The title that I have chosen reveals the absolute resolve of what I desire to accomplish in my daily prayer experience. If you feel my drama is exaggerated, remember that apostle Paul said these words when he was going through his spiritual struggles in Ephesus: “I die daily”. And actually, I am learning this statement is a good way to live daily.
Early in the morning, before the sun rises, I wake up with a fuzzy mind and closed eyes. My first thought is usually about the position of my pillow. Later, when I’m more awake, the difficulties of the upcoming day come rushing into my mind. Years of experience have trained the algorithm of my thought process to filter out any responsibilities that don’t actually apply to me currently. This is when the things I dreamt that night begin to faintly enter into my thinking.
At this point (and it’s never at the same time), I realize that I have control of what I am thinking. I understand that if I don’t “gird up the loins of my mind”, my emotions will be controlled by things that are not in perfect harmony with God. Worst of all, the day will not be “Heaven on earth”. Wow! I just remembered the reason I pray is that I have unlocked the key to prayer itself: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The true rationale for prayer is to bring Heaven to earth each day!
So then I come to the place of the great decision to “die” daily. This is my choice, and it’s made in my own mind before I even open my eyes. I decide to die to all of my responsibilities, worries, and anguishes ~ and lay them on the shoulders of Jesus. Think about it, a dead man doesn’t have bills, problems, or worries! Now I get to do exactly what I want today because I am free. For the Scripture says, “if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
Once I’m free I become like a little child, realizing that today will be filled with incredible adventures with my heavenly Daddy. I start rehearsing all of the wonderful things that Dad has promised me, and boy, are they wonderful! Usually at this point I open my eyes, look for my iPhone, and begin praising God along with one of my favorite songs. Next, I start thinking of clever ways to wake up my family with the joy of the Lord. Then we can all begin the wonderful adventure of the day!
“To be or not to be”, is the question of dying daily, (actually “living” daily) unto Christ. Once you try this personally, you’ll begin to discover that always living in the mind of Christ is the only way to fully enjoy life and have heaven on earth! See you later on Periscope.
Sent in love,
Pastor Richard Gazowsky
A Place To Meet Jesus 