With all the preparation happening, this question came to mind.
But it has nothing to do with Christmas.
Instead, it’s about my heart.
For weeks now the Lord has been challenging me to give up my own ideas and expectations; to come to Him with a heart ready to listen rather than request.
Not that I’m without requests, for it is important to stand before the Lord in prayer for those He places on my heart.
Intercession is about coming before God on behalf of those God leads me to pray for and often I begin with asking the Lord for how He would have me pray.
Which is what He’s been leading me to do in my personal prayer time as well.
To come before Him with humility, acknowledging my sins, open to correction, and willingly laying down my desires.
Because I’m learning how beautiful it is to die to my flesh, to surrender my thoughts, and to adjust my expectations.
It’s not easy, but it’s so good.
Why?
Beginning each day with a heart ready to serve the Lord is the best way I can be ready for my day.
Choosing not to start with telling Him all my plans, but rather asking Him for His.
Am I ready?
Are you?
Romans 12:1-2KJV — I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for teaching me continually through Your scriptures. Please continue to train my heart to be ready for Your service, walking in humility, quick to listen and slow to speak. Lord, thank You for using my circumstances yesterday to show me a place in my heart which wasn’t ready to serve You, but was still stubbornly clinging to what I wanted. Lord, thank You for reminding me that I have no idea what is best for me and I have often wanted things which were not what was good for me. Lord, please keep me from living in rebellion to You and Your Word. Place a hedge of protection around my heart that I might not fall into sin, but rather be transformed by Your Word. Lord Jesus, Your ways are perfect. Your truth is amazing. Your salvation is proof of Your incredible love. Thank You. My heart is Yours. Whatever comes today, may I be Your faithful servant. In Your name, Jesus, I request these things. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 