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The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie http://www.harvest.org/devotional
Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ” @ https://drawingclosertochrist.com
Original post @ https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2024/03/18/keep-being-available-and-aware/
Keep Being Available and Aware
Matthew 5:16 NASB, “Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
A coworker was sharing last week about an encounter she had with a lady while coming out of the doctor’s office. She said the lady was crying, so she stopped to ask her if she was ok. Once they began talking, she found out the lady was upset because she had received several diagnoses from her doctor and the prognosis wasn’t good.
During the conversation, the lady also revealed that she had become angry with the Lord over the years and therefore had turned away from him, especially after the death of her husband. She said she knew that she really needed to get back in touch with the Lord. My coworker had the opportunity to encourage the lady, offer her some comfort, and pray with her.
Photo by: Kaique Rocha of the Netherlands
I was thankful to hear my coworker’s testimony. It was an encouragement to remain available and aware because we never know who God will bring across our path that needs to know about His love.
I heard a minister say recently, “It’s not about our ability, it’s about our availability.” The Holy Spirit will give us the ability we need. He will give us the words and power to help others.
God may not always bring a stranger your way, it could be someone you already know who needs your love and attention. It could be a family member, a friend, a coworker, a neighbor, or someone you see sitting alone during the service at your church, who could use a word of encouragement. We just need to remain available and aware.
Photo by: TimaMiroshnichenko of Poland
As we seek the Lord and grow in intimacy with Him, our desire and concern for others will also grow. Part of being available and aware means we must go beyond our own ideas of what our faith should look like, and instead open our hearts and our lives to what God wants us to do. He wants to stretch our faith in ways we may not have yet considered. Of course, this may interrupt our plans or lead us out of our comfort zones. However, God is pleased when we walk by faith and has promised to reward us when we diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
I love that God doesn’t leave us alone to complete anything He calls us to do. He is with us through the presence of His Holy Spirit, and we can pray continuously as we go through our day (1 Thessalonians 1:17). We serve a God who loves us and will supply our every need (Philippians 4:19).
Heavenly Father,
Help us to make you a priority each day. Create in us a clean heart. A heart that is available to you and aware of the ways you are working in our lives. Help us to be willing and ready to share our love with those around us. Give us the courage to embrace the opportunities you bring our way to be a light in a dark world. Thank you for the love you give us that makes a difference in our lives each day.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !! If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…
You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/
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