April 19, 2012

I HATE BLACKABY!!  He is constantly meddling.

A struggle I have some many mornings is when I switch on the computer I visit Yahoo's homepage and "quickly" read some of the more interesting or outrageous articles.  So many time this 5-minute Yahoo visit turns into 10-20 minutes and much of my God time gets eaten up with articles about LeBron James,  the presidential primaries, etc.   I know that time should be reallocated to God, but I continue this habit with some fancy justification and rationalization.

Then here comes Blackaby, that bothersome pest.

2 Corinthians 9:6  Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap  generously.

When reading this verse in the past, I had always assumed it was referring to using our financial blessings to bless others and promote God's work here on earth.  And that may be one interpretation; however, Blackaby puts a different spin on the verse.

For years I have lamented about the lack of deep growth in my relationship with God.  While there has a been growth, it has not been at rate at which I have been pleased/satisfied.  Blackaby's discussion of 2 Corinthians 9:6 speaks directly to my spiritual-growth frustrations.

On page 159, Blackaby wrote, "If we invest everything we have in our relationship with God, we will experience the full dimensions of being children of God."

--More time in Bible study + real desire to know Him better = enriched relationship with God
--More time in prayer even when, or especially when, it is difficult = deeper prayer life
--Reconciled relationships + prepared hearts + full participation = life-changing worship services

There is no "second baptism" required.  No spiritual formula to follow.  No shortcuts, no CPO books necessary. Investment = reward.  Intentionality is key.  

This will be a genuine struggle for me.  Please pray that I will start to discipline my spiritual life like never before.