It is time to get in the ring.

There are times that I desperately 'want' something, but after obtaining it, the novelty wares off and it gets put aside. You might note I did highlight the word 'want'. Confession time, I also believe too often things are too easily placed in our reach and available to us with means such as credit, etc. and thus we accumulate more than we actually require.

There is something in the advice about going away a while and doing the almost unmentionable in our vocabulary today, praying about it and even saving for it. Making it a goal and working toward attaining it (if we have resolved with God that it is something that might be appropriate/beneficial).

What about spiritual matters though? What is it you might desire above other things? What are you prepared to do to receive something spiritual? Have a read of this short passage a moment:-

Genesis 32:22-32
The Message (MSG)

^24-25 But Jacob stayed behind by himself, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he couldn’t get the best of Jacob as they wrestled, he deliberately threw Jacob’s hip out of joint.

²⁶ The man said, “Let me go; it’s daybreak.”

Jacob said, “I’m not letting you go ’til you bless me.”

Would you be prepared to wrestle with a representative of God to receive a blessing from God? Is it not what is represented on those occasions within Scripture where we are called upon to contemplate persistent prayer? To keep coming before the Father with our request and not giving up until the answer is received, the blessing experienced.

Of recent days, I have been challenged to consider prayer and what it is 'I draw a circle around', seek answers too, from God. It may be a matter of stretching my faith, believing where I don't always see the answer already, practicing faith in a God who is mighty, the creator and sustainer of all things. It is about not giving up on occasions and really going for what I believe is laid upon my heart.

I wonder, are there things that you would, or even 'need' to be wrestling for? If so, can I encourage you to get in the ring, and not let go until you receive the answer, the blessing.

Bless ya real good!  

How much do you want it ...

We can go to the movies, or merely turn on our televisions to see the extremes that people will go too to get what they want. Whether that be power (climbing the corporate ladder, or some other form of leading/leadership, recognition and so on), wealth (the accumulation of funds property, goods, etc.), popularity and fame, (or some other definition of success, etc). Some of it might be attributed to much hard work, long hours, the expending of much energy. For others it is through ruthless means, cutting corners, illegal means, etc.

Interestingly, I am aware that there are times when as Christians, we can attempt short cuts to obtain the experience or positioning we desire in life with Christ. We might think a few minutes here and there doing good things will do it. A quick prayer every now and again will mean we have prayed. The occasional verse from the Scriptures. Or it might be the fact that we play church - be seen doing what appears on the surface to be "right" whilst living another life outside of the eyes of those who see us in the church circles.

Peter writes:

1 Peter 2:2-3 (New Living Translation)

2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk

so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.

Cry out for this nourishment,

3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

1 Peter 2:2-3 (The Message)

You've had a taste of God.

Now, like infants at the breast,

drink deep of God's pure kindness.

Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.

 

You may recall a child suckling at the breast, in fact the best picture for me, is thinking of a calf and the persistence to suckle and obtain more and more and more of it's mothers milk - the craving is so strong. Just think about that a moment (yes, literally pause) -

 

• Is that your experience as you seek after the things of God?
• Do you have that sort of intensity for the Spirit of God in your life?
• Do you ensure that you don't do without God's Word regularly (daily, after all isn't that how you would generally otherwise feed)?
• How about prayer?
• And Holy Spirit produced fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5: 22)?

Like Peter, I would reckon you have had a taste, don't you want much, much more - to drink deep? And here is the purpose - Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.

This is my desire, to honour You, Lord with all my heart, to worship You - and the best way I can see to do this is to crave after, pursue intensely the things that are of You - help me to keep on track, and guard me from the distractions around me Lord.