A man's steps are established by the Lord,
and He takes pleasure in his way.
and He takes pleasure in his way.
Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed,
because the Lord holds his hand.
because the Lord holds his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Not My Responsibility
I have a difficult time accepting that I am not responsible for other people's walk with God.
I know it sounds foolish and simple, but it's not to me. I have such a burden and desire to see people grow in the Lord, that it frustrates me to no end. Then, what frustrates me even more is knowing that the same can be said for me. I remember the times that people told me something over and over about the Lord – His might, His glory, His love, His love, His compassion – but I didn't make the tough decisions in order to receive them fully. I also realize that I'm not there myself yet. I know I have a very long way to go in my relationship with God.
It's just that I burn with jealousy for them to experience Him in the ways I have been blessed with! The ways I know He desires to delight us with. I want to scream, “Make the tough choice. Stop making excuses. He's worth it- He's worth all of it!” But so many don't study His Word- they take the preacher's word. They don't listen to Him- they humbly demand. They don't ask Him to direct them in every decision- they whine that He needs to bless the ones they think make the most sense...
When will we understand? God doesn't make sense. He makes miracles.
It would be so much easier to understand and approach with the Truth if they knew nothing or little about God as pagans do. But they know nothing or little about God as Christians, and to be honest... it's by choice.
I'm not judging. Really. I'm pleading. There are so many around me who do love the Lord, so much. They are an inspiration and a blessing, but living in the “buckle of the Bible belt” I see way too many of those I described. They are who I cry out to God for. I ask the Lord to search my heart, to make sure that I've not fallen into the same stale trap. I know I could at any time and have to remain vigilant that I don't. But I've also had to realize that I can't do anything about others...except, tell them about the Truth whenever possible, try to be an example, and accept that God's got it all under control.
Because that would be a miracle.
I know it sounds foolish and simple, but it's not to me. I have such a burden and desire to see people grow in the Lord, that it frustrates me to no end. Then, what frustrates me even more is knowing that the same can be said for me. I remember the times that people told me something over and over about the Lord – His might, His glory, His love, His love, His compassion – but I didn't make the tough decisions in order to receive them fully. I also realize that I'm not there myself yet. I know I have a very long way to go in my relationship with God.
It's just that I burn with jealousy for them to experience Him in the ways I have been blessed with! The ways I know He desires to delight us with. I want to scream, “Make the tough choice. Stop making excuses. He's worth it- He's worth all of it!” But so many don't study His Word- they take the preacher's word. They don't listen to Him- they humbly demand. They don't ask Him to direct them in every decision- they whine that He needs to bless the ones they think make the most sense...
When will we understand? God doesn't make sense. He makes miracles.
It would be so much easier to understand and approach with the Truth if they knew nothing or little about God as pagans do. But they know nothing or little about God as Christians, and to be honest... it's by choice.
I'm not judging. Really. I'm pleading. There are so many around me who do love the Lord, so much. They are an inspiration and a blessing, but living in the “buckle of the Bible belt” I see way too many of those I described. They are who I cry out to God for. I ask the Lord to search my heart, to make sure that I've not fallen into the same stale trap. I know I could at any time and have to remain vigilant that I don't. But I've also had to realize that I can't do anything about others...except, tell them about the Truth whenever possible, try to be an example, and accept that God's got it all under control.
Because that would be a miracle.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I Was A Master
The Lord showed me something I didn't expect yesterday: I am a master escape artist.
Yea. I wondered what He meant by that too. Trust me, isn't not a compliment...
After a difficult, yet rewarding day with the Lord, I was beginning to become a bit overwhelmed. As I sat there trying to calm my brain and emotions down, I suddenly decided to go read a fiction book. That's when the Lord asked me in a surprisingly firm voice, "Why?"
"Uh... I don't really know" I thought. "To just get away for a bit and not think about it?"
"Stop escaping, and just come to Me with it." Before I knew it, He was taking me on a review of my life, showing me all the little escape methods I have used over the years: Books, movies, games, shows, others, boys, alcohol, a vivid imagination... There were so many! And they played on and on. I was so good at it! It's not that all those things are bad, the problem was with how I was used them at times. I even remembered as a teenager that my favorite part of the day was bedtime. Why? Because I could lay there for as long as I wanted making up any scenario and storyline I wanted. I didn't even have to be me!
Now that's not to say I never brought things before the Lord. I have many, many times, but not always in the right way. He showed me it was more like I threw them at His feet while running to my escape method- whatever it was. Now, if it got really, really bad I laid it at His feet the right way and spent my time begging....I mean in prayer...., but I did not honor Him with the first-fruits of my devotion.
As I practiced escaping to Him today I noticed a very pleasant difference. Not only was my reason for escape lessened, but He comforted and taught me as well. But you know what the most amazing part was? I received all this blessing and I still got be me!
Ask the Lord to reveal to you in what ways you've been escaping. I would never have thought they were there before He revealed them to me. He will reveal them to you as well.
Yea. I wondered what He meant by that too. Trust me, isn't not a compliment...
After a difficult, yet rewarding day with the Lord, I was beginning to become a bit overwhelmed. As I sat there trying to calm my brain and emotions down, I suddenly decided to go read a fiction book. That's when the Lord asked me in a surprisingly firm voice, "Why?"
"Uh... I don't really know" I thought. "To just get away for a bit and not think about it?"
"Stop escaping, and just come to Me with it." Before I knew it, He was taking me on a review of my life, showing me all the little escape methods I have used over the years: Books, movies, games, shows, others, boys, alcohol, a vivid imagination... There were so many! And they played on and on. I was so good at it! It's not that all those things are bad, the problem was with how I was used them at times. I even remembered as a teenager that my favorite part of the day was bedtime. Why? Because I could lay there for as long as I wanted making up any scenario and storyline I wanted. I didn't even have to be me!
Now that's not to say I never brought things before the Lord. I have many, many times, but not always in the right way. He showed me it was more like I threw them at His feet while running to my escape method- whatever it was. Now, if it got really, really bad I laid it at His feet the right way and spent my time begging....I mean in prayer...., but I did not honor Him with the first-fruits of my devotion.
As I practiced escaping to Him today I noticed a very pleasant difference. Not only was my reason for escape lessened, but He comforted and taught me as well. But you know what the most amazing part was? I received all this blessing and I still got be me!
Ask the Lord to reveal to you in what ways you've been escaping. I would never have thought they were there before He revealed them to me. He will reveal them to you as well.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Hearing
I have entered a time a prayer with the Lord. He is teaching me who He is and has invited me to listen to Him. Now, it's not as holy as it sounds to be honest. I've been talking to Him all day, true, but most of my time has been spent in reading fiction. I have read my Bible as well, but I've enjoyed listening to Him in the "everyday" stuff as well. There have also been quite a few people who have had the Lord speak through them to me as well, though they didn't know it. I'm relishing this time.
The annoying thing is that I and my daughter are also sick. She's had a fever and the stomach flu, and I'm on the verge. What's interesting is that God is speaking heavily even through that. I'm being saturated with Him and it's not how He usually does it. Before, when the Lord was teaching me so much, there was an excitement and a "high" of sorts. That's the best way I can describe it. This time it's more of a preparation. I can't really describe it other than it's a bit somber, yet comforting.
Hear some of the Words He has spoken to me...
Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
The annoying thing is that I and my daughter are also sick. She's had a fever and the stomach flu, and I'm on the verge. What's interesting is that God is speaking heavily even through that. I'm being saturated with Him and it's not how He usually does it. Before, when the Lord was teaching me so much, there was an excitement and a "high" of sorts. That's the best way I can describe it. This time it's more of a preparation. I can't really describe it other than it's a bit somber, yet comforting.
Hear some of the Words He has spoken to me...
Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Monday, February 8, 2010
This Is Not A Test....
Why do we think of Christianity as a test? Yea! I marked the right answers God, and I meant it! Now I can relax and forget all I've binged on..... In Your Name, of course.....
Living as a child of God is more like a journey. Just because I've been heading in the right direction most of the time doesn't necessarily mean that I'll be fine. I have to finish in the right spot. 2 Timothy 4:7
Dear Father in heaven, You know my weaknesses. You know where I so often fail. As Your child I am asking You to always lead me in the right direction so that I may finish well. Sovereign God, I beg and allow You to do whatever it takes to keep me there. Your Word promises me that when I am weak, You are my strength. There is much weakness here for You to show off Your strength! Use me as You will: Your beloved child and bond-slave.
Living as a child of God is more like a journey. Just because I've been heading in the right direction most of the time doesn't necessarily mean that I'll be fine. I have to finish in the right spot. 2 Timothy 4:7
Dear Father in heaven, You know my weaknesses. You know where I so often fail. As Your child I am asking You to always lead me in the right direction so that I may finish well. Sovereign God, I beg and allow You to do whatever it takes to keep me there. Your Word promises me that when I am weak, You are my strength. There is much weakness here for You to show off Your strength! Use me as You will: Your beloved child and bond-slave.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Listening
It's funny that when I think of listening to God, it either seems too simple or impossibly difficult. I can never decided just which, and I think that's because it's both. Simply put, I just have faith and take the time to seek Him. The difficult aspect comes in weeding everything that is not God, and obeying only Him. So that's what I've been practicing lately. I've been trying to make the conscious effort to ask Him about every decision and action I make within the day, and then figuring out which He prefers. And let me tell you- it's not easy.
The challenge isn't so much in knowing which thing to do or not to do, but in the trials He's giving me to face. I ask God to teach me to hear His voice and obey, so He's putting me in difficult situations where I can best learn. Who builds muscles without exercise?
So pray for my sore muscles as I build up. (My brain and heart count as muscles, right?) And I challenge you to start actively listening as well.
When you are tender and sore from the workout, I'll give you a bit of the Epsom salt He gave me to soak in:
The instruction of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.
Psalm 19:7
The challenge isn't so much in knowing which thing to do or not to do, but in the trials He's giving me to face. I ask God to teach me to hear His voice and obey, so He's putting me in difficult situations where I can best learn. Who builds muscles without exercise?
So pray for my sore muscles as I build up. (My brain and heart count as muscles, right?) And I challenge you to start actively listening as well.
When you are tender and sore from the workout, I'll give you a bit of the Epsom salt He gave me to soak in:
The instruction of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.
Psalm 19:7
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