Tag Archives: convictions

Do You Put God First?

16 Replies

Do You Put God First?

by Janis Cox

Psalm-40-8

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 Cox - Author and Illustrator

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.

Five Ways For Stronger Prayers

4 Replies

Five Ways For Stronger Prayers

by Janis Cox

Five-Ways-For-Stronger-Prayers

Read: James 1:6

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

and Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

The emphasis in each passage is mine. Here are my five ways to have stronger prayers:

1. Make a Conviction to believe

That takes determination and will power.  Reread the Scriptures. Say them over and over.

2. Keep to the Straight Path.

Do not look to the right or left but keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. (tweetable)

Say this Scripture over:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

3. Keep on the narrow road.

Don’t try to widen the road. Keep true to the Word of God and Jesus.

Our lives should be an absolute hymn of praise resulting from perfect, irrepressible, triumphant belief (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, November 13).

4. Live

Live steady as she goes. Don’t rush ahead of God. Be prepared to wait, hold and even change direction.

Our faith must be built on strong determined confidence in Him (Oswald Chambers).

5. Hold fast to your beliefs

So much worldly stuff gets intertwined with what we believe. Clear it out and stick with the Truth. (tweetable)

We must continually focus and firmly place our faith in Jesus Christ (Oswald Chambers).

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord for the privilege of talking to You. I pray today with the conviction and belief that you hear our prayers and answer them. Right now I will lay down all my concerns and know that You have it under control. I rest assured that You love me and will always do the best for me, even when it doesn’t look or feel like it. I trust You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name I pray. AMEN.

One of my favourite songs – Shout to the Lord – My Jesus, My Saviour sung here by Hillsong.

Remember:

My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You.

Nothing compares to the promise I have
In you.

Related articles

Janis Cox

Janis Cox - Author and Illustrator

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 andInscribe Writers Fellowship.