A 21 Day Spiritual Journey: Day 8

“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.”
― Søren Kierkegaard

God always gives us exactly what we need, even if we don’t think we need it. Our acceptance or rebellion against God’s plans take nothing from God. Such decisions only make pleasant or painful our journey through the adventure of life.

Yesterday Winter Storm Helen kept our office closed and this wrinkly pastor working from home. I had lots of time to catch up on the prayer I had missed from the day before (in between shoveling ops of course).

God knew I needed time to catch my breath. I’m sure he giggled (if God giggles) as he saw me use my breath-catching-time to plan out today to the minute. “Man plans God laughs” Liza Minnelli said. I think He has good reason. He truly knows what’s coming and how many of our plans are going to come to be.

Now I’m not against planning. I shudder to think what would happen to me if I didn’t plan.

my life with no agenda

But I am learning that my planning is not  God’s planning even when I ask God to guide me in my planning. He refuses for His own reasons to show me everything that is coming. Maybe He just likes me to be surprised. More than likely it’s the only way He can build my faith. Whatever the reason, I am learning to make my plans and be ready to chuck them in favor of his.

Today I arrived with my lists in tow. A man was waiting in our lobby. He wanted to meet with a pastor. After I stowed my snow boots, my 16 bean soup, and my agenda I sat down with him. I missed a planned prayer meeting  a writing session and two scheduled phone calls. The man gave his heart to Jesus. HALLELUJAH THE JOURNEY IS DOING ITS JOB!

I think I’m going to be praying for more divine interruptions and the heart to recognize them when they come.

Now I’m off to do the things on my list in the timing God apparently intended all along.

Pastor Wrinkles: Chapter Charts Pt. 140

What does it take for a man to lose his stubborn pride and to worship God without worrying what others think about him? Are we willing to become undignified in the eyes of others in order to display our love for God? It was a process for David to get there and the price was steep.

Where are you in the process? Is there anything in the way?

Here is a bit of what I see in today’s chapters. They contain a lot of truth so see if you can help me dig some more nuggets out of them.

II Samuel chapter 6 sermon topics/ titles:

1. Numbers don’t matter when the heart’s not right: II Sam. 6:1-11

2. Being Afraid Of God Follows Being Mad At God: II Sam. 6: 8-10

3. God’s Way Won’t Please the World: II Sam. 6:14-23

II Samuel chapter 7 sermon topics/ titles:

1. Does God Want What You Want: II Sam. 7: 1-7

2. A Name, A Place, and a Planting: II Sam. 7: 9-11

3. The Davidic Covenant: II Sam. 7: 12-17

Have fun finding 3 of your own truths from each chapter. 🙂 Tell me what you learned!