~ Joy in knowing WHAT I have to learn

...and more, in KNOWING that You are able and ready to teach me.

I need to learn to hold NOTHING higher than You, Jesus. NOTHING, and more importantly, NO ONE. That is not the current state of being. I have elevated some loves above Our's, sometimes. Too oft, no doubt. I NEED to be able to truly say, that You are ABOVE all others, to remain clearly in focus and keep You Sovereign Author of my decisions, Jesus. It seems, that there are a few, who hold TOO much sway over my heart, Jesus.

I fear to pray this, but not as much as I fear NOT to pray it:

Please break the bondage of 'storge,' 'eros' and 'phileo' in those ways that challenge Your DOMINION over my heart, mind and soul, for Your Glory and my edification. Empower those angels over me to be diligent in their bent toward my success in this, for Your Glory.

I ponder, overmuch, on the behalf of others, sometimes.
I need to be FREE to do that for which You have created me, and will hold me accountable for DOING in Your strength. Only the decisions I make are of any credit on this rock. All the talents, opportunities, resources and charms that You afford me to accomplish these, are none-the-less, from YOU.... and of no merit. The CHOICES. The choices that You even give me the strength and the wisdom to make, these and these alone, are of any merit in this skin husk that I bear myself about with.

It seems that this year is one of mentoring, of following You and of great new strides in the areas of ministry that I have walked toward for a lifetime, Jesus. Grant me the courage, the grace, the wisdom and the True focus on Your Voice, and YOUR'S ALONE, for every doorknob wiggled and every one opened into new opportunity or resource to accomplish Your callings on my life, Jesus. Still the air in Your presence. Rise among the din as the Voice that rings the Truest and the deepest. Usher me ever to my knees in search of Your leading and reins, to guide and guard me into your abundant will within. Will I even minister to enemies? Will I walk toward deprivation and discomfort? Will I take the roads that LOOK the least convenient to follow Your Voice ?

Illustrate the deep gratification of Your Wine of the Spirit. Trickle it gently down my throat as I approach this new place, for Your Glory ALONE, Jesus. I am Your handmaiden, bent upon the sound of Your breathing, setting at the door of Your chamber, begging for the crumb from Your table. Be merciful to this wretched sinner and show me Your path for me ahead. Still the eyecatching, heart pounding opposition's charms and wiles and FREE ME in You. amen


Originally Posted by the Message





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