Day 80 ~ Relationship is the Greatest Goal

2 Corinthians 5:13-15

¹³For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

¹⁴For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

¹⁵And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

I broke my fast for today.  It wasn't in disobedience nor in rebellion, but I prayerfully considered that since the California Supreme Court has announced that they will reveal their decision at 10am tomorrow, then their choice has been made; so I asked the Lord to be released for today.  Have I given up on God and His ability to move on hearts and minds?  Absolutely not. Is this fast/prayer over?  Not until the Lord says so.

My fast has been something of pleasure.  Today, I let go and laughed whole-heartedly, enjoyed watching ventriloquist Jeff Dunham with Achmed, the Dead Terrorist.  Timing be as it may, I was taking a break from research on (guess what subject?):  the truth about 9/11.  So, I let God speak to my heart about this contrast and found one of the ways He's worked in my life.

I confess...I tend to have an odd sense of humor and laugh at things others may not find funny.  For example, I was a Gary Larson fan (remember The Far Side?) and understood 95% of his weirdness...it was rare for me not to "get it".  For the most part, I'm not proud of that as a claim to fame because it's a remnant of life without Christ being Lord.  Without Christ, my entertainment tastes were mostly PG-13, R-rated and sometimes unrated.  After giving my sense of humor over to Him for deeper cleansing, He began to teach me where to draw the line.  Christ's love has the power to constrain us in a positive way.

Why am I sharing all this?  Not only as a testimony to know one of the ways the Lord continually works in my heart, but as an encouragement.  It's one thing to say we know the Lord and have Him in our life.  It's yet another to be able to testify that He knows us and has our life.

Father God, I love You and am grateful to You for Jesus and for the Holy Spirit...not just for me, but for all.  I thank You for Your grace, mercy and love which You give us in abundance and for the privilege You've given us to boldly come to Your throne of grace.  I thank You for the ministry You've given the Holy Spirit, to work in us and to perfect all that which concerns us...working toward our reflecting Christ to You.
Father, I ask that You bless each one who comes across this page...that You would continue to work in their life, through Christ.
Father, I pray for Your peace that passes our understanding...that it would rule as umpire in our lives.  I pray that You would give us of Your joy and strength, reminding us to dress each day in Your armor while remembering that it's not our might that counts but that power and salvation belong to You.

You are the head of all things, Lord...and I pray for tomorrow's revealing of the Court's decision...asking of You that You are preparing the hearts of each one that will view it...that there will not be chaos, but peace and understanding.

In You, Lord Jesus, we live and move and have our being...we worship You, Lord, in spirit and in truth.  You alone are worthy of all glory, honor and all our praise...and we give it all to You with thankful, grateful hearts.  May Jesus be who You see when You look at us...decreasing to make room for Him to increase...in Jesus' precious name, Amen.