Prayer Journal

Thursday, November 20, 2003

If there was ever something a pastor, preacher or teacher needed to pray, this it it! "God, keep me quiet while You take control of my mind and my vocal chords. Speak through me and say what you want to say to those who are listening. Use my voice, but let there be no mistake who is actually speaking. If you aren't saying anything, then make me shut up until you do!"

I decided years ago that while teaching is a gift from God, it is actually more of a calling: a calling to listen to God and then telling others what He said. I've never been disappointed when I've done that, but sadly I haven't always remained faithful to that calling. Instead I'll go "chasing rabbits" when distracted by what I'm doing, taking my eyes off what God is doing and try to give people facts from a head full of mush, sometimes called, "knowledge."

Peter learned the lesson when he walked on the water to Jesus. As long as he focused on Jesus he was fine. But when he looked at what he was doing, he then took a dip. The disciples also learned that lesson when they were left to disciple others after Jesus' ascension. With nothing but the Gospel and the Lord's blessing, they went out into the countryside to preach. I wish I could have heard what they reported to Jesus having returned and followed His instruction.

Basically, the entire tenth chapter of Matthew's gospel is "red" letters. (That means, we hear Jesus' words to the twelve disciples and we don't hear a lot about what they said to him in response to his instruction or upon their return.) I can only imagine what the disciples said to him when they were told to go without taking any money for dinner or where exactly to go.

One of the blessings of serving God is to see the great things he has in store for those who truly trust Him. When was the last time you asked God for a word and He gave it? I imagine you had confidence when you delivered that message to someone else. You probably thought you'd never go back the way you were, just to find that you did - and a lot quicker than you ever thought!

If you're like me and look back at your life, you may recall times when there was no doubt that you'd heard a word from God. If you're like most those occasions are few and now (sadly) you've found a way to live each day without total reliance on God's word and a need to hear His instruction.

Why not return to the place you last obeyed God's word? If you do that, you'll find that God is still there - He never moved. In fact, He's still patiently waiting for your report so He can send you out again- in His power and with His authority.

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2003 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
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