When It's Not Convenient

2 Timothy 4:2 (TPT) Proclaim the Word of God and stand upon it no matter what! Rise to the occasion and preach when it is convenient and when it is not. Preach in the full expression of the Holy Spirit with wisdom and patience as you instruct and teach the people.

Well, I'm going to be brutally honest with you. It's late and I've just come home from another long and exhausting day. I'm not feeling especially spiritual right now. The last thing my mind is telling me to do is spend time with the Lord and write a devotion... not at all on my list! Lol! All I want to do is vegetate in front of the television, cuddled up next to my husband. My body aches and my brain feels fried. Whether it's stress, fatigue or physical pain, they all have the potential to draw us into selfish mode and that pushes away the healing presence of God!

Our flesh is fickle and can not be trusted. I'm so thankful that I didn't submit to it tonight. As I came into my room, read some scriptures then looked heavenward... His presence was illuminated, my flesh was refreshed and my joy and peace overflows!!

There's so much to be said for simple discipline. It's not always out of desire that we seek Jesus. Don't get me wrong, I do desire Him so much! But nights like tonight, when my first choice is to retreat, yet the decision is made to seek and obey, there's something glorious that takes place! When we put His needs before our own and His will above our current desire... Heaven meets earth in an explosive display of love and pleasure!! I often weep in His presence but tonight I can't wipe the smile from my face! I feel His delight from such a simple act...

Reject the pull of the flesh and don't trust your emotions. Always keep Jesus first and be quick to obey no matter how you feel! It's not about what you'll get out of it... it's actually not ALL about us! Sacrifice your time just to pop in on your daddy and love on Him for a bit. It'll bless Him and you'll find that there's no greater blessing then feeling the warmth of His embrace and the impact of His overwhelming love and pleasure! Don't miss this! Always keep Him first, hold nothing back and stay mindful of Him no matter what you're doing. He wants to be invited into every detail of your life, be worshipped in every situation and use you to minister and touch the world...even when it's not convenient!

2 Corinthians 5:9 (TPT) So whether we live or die we make it our life’s passion to live our lives pleasing to him.

Hebrews 13:15-16 (NKJV) Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

John 8:29 (TPT) I am his messenger and he is always with me, for I only do that which delights his heart.

Romans 8:7-9 (TPT) In fact, the mind-set focused on the flesh fights God’s plan and refuses to submit to his direction, because it cannot! For no matter how hard they try, God finds no pleasure with those who are controlled by the flesh. But when the Spirit of Christ empowers your life, you are not dominated by the flesh but by the Spirit. And if you are not joined to the Spirit of the Anointed One, you are not of him.