[Faith-talk] braking the binds of selfishness

[Amy Ragain]

this is the morning devotional of a friend of mine...



Begin forwarded message:

> From: Stephen Smith <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Date: March 11, 2011 7:22:45 AM CST
> To: Morning Thoughts 1 <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Subject: Morning Thoughts for Friday, March 11, 2011
> 
> If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
> (Romans 14:8, NIV)
> 
> - From Bible Promises for iPhone
> http://biblepromises.reigndesign.com/
> 
> Good morning.  Have you ever been in God's waiting room?  I feel as though I am there right now.  My sense of waiting has been heightened this morning as I became aware of events around the world that impact me personally, in some way or another.  A tsunami warning has apparently been issued for the West Coast for the next few hours; earthquakes, causing death and destruction have been reported in just the past few hours; a young airman is returning home to be buried, murdered in Germany in the line of duty; others have returned to their parents' sides for perhaps the final days of transition; still others are facing uncertain futures as doctors explore their bodies for cancers and other diseses; a few are beset with depression, prolonged stress, anxiety and fear - even leading to thoughts of suicide; still more are waiting for an opportunity to reunite with long-separated loved ones: grandchildren and siblings.
> 
> Have you ever wondered why so much seems to be happening all around us and to us?  When I'm in my own little world, Fridays are a day of rejoicing, the last day of the "work-week", the beginning of the weekend.  For Pam and me, it's a time of partying with our grandchildren, when they are available.  So many times I'm in my own little world, focused on me, me, me. I pay little or no attention to the issues of life outside; only to the things affecting me, and only for the moment.  I am ashamed.  I am not useful to Christ or anyone else when surrounded by the walls of self-centeredness.  Father, cause me to break free from the bonds of me, me, me.  Turn my heart to You in prayers of repentance, thanksgiving and intercession.  Open the doors of Your waiting room, where we can join together as we wait upon You, trusting in Your everlasting love and faithfulness.  As we wait, open our eyes to the reality of our own sins, transgressions against You, our loved ones, friends, and others at large.  Cause our hearts to melt in repentance as we contemplate the ramifications of our selfish actions.  Have Your way with us, but do not take Your Holy Spirit from us!
> 
> Father, I am a sinner.  You saved me from the pit of hell through the shed blood of Your Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, my Messiah. You raised Him from the tomb on the Third Day, and have promised me eternal life with You when I accepted Him as my personal Lord, King, Master, and Friend.  Thank You, Precious Father, for my salvation in You.  May I now go forth to obey Your commands, loving You with all my heart, strength and mind; and by loving others in the same way You first loved me.  This I pray for all, in Jesus' Holy Name.
> 
> Enjoy God''s presence in your lives this very weekend!!  I Love You!!
> 
> <3STEVE:-))