God's Math

Here's an excerpt from an email devotional I received yesterday that was particularly meaningful to me...

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away (subtracts) the sin of the world! John 1:29

Math is important-especially in God's equation for our lives. He uses math in our lives to work out his supernatural equation.

When it comes to applying God's math to our lives, most of us don't mind adding. We love to add new things because it can make life exciting and new. Too often, though, we forget that addition is not the only part of God's equation. He also tells us that we need to occasionally take things away from our lives. But we tend to balk at applying subtraction to life.

What we need to understand is that subtraction is just as important in God's math as addition is. He wants us to subtract those things from our lives that are hurtful or unproductive. God tells us that subtraction is vital for our growth.

What is God telling you to subtract from your life? Is it a harmful habit or a draining relationship? Whatever it is, God wants you to subtract it from your life so that you can grow.

For more information about this and other subjects, visit the Ed Young Ministries website: www.edyoung.org

This devotional is especially meaningful to me because I have recognized the need to subtract (prune) from my schedule for some time. I've been praying about what I need to 'subtract'. This devotional reminds me that there are still decisions to be made. It affirms that I do need to make these decisions soon. The other study I'm doing with my family which I wrote about yesterday discusses how 'busyness' is a key device of Satan. -It all ties in together. Every where I turn I get the same messages that I need to: Slow Down. Prune. Prioritize. Get in the Word. Discipline. Rest. Witness.

People need to see that I have my act together. Running around with my head chopped off being busy all the time is not honoring God. Oh I've got my new routine down in theory. I just need to apply these principles and start living differently. But that's much easier said than done.

So my prayer today is once again about slowing down. It's about subtracting. It's about spiritual warfare.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today I glorify You, Lord. I honor You with the way I live my life. Today I am living totally abandoned to You. I surrender the old Sam. Today the world get's the new and improved Sam. Look out, world.

Father God I put on Your armor this morning and head out for battle. The words I speak today will be words of life. I will be an encourager. I will accomplish much today. What I don't accomplish will be there ready and waiting tomorrow. I won't stress. I will rest. And in the midst of distraction, in the midst of discouragement I will take heart and lean on You My King, My Savior.

I lift up Pastor Ed Young today. I lift up author and teacher Beth More. I lift up Dr Charles Stanley. These servants loyal to the Kingdom have been a tremendous inspiration to me. Bless them and their families, Lord. Help me apply into my life the truths they have taught and pass life messages on to others I encounter.

Lord I lift up my sweet wife this morning. Bless her day. She's trying to apply the same life principles I am, Father. Thank You for giving us each other. Iron sharpens Iron, Lord... And Lord Bless my stepson, Connor. Draw him closer to You. Strengthen my relationship with Him. Help me to be just what he needs in the way of leadership, mentorship, and friendship. And finally Lord I pray for my little baby, Elijah. I pray for Your Best for His life always. Protect him, guide and lead him...

Oh my dear sweet heavenly Father. I lay these requests down at the foot of Your Cross... I pray In Jesus' Name, Amen.