New season - Yes, but not by your own power - 6 September 2013
Quintus Heine
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7,8
Over this past week we’ve been thinking about a new season in our lives. I mentioned that a new season can only happen if you have the will to change. It also requires a positive attitude and a cheerful heart. After all, it is important to realise that we cannot reach a new season on our own. If we listen to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) where Jesus points out the values of a new lifestyle, dependence on God and continual prayer are emphasised. You will not be starting a new season if you do not realise your dependence on God, and lack a rich prayer life before the Lord. Everything we do in our own strength never lasts long. The more you want renewal in your life, the more you must humble yourself before the Lord in prayer. To pray is to admit you are dependent on God. Renewal can only happen if you ask the Lord!
With the intention of stating a new seasonin our lives, we also need to seek the will of the Lord. Whatever you wish to do, test it first against God’s will. Ask him to walk with you along the path of renewal as you enter a new season and know that you can nothing do without him.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdomand his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Renewal in our lives is good for all of us, but it will only be permanent if we seek the Lord's will for our lives, confess our dependence on him and ask him every day in prayer to help us so that the renewal of our lives will be to the glory of the God!
Prayer: Lord, help me to know that no renewal can take place in my life if I'm not dependent on you and it is not for your glory. Amen.