Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
I can’t stress enough the importance of searching our hearts daily. We often ask God “search my heart” but what happens when we keep sinning intentionally?
I recently had a situation where I knew my words to God and action towards something else were not matching. I felt the burden but was not quite sure; perhaps I didn’t want to entertain it because I knew… I just knew. I began my prayer with Psalm 139:23-24 and I said, “Lord, something is hindering me, SHOW ME!” — I immediately felt in my spirit what it was BUT I was fighting it… “No Lord, not that.” … Sat in silence… "OK! I’ll ask for forgiveness."
I am afraid that we have plenty of these moments and more often then we might like to admit. We want God to bless us, elevate us, use us BUT we refuse to be obedient on the things he is asking of us ESPECIALLY ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS. I can gracefully share so much about this… Matter of fact, it’s the story of my life. For the last few years, I had been operating on conditional love. I gave according to what I received from others and next thing I knew, I was walking around with an entitled, harden and selfish heart. BUT GOD my friends, BUT GOD!!!
In January of 2017, God began to get my attention on the conditions of my heart and I wish I could tell you that I listened immediately. I did not. Instead, I began to get deeper in the word and prayer and asking God to change my husband, my kids, my family and those friends that needed change. HA!! We can read the word but if we do not let the word penetrate in our heart and transform us, we will not see any fruit and that’s what began to happen. The storms of life increased. My marriage was going downhill, my relationship with my kids and patience for them was wearing thin. I was irritated all the time and I began to lose passion for my business. What was going on? I kept asking God.
Fast forwarding to March 29, 2017 God spoke to me so clear and brought to my attention that all this time I was asking Him to change everyone around me (GULP). “YOU NEED TO CHANGE” (DOUBLE GULP). Back at square ONE I was!!
These last 13 months have been full of emotional rollercoasters. I have discovered so much about myself; THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY. I have learned many lessons and through this blog, a lifestyle blog inspired by quiet mornings with Jesus, I will share some of the richest lessons that I truly believe have had the most impact as to who I am today and the process that I am currently in. I will share about:
Faith (#checkpoint)
Marriage
Family/Motherhood
Career/Business
Finances
Health/Self Care
Friendships
Here is the most important thing to understand: your spiritual life is not a fraction of your life. For years I treated mine that way. Your spiritual life is your life. We are spiritual beings craving to love, live and lead like Jesus. Perhaps, you might be in a crossroad in life as I was a year ago wanting to know how to have a life of freedom that’s not dictated by the standards of the world but do not know where to start... my friend, my sister, you are in the right place.
Let’s pray: Lord, thank you for bringing this individual reading this to our safe haven. I pray that she is able to find hope, freedom and courage through any resources on this site. May this be the beginning of greatness. Lord, your word says that there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1) and I pray that this is a time for growth!!
In Jesus Name, YES AND AMEN!!
- Mel
#CHECKPOINT (It’s your turn): What is something God is asking of you that you might be postponing?
Recommended worship song: “If Not For Your Grace” By Israel and The New Breed
Inspired by Journal date: March 29, 2017