Podcast

Daily Presence: Take It With You 3/13/2022

Worship

Scripture

My mother is unwillingly on a very strict diet. It’s not the type of diet where she counts her calories so she can fit into her jeggings better! It’s the type of diet where her doctor tells what she can and can’t eat so she doesn’t end up in Urgent Care. Let’s just say, when she doesn’t follow what the doctor says, her consequences are a bit more extreme than feeling insecure in a bathing suit! 

Unfortunately, my mom doesn’t listen to her doctor very well! And mom, if you’re listening, you know it’s true! She follows the rules about 90% of the time, but then she gets hangry and decides to have a “snack.” That snack might seem innocent enough, but within an hour she’s feeling sick and saying she’ll “never do it again.” Famous last words. 

When things are going well, a little “cheating” seems inconsequential until we’re painfully reaping the consequences. Israel is famous for doing this same thing but on a massive spiritual scale. Their choices aren’t just from a doctor but from God himself, and they still don’t listen! They follow through with God’s directions mostly, but rebel just enough to hang onto sinful opportunities that suit their selfish desires. The supposed “little” things they let slide begin to fester among their people and become a thorn in their side. What they believe to be inconsequential turns out to lead them astray into big consequences. 

I see the same “micro-rebellion” in our church culture today. God tells us what sin looks like in His Word and calls us to surrender ourselves fully. Though we try to remove the blatant sin in our life, we forget about all the little things we let ourselves get away with. Those little things that seem inconsequential, are often what keep us from the fullness of life God has to offer! These things slowly build a wall between us and God and prevent us from truly walking in holiness. We say ”God You can have my all” and then whisper “except this.”

If you sense any “thorns in your side” I challenge you to examine your heart and ask God to examine it as well. Ask him to reveal to you the sin you’ve let stay behind and “masquerade” as inconsequential. 

Prayer

HONOR GOD

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Consider it a privilege that we get to be ambassadors for the Lord. The way that we carry ourselves and communicate should be a reflection of who God is. Thank him for bestowing that honor on you 

ASK GOD

Ephesians 6:18-20

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ask God with perseverance. Knowing that when you knock on the door he listens. 

SUBMIT TO GOD

Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The process of our minds being renewed is one of submission to God. Often we believe we know what is best for us, but let God’s word and His Spirit lead you to a place of transformation. 

CLOSING PRAYER

God, as I surrender to You fully. I don’t want anything to hold me back from the fruit You have available to me. Today I offer each and every area of my life to You, even the ones I’ve held onto in the past. Your ways are higher than mine and I can trust You with everything.  In Jesus Name, Amen.