Daily Dependence

My hubby sent it to me. I love him.

by Pastor Alex Clattenburg

I just finished spending time with the Lord and reading scripture. My heart was warmed and my mind was alert as I sensed His presence. In that atmosphere, I have spiritual clarity to hear with my heart, the direction for my life.

Clear direction evolves as we move closer to the heart of God. The more we sense His course for our lives, the more quickly we become dependent on Him. Every decision we make, great or small, demands that we have God's direction.  When pride rises up, it says, "I'll make this decision and get all the glory from the result." Often, our circumstances become the tool in the hands of God to help us become more dependent on Him.

In my personal life, I strive to increase my spiritual alertness. I am reading J. Heinrich Arnold's book, Discipleship. He says, "My father used to say to us that stupidity was the greatest sin.  He did not mean simplicity of mind, but spiritual dullness, having a dead conscience, and not listening in one's heart to God."

Take advantage of your problems and let them be tools that God uses for good in your life. I like what the Psalmist said in Psalms 130:5, "I am counting on the Lord. Yes, I am counting on Him. I put my hope in his word."

Yesterday, I was in deep thought in my car and I looked on the bumper of a car and saw the letters AC, my initials, and I heard Him say, "AC, I am with you. I am leading you. Relax! It is going to be okay."

Let today be a listening day by consciously asking the Lord in your heart, "Lord, speak to me in small ways. Make yourself known to me. Let me realize that you are with me." Let's be more spiritually alert!