Day 24 - What Has God Imagined for Me?

1 Cor. 2:9  “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (NLT)

I love imagining what God can do.  Whether I am thinking about how He can reform a heart or redeem an outcome, He can do whatever I think He can do --- and beyond.  In truth, whatever God imagines for that person or situation will eclipse my best ideas.    

“’My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord.  ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”  Isaiah 55:8 (NLT) 

God’s best idea brought salvation to every man.  His plans bring glory to himself and demonstrate every attribute of His being while He extends to us the best possible outcome for us. 

It makes me wonder, “what is God imagining for me?”  Jesus is ever interceding before the Father for us.  What’s he asking God to do for me and through me for God’s glory?  I find myself praying, “Father, whatever Jesus is asking for me, that is what I want.”  I don’t even have to know what it is. 

This thought doesn’t keep me from praying and imagining what God’s best would look like in a particular situation.  Since there is nothing too hard for Him and nothing is impossible with Him, I imagine how He could receive the greatest glory and pray to that end.  Then I wait with eager anticipation to see what He does.  He promises to dwarf my expectations.

Pray – Father give me the understanding to imagine what greater things you have in store for those who love you, for me.  Give me the courage to ask and believe you for what I can’t conceive.  

Blogged by Pastor Duane Murray

 

Day 6 - Come Home

Jeremiah 3:12-15 (NLT)  "Therefore, go and give this message to Israel. This is what the Lord says: “O Israel, my faithless people, come home to me again, for I am merciful. I will not be angry with you forever. Only acknowledge your guilt. Admit that you rebelled against the Lord your God and committed adultery against him by worshiping idols under every green tree. Confess that you refused to listen to my voice. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Of God’s awe inspiring attributes, I remain stunned by His mercy.  God’s mercy is an endless supply.  It reminds me of space exploration.  Just when we think we have found the end of the universe, someone discovers an unchartered galaxy.  In a similar way, you can’t find the end of God’s mercy. 

The people of Israel provide a solid demonstration of God’s patience and endurance.  The book of Jeremiah records God’s plea through His prophet.  He pronounces judgment on His people, who have consistently and continually rebelled against God’s commands.  Despite their promises to repent after God’s last judgments, which were warnings of greater suffering, God’s precious people went right back to doing what they know displeased him.

“But God” continues to extend his mercy to them.  “Come home to me again,” he said to rebellious Israel.  How grateful I am to see how far the people of Israel wander away and how ready He remains to receive them again.

How have I experienced the discipline of my Father in my life?  Where do I continue to rebel against His commands?  Who do I know that needs to know they can still come home?

Pray – Father thank you for your mercies, which are new every morning.  Forgive me for wandering from you.  I’m coming home. 


Blogged by Pastor Duane Murray