This year in my quiet time, I decided to wait on God. So often we come into His presence with our own agendas, and move through them quickly without ever stopping to listen and “hear” what He would speak to our hearts. For the past month, I decided to write down what I believe He is speaking to me, and the results have been surprising. When we know His word, He brings it to mind and He speaks directly to our daily struggles. This is a compilation of the things He has been speaking to me. I pray it will speak to your heart as well.
I am copying and pasting from another blog that I shut down.
POSTED ON DECEMBER 18, 2013 BY JOY FORREST
Lord, last night I struggled in my dreams, literally, with fistfights and all. People in the dream kept trying to steal what was rightfully mine, and I knew that I needed to fight. I knew it was the right thing to do, or I would be allowing evil to win. However, in my struggles I never landed an effective blow. There was nothing I could do to win the fights. Then I woke up and was reminded of all the obstacles in my life right now. I feel called to and long to be able to move full time into ministry. Yet, circumstances prevent me. Life goes on, and nothing seems to change. I guess I am waiting for this big “break” where I can suddenly be in ministry full-time, but I don’t suppose it will be a sudden thing. I, I, I, Me, Me, Me. Yes, I hear You. It’s not about me. It’s not about the obstacles. It’s about You. Show me how to tap into Your desires for my life. Help me to stop striving and know You more. I know I need to take more time, make more time, for Your Word and quiet time in Your presence. That is where the big “break” will come. It occurred to me yesterday that I should set aside one day a week to spend with You, to write, to study and to seek. Help me make the time to do that, and I pray for Your guidance as I do it. In that dream last night, I was never able to win, but that is because I was doing the fighting rather than You. This is Your battle, and as you told the Israelites it is Your battle. Ex. 14:14 The LORD will fight for you, and you won’t have to do a thing. Help me to stand behind You and watch the salvation of my God displayed. Far too often I have tried to lead You into the battles, and without Your protection it has not gone well. The only way to win is to let You fight. Help me be still. Help me trust. Help me wait patiently before You. You know my heart and my frustrations Lord. I surrender it all to You. Amen
Sweet child. Rest. It will not be long. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened. For everyone who seeks finds, and everyone who knocks will find an open door– when they are seeking my kingdom. Hold on to Me, and watch what I will do. You are right. This is not your battle, but mine. Don’t rush to fight when it’s not even a battle I have chosen. You will have battles to fight, but they must be fought, as you stand clothed in the full armor I provide. Prepare your heart and mind daily for the battles to come, and when the time comes I will lead you into victory. Hold on. Wait. It is coming.
HOW GOD SPEAKS IN A BLOG
Many people have asked about the format of my devotional blog. After reading Jesus Calling, I decided to take the time to stop and meditate after writing down my prayers. My mom did this years ago in her journal. Each day, I ask God to show me what He would have to say. Most of the time, Scriptures come into my mind, and much of the recorded response is based on Scripture. Certainly, I am not audibly hearing Him speak, but these messages are impressed on my heart, and if they line up with Scripture, I feel free to put them down. Several times, the responses have surprised me, as they have challenged me and made me think in ways I don’t believe I would have. God fills His children with His Spirit (2 Cor.1:22), and certainly He can speak to their hearts. I pray you will find these messages encouraging, and helpful in your daily walk with Him.