I continue to be flummoxed quite often by how to actually BE a follower of Jesus. .. in the sense of doing what Jesus tells us and shows us... there is the direct stuff.. and then there are the parables... it's clear that prayer has to be involved in order to hear the truth as well as read it in the bible.
But.. 'dying to what once bound me' ... I had to become aware... and to be clear... dying to my self full of pride, arrogance, fear... I just wasn't prepared for the self-reflection, surrendering to be so fully on-going... yes, I said I was arrogant. :/
So ... I began with prayer... asking God. For everything from understanding, to awareness, to clarity... I went direct. I knew there might be a delay .. most likely I may not understand the answers... but I knew without knowing how, or why... that God was right there... waiting for me to ask.
Dear God, show me who you are, to me, in my life. Guide me. amen. Now I know there is scripture that asks the same question and makes the same invitation...
... here are a few of my favorites.. but let me forewarn you.. God answers these prayers... in ways you may not like, feel happy about, or want to hear.. know.. or follow. The God of the Universe The God of All is Big and cannot be kept safely in a church, in a book, or at a distance.
"“Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong." Job 6:24
"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25: 4-5 (one of my favorites)
"Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble."
Psalm 143:9-11
and I pray for all of us who pray for all of that.
