Persistence and devotion … alert and focused … prayer life … attitude of thanksgiving …
My eyes gravitate towards these key words because I know that GOD speaks to me this way. And when the Holy Spirit whispers to re-read them, it’s a call to take inventory.
If I were to take an introspective evaluation about the things in my life to which I am ‘persistent’ about and the things to which I give ‘devotion,’ I would have to say that these are mostly people-oriented — if not people, period.
I will devote my energy with persistence to connect and get audience with, inform and educate, elevate and encourage, comfort and console people. Depending upon the situation, my passion will equate to the need.
Being alert and focused reminds me of collegiate behavior, as when I study for an exam or to educate myself on complex material for research. If I am not alert and focused, information containing a lot of details will be a blur the moment I walk away, especially if there are words and phrases that required additional resources for greater understanding or clarification.
Prayer life — notice in our Scripture verse that it is attached to the preceding words: alert and focused. This causes me to examine my intent and care of how I approach the Lord. Prayer is communion with Him — listening to what He has for me to receive from Him at that moment. If my prayer time with Him sounds more like a wish list for GOD to grant, then I know my heart is not in the right place — The Almighty is not a genie in a bottle.
And then our verse concludes with a bow of thankfulness that ties all my innermost desires and behavior together. If I’m honest, I’d have to say that my ‘package’ doesn’t always look neat and tidy. Sometimes the wrap is wrinkled or frayed and the bow is not secure but rather sloppy.
- Does your prayer life reflect an attitude of authentic thanksgiving that you would want to present before the Lord?
- In what ways would you like to see change to make it better? Write these down so that you can see your thoughts and bring lift them up to the Lord.
Father GOD, You are gracious to receive me as I am, and for that I am grateful. It is my heart’s desire to be mindful of how precious our Relationship is and to care for and nurture it as it should be. Cause me, Lord, to slow down and take the time to be diligent and intentional. May I never forget to pause and speak of how Your Love gives me strength and courage to live through my day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 