Jesus Calling: January 9

I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don't be discouraged--never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.
     Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My presence.

Romans 8:31
English Standard Version

 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Psalm 46:1-3
New King James Version
46  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah (It is well)

Luke 1:37
English Standard Version
For nothing will be impossible with God.

My Prayer
Lord, thank you for being with me and thank you for being my biggest advocate. I want to lean on You and I want you to draw my kids and wife to You so that they will lean on You, so that they will trust in You. Lord, two things are hitting hard. One, my daughter Megan and her defensiveness over thinking at any time that we, as parents, may be thinking ill of her. She gets so defensive so quick and wants to be so clear that she doesn't ever do anything wrong or do anything that would make us think that she has done anything wrong. It's a character that I don't even think she knows that she is doing. Lord, I'm also having trouble working. I'm not getting my work done on the job. I'm not working hard. I've been distracted at work. I have other burdens, but I can't let my work slide, though right now, it is. I need your help. I'm weak. I need your strength.

Lord, I want to be about your will. I want to do this evangelism class because I want to be in Your will and be obedient to Your commands and help people, encourage people, to share their faith with others. Lord, help me to make choices in life that are in line with Your will. Not my will be done, but Yours. Guide me and direct me to those things that are Your will for me.

Lord, it is amazing the easy path I expect. Lord, I want to be ready for obstacles and difficulties. I'm kind of expecting a low turn out tonight or no one. Help me not to change my commitment based on response, but to continue to be there and be faithful. If no one is there, I can spend the time praying. Lord, I just want to do Your will and do things with the right motive. Change my heart O God.

Lord, I want to walk in Your presence. I want to be about your ways. Lord, I thank you for Warren and his words of encouragement to me. He said to me, "You need to do something with your passion for Christ.  I am serious. I know that you have obligations, etc, but 2013 should be about seeking out the next step for Chris Payton.  Your passion, belief, and understanding makes it a perfect fit. I don't know what that looks like, but I am convinced that this is the direction that you need to move in.  You are most alive when you talk about Christ and your love for him, and you need to act on it!  GO CHRIS!!"

"I am most alive when I talk about Christ." Those are wise words and I appreciate them. And those are visionary words that no one has spoken to me about. No one has encouraged me like this. What is the next step for Me Lord? Where would you want to take me on my journey with you in Your presence? Do you have a different route for Me than what I am accustomed to? Do you have a different road? Lord, I need you. You are--for me--Lord. You are for me. You are for us. 

Lord, I keep praying and lifting up the leaders at church. Lord, I pray these men and women, the elders would be men of integrity and character. Lord, help them not to be haughty or self-righteous or bitter or infer disunity in the Body, but to be blameless and above reproach in all things. Lord, keep them moral, ethical, financially strong. Lord, I pray they aren't hiding sin from You, but keeping it front and center. Give them each accountability partners in their life. 

Lord, for the staff, direct them in Your ways. Give them confidence continually in You. Change their hearts Lord and align them with You. Help them to be men and women of integrity. Lord, keep them and their staff above reproach and don't ever let them be complacent in their service. Draw them closer and give them recognition continually of their sin and where they are falling from your grace. Right their wrongs and make them authenticate. 

Lord, I pray for volunteers. Deepen them and align their thinking. Give them a vision. Help them to be men of integrity and character continually. Lord, help them not be haughty or self-righteous or bitter, but to be blameless before you, to be moral, ethical, and responsible with the money you have given them. I pray they would have accountable relationships in their lives.  

Lord, move us to do your Will in all things. To not be led in the directions we think are best, but where You want us to reside. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.