Following Christ

Looking at Calvary Part 5

The fountain flows continually as long as the power is not shut off or disconnected. This happens when we take matters into our own hands and refuse to surrender them to the Lord. Have you ever experienced the complete frustration when your self-will is struggling to have its own way? You know you have to yield if you are to stay in fellowship with the Lord, but the strong self is trying to pull the Lord over to our way of handling a situation. It is as if we are saying, “Lord let’s do it my way.” We have to make the decision as the challenges arise not to let our self will rule. There is such victory when we finally let go of the struggle and let the power flow again.

Developing Passion For The Lord (part 1)

Recently I have been contemplating ways to feel more “connected” with the Lord. In doing so I have revisited the concept I wrote about in a brochure entitled Loving Jesus which is available on my web site www.parkpraisepublications.com. It lists some attributes of Jesus , the son which are unique to those of God, the Father. I encourage speaking aloud and thanking Jesus for specific attributes. We all like to hear our names spoken, and I think Jesus must like this too. For example: “Jesus, I thank you that you are the bright and morning Star.”

We find our love and appreciation for Him growing as we focus and verbalize His special attributes one at a time. I encourage you to try this giving it a few weeks as it will be rote to begin with but then connection will come if you preserve.

Many of us have found in our earthly relationships that intimacy builds as we compliment our loved ones and focus on their unique attributes.

Following Vs. Leading

The Lord is teaching me to come in line with His word which says, “I know the plans I have for you.” Jeremiah 29:11. For too many years I have planned and asked the Lord to bless what I was doing. Often I have run ahead and asked the Lord to come along with me where I am moving. (I didn’t know this was what I was doing). Now I only want to follow where He is working. Everything else is wasted time and effort. Only what He has ordained will bear fruit. My own expectations and the expectations of others must be laid aside to only embrace what He is ready to bless with the breath of the Holy Spirit. He is teaching me to praise more, release fuller, and trust deeper. Is it an easy lesson?

“No!” He has had to train me over and over as I have seen His goodness in answer to distressing life situations over which I have sinned by being anxious. I am learning to proclaim He is sovereign! He is all powerful! He is not confounded at what confounds me! There is no problem He does not have the answer for. I see through imperfect lenses where part of life’s picture is obscured. He sees it all – past, present, future. He knows every day of the rest of each of our lives. We just need to lineup with His divine plan and will as best we can discern it. We hear His voice through Scripture with the words. “Do not be afraid little flock.” Luke 12:32. I long to proclaim with the Psalmist, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid.” Psalms 27:1. Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear.” Psalm 27:3a.