Day 3 - Aligning Ourselves With God
Day 3 - Aligning Ourselves With God
Written by: Pat Hardin
SCRIPTURE
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV)
DEVOTIONAL
As we continue our prayer initiative, we desire to align ourselves with God’s Word, His Spirit, and His purpose, all of which requires unity. This unity is only found under our humble inclusion of all who call on the name of the Lord and are saved. We may look different, act differently, speak differently, enjoy different foods, participate in different recreational activities, parent differently, and live in different types of communities, but we are all one in Christ if Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Our Heavenly Father desires to “exalt” us “at the proper time,” for the realization of His purpose.
Are you wondering what His purpose might be? God is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9; ESV) His purpose must be for us to share His wondrous grace with others so they might experience His love and forgiveness as well. To make the Body of Christ complete, we should pay special attention to those who are different from us, and include them in our sharing and caring.
It is important to note the usage of the phrase, “at the proper time,” which is based upon the Greek word “kairos.” This has no exact English translation in today’s vernacular, but carries a strong connotation of opportunity and time colliding at a precise moment to allow God’s purpose to intersect humankind. As we pray for God to awaken our community, and to use our church to facilitate that awakening, we must ask ourselves, “How far are we prepared to go to see God move?” Are we willing to invest and invite someone outside our friend zone? What about someone who is different from us? Maybe if we consider that the time is now, the place is here, and the message is clear (Jesus Saves!), then we will put aside our internal objections and step out of our comfort zone to reach those around us with the Gospel message. According to this passage, it doesn’t require a theological degree, it requires humility. The humility that comes from knowing we are nothing apart from God, and that He desires to use us to accomplish His purpose. Wow! That is an amazing way to be exalted, knowing that God is using you to share His plan of redemption with others!!
If you are thinking of excuses why God is unable to use you already, then read verse 7 again. It clearly teaches that we are to cast those anxieties and deficiencies upon Him, “because He cares for you.” The God of the universe cares about you and your insecurities and desires that you throw them at His feet. I believe He will trample them under His feet and allow you to walk in the freedom of His Word and purpose. Imagine how different Walton County would be if all of us were to humble ourselves, cast our cares at God’s feet, and begin to share our love for Jesus with those around us.
ACTION STEP
Make a list of 5 people that you can begin to pray for today that need to know Jesus. Pray and ask God to give you an opportunity to invest in that relationship, and to know the person for whom you pray.
PRAYER TIME
Pray specifically for the people on your list, but also for yourself. Ask God to give you His eyes, so that you recognize the kairos moments as they occur daily. Be watchful for divine intervention in our temporal world.
Father, help me learn how to cast my cares upon you, to be anxious for nothing, and to walk in humility every day. May my life be an example to others of one who has been changed by the mighty Hand of God. Please allow your love to guide me and to open doors for new relationships, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV)
DEVOTIONAL
As we continue our prayer initiative, we desire to align ourselves with God’s Word, His Spirit, and His purpose, all of which requires unity. This unity is only found under our humble inclusion of all who call on the name of the Lord and are saved. We may look different, act differently, speak differently, enjoy different foods, participate in different recreational activities, parent differently, and live in different types of communities, but we are all one in Christ if Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Our Heavenly Father desires to “exalt” us “at the proper time,” for the realization of His purpose.
Are you wondering what His purpose might be? God is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9; ESV) His purpose must be for us to share His wondrous grace with others so they might experience His love and forgiveness as well. To make the Body of Christ complete, we should pay special attention to those who are different from us, and include them in our sharing and caring.
It is important to note the usage of the phrase, “at the proper time,” which is based upon the Greek word “kairos.” This has no exact English translation in today’s vernacular, but carries a strong connotation of opportunity and time colliding at a precise moment to allow God’s purpose to intersect humankind. As we pray for God to awaken our community, and to use our church to facilitate that awakening, we must ask ourselves, “How far are we prepared to go to see God move?” Are we willing to invest and invite someone outside our friend zone? What about someone who is different from us? Maybe if we consider that the time is now, the place is here, and the message is clear (Jesus Saves!), then we will put aside our internal objections and step out of our comfort zone to reach those around us with the Gospel message. According to this passage, it doesn’t require a theological degree, it requires humility. The humility that comes from knowing we are nothing apart from God, and that He desires to use us to accomplish His purpose. Wow! That is an amazing way to be exalted, knowing that God is using you to share His plan of redemption with others!!
If you are thinking of excuses why God is unable to use you already, then read verse 7 again. It clearly teaches that we are to cast those anxieties and deficiencies upon Him, “because He cares for you.” The God of the universe cares about you and your insecurities and desires that you throw them at His feet. I believe He will trample them under His feet and allow you to walk in the freedom of His Word and purpose. Imagine how different Walton County would be if all of us were to humble ourselves, cast our cares at God’s feet, and begin to share our love for Jesus with those around us.
ACTION STEP
Make a list of 5 people that you can begin to pray for today that need to know Jesus. Pray and ask God to give you an opportunity to invest in that relationship, and to know the person for whom you pray.
PRAYER TIME
Pray specifically for the people on your list, but also for yourself. Ask God to give you His eyes, so that you recognize the kairos moments as they occur daily. Be watchful for divine intervention in our temporal world.
Father, help me learn how to cast my cares upon you, to be anxious for nothing, and to walk in humility every day. May my life be an example to others of one who has been changed by the mighty Hand of God. Please allow your love to guide me and to open doors for new relationships, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
BLESS EVERY HOME
Have you heard of Bless Every Home? This is a fantastic resource that Church at the Grove has that allows you to be sent the names of your closest neighbors to pray for daily. This resource allows you to create a habit of praying for people around you to have an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Have you heard of Bless Every Home? This is a fantastic resource that Church at the Grove has that allows you to be sent the names of your closest neighbors to pray for daily. This resource allows you to create a habit of praying for people around you to have an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Posted in 28 Days of Prayer and Fasting
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January 9th, 2023 - Adventure AwaitsJanuary 10th, 2023 - The Burning BushJanuary 11th, 2023 - Strong and Courageous January 12th, 2023 - Obediently Set ApartJanuary 13th, 2023 - Faithful Among Enemy NationsJanuary 14th, 2023 - Adventure AwaitsJanuary 16th, 2023 - Be StillJanuary 17th, 2023 - God Inhabits His PraisesJanuary 18th, 2023 - Enjoying God's PresenceJanuary 19th, 2023 - Broken & Contrite HeartJanuary 20th, 2023 - Asking for OthersJanuary 21st, 2023 - Petition and ProvisionJanuary 23rd, 2023 - One Body, Many PartsJanuary 24th, 2023 - Love One AnotherJanuary 25th, 2023 - Unity in the BodyJanuary 26th, 2023 - Consider Others BetterJanuary 27th, 2023 - Living in the LightJanuary 28th, 2023 - Don't Let Anger Control YouJanuary 30, 2023 - The Power of FastingJanuary 31st, 2023 - Pray as You Can
February
February 1st, 2023 - ScriptureFebruary 2nd, 2023 - Sabbath Day, Best DayFebruary 3rd, 2023 - SimplicityFebruary 4th, 2023 - WorshipFebruary 6th, 2023 - Love Your NeighborFebruary 7th, 2023 - Come and See, Go and TellFebruary 8th, 2023 - GenerosityFebruary 9th, 2023 - Caring for the VulnerableFebruary 10, 2023 - HospitalityFebruary 11th, 2023 - Build
2022
January
Covid UpdateDay 1 - Is It Worth It?Day 2 - God Promises His PresenceDay 3 - Aligning Ourselves With GodDay 4 - The Voice of the ShepherdVision 2022 - Begins this Sunday!Day 5 - Rushing or Resting?Day 6 - "By the Grace of God"Day 7 - A Day for Rest and WorshipDay 8 - Ask Boldly and Surrender CompletelyDay 9 - Our Deliverance for His GloryDay 10 - Ask for the ImpossibleDay 11 - Adversity Meets Unwavering FaithWhat an incredible start to 2022!!Day 12 - Focus Reveals FaithDay 13 - Impossible Mission!Day 15 - Followers of JesusDay 16 - The Good News of God’s LoveDay 17 - Radical Love Leads People to JesusLet's Try this Again...Day 18 - Relentless CommitmentDay 19 - Unending Power SourceDay 20 - Come and See, Go and TellDay 22 - Many Parts, One BodyDay 23 - A New Command - Love One AnotherDay 24 - One Body and One LordDay 25 - Be Angry, But Do Not SinDo you Belong?Day 26 - The Commandment of LoveDay 27 - The Attitude and Obedience of Christ
March
Day 1 - Seeking the Lord TogetherDay 2 - Ash WednesdayDay 3 - The Baptism of JesusDay 4 - The Word as a WeaponDay 5 - Freedom in ConfessionDay 6 - Love Your EnemiesDay 7 - Anxious for NothingDay 8 - Effective PrayerDay 9 - Amazing FaithDay 10 - The Bleeding WomanDay 11 - Confidence in GodDay 12 - Fear Not!Day 13 - Come and RestDay 14 - Kingdom Minded CommunityDay 15 - The TreasureDay 16 - Peace in His PresenceDay 17 - Raise the RoofDay 18 - A Parent's CommitmentDay 19 - Too Good to be TrueDay 20 - Only JesusDay 21 - The Ninety-Nine and the OneDay 22 - Salvation Through SurrenderDay 23 - Good Rest from a Good ShepherdDay 24 - Read the RoomDay 25 - A Fruitful FaithDay 26 - The Wedding FeastDay 27 - Serve Like Jesus