Reflections, February 3, 2013

Reflections February 3^rd, 2013

“Are You Ready?”

“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. Jeremiah 29:12,13 MSG

Scripture Reading For This Week: Psalm 121; Jeremiah 17; 29; Jonah; Joel 2; Romans 10:12-13...

There is something so phenomenal about being in a relationship with the heavenly Father. I can attempt to describe it, but feel that it would do no justice to what it really is. But for those who are in a true relationship with God, you will know and understand what I mean.

When we seek after God, are seeking with our whole hearts? Do we really want all that God has for us? I have come to learn in my relationship with the Father over the years, that when you really want what God wants, what you want eventually takes a back seat, because you realize that what God has intended for you is far more greater than anything you could ever come up with. However, to get to this revelation, you must be ready; ready to come to God with every part of you. Ready to seek Him with every part of you. Ready to give up what you think for what God knows. Are you ready?

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. This is your week to search yourselves and come to a conclusion on whether or not you are ready for all that God has for you. Whether or not you truly want God more than you want anything else in this world. This week, your decision will change your life forever.

I love the Lord. I love him with all my heart, with every fiber of my being. I can truly and sincerely say that God is my all in all. He has been my Father, Mother, brother, sister, friend; He has been everything; especially my protector.

My relationship with the Father began at an early age. I can remember as far back as three years old and talking to God, having a desire to get to know Him. I was fascinated with His creation; with His handiwork in the moon and stars. I wondered about the God who could create such magnificent splendor. He had to be a really big God to make such a really big moon and all those trillions of stars. (Yes. I was a very odd and precocious three year old. Well beyond my years!)

As I grew, so did my thirst for more of God. I couldn't get enough. Sunday School was my favorite class. I wanted to know more and more about my Heavenly Father. At seven years of age, I received Him as my Lord and Savior. Man! I was so happy to be saved. So happy that my heart was washed and was no longer black, but brand new because of the Blood of Jesus that washed my sins away. However, it was at the age of nine that my heart really began to understand and faith became very important to me.

I recall watching a movie about the three Hebrew boys: Radshach, Meshach, and Abendego. How, because of their faith, were thrown into a fiery furnace—seven times hotter than normal—and because of their faith in God were saved. Man! I wanted faith like that! I wanted to believe in my God just like those Hebrews boys. I wanted to be able to stand up for God, and believe that no matter what, my God would save me; even if it meant going to Heaven.

I wanted many things in my life growing up; even hitting those difficult teenage years. Yet, my faith in God continued to grow, as did my understanding. And what I came to understand the most is that there are many different teachings in this world about God. There are many different opinions and views on how to live righteous and holy in the Christian community alone. I also came to understand that not everyone who says they love the Lord does, and not everyone who says they believe, really do.

My desire to have faith like the Hebrew boys led me to an understanding that it is about our personal relationship with the Father. Yes. We may go to church, fellowship, do all the things we were taught in Sunday School and in church services; but it is your one on one intimate, personal relationship with God that is most important.

Many Christians wear the title well. They have a form of godliness, but deny the power of God each and everyday. They are no more ready to get to know God and have a sincere relationship with Him, than they are ready to let go of what they believe is success and happiness.

We wonder why there is so much turmoil in the lives of those who profess to be Christians. We wonder why the divorce rate is so high amongst the body of Christ. We wonder why people call us fake and phony and would not dare set foot in our churches. We wonder at the ridicule and the animosity shown to Christians. It is because so many of us are not ready to let go of what we want and what we think, for what God has and what God knows.

Are you ready? Are you ready to release what you think you know for what God knows? Are you ready to really seek God with all your heart and soul? Are you ready to get real with Jesus; to expose what is in your heart so that God can begin the transformation process in your life? Are you ready for that expected end that God has ordained for you; that life of hope and of plenty? Are you ready to stop playing church and to BE the church as God has called you to be?

Jeremiah 29:13“Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.”

You have to want God more than you want anything else in this world. When that is true, you will receive all that God has ordained for you. You will realize that what you thought you wanted pales in comparison to what God has for you. Are you ready?

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity will find permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Seek the Father with all your heart, mind and soul. Release what you have been holding onto for what God has for you. Search your hearts, and ask yourself if you are ready for what God has for you? Are you ready to finally let go, and let God? Are you ready to come to the Father with every part of you? You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.