.  He hears my voice, my heart, my innermost being.  And He still cares for me and loves me.  I will trust Him and not be shaken!

Prayer
Father, I thank You because You hear me when I call to You.  Whether it's a formulated prayer of thanks and praise, or a sob in the night, or even just a deep sigh or scream of anguish; You hear me and You sustain me.  You get me through the hard times.  You have saved me and rescued me! You are my God and Strength!  My heart is steadfast O God, My heart is steadfast!  I will sing praises to You! 
In Jesus Name, 
A-men.