RETURN TO ACTION (Part 2)

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DAY 19 - January 23

The last two days of this study are going to look quite different from what you have grown accustomed to in the previous 18, because it is here that we are going to stop talking a lot ABOUT action and diligently putting it into practice.

While studying the book of Ezra, we found that those in exile had ended up there because of their disobedience to all the Lord had commanded and because they had lost sight of all the Lord had promised.  And though the Lord was faithful to redeem and restore them (time and time again), the BETTER way would have been not having to live in exile at all!  Which is the way I desperately desire to live my life with the Lord - exile-free and always within His “firewall of protection.”  So how do we do that?  

First, make it a regular habit to consider your ways.  I challenge you to revisit the reflection questions regularly from here on out.  There’s no exact rhythm or perfect time of year to do so, but I find it helpful to ask myself these questions and reevaluate at the end of a busy season or when shifting into a new one.  Doing so will not only bring to light areas in your life that have begun to drift away from the Lord but will also reveal to you areas in which you can see growth in your life and in your family’s life as you continue to walk with Him and grow closer to Him.

Second, make it a daily habit to remember His faithfulness.  Again, there isn’t an exact formula for doing this; however, I find it helpful to, as I begin my day with a prayer committing the day to Him and His leading, end my day by reflecting on the ways that He showed up and showed out, answering that prayer all throughout the day, ending my day with a prayer of thanksgiving for His unfailing Faithfulness - present, past, and future!

Third, be intentional to return to true worship (obedience, unity, surrender, and stewardship) every single day!  The “details”, if you will, of each of these will look slightly different for all of us - after all, not everyone will be called to share Jesus with the person sitting in the cubical next to you; however there are some key commands and promises that we can all remain faithful too, no matter if you are a single adult, a professional at the top of your field, or a mom or dad pushing through the daily grind day after day.  What are those “keys”?  To answer that question fully would mean essentially just telling you to read the whole Bible cover to cover (which I definitely do encourage you to do), as it is chock-full of “keys.”  So, for today, I want to focus on just a few.

1. Remain within His “fire walls” of protection, reading and reflecting regularly on the “guard rails” He has given us through the 10 commandments (see Exodus 20:1-17).
   

“If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15

2. Remain connected to Him daily, being diligent to remove all barriers and stumbling blocks that may stand in the way.  Not just throwing your needs up in prayer, but taking time to stop and listen for what He wants to say to you.  

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and let me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

3. Remain on mission with God.

“...’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)

And one of the key ways we remain on mission for Him is through prayer!  Not just for our needs but for the needs of others.  So today, for the remainder of our time, we are going to do just that…pray!  Yes, pray over your day, your needs, and your family, but I also want to take time to pray together for our world.  So, if you would, find a place that you can quiet the noise of life for the next 10 minutes (I find it helpful to turn on some instrumental worship music - Soaking in His Presence by William Augusto is a great option) and simply pray.  For over the past few weeks, I am confident the Lord has revealed to you areas that He wants to speak, touch, and move, both in your life and in the lives of others, and that all begins when we humble ourselves before Him in prayer.  For as 2 Chronicles 7:14 declares:

“Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (NLT)

1. Take at least 5 minutes to pray over all that is on your heart.  Pray for your day, your family, and any other personal needs you may be seeking the Lord for.

2. Now, for the next 5 minutes, join us in praying for the global missionaries and ministries (listed below) that we, as a church, support every single month.  That’s right, your tithes and offerings do so much more than what you can see take place here in Wichita Falls.  Those funds help people around the globe hear of the hope of Jesus!  

Robert Godwin (Estonia)

Christian Becker (Arab World)

Caleb Johnson (Arab World)

Nick Stuva (Arab World)

Jordan & Michelle Wright (Indonesia)

Tiffany Coates (Central Eurasia)

Michael & Anita James (Wales)

Aaron Koepp (France)

Vicki Boyd (Yunnan)

Gerald Dollar (Ukraine)

Amy Farley (Pen-Asia)

Joel Anthony & Marie Watson (Pen-Asia)

Jason & Sarah Morris (Pen-Asia)

Aaron Williams (Germany)

Gaylord Brown (Kenya)

Bryan Burr (Kenya)

Jacob Jester (Kenya)

Brent & Shelley Teague (Ivory Coast) Timothy & Kathy Teague (Ivory Coast)

Chad Daugherty (Ivory  Coast)

Erin Dutton (Senegal)

Christopher Exley (East Africa)

Aaron Henry (South Africa)

Danny Miller (Africa)

Larry Allen (Zimbabwe)

Lance Hines (Malawi)

Steve Skipper (Latin America)

Ben Harper (Peru)

Kenny Horton (Guatemala)

Michael McGee (Chaplain)

Dan Jeter (Global University)

John Easter (AGWM)

Convoy of Hope Disaster Relief

AG Bible Alliance

AG Trust

“For we are God’s masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)