Hold on for a moment! Slow down and pull up on the reins of your heart so that you don't run off at a full gallop into the realm of Mundane. It is never “just another day”. This is the only day that you can count on, that you actually have to experience His great love for you. “Behold, Now is the accepted time, Behold, now is the day of salvation”, … Today if you hear His voice harden not your heart." (this is mentioned in scripture four times). Today is His prepared opportunity for adventure with you.
Stop for another moment – The passage of scripture above shares a place where God's heart is broken: During their wilderness wanderings, the children of Israel were standing in the middle of God's amazing provisions and still could not or would see the wonderful things that God had been doing and was preparing for them each step of their journey. Possibly it was their propensity to whine and complain (which they learned in Egypt), instead of responding with an open show of gratitude for God's goodness to them. This habit of complaining finally that left most all of them dead in the wilderness. This is not God's plan for you, but the example is reported.
Those who see God with a grateful heart when confronted by the smallest wonders, will also have opportunities for the greatest amazement and experiences that allow them to be lavished by His passionate desire to love them.
Before we go any further please check your Identity – have you placed your faith in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection as the full payment of your sins and your only hope of eternal life? This is not meant to be a trick question – let me word it another way to spark devotion... Are you one of His Kid's because of His sacrifice for you? Hopefully the answer is “Yes” , for the journey I am sharing today is for you; (if not, please call on Him while you have breath ...don't delay … don't risk another day ...because “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; but He that believeth not the Son, shall not see life, and wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36)
HEY KIDS OF THE KING! – MEDITATE ON THESE THREE VERSES FOR A MOMENT: Psalm 23:5 - “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Devotional Thought – He wants to anoint us with overflowing Joy because of His preparation... where is the overflow to go?)
Isaiah 64:4 - “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God beside thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him." (Devotional Thought – God, who never changes, has glorious love surprises for those who wait for Him with humble expectation... what is our response to be?)
I Corinthians 2:9 – “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” (Devotional Thought – This is a re-quote of Isaiah – with an added emphasis on “love” as to the motive of the waiting in humble expectation... Why is Love now mentioned in the New Testament with the re-quoting of the verse?)
HE WANTS EVERY DAY TO BE AN ADVENTURE OF THE HEART FOR US THAT WILL DRAW US CLOSER TO HIM AND OTHERS IN THE PROCESS.
Jesus is preparing ahead of you for the supply for your journey. He is hiding “heart surprises” along the way to remind you that He loves you. He is desiring to connect you to events of eternal consequence each and every day. Those events are attached to people that you meet along the way. Though some you will connect with and others will pass you by, there are no failures in the economy of the Kingdom, unless we refuse to acknowledge the obvious provision of our God. His rest and refreshment that He offers to each of His heavy laden wanderers is found in the opening of our spiritual heart, eyes and ears so we can catch glimpses of His preparation. This preparation is carried on right under the nose of our enemies but right in front of our eyes so He can bring amazement and joy to us if we just allow Him to open up our hearts.
Your voice pattern, your hair color, your smile, your gestures, your clothes, your glasses, your opportunities, your delays, your job, your travels, your travel plans, your meal choices, your appointments, your working, your shopping, your secret time, ...and on and on … He prepares bridges of familiar connection to others so that there is an opportunity for His love to be known by and through you. Real lasting Joy comes into our life when see that Jesus wants to lavish His love on us to love others through us.
O if only we would allow our lives to truly open up for others, we would find His provisions flowing like a refreshing river through our lives. God has prepared the way ahead for this “living waters life” ...instead of being downcast, lift up your eyes and see the salvation of your God, but don't shut down the vision by selfishly feeding and fulfilling only your needs.
One voice singing in the darkness raises hope; many voices joining-in raise courage. Don't let the “Dream Hater” squelch your voice by camping your heart in disappointment.
Trust God's unseen preparation!
HLFA,
Jeff