Devotional Time with God

I started this devotional blog with the lofty intention of writing frequently, at least once a day.  It was easy to do that when I have The Purpose Driven Life as a starting point.  I would read one chapter a day for 40 days, hoping the 6 weeks writing schedule will make it a habit for me.  As the months go by, my schedules at work and home started to pile up.  They affected my daily commitment.  I became complacent after a while.  Now, it’s lucky if I even write once a week!  This is not good.   I could see it in my daily life too.  I became agitated easily.  I became increasingly forgetful how God has been good to me.  I’m beginning to take interest in secular music that has absolutely no spiritual value.  I sometimes forget to pray.  I even make a quick prayer before meals without clasping my hands, closing my eyes, nor bowing my head.

Another words, my lifestyle is no longer holy or Saint like.  I’m not producing the fruits of the Holy Spirit because I had not been letting it control my life.  I’ve been taking matters into my own hands.  I want to be in control and do whatever I want.  I should know better because in the past, I was never able to control my own future.  I let peer pressure dictate my decisions.  I let lust control my relationship.  I let pride get in the way of finding true and caring friends.  I didn’t have any goals or real purpose in life.

Now, God has equipped me with the talents to plant the seeds properly.  I shall not let the seeds fall on hard soil, where it won’t take much root.  I shall not let the seeds fall on weeds, where it won’t grow as much.   I must find the good soil, where the seeds can take root and grow without anything stifling it.  I believe it means slowly finding a way of reading the word, so that they’ll take root in my heart.  It means I clear my life from the distractions of this world that can hinder my growth.

I’ll need to get back to basics, be less ambitious, and know my limits.  I believe God will show me the way if I just ask.  I’ve already open my mind, heart, and soul.  I just have to make sure I slowly walk towards His glory.

Thank you Jesus for coming to this earth and die for our sins.  You have shown me the ultimate way to sow the seeds of life: By sacrificing your life.  Your love for us is great and can not be equalled.  But teach me, Lord, to be as good as you.   Teach me your ways.  I’m ready to learn it all again.  Let your birth be the mark of my spiritual renewal.  I don’t want to forget your sacrifice.  I want to grow and be holy again.  In your name.  Amen.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace is one of those concepts in the Bible that I’ve been struggling with.  How can God send Jesus to die without asking anything in return?  The grace of God, by His love to me, is freely given.  Freely given to set me free from the bondage of sin.  He doesn’t want anything in return.  It’s free! I just have to believe that I’ve received it so I may be saved.  He doesn’t require good works.  He doesn’t attach any strings.  Just have faith in Him and I shall experience the grace of God.  It’s that simple.  What a glorious concept!  It’s incomprehensible, mind boggling, and makes me feel small compared to God’s potential.  It’s the way it should be because I’m nothing without God.  I have no significance without God.  My pride and sin will be no more, thanks to Jesus who came to this earth and took my sins away.  Indeed, Jesus has given me everything for nothing.

I have aging parents.  I have thought about what to do or say to them when it’s time for them to meet Jesus.  As a follower of Jesus, and as a believer, I shall not fear death because I’m precious to God.  Dying is not an easy subject to comprehend, but it’s inevitable and I must be able to deal with it.    When people are dying and they’re not a believer, they will go through the five stages of grief:

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

I have to be able to help them deal with it.  With God’s help, I can comfort those who are dying.

Confront my own fears.  I have to be strong and have already accepted the fact that death is coming for me, too.  When I’m at peace with it, I’ll be able to help others as well.

Offer my physical presence.  They don’t like to die alone.  My precious gift to them is my time – just be there.

Minister with practical assistance.  While I’m with them, I can help doing small things like bringing a meal, listen to or talk with them.

Fortify them with emotional support.  A practical way is to pray their concerns to God.  If they’re worried about their something, bring it up to God.  Pray for them, always.

Open them up with care.  If they have questions that are tough to answer, mirror their question and rephrase it, such as “What does dying mean to you?”  Give them a choice to continue dealing with their emotions.

Remember the family has needs too.  Their loved ones are still alive and may require assistance.  I have to be there for them too.

Turn them to Jesus.  The most important task a believer must do is spread the Good News, even at their death beds.  It’s the time to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, so they can be saved and be with Him.

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

2 Corinthians 4:18