Scripture:

Acts 9:15-16 Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

Observation:

"... I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake." No one ever seems to talk about this "suffering" some how we think that a walk with the Lord is to be void of any suffering. My guess is that if you were to talk to Paul, he would tell you he lived a blessed life. In fact He said "my life is poured out like an offering to the Lord" IOW: my life is only here to bring glory to the Lord. All along, Paul lived blessed

Application:

I want to embrace the life that was preordained by the Lord that includes its share of suffering. I don't really like to write this, but i know it is true

Prayer:

Lord, help me to love you and love the life you have planned for me. Your will is good. very good. I love you my Jesus

Scripture:

Psalm 27: 13

13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous.Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Observation:

I love the fact the the Lords goodness is not dependant on my willingness to wait. the Lord invites me to wait (in confidence knowing that he will show up). What a secure place it is to know the greatness of the Lord who will never let me down. 

Application:

I need to remember to wait and always remember when i cant see the other side of an issue, that the Lord is working. He is truly in control and willing to work out his good pleasure and plan

Prayer:

Lord, I need you. You say in your word that if i learn to wait on you I will find new strength. I need your strength. I love you my Jesus

My lIfe's purpose

Scripture:
2Tim 3:10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance.

Observation:
Here Paul tells Timothy "you know what my purpose in life is". What a remarkable statement. Today authors write best selling books and overbook conferences having to do with any one person finding their life's purpose. Here Paul says a crazy statement. "Tim, purpose should be clear enough for even others to see in me" perhaps we have this whole purpose thing all messed up. What if our life's purpose has nothing to do with what i get out of the deal? What if our life's purpose has more to do with living a crucified life then a glorified one?

Application:
I want my life purpose to be clear for all to see. I think the moment my life's purpose becomes unclear to others it has long since been unclear to me! I want to keep my life's purpose clear and visible.

Prayer:
Lord would you simplify my life. I want to live for you. I want the very reason I breath to be to bring you glory and there in fulfill my life's purpose - I love you Jesus

Finding the will of the Lord

Scripture:
Romans 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[b] 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Observation:
Finding the will of God for our lives is more than some sort of wish to stumble over. As i read here in Romans 12 there are a few prerequisites to finding the will of God for my life. first off i need to:
1. I need to Give my body to the Lord
2. stop copying the customs and behaviors of this world
3. Allow the Lord to change (transform) me into a "new person" by changing my thinking
It seems like the only way to find the will of the Lord is not trying harder... its all about dying sooner. giving my body, my behaviors and my will over to His LORDSHIP is the only true way

Application:
Daily i need to surrender my will to the Lord

Prayer:
Jesus today... this day i want to give it all for you. I wish I could say " today will be the first of many days of surrender". All i really know Jesus is that "Today" is all I know that I can really give. Lord I am weak. I need your strength today to surrender my selfish will. I know you will be in my tomorrow. It is then that i will cry out for tomorrow. I need you today. I love you my Jesus