Examine

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

2 Corinthians 13:5 

 

I may have mentioned once or a thousand times before that I love history. I watch the History Channel, Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, Smithsonian Channel...I am a History junkie like many others are Sports junkies.  I can't get enough learning about where we came from so we can better figure out what we need to do to NOT repeat the same mistakes.

 

The Apostle Paul instructs us to EXAMINE ourselves.  We are to examine ourselves as archaeologists examine their dig finds.  We are to examine ourselves as Crime Scene Investigators examine bits of evidence.  We are to perform an IN-DEPTH examination of ourselves, not merely a cursory perusal.  I found a very helpful piece which helps with this in-dept examination it is a simple 5 point directed prayer:

 

1. BECOME AWARE OF GOD'S PRESENCE:

    Abba, I believe that at this moment I am in Your presence and You are loving me.

 

2. REVIEW THE DAY WITH GRATITUDE:

    Abba, You know my needs better than I know them. Give me Your light and Your help to see how You have been with me, both yesterday and today and again tomorrow.

 

3. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR EMOTIONS:

     Abba, help me to be grateful for the moments when people have affirmed me and challenged me. Help me to see how I have responded, and whether I have been kind to others and open to growth.

 

4. CHOOSE ONE FEATURE OF THE DAY AND PRAY FROM IT:

    Abba, forgive me for when I have not done my best or have failed to treat others well. Encourage me, guide me, and continue to bless me.

 

5.  LOOK TOWARD TOMORROW:

     Abba, as i look to the remainder of this day, make me aware that You are with me. Show me how to be the person You want me to be.