January 17, 2023

The process of shaping of God’s hands within ourselves we can actually see from the
type of Word that intensively comes into our lives. Also, from situations and
circumstances that we often experience where we are ‘conditioned’ to become doers of
the Word that we receive. Certainly, in that process we will be ‘crushed’, the process of
disposal of all forms of self in our lives until His divinity becomes very evident.

In this process we often ‘feel hurt’, because we feel that our rights as human beings are
‘trampled on or neglected’. For example, the right to be understood, the right to be
appreciated or the right to be respected, etc. It’s as if we can no longer keep it.

How can we go through the process of shaping of God’s hand the best way we can, so
we can live to please God’s heart and pass in the process of attaching God’s
fingerprints as a sign of His ownership?

1. Relinquish or no need to defend the right to be appreciated, understood, agreed
   upon, etc.
   Focus to remain being a doer of the Word and live to please God’s heart. Just
   focus and concentrate on doing God’s will and keep your heart clean and pure
   from all forms of inner conflict. Let the heart that wants to forgive and forget the
   mistakes of others stay awake and be more trained. This is a very important part of our life and a great opportunity for us to follow the example that has been set by Jesus. In the garden of Gethsemane, He emptied
   Himself, He did not keep His selfness so He continued to go to the cross to forgive and make redemption!
   We need to do the same thing, the main thing is to make the decision to keep our hearts clean and pure and full of forgiveness so that we can complete God’s will to the end.
2. Focus on being a doer of the Word.
   It is not natural for us to be heavy burdened under any circumstances, God
   commands us to love Him only. So, when we continue to guard and grow a heart
   that loves God, then under all circumstances, even though ‘we are in the shaping’
   we will still be doers of the Word. So, remember, our focus is BECOME DOERS
   OF THE WORD. Don’t give up, God is with those who wants to live to please His
   heart.
   Psalm 51:6 (NIV) Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
   Psalm 18:24-27 (NIV) The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

3. Continue to maintain and grow a living communion with Him.
   Connectedness with reality and knowledge of God, through living communion
   with Him, we must continue to maintain in all situations, circumstances, and
   whatever we are facing. At least, we must maintain as hard as possible quiet
   time in the morning. Let us ‘fight’ over the feeling of drowsiness and tiredness
   which is sometimes unbearable. Train our bodies and minds to focus on and
   respond to God’s glory.
   Anyway, it’s better to ‘wrestle in prayer’ than struggle in everyday life. If we ‘win’
   in the morning, then our lives also will always please God in all situations and
   circumstances that we really have to go through.
4. Keep on rejoicing.
   Nehemiah 8:9-11 (The Living Bible) it is a time to celebrate with a hearty meal and to send presents to those in need, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. You must not be dejected and sad!”
   Make a decision to be JOYFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. Don’t allow our
   response to be ‘matched by circumstances’. For instance in a bad situation, as if
   we ‘should’ be sad or disappointed. No! Even though in bad circumstances to be
   precise or facing people who carries negative emotions, we can still be JOYFUL.
   Because we need strength to continue the journey of life that God has
   established. The joy of God is our strength!
   So, don’t be foolish. If we need strength, then WE SHOULD HAVE ALREADY
   CONDITIONED OUR HEART TO STAY JOYFUL UNDER ALL
   CIRCUMSTANCES.

I feel joy plays an important role in everyday life. Continue to condition our hearts
to be able to rejoice by the work of the Spirit and the Word, then our lives will be
stronger, healthier and more powerful!!

Ps. Steven Agustinus

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