Hello friends – This is day three of a five day series of heart reflections on the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah). You can read previous posts and catch up here.

Join me as I unpack simple yet profound truths, I’m discovering as I ponder the feast this year.

Each day is broken into three short sections:
A simple concept to consider with Holy Spirit.
An action step
A verse to ponder/pray.

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Day 3

Repent: – As I consider the places in my heart where I’ve allowed other influences to creep in and set up shop, I also realize the impact it has had on my capacity to serve Jesus with a heart that is full of the kindness. For example, I recognize the short, snarky comment I made to a spouse , now make it challenging for me to hear the voice of Holy Spirit in the moment. Or how about this example: Even though I’ve convinced myself I only scroll “encouraging videos and posts”, the frequent connection to my phone makes it challenging to focus during my times of solitude with God… I need The Spirit’s help to correct my course. You too?

Ask Holy Spirit to lead this time and to grant you, what author/speaker John Elderidge calls a deep and true repentance. Review the list from yesterday (under Reflect).  Take each item on the list, prayerfully acknowledge your need to turn away from these things and with joy acknowledge your desire to follow Jesus.

Act:   Your prayer might begin with something like,  “Jesus, I have not loved you with all my soul, mind and strength. I have not give you First place in my ______ (relationships, finances, parenting, time, etc.). I choose to turn away from these idols and to choose you each day, by ________.” (Allow Holy Spirit to lead this time of prayer.)

Please don’t rush through this time. Sit with Jesus as you review and repent from the items on the list. Feel the weightiness of each item and it’s consequence. Then, together with Him nail them to the cross. With Joy, Thank Him for the cross and His willingness to take the weight of your sin. Ask Jesus for forgiveness… Don’t forget to wait for His answer.

Ponder: My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51

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I look forward to joining you on this journey of dedication…

I’ll meet you back here, tomorrow. 

Need prayer? Or help working through the debris you find in your heart? Email me! Let’s set up a time to pray together