John 6:5-13 5 Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” 6 He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.
7 Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money[a] to feed them!”
8 Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9 “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”
10 “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. 12 After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.
This was a reading we were studying recently. And given all the financial problems I am having lately, and my limited options for solving them, it was just what I needed to be reading. God knows!!
I saw what Phillip and Andrew said in verses 7-9....they saw what was in the natural, the physical world that they could see and touch, much like I have been doing with my finances. Mostly we have a tendency to see only what is humanly possible or impossible. Limits.
But Jesus knew. Jesus knows. Nothing is impossible with God! "Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people..."
God used this passage to let me know that He knew all about my limitations. He also let me know that He is limitless. And as I take the blessings that I have, little or much, and give thanks to Him for them, He will provide for my needs as well as giving me enough to bless others. I believe He also wanted me to remember that the key to this was giving thanks. Instead of focusing on what I don't have and worrying over it, I am to give thanks for what He gives. He is faithful, able and limitless!!
Thank You Lord for a timely lesson in you as my provider. I thank You for all that You give and all that You do. If I need it You will provide it, if You don't provide it, then I don't need it. You are my all in all.....what was it from a few weeks ago, "only one thing is needed." Lord, sometimes it seems like all around me is never enough, help me to rest in You, knowing that You will care for me. Help me not to fret over financials needs. Help me to trust more.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Breakdowns and Meltdowns
Okay, so much to catch up on like I said. Many God visits over the last few weeks. I was living on a high note when I last recorded an entry (excepting yesterdays), and of course since I felt like I was experiencing victory the enemy came in like a flood!! grrrr!! But God has definitely been faithful.
Let's start with the computer, or was it the frig....well one or the other died and then of course the other decided it didn't want to work either!! Why do electronics and appliances never seem to go kaput on their own, they always take another piece of machinery with them!?!?!?! So starting with expensive break downs, then having to do all the research on finding which new ones to buy (not that we really have the $$$ for this, but a refrigerator is kind of a necessity, as is a computer these days)....feeling like I wasn't getting help, (you know, when you feel like you are the only one responsible for making important decisions), then there was work being work....One thing was going wrong after the other and meltdown was seemingly inevitable and of course it happened. I have to admit, I was not very nice the the Lord. Even though that morning He had given me an encouraging message in my "Jesus Calling" devotional. It said, "Hardships are part of the journey too. I mete them out ever so carefully, in just the right dosage with a tenderness you can hardly imagine. Do not recoil from afflictions, since they are among my most favored gifts."
Well, by the time I had gotten to work that day, all that seemed to fly out the window. As the night wore on all I could do was grind my way through the day, barely being civil to the Lord, doing more complaining than anything. Being thankful and looking for the jewels amid affliction seemed fine on paper, sitting quietly in my bed reading the devotional, but when problem after problem after problem after problem kept piling up over the last few days...... well you can see where it was ending up.
BUT GOD......He truly is rich in mercy and tenderness towards us. As horrible as I was being, He still reached out tenderly to me with a beautiful encouragement from His Word on the back of a truck I was unloading, of all places!! Psalm 1:3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never whither and in all they do, they prosper.
Now, this just seemed like the craziest verse, because it was complete opposite of how I was acting....but the Lord sees us and our circumstances so differently from what we do. And He was not going to let me forget it, even in the midst of my temper tantrums and meltdowns, even in the middle of all the turmoil and difficulties. My failure this day was not forever, but a stepping stone to fruit bearing. And then from one of my readings later that day......Hebrews 12:3 Think about all He endured when sinful people did such terrible things to Him, so that you do't become weary and give up. God tells us don't give up when the hard stuff comes !!!
He is so good and I am so grateful that even when I am at my worst, He is, as always, at His best and most loving.
Let's start with the computer, or was it the frig....well one or the other died and then of course the other decided it didn't want to work either!! Why do electronics and appliances never seem to go kaput on their own, they always take another piece of machinery with them!?!?!?! So starting with expensive break downs, then having to do all the research on finding which new ones to buy (not that we really have the $$$ for this, but a refrigerator is kind of a necessity, as is a computer these days)....feeling like I wasn't getting help, (you know, when you feel like you are the only one responsible for making important decisions), then there was work being work....One thing was going wrong after the other and meltdown was seemingly inevitable and of course it happened. I have to admit, I was not very nice the the Lord. Even though that morning He had given me an encouraging message in my "Jesus Calling" devotional. It said, "Hardships are part of the journey too. I mete them out ever so carefully, in just the right dosage with a tenderness you can hardly imagine. Do not recoil from afflictions, since they are among my most favored gifts."
Well, by the time I had gotten to work that day, all that seemed to fly out the window. As the night wore on all I could do was grind my way through the day, barely being civil to the Lord, doing more complaining than anything. Being thankful and looking for the jewels amid affliction seemed fine on paper, sitting quietly in my bed reading the devotional, but when problem after problem after problem after problem kept piling up over the last few days...... well you can see where it was ending up.
BUT GOD......He truly is rich in mercy and tenderness towards us. As horrible as I was being, He still reached out tenderly to me with a beautiful encouragement from His Word on the back of a truck I was unloading, of all places!! Psalm 1:3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never whither and in all they do, they prosper.
Now, this just seemed like the craziest verse, because it was complete opposite of how I was acting....but the Lord sees us and our circumstances so differently from what we do. And He was not going to let me forget it, even in the midst of my temper tantrums and meltdowns, even in the middle of all the turmoil and difficulties. My failure this day was not forever, but a stepping stone to fruit bearing. And then from one of my readings later that day......Hebrews 12:3 Think about all He endured when sinful people did such terrible things to Him, so that you do't become weary and give up. God tells us don't give up when the hard stuff comes !!!
He is so good and I am so grateful that even when I am at my worst, He is, as always, at His best and most loving.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Back Up and Running!!
Oh, I am so glad to be back at the computer....there had been problem after problem with that darn machine!! Finally I was told the motherboard was shot. UGH!! And I missed posting God's visits here and sharing His goodness with you all!!
But He has been faithful. I have so much catching up to do here, including the way He provided for this new computer. It's beautiful how the Lord uses us to bless one another, and He used a dear friend to bless me....I will share the story with you soon. Like I said, a lot of catching up to do!
I just wanted to let everyone know that I am back here, and will start posting again this weekend. It feels like a long time away!!
It's funny, I don't know most who read this blog, but I missed you all just the same!!
But He has been faithful. I have so much catching up to do here, including the way He provided for this new computer. It's beautiful how the Lord uses us to bless one another, and He used a dear friend to bless me....I will share the story with you soon. Like I said, a lot of catching up to do!
I just wanted to let everyone know that I am back here, and will start posting again this weekend. It feels like a long time away!!
It's funny, I don't know most who read this blog, but I missed you all just the same!!
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Only One Thing
This is an amazing "Godincidence." I love these!
Last night I took out a prayer journal I hadn't used in a while. Don't really know why, I was looking for something to focus me in my "God" time at lunch, and since I hadn't been able to find my book for the Mark study we're doing, I was searching for something else. So I opened it up and decided it was a good starting point.
The topic was anxiety and the question was "If I could sit beside Jesus and tell Him about my biggest anxiety what would He say to me about it?"
Okay, so of course my knee jerk reaction was "I don't know!!!" And then I quieted myself for a couple of minutes. Rising up within me was words from the verse in Luke, "only one thing is needed." Hmmm. Interesting.
Okay, so with that and a couple of other things that came up to ponder, I went back to work (and unfortunately forgot about them). But I'll get this meditating thing down yet!
Fast forward to this morning and my reading from "Jesus Calling." The topic this time was making Jesus "time" a priority in my day. And amazingly, what was the verse???? I bet you can guess.
Luke 10:41-42 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But ONE THING IS NEEDED, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
Oh my goodness!! Every situation, only one thing is needed. Every circumstance, anxiety and trial, each moment and minute whether stressful or easy....one thing is needed. JESUS.
So what does this look like? How does it "walk" out? I'm not sure. I guess that's where the adventure and the trusting come in--seeing how Jesus works it out as I apply it to my day, and everything I run into during it.
Oh, and as an added bonus to my God visit I was given a second verse....which was in response to my asking for guidance in some areas in my life...I asked the Lord for wisdom in some upcoming decisions (one of which is buying a new refrigerator--ugh) I have to make and today this verse was apart of my readings:
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the BEST pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
He is so awesome. Take those verses today for yourselves dear readers. And perhaps even take your greatest fears, worries and anxieties and sit beside Jesus and ask Him to give His wisdom. Take time to listen and time to sense His love and believe. He is there. Even if it feels silent, He is working. He holds us with the everlasting arms.
Friday, February 6, 2015
Christian By Mom
Taking a excerpt from Mom's journal. Her take on the word Christian and what it means to live it.
Christian
A name derived from Christ; one who believes in Christ, belongs to Christ and is a follower of Christ and His teachings.
Acts 11:26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year teaching great numbers of people. (It was there at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.
Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
Jesus call for an open, free relationship.
Acts 1:8 "But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth."
Galations 5:22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness. goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Recognize the Holy Spirit's power withing you.
Romans 12:1-2 And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind He will accept
Commit your life and submit your will to Him.
Philippians 4:4-7 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Jesus.
Rejoice is a command and obedience is possible because "true joy" is in the Lord.
Colossians 3:16 Let the words of Christ, in all the richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use His words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Keep seeking to learn from His life and His teachings.
2 Peter 1:3-11 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters,[a] work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Christian life is a growth process--from spiritual milk to solid food.
Mom has some more verses which I will share next time. I believe God has some specific reader/readers in mind and He want you to know He is calling you. So I will give you what I have inside and pray that He will use my simple words to reach your heart.
So what is being a Christian? I see it as not only a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, but someone who knows they need Him. Becoming a Christian starts there. With seeing our need . God tells us that no one is good enough to live in heaven with Him, we all fall short of perfection and holiness. So we are stuck. No way to make ourselves good enough. No way to save ourselves from Hell. And really, who wants to live in a place of eternal sadness, darkness and horror when you can live in a place of light and peace and joy (a no brainer if you ask me! LOL). So that is the dilemma. But our Creator, made a way. He Himself came down in the body of Jesus Christ to die on the cross for forgiveness. And He rose from the dead after 3 days that we may have eternal life. And in accepting this gift of forgiveness and life, not only do we get help in the here and now, when we close our eyes in death, we are welcomed with open arms into the everlasting beauty of the presence of our loving Father.
Living as a Christian does not mean life is easy. Sometimes it is even harder than being a non believer. You still have problems and sadness, good days and bad. It is not about being perfect. That was only possible for one man, the man Jesus Christ. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in our hearts and minds, the more we reflect Christ's character (some days I do this better than others). The life of a Christian is about living and growing in a relationship with a living and loving Savior and sharing His love with those around you, desiring them too, to know the love of this wonderful Jesus.
You can take a chance that this is not true. That's is old fashioned superstition. You can say, "oh, being a Christian means I can't have any fun" (nothing can be further from the truth though). You can say things like there is no God. (But in my humble opinion, it takes more faith to believe that this universe, this world, this human race was made by accident than by an intelligent, loving Creator.) Maybe you believe there is a God, but that He doesn't care...I mean look at the horrible things that go on in this world, right? Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world, where you and I have free will. And that means that hurting, soul sick people will hurt other people...a sad and terrible truth. You may think that living for God means the end to your dreams and desires....again not true. Obedience to Him brings the fulfillment of the dreams and desires of your heart. Who do you think put them there anyway? He is the one who created us with dreams and desires. He designed our personalities. Gave us specific talents and likes and dislikes. (Psalm 139:13-14 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--and how well I know it. How's that for giving you value!!)
But what if you're wrong? You are betting your eternity on what you believe. Following Christ gains not a trouble free existence, but a peace through the storms, joy everlasting and Heaven eternal. Not following Him, you have the same good days and bad days, hardships and successes I do, but you lose your soul, you end in destruction, in the eternal fires and darkness of Hell. Are you willing to bet the Bible is wrong? Let me say, that more and more the Bible is being found to be true....through manuscripts, archeology, and fulfillment of prophecy...Scripture is being proven again and again. There are more ancient manuscripts of the Bible than all other books or antiquity combined!
I pray for you dear readers, you who don't know whether to believe or not. I pray you hear the knocking on the door of your heart and open to let in the Savior who loves you. Jesus help people, those you created and love to believe.
The Lord says it better than I ever could:
Romans 3:11-12 No one is good--not even one. No one has real understanding; no one is seeking God. All have turned away from God; all have gone wrong. No one does good, not even one.
Romans 3:22-28 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
Revelation 3:20 Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.
I pray you open the door.
Christian
A name derived from Christ; one who believes in Christ, belongs to Christ and is a follower of Christ and His teachings.
Acts 11:26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year teaching great numbers of people. (It was there at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.
Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
Jesus call for an open, free relationship.
Acts 1:8 "But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth."
Galations 5:22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness. goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Recognize the Holy Spirit's power withing you.
Romans 12:1-2 And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind He will accept
Commit your life and submit your will to Him.
Philippians 4:4-7 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Jesus.
Rejoice is a command and obedience is possible because "true joy" is in the Lord.
Colossians 3:16 Let the words of Christ, in all the richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use His words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Keep seeking to learn from His life and His teachings.
2 Peter 1:3-11 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters,[a] work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Christian life is a growth process--from spiritual milk to solid food.
Mom has some more verses which I will share next time. I believe God has some specific reader/readers in mind and He want you to know He is calling you. So I will give you what I have inside and pray that He will use my simple words to reach your heart.
So what is being a Christian? I see it as not only a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, but someone who knows they need Him. Becoming a Christian starts there. With seeing our need . God tells us that no one is good enough to live in heaven with Him, we all fall short of perfection and holiness. So we are stuck. No way to make ourselves good enough. No way to save ourselves from Hell. And really, who wants to live in a place of eternal sadness, darkness and horror when you can live in a place of light and peace and joy (a no brainer if you ask me! LOL). So that is the dilemma. But our Creator, made a way. He Himself came down in the body of Jesus Christ to die on the cross for forgiveness. And He rose from the dead after 3 days that we may have eternal life. And in accepting this gift of forgiveness and life, not only do we get help in the here and now, when we close our eyes in death, we are welcomed with open arms into the everlasting beauty of the presence of our loving Father.
Living as a Christian does not mean life is easy. Sometimes it is even harder than being a non believer. You still have problems and sadness, good days and bad. It is not about being perfect. That was only possible for one man, the man Jesus Christ. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in our hearts and minds, the more we reflect Christ's character (some days I do this better than others). The life of a Christian is about living and growing in a relationship with a living and loving Savior and sharing His love with those around you, desiring them too, to know the love of this wonderful Jesus.
You can take a chance that this is not true. That's is old fashioned superstition. You can say, "oh, being a Christian means I can't have any fun" (nothing can be further from the truth though). You can say things like there is no God. (But in my humble opinion, it takes more faith to believe that this universe, this world, this human race was made by accident than by an intelligent, loving Creator.) Maybe you believe there is a God, but that He doesn't care...I mean look at the horrible things that go on in this world, right? Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world, where you and I have free will. And that means that hurting, soul sick people will hurt other people...a sad and terrible truth. You may think that living for God means the end to your dreams and desires....again not true. Obedience to Him brings the fulfillment of the dreams and desires of your heart. Who do you think put them there anyway? He is the one who created us with dreams and desires. He designed our personalities. Gave us specific talents and likes and dislikes. (Psalm 139:13-14 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--and how well I know it. How's that for giving you value!!)
I pray for you dear readers, you who don't know whether to believe or not. I pray you hear the knocking on the door of your heart and open to let in the Savior who loves you. Jesus help people, those you created and love to believe.
The Lord says it better than I ever could:
Romans 3:11-12 No one is good--not even one. No one has real understanding; no one is seeking God. All have turned away from God; all have gone wrong. No one does good, not even one.
Romans 3:22-28 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
Revelation 3:20 Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.
I pray you open the door.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Yesterday was a mess weather wise. Rain, ice, snow. I left in the morning to head to the kitten adoption center, and it was raining, pouring in fact. When I was going home, it was ice pellets. It was still sleeting (or whatever it was, I don't know the difference between sleet, freezing rain and frozen snow...does anyone really?? LOL) when I left for work it was changine over to all snow as I drove on. And snowing and snowing. I had to make a stop to drop off some food...of course they were closed!! So now with the roads unplowed, snow falling down, wipers icing, visibility terrible, I was making my way to work on an unfamiliar route....and I was running late. This is all a terrible combination for me. Can you say STRESSED!!! I'm trying to find the gps on the phone, just make sure I am going in the right direction. UGH.
So as I drove on through all this turmoil, thinking to myself I'm going to be late, telling (and not to nicely I might add) God I needed a miracle. And just 2 minutes later I come to a stop light and looked to my left. There was this beautiful snow covered field. It was stunning, a few trees blanketed in white, the whole area looking pristine and fresh. And as I continued to look at it, I realized I knew exactly where I was and it was only a couple of minutes away from my destination!
Oh my goodness! Is that a metaphor for life? Was not God delivering a powerful message to me right then and there? What an amazing visitation.
Things may not seem okay. They may be unclear, the path treacherous and slippery, but God sees us. He is leading and when it seems to be most hopeless He brings us out into a clear place, a safe place, leads us right to HIS destination. How cool is that?
Psalm 18:19 He led me to a place of safety because He delights in me.
So as I drove on through all this turmoil, thinking to myself I'm going to be late, telling (and not to nicely I might add) God I needed a miracle. And just 2 minutes later I come to a stop light and looked to my left. There was this beautiful snow covered field. It was stunning, a few trees blanketed in white, the whole area looking pristine and fresh. And as I continued to look at it, I realized I knew exactly where I was and it was only a couple of minutes away from my destination!
Oh my goodness! Is that a metaphor for life? Was not God delivering a powerful message to me right then and there? What an amazing visitation.
Things may not seem okay. They may be unclear, the path treacherous and slippery, but God sees us. He is leading and when it seems to be most hopeless He brings us out into a clear place, a safe place, leads us right to HIS destination. How cool is that?
Psalm 18:19 He led me to a place of safety because He delights in me.
Testing
I am a klutz. Dropping, spilling, tripping, that's my day. And it drives me crazy!!
Today was no exception...and I have only been up 1/2 an hour. I decided I would dust mop the floors while I was waiting for the coffee to finish brewing (I'm even clumsier before my coffee as my brain doesn't completely operate until I wake it up with that first cup!!) And so ensued my first trip of the day. I went outside to shake out the mop, and as I headed back in I caught the mop handle in the door, tripped up the step coming in and knocked the duster part off the mop! Yaaay me!
But this time I saw it for what it was....a test. Yesterday's devotional reading talked about focusing on Jesus instead of problems. Okay, nothing new there...we all have heard that and we all try to apply it with varying degrees of success. It instructed me to train my mind to seek Jesus in every moment and situation. And that was kind of the key there...EVERY. I had not really been applying it to the small seemingly endless irritations that plague each of our days. And being a somewhat klutzy person....well lets just say that irritation level can run a bit high. I usually find myself saying things like, "God can I just ever get through a day without spilling...." "Why can't it ever be easy to just....." about 40 times a day!!!
So as I was tripping into the house dust mop in hand (sort of), in came the thought from God....."focus on Me." What?!?! You mean that practice of focusing on Jesus, giving our trials and tribulations, our worries and problems is not just for the big stuff? You want me to do it with the common annoyances that come up a million times a day? Take my mind off them and put them onto You Lord? What a radical concept for me!! I'm wondering how many times He's tried to get me to hear this message before, and me being me, it hadn't sunk in.
The Bible says in Song of Songs 2:15 Quick! Catch all the little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of your love, for the grapevines are all in blossom. It's the little foxes that spoil the vine. The little thoughts, the little aggravations of each day that can cause bitterness and annoyance to ruin our relationship with Christ. As I focus on getting annoyed over some little trip up or spill, I get into the blame game with God, and it just deteriorates from there. My mood changes, my thoughts toward God become negative. As does my attitude and I find myself becoming increasingly angry and impatient and I show it. There goes my witness!! And all because I allow the little things to build up and become bigger in my mind than Christ.
Something the Lord told me recently..."Your complaining about a certain spill or clean up takes more time than actually just dealing with it up!" And yet I let those kinds of things take up space in my head.
So this morning, as I fell into the house, that thought from God, that little visit in a second of time, and I knew that these minor complications to my day were something He wanted me to focus away from and bring my mind back to Him.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Lord, help me to train my mind in this, Help me to bring EVERY thought, EVERY situation, small or big, EVERY moment of my day into focus on You and Your purposes. I don't really know what this looks like, walked out in the everyday, but I trust You to show me. Thank You.
Today was no exception...and I have only been up 1/2 an hour. I decided I would dust mop the floors while I was waiting for the coffee to finish brewing (I'm even clumsier before my coffee as my brain doesn't completely operate until I wake it up with that first cup!!) And so ensued my first trip of the day. I went outside to shake out the mop, and as I headed back in I caught the mop handle in the door, tripped up the step coming in and knocked the duster part off the mop! Yaaay me!
But this time I saw it for what it was....a test. Yesterday's devotional reading talked about focusing on Jesus instead of problems. Okay, nothing new there...we all have heard that and we all try to apply it with varying degrees of success. It instructed me to train my mind to seek Jesus in every moment and situation. And that was kind of the key there...EVERY. I had not really been applying it to the small seemingly endless irritations that plague each of our days. And being a somewhat klutzy person....well lets just say that irritation level can run a bit high. I usually find myself saying things like, "God can I just ever get through a day without spilling...." "Why can't it ever be easy to just....." about 40 times a day!!!
So as I was tripping into the house dust mop in hand (sort of), in came the thought from God....."focus on Me." What?!?! You mean that practice of focusing on Jesus, giving our trials and tribulations, our worries and problems is not just for the big stuff? You want me to do it with the common annoyances that come up a million times a day? Take my mind off them and put them onto You Lord? What a radical concept for me!! I'm wondering how many times He's tried to get me to hear this message before, and me being me, it hadn't sunk in.
The Bible says in Song of Songs 2:15 Quick! Catch all the little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of your love, for the grapevines are all in blossom. It's the little foxes that spoil the vine. The little thoughts, the little aggravations of each day that can cause bitterness and annoyance to ruin our relationship with Christ. As I focus on getting annoyed over some little trip up or spill, I get into the blame game with God, and it just deteriorates from there. My mood changes, my thoughts toward God become negative. As does my attitude and I find myself becoming increasingly angry and impatient and I show it. There goes my witness!! And all because I allow the little things to build up and become bigger in my mind than Christ.
Something the Lord told me recently..."Your complaining about a certain spill or clean up takes more time than actually just dealing with it up!" And yet I let those kinds of things take up space in my head.
So this morning, as I fell into the house, that thought from God, that little visit in a second of time, and I knew that these minor complications to my day were something He wanted me to focus away from and bring my mind back to Him.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Lord, help me to train my mind in this, Help me to bring EVERY thought, EVERY situation, small or big, EVERY moment of my day into focus on You and Your purposes. I don't really know what this looks like, walked out in the everyday, but I trust You to show me. Thank You.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Sowing and Waiting
Listen! A sower went out to sow....That is the verse that the Lord gave me for the bulletin boards a few weeks ago. We had been working on that passage in our study of Mark on Sunday mornings. It's from Mark 4:34 Listen! A sower went out to sow his seed.
I thought about this verse and the implications it contains for waiting on the Lord's answer for prayer. This is the wonder and beauty of God's Word; there are so many hidden treasures in there, and at different times and seasons in our life He brings them to the surface for us the discover. There are things in my life I have been praying about for years. And there have been bouts of discouragement and unbelief these things will ever change or ever work out. I am sure many people have had the same experience. So hearing this verse was an encouragement to me. In the same way the seed of the Gospel brings about the fruit of the harvest in it's time, our seed of faith will see God's answers in His time.
Well, life goes on as usual. And yesterday I was again praying and doubting, wishing things would change regarding certain situations in my life. And today came my hope giving God visit. As I was driving home from church I put on a local Christian station (GSS-God Still Speaks, 89.3 here in Copiague NY) and lo and behold, wonder of wonders, that very verse was being discussed. Along with the faith of a mustard seed, and the fact that God is at work, even when we are seeing an evidence. Exactly the theme of the bulletin boards given a few weeks ago. Amazingly the Lord delayed my going home from church today so I would be in the truck listening to the radio at just the right time to once again lift up my head to focus on Him instead of the ongoing need of my heart. Is He just totally cool!!! Love when God does this stuff.
Stay encouraged readers!! God is working even when we don't see any progress or change. He has the perfect solution coming in the perfect timing. Thank You for that Lord. Enlarge our faith!!
Mark 4:30-32 Jesus asked, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed. Though this is one of the smallest of seeds, it grows to become one of the largest of plants, with long branches where birds can come and find shelter."
I thought about this verse and the implications it contains for waiting on the Lord's answer for prayer. This is the wonder and beauty of God's Word; there are so many hidden treasures in there, and at different times and seasons in our life He brings them to the surface for us the discover. There are things in my life I have been praying about for years. And there have been bouts of discouragement and unbelief these things will ever change or ever work out. I am sure many people have had the same experience. So hearing this verse was an encouragement to me. In the same way the seed of the Gospel brings about the fruit of the harvest in it's time, our seed of faith will see God's answers in His time.
Well, life goes on as usual. And yesterday I was again praying and doubting, wishing things would change regarding certain situations in my life. And today came my hope giving God visit. As I was driving home from church I put on a local Christian station (GSS-God Still Speaks, 89.3 here in Copiague NY) and lo and behold, wonder of wonders, that very verse was being discussed. Along with the faith of a mustard seed, and the fact that God is at work, even when we are seeing an evidence. Exactly the theme of the bulletin boards given a few weeks ago. Amazingly the Lord delayed my going home from church today so I would be in the truck listening to the radio at just the right time to once again lift up my head to focus on Him instead of the ongoing need of my heart. Is He just totally cool!!! Love when God does this stuff.
Stay encouraged readers!! God is working even when we don't see any progress or change. He has the perfect solution coming in the perfect timing. Thank You for that Lord. Enlarge our faith!!
Mark 4:30-32 Jesus asked, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed. Though this is one of the smallest of seeds, it grows to become one of the largest of plants, with long branches where birds can come and find shelter."
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