When I was in the bathroom preparing myself for the day the Lord asked; “How are you preparing your heart for the day”?
This was a challenging question as I had already prepared for the day with prayer, reading the word and waiting on Him !
So what was I missing ? How was I not preparing my heart for the day ?
The Bible says Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD. . . . . . .
And to seek the ‘word’ of God productively we must prepare our hearts for this. Preparing our hearts is not done by ritual but by relationship. Not in a 1/2hour slot in the morning but throughout the whole day. Prayer (speaking to the Lord) is not a obligation but a lifestyle !
What I really believe the Lord was saying to me is now you have done the basics, as you would preparing your body and face for the day;
‘Where am I’ ?
I Love how Paul’s explains this :
Ephesians 4:1-2 (Passion)
Our Divine Calling
As a prisoner of the Lord, I plead with you to walk holy, in a way that is suitable to your high rank, given to you in your divine calling. With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience.
Preparing your heart in not a one time thing, it’s moment by moment intention and action. Sadly, so many men and women of God stop short of this amazing discovery that’s right in front of them. They are only a door handle away from a major breakthrough !
Revelation 3:20-21 (Passion)
Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me. And to the one who conquers I will give the privilege of sitting with me on my throne, just as I conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
If we do the ‘all day thing’ our habitual way, we will always get the same results. Are you ready for a new way; a way to a major breakthrough in your life ? One you can share with others to see them mature in Christ too !
So here is your challenge today
1. Ask the Lord what areas in your life you are living by ritual or obligation ?
2. Ask the Lord if there is anything associated with the ritual or obligation (people you need to forgive, burdens you need to lay down or even just to forgive yourself).
3. Write these down and ask Him how you can replace them with a Godly relationship and lifestyle.
4. Record these and implement one a week until they are all part of your DNA.
5. Give thanks to the Lord for this breakthrough.
6. Share your journey with a friend. The best way to ‘bed in’ a new lifestyle is to teach; so now teach someone what you have learnt.
Father, I thank You for all You are doing in Your incredible children’s lives; taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary! Help us all to become mature, in and through You. And for the reward that awaits us all on this journey of discovery. Amen
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastors/ Apostolic Leaders
Encounter Ministries
