An In-escapable Thought...

I can't escape this thought, We can't fake genuine character. We can't fool God. He sees the intentions of our hearts. He knows the quality of the relationship we share with Him.

Today, as I bowed my head to pray, I asked God for wisdom, favor, and anointing. As I prayed, I sensed the need to ask Him to reveal any secret motives...to ask if there was anything keeping me from a deeper intimacy with Him. And, to restore the joy of my first love.

I couldn't help but think of His intervention in my life. I was filled with an overwhelming realization of His great love...a love that held nothing in reserve...a love that saved me from myself...forgave me of my sins...and invited me into a relationship with Him.

Jesus emptied himself to the point of death on a cross...His love humbled me as I realized I don't love that unselfishly. I hold on to expectations. I privately hope that people would love me back. I want to make a difference and to see the fruit of my sacrifices. I guess if we are honest, we probably all do. But to truly make a difference, to truly walk in the center of God's will requires one thing...LOVE FOR GOD. To die to selfish gain and simply love Him. It's His love for us that compelled Jesus to die on the cross. It's our love for Him that sustains us amidst trials, disappointments, rejection, or frustrations.

The key to our intimate relationship with God rests in our love for God. No matter how great our discipline, if love isn’t our motivator, our commitment will weaken over time. If we fail to accept God’s love or love him back, we distort our ability to hear God’s voice accurately.

When we first enter into a relationship with God we are giddy at the new experience of emotions and the adventure of a new relationship. Then, adversity surfaces, a struggle emerges between our flesh demanding our way and our willingness to surrender to God’s will. The key to hearing God’s voice and unlocking intimacy with him, is discovered when we surrender our agenda and follow after his.

Today's hint to hearing God's voice is:

• Invite God to evaluate and reveal your motives. Proverbs 16:2 warns us, "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD." (NIV)
• Release any hidden desires that conflict with God's will and ask for forgiveness.
• Surrender personal agenda by praying as Christ did in Luke 22:42, "not my will, but yours be done." (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:13 promises, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (NIV)

Father, help us to love You completely. To serve unselfishly. To honor You in all we do. Speak to us. Grant us Your wisdom. Fill us with Your love.