From the Edges – Morning Devotions – Receive It

From the Edges – Morning Devotions 3-18-24

Pastor Calvin Cook

Lent – Day 28 – Receive It

Scripture Focus – Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

This morning in my centering and sanctuary time I am praying with all my heart for the people of Haiti. As you might be aware Haiti has fallen under the assault of gangs, turbulence of political unrest, lack of leadership and a never-ending barrage of economic instability, most of which has been caused by outside influence. I grieve for the people of Haiti who we have come to know and love. I am standing with families and people who are in the US and other countries with great concern for their loved ones. I wish I could do more, but at this time all I can do is stand in the firmness of prayer for the Holy Spirit to be received and that power to be unleashed in unstoppable waves to bring hope back to this beautiful place and people who love the love the Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart and soul and desire for the nation and people to truly know what “Peace on Earth” might look like.

One of my greatest friends, confidants, spiritual brothers is James. James has poured a lifetime of care into his family, friends, neighborhood, church and community. James has never stopped dreaming or visioning for the righteousness to be revealed and a new and ever glorious nation to be raised up through the revealing of God’s Holy Spirit. I join James in that prayer and vision knowing that from heaven God will hear the prayer and answer according to his will. This also is applied to our heart for prayer in our situations, ourselves, neighbors, families etc. Praying first for God’s will.

After many trips to Haiti both for pleasure and mission work, I would like to tell of our accomplishments of a school, feeding programs, sustainability projects but that is not what this devotion is about. I admit that I have received much more from the Haitian communities that I have ever been able to offer. I have witnessed the hard work and resilience just to live, have water, food, and essentials. I have experienced their heart to worship consistently and with great conviction with an unstoppable attitude. To them Worship, Prayer, and dedication is a way of life. In this I am humbled!

Every time I say to James or other Haitians of my prayers for them or their country and people. The response is mostly always “I receive it” or “I receive those prayers”. I have asked about this response and what it means. We are so happy when someone says they are praying for us that all we can say is Thank you. The response of “I receive these prayers” is much more. In many ways it has been explained this is receiving a prayer that will be answered according to God’s will and timing. Both bother us quick-minded quick-response people. We don’t necessarily like that thought here do we, giving in to God’s will or timing. By saying I receive it embodies one of the greatest statements from the Lord’s prayer “Thy will be done – on earth as it is in heaven.”.

Saying “I receive it” also that we will be ready to see God’s Spirit poured out not according to us but to God’s best plan for our life and the situation. “I receive it” is an expectancy of a move of God is on the way. We need to become expectant prayers.

There is so much more in my heart this morning, not just for the Haiti situation, not just for myself but for the realization that God is alive, present, and working and moving in our midst, yet we take if for granted.

Will you join with me in praying that we become better at “receiving” what God desires to all of us and for the Spirit of God realization everywhere and every time.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24