devotional – Page 186 – Broken Believers

Invoking His Presence

Invoking His Presence is not enough. All we can really do seems to provoke Him rather than invoke Him. Much of what we do and say, isn’t any real approval of His incredible presence. But we only wish it so, just to achieve a certain religious sense.

There are many things that complicate things. We are sent forward, with obvious issues, with very little chance of a spiritual success. Sin really does maul us, and it seems we can ever remain clean and pure.

Could it be that we have a certain destiny that is waiting for us to show? It seems our “triggers” are set on a deep destruction. But, I’m curious. Could it be that we aren’t really open to His presence?

When we are open to Him, He walks in a direct way right into our desperate lives. He brings a lingering sense of kindness and truth. Our lives absorb this, and we will never, ever be the same. And it is His deep sincerity, that will bring this into a real experience.

I cannot realistically say a thing that will alter what is real and true. The issues you face are truly beyond my ability to diagnose, and even if I could, I couldn’t tell you. You are a very blessed person, and He will only advance what is real. I can only suggest that you open up to Him.

There is much beyond what you are experiencing and know. Stretch out and discover these things. Never be content with the “status quo”. You have been created for much more than this.

ybic, Bryan

For The Work, For Our Lord

Lord God, you have placed me in your church.

You know how unsuitable I am. Were it not for your guidance I would have brought everything to destruction. I wish to give my heart and mouth to your service. I desire to teach your people, and long to be taught your work.

Use me as your workman, dear Lord. Do not forsake me; for if I am alone I shall bring all to nought. Amen.

***

A written prayer by Martin Luther, (b. November 10, 1483 – d. February 18, 1546) Catholic Monk, Reformer, Theologian, Writer.

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Some General Quotes by Luther:

“Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.”

“So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: “I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!”

“Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God. Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and you will be saved. Now choose what you want.”

“In our sad condition our only consolation is the expectancy of another life.”

Visit CrossQuotes for more– http://crossquotes.org/category/martin-luther/

WickedMadeRighteous: All Because of a Divine Sacrifice (wickedmaderighteous.wordpress.com)
Sincere Faith (mandylynncarpenter.wordpress.com)
Psalm 91- The Lord protects me (prepareforthelamb.wordpress.com)

Moonlight’s Singular Moment

Archibald Wright “Moonlight” Graham (November 10 1879 – August 25 1965) was an American professional baseball player who appeared as a right fielder in a single major league game for the New York Giants on June 29, 1905.

His story was popularized by “Shoeless Joe,” a novel by W. P. Kinsella, and the subsequent 1989 film, “Field of Dreams.”

On June 29, the Giants were the visiting team against Brooklyn. For the bottom of the eighth inning, Graham was sent in to play right field, replacing George Browne. In the top of the ninth inning, Graham was on deck (scheduled to be the next batter) when his teammate Claude Elliott flied out resulting in the third and final out. Graham played the bottom of the ninth in right field but never came to bat, and that game turned out to be his only appearance in the major leagues.

“Moonlight” Graham got his nickname because the sum total of his career was that singular fleeting moment, which passed by too quickly. Technically, I guess he played one game at MLB level, But he never had the chance to bat and never even touched the ball. He would never again play in the majors, but since he was recorded on an umpire’s ‘batting order’ list, technically he played MLB.

How incredibly sad. I pulled out my baseball encyclopedia to verify his career and yes he is there. He had his moment in the moonlight, it passed and left him with no compassion or mercy. He has been forever marked in baseball as someone “who might have been”.

Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham, went to college and became a physician. In the movie “Field of Dreams”, Graham (Burt Lancaster) declares this– “You know we just don’t recognize the most significant moments of our lives while they’re happening. Back then I thought, well, there’ll be other days. I didn’t realize that that was the only day.”

Often, there is just a short window of time to respond to God’s grace. We think we can just put it off, and later make a decisive decision. But this moment maybe all you have.

“God says,

“At the right time I heard your prayers.
On the day of salvation I helped you.” (Isaiah 49:8)

I tell you that the “right time” is now, and the “day of salvation” is now.“

2 Corinthians 6:2, NCV

For some reason we think somehow we have arrived and life will always be this way. But the only sure thing, the one solid definite fact, is the love of God for our souls. That is the only thing that will stay with us. Our circumstances are always changing. But perhaps we need to be faithful in this singular moment. I think “Moonlight” Graham would agree.