Repeats

A verse, a message, a song, a single word....God sends them to us to teach, lead, comfort or correct.  And when He repeats the message either in the same or a different way it's time to pay attention.  I have a quite a few repeats over the last week and I know that means it's time to sit down with the Lord for prayer and study to see what He is trying to tell me.  

Psalm 16 has been one of those repeated verses.  

Keep me safe O God, for I have come to You for refuge.  I said to the Lord, "You are my Master!  Every good think I have comes from You."  The godly people in the land are my true heroes!  I take pleasure in them!  Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.  I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.  Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.  You guard all that is mine.  The land you have given me is a pleasant land.  What a wonderful inheritance!  I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad and I rejoice.  My body rests in safety.  For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow Your Holy One to rot in the grave.  You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your Presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.  

What beautiful words of comfort and promise.  I was so blessed once again as I typed those loving words.

1 Peter 2:3  Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual mild so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.  Cry out for this nourishment, no that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness. 

1 Peter 1:13 So think clearly and exercise self-control.  

1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert!  Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Colossians 4:2  Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.  

The repeat phrase up there was "taste of the Lord's kindness."  The repeat theme was coming away and spending time with the Lord in prayer and study.  My Father has been dealing with me on turning off the tv at night and taking that time to feed on the Word and seek Him.  I feel Jesus is calling me to prayer more and more.  It's time to exercise the self control mentioned in 1 Peter 1:13 so I can think clearly and stay in the strength of my Savior in these trying times.  

The word for me that keeps coming up lately is "gentleness."   Something I need to work on.  

James 3:17  But the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure.  It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.  It is full of mercy and good deeds.  It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

Galatians 5:22-23  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  There is no law against these things.  

Repeats.  God's way of getting our attention!  

Lord, thank You for calling to us, even when we a slow to listen.  Thank You for surrounding us with You love and care, again and again.  I am in awe that You never seem to tire of me, of repeating the things I need to hear.  You are gracious and kind. As you gave Noah Your rainbow in the sky as a promise, so too You give us Your Word and Your continued reminders that You love us and are with us.  What an awesome God we serve.  Help us to be quick to listen, soften our hearts to obey, let people see You in us because we spend time in Your Presence.  Be glorified.  In the Name of our beautiful Savior.  Amen.

What are your repeats?