Do You Put God First?
by Janis Cox
I delight to do Thy will, O my God (Psalm 40:8, NIV).
As I joined a blog hop for writers, most of whom are Christians, I was surprised to find their goals were directed at doing things and not listening to the Holy Spirit first. Maybe they do listen first but didn’t write about it. I don’t know the answer to that. I truly believe that we could make such inroads into the lives of others if we would only start with God first.
My writing started after I had lived quite a few years – so maybe that is why I truly believe that God needs to be in our lives every minute. I loved how one writer put it today – that no matter what she does God is a part of it.
I always start with a prayer for wisdom, and courage both when I write and when I paint. And when I talk to someone, when something is lost, when I work on any project – just anytime.
If we claim to be Christ followers and not fans (a great resource for this concept is Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman), then why don’t we start with our Leader. Every time – could we do this?
I don’t think it matters whether we are writing Christians, or Christians writing, we need to begin with Him.
I paint my best when I don’t try hard, think too much – but when I relax, ask for His guidance and rely on Him.
As I do this more and more, I find He never leaves me – He is always there right beside me. His love never fails.
If you are trying to do life on your own – stop and think a bit and start looking to your Creator, the one who knows you and can help you do your very best.
God has to destroy our determined confidence in our own convictions ~ Oswald Chambers.
Have I been persecuting Jesus by a zealous determination to serve Him in my own way? ~ Oswald Chambers.
Here is an acronym to help us remember: OPEN
O – Open your eyes
P – Pray first
E – Enter His Presence
N – Nearness – now you can do His will
Let’s connect with Jesus. Right now. Would you pray with me.
Prayer:
Lord, we want to do it our way. We sometimes think we can do everything on our own. But when we realize the path is less steep, less rocky and straighter with you, we will put down ourselves and join You in every pursuit. Help us to remember that. Help us to be followers and not fans of Jesus. In His Name. AMEN.
Tweetables:
No matter what I do, let me ask God to be a part of it.
Are you a fan of Jesus or a follower of Him?
Contributors
Janis Cox
Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. A writer since 2003, Janis co-ordinates a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer. She is also a contributor to a group blog called Family and Faith Matters.
Janis is the author of the award winning children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, published by Word Alive Press. She is the author and watercolour illustrator. For more information visit Janis on her website He Cares for You. She is a member of The Word Guild and Inscribe Writers Fellowship.
