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Do you want more? #1

Do You Want More? #1

What’s your story?

When you get a taste of it, you want more -- more of the presence of God, that is. In my life, when I have stopped wanting more, it is because my heart has grown cold in some way . . . maybe some sort of personal compromise. Compromise sneaks up ... starts in a barely noticeable ‘small’ thing; it calls to us and lies to us. In some cases, its enticement is the beginning of our destructive addictions. Just saying.

Some of us have dramatic before and after stories. Mine is not a story of living a life far from God and all that goes with it, so that once I found Jesus, I moved from darkness to light, as Paul talks about here at the start of Ephesians chapter two.

Notice how he describes the transformation—the before and after:

Before Jesus: Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

The Change: But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.

The Goal: So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. So that we will be great examples to the younger generation! Ephesians 2.1-7, NLT

Again, this was not my story. There has never been a day in my life that I didn’t believe in Jesus ~’Never been a time I doubted that the Bible was the God-breathed word of God.

~’Never had a question that my Bible laid out absolute truth, described a mighty all-powerful, benevolent God who loved me even when I chose to do the wrong thing, usually to sate some cry of my heart, broken at a young age when my own father violated me. The world was not as it should be. Nuff said.

Understanding these things so much more as my good Father has enabled me to see more clearly and has poured out his healing balm in my mind, my body, and my spirit. I do not wish to turn around again. Note: few of us reach adulthood without needing healing from some part of our past . . . and thanks be to God, he can and will heal and redeem the years the locusts have stolen. Joel 2.25. BUT we have to be willing to bring it all to him; admit it, give it over and let it go.

Do you want more? Sometimes you can’t get more of God because you are consumed with other things. You reach out to grab ahold of God’s hand, but it is not possible because you are holding tightly to lesser things.

Gotta turn loose of those things first— ->past pain, unforgiveness, bitterness or shame ->current idols: money, status, beauty, friends who distract you, people pleasing, pleasure seeking -->your ‘little’ compromises, lack of self-control, self-centeredness

I don’t know – does any of that apply to you?

These verses have long centered me: Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139.23-24.

What’s your story? ‘Time to let go of some things?

Then you’re ready for more.

I am praying for you,

Christine

PastorWoman.net

Love this song: I Surrender - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6dtcvelmZQ

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