Matthew 26:39 "...but, please, not what I want. You, what do you want?" (Msg)
Other versions of this verse usually say something like "not my will, but yours be done." When I read that, even though I know Jesus said it with a true heart, searching for God's will, my interpretation adds a desperate sigh followed by "You're probably going to do what You want anyway, so I may as well give in." Reading it in The Message gives me a new outlook. Jesus question "You, what do YOU want?" changes that desperation to a longing to be an obedient Son. It becomes an act of will - one that earnestly wants to know what God has for Him. I think this statement will change my prayer life...
Speaking of which...
vs 41 "Stay alert, be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." (Msg)
Those words pierce me - show me how pathetic my prayer life is. My measley couple of minutes praying while showering each morning aren't going to cut it. For one thing, I never remember who to pray for. I want to pray but like that old dog by the fire, I'm lazy about being intentional about prayer. Lord, show me what You desire for my prayer life.
One last thing...intentional...isn't that a great word? I love it and hate it at the same time. It makes me responsible...hence, the love/hate relationship with it.
I pray you have a day filled with Jesus sightings!!
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as usual, Sherry, this is great stuff. I also have been pondering that word "intentional" especially since yesterday. And it is sobering how unintentional we are -- by default or something. I've been pondering that picture Greg mentioned yesterday -- "running to Jesus" and I realize that I just collapse in a chair in fatigue and then hope Jesus comes to meet me there. Boy, is there a fair amount of conviction in THAT picture! Thanks for posting....I"m pondering some thoughts from a couple parables, hope to get a post up today or tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I do, too, Carla! I go home, sit in my chair and hope Jesus can find me. And when/if he doesn't, then I moan "poor, poor Sherry..." So, here I go again with my love/hate relationship with that "I" word.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about Greg's dare to us to look for Jesus during our day. To remind myself, I've started a little notebook (pocket size) that I put in my pocket to remind me to be intentional about looking for Him.
Great stuff!