Expectation & Promise

I know this verse of Scripture totally applies to my own life:

A lot will be expected from everyone who has been given a lot. More will be demanded from everyone who has been entrusted with a lot.
-- Luke 12:48b (GWT)

In light of the enormous expectation packed into Luke 12:48b, I am glad for the powerful promise found in this verse:

It is God who produces in you the desires and actions that please Him. -- Philippians 2:13 (GWT)

By Faith! In Faith! (Hebrews 11)
Grateful

Let's Pray For What God Promised.

We pray along with the Psalmist this prayer for our Lord's intervention on our behalf and for a new life according to His promise:

Plead my case for me, and save me.
Give me a new life as You promised.
-- Psalm 119:154 (GWT)

As we enter the secret chamber of our prayer closets to seek close communion with our Lord, let's remember four stances of the heart:

(1) Let's begin with silence.
(2) Let's speak with simplicity.
(3) Let's listen in humility.
(4) Let's wait in expectation of His presence.

In The Name of Jesus. Amen.
Grateful

The Father Doesn't Cringe When His Children Cry. He Cares.

After vulnerable and encouraging e-mail exchanges with two separate friends last evening about my blog entries over the past two days on the topics of "Expecting God's Answers" and "Trusting God Without Understanding", my thoughts were beautifully stirred in the same vein once again this morning as I saturated in the Psalms:

Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. -- Psalm 5:3 (NLT)

My Prayer: When I cry Lord, you don't cringe at my sobbing, because as My Father, You know children cry. So, I expect Your constant help and rescue. You are my Father. I know You want me to expect You to come and comfort me when I cry. You will answer my cries In the way that You, my Loving Father knows is best. Help me to trust Your answers, even though Your answers are not always understandable to me. Remind me often, Father God, that You do not cringe when I cry. You care. In Jesus' name. Amen.

An early 1980's Gospel song comes to mind now:

Just remember Jesus cares.
He cries when you cry.
And He lifts your case;
To the Father up on high.
Place your trust in Him today;
For there is no other way.
And remember Jesus cares;
Just remember Jesus cares.

By Faith! In Faith! (Hebrews 11)
Grateful

Jeremiah 33:3

This morning I awoke with a Bible reference on my mind as strong as any impression I've ever had. A life-verse for one of my pastoral leadership mentors, Dr. Charles Thompson, God's Wonder-filled words of expectation are recorded in Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV):

Call to Me, and I will answer you,
and show you great and mighty things,
which you do not know.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Revival?

2010 is a year of Readying for Revival for me and for the local church I pastor. It's more than a theme, it's like a mandate on my life to invite our people to get ready for a fresh spiritual awakening in and beyond our lives. I must say, as I saturate in 2 Chronicles 7:14, I have vision like I have never before known, yes vision that is overflowing with awesome anticipation and encouraging expectation. In short, I am very humbled, totally grateful, and somewhat speechless as I consider my Lord's promises.

What is your most inspiring definition of Revival?

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful