Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Tuesday 1/27/2009)

Who Or What Enters With You In Your Sanctuary...

Luke 16:13 (Amplified Bible)
13No servant is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches, or anything in which you trust and on which you rely).

James 4:7-9 (Amplified Bible)
7So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.
8Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].
9[As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins].

I remember as a new mom, I had a lot of adjustments to make. I had to learn to pack up all the things that my son would need for any trip out of the house. Before I had him, I only had to worry about myself and the only thing I had to focus on was the destination in which I was attempting to get to. After I had him my attention was divided and I had to focus on all of his needs and ever possible scenario that could take place, as well as what I needed to do for myself and getting to the destination and arriving safely because I was carrying with me something I valued and held as precious.

As we enter into our place of sanctuary, our place that is holy and a place for us that represents life and survival, what do we bring with us when go? Are we bringing with us things that will enhance the sanctuary or things that cause of God to exit our very presence. Are we more focused on self, our own requirements and needs than the requirements and things necessary to glorify and magnify God and bring us into a deeper relationship with Him. Do we bring an attitude of service or an attitude of entitlement? Do we realize how much we need God and need His virtue or do we think we are doing God a favor by being in the sanctuary? For some of us we carry multiple personalities and into the sanctuary. We say to God I am yours and I will keep myself for you alone and then we act out and do what is contrary to what we know that is right and what we know is acceptable.

As I enter my sanctuary this week, even if I am battle weary, I refuse to bring to God anything but the sacrifice of praise and all of me! I will not bring God a substandard offering of worship or a focus that is not all His. I will consciously make an effort to Bless the Lord at all times regardless to what is going on. I have a made up mind and heart not to bring God a version of me that suffers from multiple personality disorder, but one that suffers to bring their life in order and obedience to Him alone, regardless of what I may be going through! I will willingly lay it all at the Masters feet!