I
love to watch new fern fronds uncurling in the nurturing sun and swaying in the
breezes sweeping past them. They are so delicate, lacey, whimsical and hardy.
They remind me of a new Believer, who unfurls under the steady gaze of God's
Son, and sways in the constant mighty wind of God's Spirit rushing through our
life (Acts 2:2).
I
was there at one time - 50 years ago in 1969, and I am still there as I relish
my continual time spent with the Trinity of God within me. There are a few
essentials that enable us to mature spiritually, and to prosper over the years
of our relationship with the Trinity.
Spending
time each day alone with God is very nourishing to our spirit, body and soul -
emotions, thoughts, and choices. We get away from the distractions of family,
job, friends, activities, etc. - even if it is only for a few minutes - and we listen
to God as He shares His wisdom, and His plans for our day.
Prayer
is not formal, and there is no right or wrong way to pray. We are simply
talking to God as we would to a friend. If we are not sure how to pray, we
begin by thanking God for who he is, and for all the good things that He
provides for us, then pray for others, and finally pray for our own needs.
This
brings us J-O-Y … when we put:
J-esus
first
O-thers
next; but never neglecting or abusing
Y-ourself.
It
is very important to also spend some quality time sitting quietly with our
notebook (journal), waiting on the Lord to speak to our heart. We can write
down our concerns, as well as what He tells us, and have it as a ready
reference for the future.
We
can also learn to pray "without ceasing" throughout the day: while
driving in the car, waiting in line at a retail store, sitting in the doctor's
office, or while doing some task which requires no real concentration (1
Thessalonians 5:16-18). We ask God to lead us and to help us with each mission He
calls us to accomplish.
Prayer:
Father
God, we love You so much, and we appreciate even the little things You do for
us each day. Even the air we breathe is a gift from You, because without it we
would cease to exist. Teach us to make a list each night in our journal of five
things that we praise You for from our day - we grow from positive and negative
events in our life (John 16:33).
Remind
us to count our blessings at the end of the day, starting with the letter
"A" and going to the letter "Z", even though we usually
fall asleep at some point in the middle. I always start by thanking You for
aardvarks, because this member of Your creation always makes me smile. You care
about every big and little activity that occurs in our life; so as good things
happen during the day, remind us to take time to praise and to thank You for
them.
Thought
for the Day:
Satan
is not happy that we are no longer his slaves to sin, and he will try
everything in his power to discourage us or confuse us, so that we will quit
walking with God; therefore, fellowshipping with other Christians helps to
prevent this from happening, because we can discuss our questions and fears and
frustrations with someone we trust, and who can help shed light on what we are
experiencing.
