Pursuit of Godliness

"Build Your kingdom here. Let the darkness fear. Show Your mighty hand. Heal our streets and land. Set Your church on fire. Win this nation back. Change the atmosphere. Build Your kingdom here. We pray"  Rend Collective "Build Your Kingdom Here"

Yesterday in church our pastor spoke about how this needs to be the church's hearts cry. During the message yesterday I could feel HIM letting me know that I needed to fasten my seat belt as I am in for a wild ride in this current chapter of my journey towards wholeness with HIM.

HIS Daily Teachings today is teaching me that my pursuit of Godliness that what I am so desperately seeking to put on in my life can only be found when I completely lose myself, my ways, my "kingdom" and start seeking HIS will, HIS way, and HIS KINGDOM.  This for me means that I must be completely devoted to HIM in everything that I think, say and do.  

In my newest read which HE of course revealed to me while shopping this weekend with my daughters is all about the newest journey in my walk with HIM and that is my pursuit of GODLINESS.  When I first began to think about what it means for me to be GODLY, I thought, well I am GODLY.  What I mean to say is that I'm a CHRISTIAN and I make known freely that I am HIS follower.  I make it know of my FAITH, and choose to stand firm in it, no matter what I come up against.  Okay, let me stop right there, I feel as if though I need to just say, "oh Heather, could you be any more foolish?" 

HE is wanting me to know that my pursuit of GODLINESS goes far beyond what others see in me, how I present myself to people, and how devoted I am to the ministry that I am in.  HE is telling me that its not about how much I am writing the blog, rather how devoted I am to writing about what HE is calling me to write about.  HE is telling me that in order to be GODLY means that I don't do anything for me, for my gain, but rather for all of HIS glory. 

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3

"Godliness is the foundation on which Godly character is built" Jerry Bridges "The Practice of Godliness"

HE is calling me to walk with HIM and to not only walk with HIM daily, but to delight in my walks with HIM.  HE is telling me that it is important for me to understand that I need NOT to worry about the WHY of things that are happen, but TRUST HIM and know that HE will always work everything out for my own good.  HE is telling me that it is time that I truly understand what it means to do everything to bring GLORY to HIS name.

HE is wanting me to know that even though I think I may know what it means to be CHRIST-like, it goes far beyond what I write about, say, and do.  HE is telling me that is about my constant pursuit of Godliness in seeking HIM, HIS will, HIS perspective, and truly seeing this broken and fallen world, that is FULL of broken, fallen, and lost people.  HE is telling me that is why it is imperative that I seek HIS KINGDOM first!

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

HE is telling me that I must understand that my pursuit of Godliness goes much further than my "feelings" towards HIM.  HE is wanting me to know that it goes much further than my reading HIS word, and praising and worshiping HIM.  HE is wanting me to know that being in pursuit of Godliness simply means that I must be completely devoted to HIM.  

This morning through my bible study HE has revealed what it means for me to be truly devoted to HIM.  HE is teaching me that my devotion to HIM is made up of three major parts.   HE is telling me that until I fully understand how these three parts apply to my life, I don't be able to truly achieve Godliness in my pursuit of Godliness.

The first part is about my fear of GOD.  HE is wanting me to know that its not about just me being fearful of GOD's wrath, and just doing it because of fear, but rather doing what HE calls me to do, as HE has proven to me time and again that HE truly does love and know me best, and that no matter what the circumstances may be in my life, HE can will, and does work everything out for my own good.  

The second part is about my love of GOD.  HE is telling me that this goes far beyond what I love, or "think" I should love.  HE is telling me that it is about me abandoning my heart, and seeking HIS heart, in my pursuit of Godliness and seeking HIS heart, and loving how HE loves.  What this means for me is loving those who have hurt me, offended me, or done wrong to me.  

It makes me smile, as today's Power Thought Devotion for September 1st is all about NOT "wasting your life being angry; instead be difficult to offend and quick to forgive."  It is NO surprise to me that in my pouring my heart out to HIM, HE has revealed to me right from the start what this current chapter of my journey towards wholeness with HIM means for my life.

The third part is about my desire for GOD.  HE is telling me that this means that no matter what may be happening to me, I will continue to seek HIM 1st, and live my life with a constant, content craving for HIS will and HIS way.  It is living with pure intention to bring HIS KINGDOM of HEAVEN here to Earth, in doing my part, and losing myself, and letting go of my "kingdom." 

HE is telling me that my pursuit of Godliness goes far beyond my christian character, rather it is about my true devotion to HIM, HIS will and HIS ways.  HE is wanting me to know that it is about my seeking HIM 1st, HIS KINGDOM first, and asking HIM to build HIS KINGDOM within me, so that I will be able to NOT only model Godliness, but to be able to truly live with Godliness for all to see and witness. 

HE is telling me that it is NOT enough for me to just know HIM, HIS word, but to apply it to  my life, to live out HIS word, and to exemplify HIS character, HIS ways, and to show that in losing myself, and my ways, in letting go of my "kingdom" I have gained so much  more.  HE is wanting me to know that this is what it truly means for me to live my life with a constant desire to live out with HIS true legacy of being known.  

HE is wanting me to know that in my pursuit of Godliness that its NOT enough for me to just to want to please HIM, and to do so without taking the time to walk with HIM, seeking HIM, and allowing HIM to teach, lead, and guide me.  HE is wanting me to know that this is WHY HE began HIS Daily Teachings with knowledge that I must seek HIM to teach. lead, and guide me so that I will be able to truly live with HIS true freedom.  

HE is telling me that until I am completely devoted in this part of my journey with HIM in my pursuit of Godliness, by choosing daily to accept that my life is to be lived on HIS terms, NOT to be lived based upon my "feelings."  HE is wanting me to know that HIS terms means HIS plans, HIS will, and HIS purpose for my life.  HE is telling me that acceptance is the only way I will be able to continue this part of my journey in my pursuit of Godliness. 

"We try to please GOD without taking the time to walk with HIM and develop a relationship with HIM.  This is impossible to do"  Jerry Bridges "The Practice of Godliness"

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Romans 12:9-13

HE is telling me that in my pursuit of Godliness I must understand that I must choose to love as HE loves.  I must HATE what HE hates, and be devoted to HIM.  This means that I am called to love as HE loves, even when someone is being unlovable.  HE is reminding me that in my times of being unlovable, HE has NEVER once stopped loving me.  That HE has NEVER given up on me, and that HIS grace in unending, unfailing, and HIS love is completely and totally relentless.  HE is showing me once again that HE is my HOPE, and that while other people have lost patience in me, HE NEVER will.  HE is reminding me that my self worth, and value has NEVER come from what I have done, but rather from WHOSE I am.  HE is loving me this morning through HIS words and HIS promises that HE created me to be just the way I am, flaws and all.  HE loves that I realize that I am slooow learner as it is HIS constant reminder of how much I need HIM.

My Dear Friends, my heart aches for each and everyone of us WHO don't realize WHO HE is in our lives.  I pray today that you will have the courage to seek HIM, HIS will, and HIS way for your life, so that you will be one step in your own journey towards wholeness with HIM.  I pray that your heart will be set on fire and you too will be lead on a pursuit of Godliness with HIM.   I pray that HE will reveal to you HIS plans and HIS purpose for your life, so that you will be able to live with HIS true freedom, of which HE has always intended for your life.   I pray today that if you are hurting, have been hurt, that you will have the courage to seek HIM, and forgive those who have done wrong to you.  I pray that our loving Father in Heaven will soothe your aching, wounded heart.  I pray today that you will be able to live with HIS peace that surpasses anything of this earth.  I pray that when you receive HIS healing you will have the courage to continue your own pursuit of Godliness. 

Much love, prayers, understanding, and compassion,
Heather