Productive Devotions Occur By Learning to Work With Your Heart Rather Than Struggle Against It.
Around 8:45 this morning I’m preparing for my first prayer ministry appointment of the day and just feeling good; feeling joy and feeling God’s presence. Then I remembered, in my devotions this morning I journaled through issues that had been coming up.
It wasn’t a strong trigger yet a
number of times a particular event kept coming to my mind where I felt judgmental toward someone. As I asked God about it, I realized that beneath the protective judgment was a feeling of being “left out” of a particular activity. Logically, I knew there was no wrong intent on the part of the other person, but my heart was not lining up with my logic.
Discovery Prayer Ministry is never about forcing the heart, rather it is about discovering what’s happening there. So I waited on God to discover and I remembered a roommate I had years ago that had a lot of economic advantages I didn’t. I remembered feeling jealous toward him and even taking advantage of him.
I checked my heart for guilt but could sense I’d already repented and guilt had been dealt with. Then I noticed the “left out” feeling and God instantly spoke to my heart that He loves me and includes me, the same as He does for all His children. I looked back to the current event where I felt left out 
and it was totally peaceful.
The ability to work through issues with God is fundamental to all growth. So much of the Body of Christ does not experience the fruit of the spirit daily in their lives. It is not about praying enough or casting out wrong thoughts. It is about submitting to the King of love, and allowing Him to work in our hearts. This is what will cause the church to grow up.
God wants us to grow past condemnation and denial. He is calling His body to walk in active cooperation with His Fathering instruction, correction, love, and encouragement.
As i was spending time with God this morning felt bad but knew that i hadnt done any out right sin, but the same thing you where kinda talking about in some way that i felt left out. Two friends this weekend seem to be moving up with there music & i still feel like…. 1 put out an CD & the other got a grammy by writing for To y Mac & that others where also invole & im still stiing in my room just idk feeling left out, but im glad @ least now i know why i feel the way i do becuz of reading ur devo which i some times dont till the next day. Thnx Robert & Cindy for still being & playing an important part of my growth & walk in Christ Jesus
Absolutely Wonderful !!!!!!!!!
God Bless you !!!!!!!!!!!
This article is an excellent reminder that we can work through those negative feelings that arise from time to time. because sometimes we don’t understand why. I loved the way you explained this process by using a personal example. This article is very helpful. God bless you.
Great article, Robert!
Robert,
I appreciate your blog today because it is so practical and goes to the heart of the matter as to why most of us can’t (don’t) have a vibrant relationship with the Father thru the Lord Jesus.
Your words, ” It is not about praying enough or casting out wrong thoughts. It is about submitting to the King of love, and allowing Him to work in our hearts. This is what will cause the church to grow up.” needs to be said over and over in many different ways and venues, before it begins to reasonate with the body of Christ.
Thank you again.
Thanks for the great comments everyone!
Great word, Robert. Thanks for the encouragement to keep on pursuing The God of Love, Peace and Hope. When we wait before Him, He will always show us the secrets of our hearts. Love and bless you!