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Remember What You’re Fighting For July 29, 2009

Posted by stevensc in Growth, marriage, prayer.
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I’m not the most dedicated runner. I love the idea of possessing the endurance I once enjoyed in my old college hoops days. It was on a cool cloudy July morning that I was inspired (the hard way) to compose this blog post.

Parking down by the spillway, I thought it would be a great idea to start my run by jogging up the side of the dam. Half way up, my calves began burning as I realized that this may not have been one of my brightest ideas. But I thought to myself, “No pain, no gain!”

I continued to run the half mile across the top of the dam, only to turn around to run the same path back towards my truck. I expected it to hurt a little, but NOT this much. What the heck was I doing? Did I bite off more than I could chew? Is this really worth it? A flood of questions raced across my mind. Part way back, I layed on the gravel overlooking the lake as I prayed my body would overcome this sick feeling. Well, it did…just not the way I wanted it to (I think you get the picture)!

In this moment, God began to speak to me about remembering what you’re fighting for. Here are some thoughts that I want you to meditate on:

  1. Are the things you’re fighting for worth it? Many of us may be great at fighting for things that are not worth the effort, the time, and the resources. The worst part is that we usually choose to fight for pointless goals at the expense of the ones that really matter (i.e. family and spiritual growth). Take an inventory. What are you fighting for? Is it worth it?
  2. Don’t allow trials to magnify themselves. Have you ever seen someone with a stain on their shirt? Isn’t it strange how that one imperfection is the only thing you can see after a while? The more attention you give to your problem, the bigger it will get. If trials can amplify themselves from your point of view, then you will certainly lose sight of the benefits and rewards of reaching your goal.
  3. Remind yourself of the goal. When you’re first inclination is to throw in the towel, remember what you’re fighting for. When trials come flying at you and doubters scream that it will never happen, remember what you’re fighting for. When hope begins to dwindle and your energy dissapates, remember what you’re fighting for. Pray for God to restore hope. Hope is the strength of the heart.

Who or What Is Your Idol? July 9, 2009

Posted by stevensc in Growth, Personal, prayer.
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First of all, let me give props to Pastor Perry Noble of Newspring Church for inspiring these  thoughts in THIS POST.

I prayed a prayer this morning, a dangerous prayer. I prayed for the Lord to destroy me. Destroy every part of me that does not line up to His will and purpose. Destroy every idea that I have about Him that isn’t true. I want Him to trash the box I have put Him in so that He can show me who He really is.

Immediately after praying that prayer, He led me to Ezekiel 20. It talks about the children of Israel serving other gods all the while still making offerings to God himself. God would not play second fiddle to any of these false gods that Israel was depending on. So He in essence told them (My shortened translation), “I’m not going to answer your prayers as long as you keep defiling yourself. You have wondered to all kinds of places that I never intended for you to go. But I love you enough to gather you into the wilderness (or the dry places) to plead with you face to face; so then you will follow after me and I shall show you your purpose.”

So who or what is your idol today? Is it money? Let God destroy it! Is it your own plans, goals, and ambitions? Let God destroy them! Have you been trying to build your own kingdom rather than His? Let God destroy it! Whatever it is, its not worth holding onto. Your heavenly Father can do more than it ever could. He cares about you more than it ever will. I challenge you today to begin to pray this prayer with me, and let’s see how the Lord begins to move  in our lives, completely unhindered by false gods that we have erected and secretly pledged our allegiance to.