Taking Notice

In our Bible Study Fellowship group we've been studying the Exile and Return of the Jews during ancient times.  The Bible tells us the story of Israel's reign and fall in disobedience to God, and their exile to Assyria and Babylon in ancient times.  

Part of our study has brought us through the books of Ezra and Esther.  Both these books show the hand and purposes of God at work in His rebellious children and in the history of mankind.  

Of Ezra we are told that he was a man well-versed in Scripture.  And because of this Ezra was able to see the hand of God at work in his circumstances and the circumstances of the exiled Israel nation.  In Esther, although God is never mentioned by Name, we see His hand in each detail and circumstance in the lives of Mordecai and Esther.  

This got me to thinking, how often do I actively and attentively look for God's action in my day.  It's a goal of mine to become more aware of this each day.  Lately it's been fun to see God's touches and I am enjoying seeking to see His loving care more and more. 

Since I had been so neglectful of my spiritual life during the holiday season, it was good to see God's admonishment to get back to what I'm supposed to be doing.  In our BSF lecture recently I was reminded that "anytime spent in God's Word is never wasted."  Also, the more I learn about God, the more I am able to see His movement in my life.  My dedication to Him and His Word enable me to recognize His hand on my life.  

Next up, a few visits from the book of Luke.  Luke 8:18 Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.

Not only is it important to be in the Word, it's important to be listening and paying attention to what I am reading.  Am I listening attentively and with the will to be obedient to what I hear?

In Luke 9:62 we are warned against looking back.  But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”  Have we put our hand to the plow, made the commitment to Jesus and serving Him?  Then why do I so often look back at the past with regret, longing, or a sense of being defined by it instead of by the truth of belonging to my Savior?  

Part of my holiday blues came from a sense of hopelessness due to unanswered prayer.   I pray so often for myself to change.  And when I see myself making the same mistakes over and over, I get frustrated and discouraged.  Someone sweet gave me a lovely birthday gift of a Christian journal, but the thing was it came in a bag that quoted Jeremiah 29:11.   For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

And here's a visit that showed me God's assurance as well as His sense of humor.  Yesterday my friend and I went on a hike.  It was a new place that we hadn't been to before so I was very excited to go.  Well, it turned out to be a little more difficult than we thought it would be.  There were narrow pathways along ledges, some steep inclines where we actually had to hold onto a cable and go down on our backsides.  Some slippery places. Whew!  When we got down one particularly challenging area I need to blow my nose, lol.  I took out my tissues.  They were in this little package that I had received as a gift.  And on the little tissue holder it said "God is with her, she will not fall."  LOL  Could anything be any closer to answering my fears on this hike!!

Gifts, tissue holders, teachings, and the Bible.  Just a few of the many ways God reaches in our day to show His love, direction and Presence.  It just takes a bit of determined awareness to see Him in action.  

Lord, open our eyes that we may see!!!