What Do I Say vs. What Do I Do

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9

Moses spoke to the people and said:
"Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees
which I am teaching you to observe,
that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land
which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.
Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees
as the LORD, my God, has commanded me,
that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy.
Observe them carefully,
for thus will you give evidence
of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations,
who will hear of all these statutes and say,
'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.'
For what great nation is there
that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us
whenever we call upon him?
Or what great nation has statutes and decrees
that are as just as this whole law
which I am setting before you today?

"However, take care and be earnestly on your guard
not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen,
nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live,
but teach them to your children and to your children's children."

This is another one of those readings where I have to look at myself in the mirror hard and long. Do I teach the word of God to my children? Do I share what I know and love about God with those that I meet? Am I truly mindful as I go about my days and remember the lessons and decrees of God and then follow them? Hmm, I'll be honest some of the answers need work, others I am okay with, but none of them leave me feeling accomplished. I can't tell you how many times I have been out playing live or else wise seen an opportunity to share the love of Jesus and didn't because I didn't want to be thought of as a "weirdo-Jesus-freak". 

Holy Spirit,

I love you. You have done so much for me when I don't even deserve it. Please come down upon me today and everyday and give me wisdom and courage. Help me to share Jesus with those that I meet. Help me to not worry about what other people think. Give me the understanding and knowledge so that I may say the right thing at the right time. Actually, I really just want to get out the picture altogether. Please Holy Spirit possess me. Let not my will be done, of Yours, the Father and the Son. I am afraid that if I am involved I will just mess it up. Thank you.

In Jesus Christ's name I pray,

Amen

A small GIFT!

DANIEL 3:25, 34-43

stood up in the fire and prayed aloud:

“For your name’s sake, O Lord, do not deliver us up forever,
or make void your covenant.
Do not take away your mercy from us,
for the sake of Abraham, your beloved,
Isaac your servant, and Israel your holy one,
To whom you promised to multiply their offspring
like the stars of heaven,
or the sand on the shore of the sea.
For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation,
brought low everywhere in the world this day
because of our sins.
We have in our day no prince, prophet, or leader,
no burnt offering, sacrifice, oblation, or incense,
no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with you.
But with contrite heart and humble spirit
let us be received;
As though it were burnt offerings of rams and bullocks,
or thousands of fat lambs,
So let our sacrifice be in your presence today
as we follow you unreservedly;
for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame.
And now we follow you with our whole heart,
we fear you and we pray to you.
Do not let us be put to shame,
but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy.
Deliver us by your wonders,
and bring glory to your name, O Lord.”

I read these lines and something stirs in my heart. I know that in the past I thought I had to do BIG things to win God's love. I smile and chuckle at myself. I don't need to win God's love. He already loves me. I don't have to do great things to make him proud. I don't have to stand on stage and declare his word to masses of people. When I sin I don't need to give all I have to charity. I don't have to whip myself with cords. All God wants is my heart. All he wants is my love. Does he want me to use my talents for his glory? Yes, but I don't have be the best songwriter ever. All he wants is what a good father wants. He wants me to be the man he knows that I can become and to use all I have and am to glorify him.

God,

I am sorry. I can be a proud man. I can be hard hearted. I can be stiff-necked. I can be really stupid. I love you. Please forgive me and teach me with your loving heart. Help me to love like you want me to. Show me your way even when I act and say that I don't want to know. God you have given me talents. Help me to make the most of them YOUR way. I want to write and sing and work for you. I want to share your word and way with all that I meet. Thank you God for my whole life.

In Jesus Christ's name I pray,

Amen