RSS

Tag Archives: god

My God is…Immanuel Matthew 1:23

Matthew 1:23 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Not just along for the ride

I hate going to the grocery store. It seems such an overwhelming task. I’m good at it though. I bring my list, and I stick to it. I work to get the best deals I can, using the internet and sometimes coupons as well. I put my list in the order I’ll find the items in the store, so there is as little back tracking as possible. I hate grocery shopping. It takes a long time, is followed by unloading the car, and because everyone else in my family hates it, a lonely job.

Why don’t you come with me?

I know it’s not a Bible verse, but I believe it’s almost a truth – greater love has no husband than this, that they go to the grocery store with you, and then even help you unload the car. I’m not sure, but for me, going to the grocery store with me may be one of my favorite ways my husband can show me he loves me. I’m sure it has to do with sacrifice, because we both know it is one!

Most of us want companionship.

Even the introverts among us are not so separatist that they don’t want to be around people sometimes. We need people. Our development as human being relies on having interactions with others. The importance of having another living breathing creature with us is the whole concept behind companion animals. Having someone to love who loves us back is important.

Immanuel – God with us

Our creator knows full well what we need. In fact He sent His Son to be with us; to live among us; to interact with us. He was our companion here on earth and still is in our hearts. His word provides us with a daily interaction with Him. We can also talk with Him at any time through prayer. He’s not merely with us in presence, but fully present. Interacting with us through scripture, communion and baptism with the Holy Spirit. We are blessed to have a creator and a God who wants to go to the grocery store with us. He’ll go with us where ever we are.

Are you looking for companionship?

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 31, 2012 in Matthew, My God is Immanuel

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

My God is…My Guard Isaiah 52:12

Isaiah 52:12– But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

The God of Israel will be your rear guard

But you will not leave in haste or go in flight

So many times we begin to worry about what’s going to happen. We spend so much time thinking about the worst scenarios we’re no longer thinking about today. We let our fears and concerns get in the way of moving forward in what the Lord has planned for us. We stress out as if everything is dependent on us. We avoid the problems of today by allowing ourselves to get overwhelmed with what might happen. Not what’s happening, but what might happen. And I don’t know about you, but my worst fears almost never come true. I am great at making a mountain out of a mole hill.

We don’t have to run away from our problems

We don’t have to leave in haste or go in flight. You know the flight of the fight or flight reflex. How many times are we confronted by a problem, only to find ourselves looking for a way to avoid it. We even pride ourselves on it, saying to our friends, “I avoid that problem by…” or “I’m just not going to go to the meeting so I don’t have to talk to …” or “I’m going to schedule something else that night so I don’t have to go”. We even use our children as excuses to avoid responsibilities, worries, frustrations and anxieties. However, those things are all still there tomorrow. The problems or problem people haven’t gone away.

For the Lord will go before you

We can face our problems head on. We don’t have to run away or avoid them. Why, because in our verse above, God promises to go before us. Have you ever had someone call ahead and let someone know you’re coming? When you arrive they might say something like, “Oh, yeah, we knew you were coming”. That’s because someone paved the way. There’s a “Little house on the Prairie Episode” where Mr. Edwards and Charles Ingles are transporting a dangerous explosive. One man has to walk in front of the wagon, filling in holes and removing rocks. That’s what I picture the Lord doing for us. Going ahead of us, removing obstacles, rocks, and filling in the holes so we don’t get too jostled.

Have you ever had the Lord clear your path?

Maybe you remember being able to say – That worked out well. The truth is the Lord had gone before you. Making sure that things would work out for you, to His Glory. I find that the more I talk to the Lord about my hopes and dreams for me and my family, the more I can see the road being cleared for us.

The God of Israel will be your rear guard

What is a rear guard?  Definition of REAR GUARD : a military detachment detailed to bring up and protect the rear of a main body or force

He’s got your back!
You know what I find really funny about the way humans think. We not only worry about things that are coming up, but we worry about things that have already happened. We linger in the pain, wallow in the memories, thinking somehow we could change what happened or the way we were treated. But sadly we can’t change those things. But we can trust in God who promises to have our back. He promises to be our rear guard and protect us so nothing gets us from behind.
The Holy Body Guard
You’re surrounded. All around you is God’s presence. He’s protecting you from in front and behind. I’m going to try to think of that as I enter the next big problem (don’t know what it is yet). I’m going to think about Him, my Lord, going before me to make sure things go the way the should. I’m going to pray to Him and thank Him for caring for me in such away. Then I’m going to diligently do what I need to do, trusting that the Lord’s got my back and will make sure that what is supposed to happen will. I don’t know if I’ve ever entered into a problem or situation with the confidence this scripture should give.
Who’s protecting you?
 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 25, 2012 in Isaiah, My God is my Guard

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

My God is…Supreme Colossians 1:15-18

Colossians 1:15-18 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation

What does it mean to be the image of something? People say it about children sometimes, “She is the spitting image of her mother”. I always thought that was an interesting concept. That the child is so similar to its parents that it is as if they had been spit out of the mouth of that parent. Now this verse doesn’t say that Jesus is the spitting image, but it does say that He is the image of the invisible God. I don’t know about you, but I’m a visual person. It’s really helpful to me to know and see representations (no matter how flawed) of my Lord. I guess I’m a bit like Thomas. Blessed are those who do not see but yet they believe. (John 20:29)

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together

What an amazing phrase – in Him all things hold together. Isn’t that the truth. It is for me. When I’m down or things in my life seem to be out of control, I start an assessment process. I like to try to dissect the problem to see what I can do about it. Without a doubt, one of the first things I realize is that I’m usually not spending much time with my Lord. I’m distracted by the day-to-day junk in my life, and haven’t kept my eyes on Him. When things are being held together, I can be sure I’ve been pulling away from God. The same is true in my marriage. With God at the center, we’re able to keep our priorities straight, but when we I start to think about myself more than my husband or Christ Jesus, thinks go all catawampus, out of line. But when Jesus is the focus of my attention, my life and my marriage are held together. He is the glue holding the pieces of this broken world together.

So that in everything he might have the supremacy

Have you ever gotten a new boss? If they didn’t have the experience or knowledge you thought they should have, wasn’t it hard to respect them? Perhaps you know someone who got a promotion that seemed out of line. You were sure you (or someone else) was more qualified. In the verses above, we’re shown clearly why Jesus is the right man for the job. Why did it have to be Jesus, because it didn’t have to be Jesus. He was supreme. He was above everything else. That’s why Lent and Easter are so amazing. He didn’t have to sacrifice Himself. He was set apart as more important than anyone else. He’s God. But He didn’t let his rank, position or supremacy get in the way of what needed to be done, but on the contrary, because He was Supreme, He was the only one who clearly didn’t deserve that punishment on the cross. He could have avoided it, but because He loved you, and because He loved me, He put aside his position and gave up His life so we could go to heaven.

What is supreme in your life?

 
2 Comments

Posted by on April 10, 2012 in My God is Supreme

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

My God is…the Vine John 15:5

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

I am the Vine

I am the Vine; you are the branches

Out here in Oregon, there are a lot of vineyards. It makes for some fantastic wines in the area. Quite a few years ago (the 60’s?) someone figured out that the soil in Western Oregon was good for producing Pinot Noir. Since that time this area has been booming with vineyards.

In the verse above, Jesus compares himself to the vine, and us to the branches. If Jesus is the vine, what was His soil? I think it’s God the Father. Jesus was always making sure his behaviors pointed back to the Father, and always wanted to do His will.

Nutrition is important

How do you get your nutrients? The branches on the vine get all the nutrients they need from the vine. When they’re separated from the vine, they wither and die. What you put into yourself is important. What do you nourish yourself with? Maybe you eat really well, and don’t have any of the struggles with weight and eating that I’ve had, but let’s think of a different kind of nourishment. What are you feeding your soul? Do you listen to the lies of the devil as he tells you you’re not worthy of forgiveness. The truth is we’re not. And that’s ok, because Jesus, our Vine, is, and has taken your place so even if we don’t deserve it, we’re given salvation. Why? Because He wants us to have everlasting life with Him. Because of that amazing love He has for us, we’re able to be changed and grow. He provides everything we need to produce fruit. He changes us. He gives us the nutrients that each of us needs individually. He meets our Spiritual needs.

A bit malnourished

This week I’ve been feeling a bit malnourished. I’ve been focusing on myself. Worrying about something the Lord has proven over and over again that he’ll take care of…Money. Funny thing is, I don’t even know if it’s a problem or not yet. My husband and I still need to let the dust settle and see if we’re able to make a go of it on his salary alone. While I love that idea, I have not been enjoying the possibility. Instead I’ve been worrying about the money. How is it going to stretch? How are we going to pay the bills at the right time. I’m not opposed to working, but would love to find something as flexible as I have had up to now. During all this fretting, I turned to the Lord at every turn. HA! No I didn’t. If I had turned to God every time I was concerned, He would have provided me with comfort and direction, but for some reason, instead I find myself lingering in the problem instead of the solution, Christ Jesus.

A New Diet

So feeling a bit malnourished, because I haven’t “remained in Him”, I need to start on a new diet plan. A plan that refocuses me on my Lord. I need to spend more time with Him through His word and His people. I need to allow the Lord to meet my needs, and not fret. Will that be through a new job opportunity or the opportunity to stay home, I don’t know, but I know that my nourishment will be found in Jesus, so I need to get healthier with Him.

Apart from me you can do nothing.

Instead of continuing to try to cling to my own ways, focusing on the negative, I need to find the blessings from the Lord in my family, His word and the life He has given me. I have big plans for myself. I want to be a writer and speaker, but apart from God I can do nothing. I must trust in Him to give me the strength, sanity and opportunity. Time to spend some time in His word and in prayer.

Are you malnourished?

 

 


 
2 Comments

Posted by on March 27, 2012 in John, My God is the Vine

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

My God is … God Psalm 46:10

Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

Be Still

How often are you still? Do you stop? Ever? Many of my friends hardly ever stop. Even when they do stop physically, their minds are still racing, and they don’t truly get any rest from their hectic lives. Being still takes focus. It’s not easy at all. You can start to feel guilty, wiggling around thinking about all of the things not getting done while you’re “being still”.

What do we miss in our hectic lives

In Psalm 46:10, God says to “Be still and know that I am God”. What a blessing of being still! For many years I had worked a 40 hour a week job. I actually worked a lot more hours than that, because I had a virtual commute. It always sounds so wonderful. I got to work from home! But that has its pluses and minuses. Yes I could run and get my boys when I needed to, and if something came up I could take care of it. The truth is, usually those things didn’t come up, but instead I would be more likely to allow my work to impede on my family time. I would be doing fine, playing a game or watching a movie with the boys when I would think of one more thing that I could get done before tomorrow (so that day would be “easier”). I would work on that while I was “with” my boys. I would not be fully present in either, not accomplishing anything of value in the end. The next day was not easier, as I had plenty more to worry about that day.

Each day my minds raced. I wanted to be sure that my work was visible even though I wasn’t in the office. I wanted to make my work successful for the business, my bosses and myself. I wanted to do well, so I could feel good about my work. What really happened, because I never took down time for my brain is I was not my best. When I would over work myself, in the name of dedication, I would push myself beyond what was useful for any of us.

Clearing your mind

I don’t know about the other women out there, but clearing my mind is a foreign concept to me. Even when I am sitting still in a quiet room, my mind is not clear. I may be having 25 different thoughts in less than a minute. My mind is all over the place. Do you remember the scene in Ghostbusters when they’re told to pick what will destroy them by what they think, and their plan is to clear their minds so that nothing will destroy them? That was always such a ridiculous scene to me, because I couldn’t even conceptualize emptying my brain. Is that a man/woman thing, or just a problem I have? I’m not sure, but if it had been me out there, we would have had 20 or more things to fight off with our proton streams.

 

And Know that I am God

Being still, clearing our minds takes practice. One of the great benefits of having the hours you spend for work reduced is you have time to practice being still. Since I reduced my hours (and recently had them reduced again for me), I have been given the opportunity to work towards being still and knowing He is God. I have started to use the prayers I learned at the prayer retreat I went to (the Jesus Prayer and Lectio Divina) to get me closer to being still. Then I will sit after those prayers and just try to “be” in God’s presence. I’m not saying I’ve perfected it, but the promise to know God better is one worth doing.

Do you know how to be still?

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on March 16, 2012 in My God is God, Psalm

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

My God is … My Supplier 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 – Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Now he who supplies seed to the sower & bread for food will also supply & increase your store of seed 

Have you ever lost a job? Have you ever wondered where your next meal will come from? Where your concerns valid? The past year has been a year of change for my husband and I. His job is quite secure, but I have gone from having the highest paid job in my life to basically no job at all. At first the reduction of hours was a decision I made to spend more time with my boys. It’s been blessed to say the least. We’ve been having great conversations, more time together and enjoying who the Lord made each of us to be.

Losing your income sucks

Yep, I said it, losing your income sucks. Yesterday my main client told me she couldn’t afford me anymore and would have to put our work on hold. She’s happy with my work, but because of the way some things are working out on her end, she won’t be able to keep me employed for a while. I feel like I should be worried, and to be honest, part of me is, but then I keep hearing “The Lord will Provide”.

Is this an opportunity

My sister said that she felt that this time might be an opportunity to even further explore my wish to be a writer and a speaker. To be honest that scares me, and to make it a profitable venture also seems daunting. But I will pray that the Lord will reveal to me what He wants me to do.

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion

So I got my last paycheck for a while, and part of me is struggling with the idea of putting some of that money in the offering plate. 10% sure looks like a huge amount today. But in the verse above I’m reminded that the Lord is the supplier of my lively hood and my food. I need to trust Him today, tomorrow and always. I need to be reminded that my Lord can be trusted. To keep my focus on Him, and allow Him to direct my paths. Stay tuned as we see what the Lord has in store for me now. How will He turn this challenge into a blessing for this girl who loves Him so much.

Have you ever lost a job?

 
 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

My God is … A Revealer Daniel 2:19-23

Daniel 2:19-23 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said:

Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.”

Praying for my boys

This morning, I attended my weekly moms prayer group. We get together and pray for our children and their school. Today’s topic of praise to God and prayer for the Children was God as a Revealer. My boys are in middle school, and they’re amazing. They’re super smart, kind and good-looking (I know it hardly counts, cause I’m their mamma!). But I don’t know if they understand the amazing gifts God has given them.

We can’t be perfect

I have often tried to be perfect. Actually that’s probably not totally accurate. I think I actually avoided being imperfect. What’s the difference? The difference is that if you’re going to make a mistake, or there’s even a chance, you don’t take that chance. When I was in high school and college, I got decent grades. I had mostly B’s with a couple of C’s and a few A’s thrown in. Not bad. Exactly not bad, but I could have done really well. I could have…studied. But I was afraid that if I did more than the minimum, the secret that I wasn’t perfect would get out. Other people might realize that I didn’t know everything before I came in the class. Sadly I believe I have passed down that trait to my boys.

I didn’t feel like doing it

Last week my son and I were going over his assignments online, and I noticed he had an F – in our house an F stands for mom FREAKING out! My son explained that he had forgotten to turn in some of the work. Then I noticed 3 Warm up exercises that had zeros as well. I asked him what happened there (knowing they do these in class). He simply said, “I didn’t feel like doing it.” WHAT!!! I don’t know where he got the idea school work was optional, but we’re working hard to nip that one in the bud. I’m afraid that it may stem from that perfectionist attitude. Afraid to fail? Don’t Try.

Attitude is Altitude

So as part of the consequences of having this bad grade, my son and I spent some time together reading a book I love called “Pivot“. I may have mentioned it before. We read the first chapter together, and started talking about how a small change in our attitude can really help us do better in life. As we were pondering the idea that successful people have a positive attitude as a character trait, my son pontificates that even if he had his legs amputated below the knee, he thought he would be able to go on and make something of himself. I immediately thought of Nick Vujicic. If you’ve never heard of Nick, please take a minute to watch this video. You’ll be amazed, possible motivated and I’m sure moved.

 

We are not limited by our circumstances

Though we are not limited by our circumstances, I think it is important that we pray to God – the Great Revealer to help us to see our way through the hard times, so that we might persevere. Push through and use the gifts the Lord has given us for His good. I watched that video of Nick with my boys, and they were inspired. My son with the bad grade has been working hard, and encouraged our family to see if we could find people on tv and in the news who had positive attitudes. We can also look to our Bibles. Jesus, kept his eyes firmly fixed on His Father in heaven, and though frustrated, tired, and beaten was able to see things through to the end. When He made it so we don’t have to be perfectionists, because He was. He makes us look perfect in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. So now we’re free to have a positive attitude, move beyond mistakes, using them as learning opportunities. I pray that the Lord will Reveal to you this day what you’re called to do, and that you will have a positive attitude toward it and keep your eyes on our Lord and Savior. Then jump in and see where the one with all the wisdom and knowledge of the world will take you.

This is the prayer I prayed for my son today. Who will you pray it for?

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, give (Insert name here) the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that he/she may know You better. From Ephesians 1:17

 

 
2 Comments

Posted by on February 23, 2012 in God is a Revealer

 

Tags: , , , , ,

My God is a Miracle Worker – John 21:25

John 21:25 – Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

The whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

Isn’t that the truth. I think about my own life and the amazing things the Lord has done for me, and I’m pretty sure my book of God’s Miracles would be pretty long too – even if all I did was list them. Sometimes when I’m going through something I feel like the Lord isn’t there, and it becomes hard for me to believe that Jesus would perform a miracle for little old me. Sometimes I’m too busy controlling the situation to hand it over to God and let His will be done. But when I have, amazing things have happened.

My son was born with Tetralogy of Fallot

When my son was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, we had never heard of it. The Doctor explained to us that our newborn would have to have open heart bi-pass surgery within the first year of his life. We were shocked. In the office we took the news calmly, but when we got home I broke down. I was really freaking out. Around 9 months old he had the surgery. The thing I remember most is handing him over to the surgical team. They stood there with a mask to administer something to put him to sleep. Five of them looking at me, one with his arms outstretched to take my baby from me. They were going to cut his heart open. I had been calm the whole day leading up to the surgery, but in that moment, I new I had to surrender his care to the doctors and to God, because I truly couldn’t fix this problem for him.

Years later, during a choir rehearsal at church, a man stood up to give a devotion. He began telling the story of how his son had Tetralogy of Fallot. But his story was different. His son had to have multiple surgeries. He was twelve at the time and had over 5 surgeries already. I started to cry. I was overwhelmed knowing how the Lord had given our son a full recovery. The doctors had said he would never have to have heart surgery for Tetralogy again. That was when I knew the fullness of the miracle that had occurred. My son was healthy and amazed all the heart doctors he has seen since.

God has healed my heart

Another miraculous event in my life has happened more recently. I have an amazing husband. He has always been kind and considerate, but sometimes I still felt I wanted more love from him. I felt needy, and I could tell he felt I was needy too. We didn’t fight often, but when we did – watch out! I felt like he thought, I told you I love you, and that’s the truth until further notice, and that he didn’t really need to tell me again, unless something changed. Well, I’m a girl, and this was hard for me. I didn’t know how to make it better. There really wasn’t much to complain about, and when I did, I couldn’t put my finger on the real problem.

I had heard about a book called, “Love and Respect” on the radio. It talked about how women need love and men need respect. It was surprising to me, and I was pretty sure wrong. I thought, my husband needs love more than respect. I decided to find out. When my husband came downstairs, I asked him which was more important to him, love or respect, and without another breath he said, “Respect!”. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind. I could see I hadn’t been approaching him with that in mind, and I ordered the book (actually I accidentally ordered the second one, but that works too). I read through about half of it and got distracted. Then a few months ago, my counselor recommended it to me. I said I had already read most of it.

When I got home, I talked to my husband and he agreed to read it with me. This is when the miracle happened. By reading Ephesians 5:33 : “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” and the book, he realized that God made me to need love. It’s not that I’m needy because of some personal deficiency, but that God intended it that way. He got it.

How has life changed because of this miracle?

We’re not finished reading the book, but already things are so much better. Remember, I said I had a good marriage before, but this is truly wonderful. Now my husband, of his own doing is showing me love in all the ways I had hoped he would. When we’re at a function, he crosses the room to talk to me. He’ll compliment me in front of others. He tells me its a joy to see my smile. These things are not that different from what he did before, but it’s also the attitude behind it. He assumes I want to bless him with respect, and I assume the things that used to annoy me are not things he’s doing to irritate me. We have more patience with each other, and are really enjoying a new lease on life. My counselor said she thought it was a very powerful book, and I have to agree. It get’s its power by being focused on the truths in God’s word.

Do you need love, or respect?

 
2 Comments

Posted by on January 25, 2012 in God is a Miracle Worker, John

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

My God is … My Joy – Psalm 4:7-8

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, LORD, make me live in safety. Psalm 4:7-8

God is my Joy

I’m reading a book called “Made to Crave“. It’s a book about getting your focus off of food and on to Christ. About satisfying your desires with God. This book is really good, and I feel it’s really reinforcing a lot of what the Lord is trying to transform in me right now.

I’m Fat

It’s the sad truth. I have often self medicated my feelings and thoughts with the comfort of food. Using the endorphin rush to help me not have to feel whatever I was avoiding. The Lord has been putting a lot of information in front of me lately about focusing on Him instead of food (like the grain and new wine in Psalm 4). Through this book, OA (overeaters anonymous) and Bible Study, I feel the Lord making a big transformation in me. Helping me to take my focus off of food and put it where it needs to be – on Jesus. He’s the one who will put more joy in my heart.

Come after me

On Sunday, one of our pastors did a message on Luke 9:23 – “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'” This was an amazing message. He focused on the very first part of that verse. If any one wishes to come after me. He talked about being in pursuit of God, like we are in pursuit of our first love. Thinking about them at all times, wondering what we could do to get their attention. It spoke to me. I was always a bit boy crazy. I worked hard at getting the boy I liked to like me. Looking my best, being nice to him, spending time with him. Do I do that with my Lord? If I did pursue God that way, would I have a problem with my eating? Would many of my sins survive that kind of singular focus on my Lord?

Attention Seeking

I want the attention of my husband. When I don’t get it, I’m embarrassed to say I don’t behave very well. I’ll do almost anything to have a few extra minutes with my hubby. I find ways to spend more time with him, invite him out to dinner, do the dishes so he won’t and will hang with the family in the living room. Whatever I can do to spend that time with him, I’m likely to do. This week we’re spending some time apart. He’s at a conference, and I’m home with the rest of my family. I was concerned about this, because I’m more likely to overeat when I’m alone or lonely. So I brought it up to my counselor, and she asked, what if you spend that time you would have spent with your husband with God. It was one more piece to the puzzle. One more way the Lord was showing me I need to put my focus back on him, to come after him as it said in Luke 9:23.

In hot pursuit

I’m going to work on spending this time away from my husband as a boot camp for being in pursuit of the Lord. I’m going to set aside more time to spend with Him. Talk to Him about my day. Ask Him how to handle situations, and rely on Him more. I want to deny myself, pick up my cross and follow Him.

Are you in hot pursuit of God?

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 18, 2011 in God is My Joy, Psalm

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

My God is … a Communicator 1 Samuel 3:9-10

1 Samuel 3:9-10 – And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

My God is a communicator.

God talks to me. That’s right, I said it. God talks to me. Is it audible like in the story of Eli and Samuel? No, I guess not. But He does communicate with me in so many ways. He shows me the options I have, the path I should (or shouldn’t) take and communicates forgiveness to me too.

God communicates to me through His Word – The Bible

The first and foremost way God communicates with me is through the Bible. It’s our best resource for hearing the word of God. If you do feel like the Lord is communicating verbally with you, make sure to check it against scripture. If it goes against scripture, you should rethink who’s speaking to you.

The Bible is full of information on how to live, how to forgive, and most importantly professes God’s great love for us. In the Bible you’re able to find answers to most of your concerns. It’s amazing how scripture can seem new each time you read it. It’s amazing.

God Communicates to me through other Christians

Surrounding myself with other Christians who spend time in God’s word is another way the Lord communicates with me. From my counselor, my friends and pastors at my church, I’m surrounded by people who are able to talk to me about the way the Lord has worked in their lives, and I can see His work in my life more clearly.

Through their support, wisdom and knowledge, I am strengthened in my faith and encouraged to continue on faithfully following the Lord. Again, always checking their ideas against God’s word so as to not be lead astray.

God communicates to me through His Creation

I’m not an outdoorsy person. I don’t like bugs, dirt or sweating, but the beauty of the Lord’s creation still moves me. It’s amazing what He has created. The complexity and diversity of each creation is amazing. Now forgive me if this sounds a bit hokey or crazy (I’ve been called worse), but I feel that when nature or the world around me draws my attention to something beautiful or unique, I feel as if the Lord has pointed it out to me so that we can share in that moment. It’s kind of like going on a day trip with your best friend, and they know the area better than you. They point out the good bits and you’re able to enjoy them together and build a memory. When I am spiritually prompted to notice something, I feel like that’s God showing me something he knows better than me, enjoying it with me, so that our relationship might grow deeper and be strengthened by our time together. Ok, laugh if you want to, but I figure if those moments point me to God and help me to praise Him (even if they weren’t divinely inspired moments), then at least I’m still praising God and giving Him the Glory. End result – still ok (even if it’s a bit wacky).

 

How does God communicate with you?

 
2 Comments

Posted by on August 29, 2011 in my god is a communicator

 

Tags: , , , ,