Day 2

Let me start off by saying that God has really humbled me this week and I am grateful for that. I tend to get arrogant sometimes and he brought me back down and is beginning to work in me as I begin to open up more to him. Things are definitely going to change for me.

As I prepared to read today, i prayed that these readings would be inspired by him and I would know when I found what was needed for me today. I want to be used as a servant and what I came across today is the best way for me to start to learn to do that.

I read 1st Chronicles 10-20 titled "David's Prayer"

The first part explains how David in the presence of the assembly praises the Lord and gives him all he is due. He speaks of the greatness of the Lord, how is he King over all, and how everything comes from him. David goes on to say how they have given generously but only what has come from God. Everything has been given willingly and God is pleased with integrity because he tests the heart. It is David's desire for the people to keep their hearts loyal to God and for Solomon to build the structure for what David has provided. Then they all praised God.

I think that the Author (Ezra) is trying to show how David believes that it is only possible to give back to God because he blesses us. However one's heart determines how God accepts the offering. We deserve nothing, but God loves us and provides for us. We must remember though that it is NOT ours, it is ONLY God's, even if it is given to us. The least we can do is glorify and bless his name for what he has done for us even though he deserves so much more. Do not feel obligated, but make sure that your heart is in it when you are giving your all to God, he is not looking for half-hearted praise. This applies to all aspects of life, when your friends need someone there for them, do not just ask how they are doing because you feel obligated and then move on. Take time to listen and really be a FRIEND. I understand that you can only do so much for a person and that they may shut you out, but at least try to be there for them; if you really think about it, is that not what God does for us? He tries to be there for us, but sometimes we just push him away and do not open up. When you come running back to him, he accepts you and you should do the same if your friend comes back. 

David talks about integrity and how people's hearts are, so here is something for you to think about. Once again it is a side note out of my bible, but it speaks volumes to me. It is titled "Maintaining Your Integrity". "Your reputation hinges on the things you do when people are watching. But your integrity is built AND destroyed by the things you do when no one's around. While a good reputation is valuable, integrity is priceless. David knew how important integrity is to God. He also knew that a person's integrity is tested every day. What kinds of things have tested yours? The websites you visit when you're alone at the computer? The music you listen to? The TV shows you watch? The way you use your money? What choices do you need to make in order to honor God with integrity? 

I am guilty of this, my integrity is at a rather low level and I know that is a problem for me. I always tell people that true integrity is what you do when no one is watching, but I have not been living it. It is one of the hardest things for me to do in my Christian walk. It's never easy to be alone as a believer, but we have to remember that God is ALWAYS with us and is there for us. I must grow and become strong when I am alone in order to let my reputation fall when I am with others. If I am proud of my reputation as a Christian and I fail with integrity, then I never get anywhere. Instead, I am just playing the role of an Open Christian who is only good when no one is watching.

I hope you consider this and think about how this applies to you and use it in the most effective way possible. Please pray for me this weekend, I have two baseball games tomorrow and am considering some stuff in the next week that I will be discussing with my Brother when he comes into town. I also have a friend who's mom had surgery yesterday so pray for that as well. 

I hope you have an awesome day!

Joseph Robinson

Day 1

Well here we go, the adventure starts for me. Hope you enjoy.

Today as I was preparing to read, I just begged God to start with something that I knew but didn't fully understand and help me fully understand on a spiritual level what it meant.

I don't usually read out of the old testament because for some reason i just have never seen how it applies to me, I think the old testament is more for me. However today I opened up to Genesis because that's where I felt led to read and I was glad to find Chapter 15 titled God's Covenant with Abram.

Essentially this chapter is how God gives Abram more than he could ever imagine. The word of the Lord comes to Abram and says "Don't be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Abram is confused and explains to God how he does not have an heir to his estate. God tells him that if he can count the stars, "so shall your offspring be" God tells him to bring a sacrifice and place it on the alter. Later Abram falls asleep and the Lord appears saying that his descendants will be strangers and will be enslaved in a country that is not their own, but they will be delivered. After this, a torch appeared and passed through the pieces of the sacrifice and the Lord said that this will be the land of his descendants.

This has been a struggle for me, just learning to trust the lord and what the Lord has for me. I have countless times made mistakes and knowingly sinned. Every time I think I have it all figured out and I stop relying on God and thats when I get hit the hardest. I start to fall away because without him, Satan can drag me down with free reign. If you are struggling, I know where you are because I get to that point often. My faith is not as strong as most people think and I am trying to get myself to the point in which I can be on fire for God all the time, not just when it is appropriate. I can only be as strong as I want when I let God be my strength. 

In closing, the verse that really stood out to me was verse 6, "Abram believed the lord and it was credited to him as righteousness." There is a side note in my Bible that is titled "Now or Never" and it says "God does not take our faith lightly. He knows it takes courage to put our trust in him, sight unseen. That's why he always proves himself to be trustworthy when we step out and follow him. What might he be asking you to do?" 

In response to this, I believe this blog is something God wants me to do, I do not believe I just willed myself to want to do this. I believe he has something special for me out of it and for those who read it. Think about what God wants you to do!

Joseph Robinson

Intro

I have decided that over the next 30 days, I am going to post my devotional on my blog, I will give you the verses or chapter that I have read and explain what I think it means. I want people to see how God is moving in my life and how he is going to continue to grow in me. There will be 31 posts including this one and I am going to help my self grow as much as possible over the next 30 days. I have been struggling to stay strong and I am trying to push myself to a new level of my relationship with Christ. I am going to post information about my days and let the reader see how I grow even when I make mistakes. I hope this interests you and that you will subscribe as I will update every night (possibly mid-afternoon). If I miss one, let me know because this is a goal and I want to be held accountable. I hope God will touch some people out of this and start to transform lives through me. If you don't get a spiritual message out of it, please at least try to understand that I am not doing this for myself and I care about you not only as a physical being, but also in a spiritual sense and I want you to know what God can do for you. I want people to see how God is using me and I am going to reflect on how I react to situations and mistakes that I make. This could be rather detailed after awhile and you might just learn some stuff about me that you never knew. You can judge me if you want, but I don't need your approval, I only need the approval of my GOD, my FATHER, and my CREATOR.

Hope you enjoy!