Drunkards and gluttons

I want to Party!

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’  Matthew 11v19

I don’t want to be a glutton or a drunkard.  I want to live my life so that I am accused of being a drunkard and a glutton while doing the will of God.  Yes I even want to be friends with tax collectors and sinners.  Not to become one, but to befriend them and lead them down a road where Jesus travels. 

Dear Lord let me understand how to dance the way Jesus dances, to befriend people the way Jesus befriends people.  Fill my soul with so much joy of the Spirit that I am accused of being  a drunkard.

Wander Lust

I am wondering where the next year will lead.  I have many plans but am unsure which are God’s and which plans are only wander lust.  Should I search for a new job, a new career?  Should I lead that mission trip to Kenya?  Do I have a talent God would draw out if only I am willing to do the work? 

My prayer is from Luke 11 v 9-10 : 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.

Dear Lord let me be a seeker after your will.  Teach me to ask for your perfect guidance in all I do.  Allow me to be ever knocking on the doors you would open.  Keep my feet firmly planted in the path you have prepared for me.  Never let me wander off on my own.

St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans

Clay Pots

Today I am overwhelmed for friends who are struggling with demonic interference in their lives.  My prayer is for God to place His hands around them as a barrier, to give them the peace and strength to continue walking, and to pour His wisdom into their lives like water into a glass.  O God, we are such fragile pots, only The Potter knows what we can endure and how to protect us from shattering.   Keep us close and place us where You want.  Help us keep our eyes on Jesus and His plans instead of our fears, needs, and doubts.

Unopened Packages

I’ve seen a vision of unopened presents sitting in the middle of the room, waiting for me.  While I am occupied with other things and oblivious to the beautiful packages stacked on the floor nearby.  I pray to be more aware of what God has prepared for me, more willing to walk on the path He has laid out for me, and more certain of His generous love for me.