Good day everyone. The last few weeks I came to the realization that the Lord is truly preparing me for something that I have never experienced before. I have been sharing bits and pieces with those who have been responsible for parts of my spiritual mentoring over the last few years but the process isn’t complete. To some it may seem like I’m losing it but what I’m losing is the rest of the old me. I went back into my archives to retrieve the message that I’m going to share today because it reminds me of what is happening right now.
Today’s Prayer
Father, I come before you this day on behalf of my brothers and sisters in Christ to say thank you for being a loving, caring, teaching parent. Scolding us in the needed times, which are many. The great thing I have experienced from you is how you us me to speak your word into others troubled situations and how Your word manifests change. Thank you for loving us, even when we go astray. You allow us to pick ourselves up and get back on the path. So this heartfelt prayer I submit to you in the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.
Let’s eat.
Desert Preparation
Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. – Galatians 1:17
Apostle Paul tells us in the first chapter of Galatians some of the facts surrounding his own conversion. He tells us that he clearly understood the call Jesus placed on his life. He didn’t have to consult other men about this calling. But before he was released to begin his own mission, He went to Arabia for three years. Why did Paul have to go to Arabia for three years before he ever met another disciple of Jesus Christ?
The Scriptures do not tell us plainly why Paul spent three years in Arabia. However, based upon many examples of God placing special calls on people’s lives, we know it often requires a time of separation between the old life and the new life. No doubt, Paul had plenty of time to consider what had taken place in his life and time to develop an intimate knowledge and relationship with the newfound Savior. His life was about to change dramatically.
So often, when God places a call on one of His children, it requires a separation between the old life and the new life. There is a time of being away from the old in order to prepare the heart for what is coming. It can be a painful and difficult separation. Joseph was separated from his family. Jacob was sent to live with his uncle Laban. Moses was sent to the desert.
When God began a deeper work in my own life, it required a separation from all I had known before. He removed all that I had placed confidence in up to that point. It was very painful and very scary since I was in my mid-40’s. In my mind, it was not the time to start life over. I had been making plans for early retirement. God had a different idea. He removed all my comforts and security in order to accomplish a much greater work than what I could see at the time. The picture is clear now. I understand why it was necessary then and why it’s happening again at the present time.
Maybe God has placed you in your own desert period. Perhaps you can’t make sense of the situation in which you find yourself in. If you press into God during this time, He will reveal the purposes He has for you. The key is pressing into Him. Seek Him with a whole heart and He will be found. God may have a special calling and message He is building in your life right now. Trust in His love for you that He will fully complete the work He has started in you.
Quote of the Day
If our minds are stayed upon God, His peace will rule the affairs entertained by our minds. If, on the other hand, we allow our minds to dwell on the cares of this world, God’s peace will be far from our thoughts.
Woodrow Kroll
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REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
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James H. Taylor Sr. – Kankakee City News has published my Daily meal message for a decade.