Welcome! I hope your day is going well! It's playoffs time in the NFL and nobody is getting more attention than Tim Tebow. I like the guy. But does God help him win football games? And if so, will talking about God help a carpet cleaner with their career success? As we come for a conversation with God, I'm echoing what Samuel said in the text from yesterday's post: "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." That's my prayer as I read today the 4th chapter of 1 Samuel.
...the elders of Israel asked, "Why did the LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the LORD's covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies." (v. 3)
Okay, I'm following their line of reasoning: We got our backsides kicked in battle. God didn't fight for us. Let's go bring the center of our religion, the sacred box that represents the very presence of God, and use it as our secret weapon! (Are you having flashbacks to Raiders of the Lost Ark?) But I'm wondering, did they seek God's guidance on this whole objective first? Was he really their God? Because it sounds like they were the ones calling the shots. God apparently thought so too:
. . . The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. The ark of God was captured, and Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died. (v. 10-11)
Hophni and Phinehas were corrupt priests (chp. 2). God, I think I hear you saying that you don't intend to be used as a good luck charm by people who don't really submit their lives and plans to you. I can think of a time or two that I've charged in impulsively, expecting you to give me victory, and come away defeated. I remember a coworker of mine long ago who said that she felt better about having immoral sex with her boyfriend because they had started praying together before they did it. I'm pretty sure you weren't overly impressed or motivated by those prayers to give your blessing. And just because a religious group or a political party or even an athlete or a businessperson likes to wave the God flag a lot, I realize that all of that is meaningless and even offensive to you if the people doing it don't really have their hearts and agendas in line with yours.
I don't know if God is helping Tebow on the field. Maybe he does. But if so, it's likely because Tim is really a man whose life is surrendered to God and who wants to serve his greater purposes.
Lord, I agree that we're all a lot better off when we make it our goal to be used by you for your purposes rather than using you for our purposes. Forgive me for any times I may have done that. May my life and attitude always show that I am your servant rather than thinking that you are mine. Amen!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
"Speak, Your Servant is Listening"
Happy Tuesday evening to all of you and thank you for being here with me. This is Michele and I'm excited to study the 3rd chapter of 1 Samuel with you this evening. It's a very short chapter and is one that I read more than once in order to hear what I think God is really trying to get across to me.
First of all, I find it to be pretty awesome that God chose to speak to Samuel audibly. I can't imagine what he must have been thinking when he actually heard the sound of God's voice! Was he scared? Was he in awe? Was he in disbelief? At first he didn't realize it was God.
"Suddenly, the LORD called out, "Samuel."
"Yes", Samuel replied. "What is it?" He got up and ran to Eli. "Here I am. Did you call me?"
"I didn't call you," Eli replied. "Go back to bed." So he did. (v. 4-5)
Then it happened again and Samuel did the exact same thing. He really thought it was Eli calling out to him. Then again. Eli realized the third time that it was you who wanted Samuel's attention. So Eli instructed Samuel as to how he should respond the next time.
...."Speak, LORD, your servant is listening." (v. 9)
And this is what God revealed to Samuel:
"I am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family, from beginning to end. I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn't disciplined them. So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings." (v. 12-14)
Oh, to audibly hear you speak to us is what we truly need right now. You know the trials we all face, the hard decisions that need to be made, the consequences that come with each potential decision. You know, Lord! Just as you disclosed your future plans for Eli to Samuel, we need you to show us what the future holds for ourselves and for the ones we love. If we choose this way, such and such may happen. But, if we choose another way then a different set of things may happen. Life can be so confusing!
I know for myself, there have been many times when I thought I heard you speaking to me but wasn't sure if it was really you (much like Samuel). Was it the voice of another person lingering in my head from an earlier conversation? Was I deceived by my own desires and thought I heard you confer? Help me to really hear what you have to say to me just like Samuel ultimately did. Give me the ability to be still long enough to hear from you. Guide me, Lord, because my desire is to do what honors you in my life and in the lives of those who I am responsible for. Help me to not neglect the ones who are most important to me like Eli did. Help me to make every decision based on your guidance and rule in my life. Silence the voice of the evil one and allow me to hear only from you. Amen.
...."Speak, your servant is listening." (v. 10)
Can you relate? Do you have the same struggle when you try to listen for God's voice? Please share if you do. I know I will be blessed with your comments! God bless you all!
First of all, I find it to be pretty awesome that God chose to speak to Samuel audibly. I can't imagine what he must have been thinking when he actually heard the sound of God's voice! Was he scared? Was he in awe? Was he in disbelief? At first he didn't realize it was God.
"Suddenly, the LORD called out, "Samuel."
"Yes", Samuel replied. "What is it?" He got up and ran to Eli. "Here I am. Did you call me?"
"I didn't call you," Eli replied. "Go back to bed." So he did. (v. 4-5)
Then it happened again and Samuel did the exact same thing. He really thought it was Eli calling out to him. Then again. Eli realized the third time that it was you who wanted Samuel's attention. So Eli instructed Samuel as to how he should respond the next time.
...."Speak, LORD, your servant is listening." (v. 9)
And this is what God revealed to Samuel:
"I am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family, from beginning to end. I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn't disciplined them. So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings." (v. 12-14)
Oh, to audibly hear you speak to us is what we truly need right now. You know the trials we all face, the hard decisions that need to be made, the consequences that come with each potential decision. You know, Lord! Just as you disclosed your future plans for Eli to Samuel, we need you to show us what the future holds for ourselves and for the ones we love. If we choose this way, such and such may happen. But, if we choose another way then a different set of things may happen. Life can be so confusing!
I know for myself, there have been many times when I thought I heard you speaking to me but wasn't sure if it was really you (much like Samuel). Was it the voice of another person lingering in my head from an earlier conversation? Was I deceived by my own desires and thought I heard you confer? Help me to really hear what you have to say to me just like Samuel ultimately did. Give me the ability to be still long enough to hear from you. Guide me, Lord, because my desire is to do what honors you in my life and in the lives of those who I am responsible for. Help me to not neglect the ones who are most important to me like Eli did. Help me to make every decision based on your guidance and rule in my life. Silence the voice of the evil one and allow me to hear only from you. Amen.
...."Speak, your servant is listening." (v. 10)
Can you relate? Do you have the same struggle when you try to listen for God's voice? Please share if you do. I know I will be blessed with your comments! God bless you all!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Parent's Job One
Welcome to this moment to have a conversation with the God who made you and loves you! It's such an honor that he has revealed himself to us! Come with an open mind and a humble heart. Come with a desire to hear from him. Remember, he always speaks for our good. Today, I'm seeking him out in this part of Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:11-36. As I read this, I'm asking myself, "What do I learn about God here? What do I see of myself?"
Eli's sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the LORD. (v. 12)
That's got to be the worst thing a parent could ever hear about their children. Of all the problems and struggles that my kids could possibly have as they grow up with health, academics, or the social scene, nothing would concern me more than if they had no regard for God. The reason for that is that I know through both Scripture and experience that God is the source of life and everything that makes it good. If I get one thing right as a parent, it's this--I want my children to respect, love and know God personally.
If that is going to happen, I have to be intentional about it. I can't afford to be hands-off about their spiritual nurturing. This isn't something I can leave up to them, like whether or not they want to take piano lessons or go out for the soccer team. I have to live out my faith before them, show them why it's so important and enable them to see how serving God makes their lives and the world around them better. It's up to me to make sure they learn the value and importance of spending time reading the Bible and praying. It's up to me to take them with me to serve God by involving ourselves in church ministries and finding my own serving opportunities.
If I don't inspire my kids with the goodness and priority of God, who will? I want them to understand that God is all about love, compassion, doing good, reaching out a hand to break down barriers and make others' lives better. It's so important that they understand that God isn't some distant figurehead of a religion I mentally subscribe to, but the real center of my life, the one who is totally trustworthy and amazingly accessible, the living King of the universe who is breathtakingly beautiful, fiercely loving, powerfully creative and holy. I want them to know that he is for them, not against them. But I also want them to realize that if they turn from God and snub his love or disregard his instruction, it won't be pretty.
And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with people. (v. 25-26)
I know I can't force my kids to love God. But I am the number one person in their lives that can lead them that direction. Even when they're resistant and go through their periods of teenage doubt, I can't ever give up this most crucial parental responsibility. It's hard sometimes to know how best to do that, but with God's help and wisdom I will continue to both show them and tell them the difference he makes. And I can pray for them and pray with them and point out God's goodness at everything opportunity.
God help me to raise my kids to experience your favor throughout their lives. I am so thankful that I have your help and your grace at all times! Amen.
Eli's sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the LORD. (v. 12)
That's got to be the worst thing a parent could ever hear about their children. Of all the problems and struggles that my kids could possibly have as they grow up with health, academics, or the social scene, nothing would concern me more than if they had no regard for God. The reason for that is that I know through both Scripture and experience that God is the source of life and everything that makes it good. If I get one thing right as a parent, it's this--I want my children to respect, love and know God personally.
If that is going to happen, I have to be intentional about it. I can't afford to be hands-off about their spiritual nurturing. This isn't something I can leave up to them, like whether or not they want to take piano lessons or go out for the soccer team. I have to live out my faith before them, show them why it's so important and enable them to see how serving God makes their lives and the world around them better. It's up to me to make sure they learn the value and importance of spending time reading the Bible and praying. It's up to me to take them with me to serve God by involving ourselves in church ministries and finding my own serving opportunities.
If I don't inspire my kids with the goodness and priority of God, who will? I want them to understand that God is all about love, compassion, doing good, reaching out a hand to break down barriers and make others' lives better. It's so important that they understand that God isn't some distant figurehead of a religion I mentally subscribe to, but the real center of my life, the one who is totally trustworthy and amazingly accessible, the living King of the universe who is breathtakingly beautiful, fiercely loving, powerfully creative and holy. I want them to know that he is for them, not against them. But I also want them to realize that if they turn from God and snub his love or disregard his instruction, it won't be pretty.
And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with people. (v. 25-26)
I know I can't force my kids to love God. But I am the number one person in their lives that can lead them that direction. Even when they're resistant and go through their periods of teenage doubt, I can't ever give up this most crucial parental responsibility. It's hard sometimes to know how best to do that, but with God's help and wisdom I will continue to both show them and tell them the difference he makes. And I can pray for them and pray with them and point out God's goodness at everything opportunity.
God help me to raise my kids to experience your favor throughout their lives. I am so thankful that I have your help and your grace at all times! Amen.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Large and In Charge
As 2012 nears the end of its first week, I wish you all of God's favor and blessing! What are your hopes and dreams for this coming year? Is there something that you're eagerly awaiting like Michele described in yesterday's excellent posting? Or do you feel like you're more or less treading water into 2012, just trying to survive? I hope that the new year is more to you than just flipping a page on the calendar. Opportunity is waiting in the wings. What are we going to make of this year? What does God want to do with us?
Let's listen for his voice for guidance or inspiration or encouragement or even correction, whatever it may be that we're needing most to align ourselves for his blessing in this year. Read with me from 1 Samuel 1:19 through 2:10. Let every phrase of Hannah's prayer resonate in your heart.
The first thing in this passage that jumps out at me is 1:27:
I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.
It catches my attention because it is the caption beneath a picture of our first baby, Lori. It so perfectly expressed our own experience of waiting on God and experiencing his amazing touch (see yesterday's post and the comment afterwards). We knew what we wanted. And we learned to truly trust God for it. As I'm heading into this year, I know what I generally want and need, but I don't have a clear vision yet. I am asking you, God, to help me know what precisely to go after that will please you. Then I will trust you to bring it about.
The foundations of the earth are the LORD'S;
upon them he has set the world.
He will guard the feet of his saints,
but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. (v. 8-9)
God is reminding me of his sovereign rule over his world. Washington's not in charge. The banks aren't in control. Big Money isn't even running the world. God is. Isn't that a hopeful reality? And the preceding verses emphasize how that God brings turnarounds in people's lives. He is the one who reverses people's fortunes as he wills. Personally, I'm needing a job--more than that, a calling--and he owns every company and directs every church. He's encouraging me to trust his ability to provide just what I need and to stay faithful and loyal to him. Whatever you're needing, he's large and in charge.
God tells me he is guarding my path, and yours. I don't take a single step without him. I can be confident. But it's not the kind of cocky self-confidence that people who don't know God have. It's a confidence in who God is and what he can do for me, in me and through me for his glory.
God, please let your favor rest on me and my family and on all who love you. I trust you with me.
Let's listen for his voice for guidance or inspiration or encouragement or even correction, whatever it may be that we're needing most to align ourselves for his blessing in this year. Read with me from 1 Samuel 1:19 through 2:10. Let every phrase of Hannah's prayer resonate in your heart.
The first thing in this passage that jumps out at me is 1:27:
I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.
It catches my attention because it is the caption beneath a picture of our first baby, Lori. It so perfectly expressed our own experience of waiting on God and experiencing his amazing touch (see yesterday's post and the comment afterwards). We knew what we wanted. And we learned to truly trust God for it. As I'm heading into this year, I know what I generally want and need, but I don't have a clear vision yet. I am asking you, God, to help me know what precisely to go after that will please you. Then I will trust you to bring it about.
The foundations of the earth are the LORD'S;
upon them he has set the world.
He will guard the feet of his saints,
but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. (v. 8-9)
God is reminding me of his sovereign rule over his world. Washington's not in charge. The banks aren't in control. Big Money isn't even running the world. God is. Isn't that a hopeful reality? And the preceding verses emphasize how that God brings turnarounds in people's lives. He is the one who reverses people's fortunes as he wills. Personally, I'm needing a job--more than that, a calling--and he owns every company and directs every church. He's encouraging me to trust his ability to provide just what I need and to stay faithful and loyal to him. Whatever you're needing, he's large and in charge.
God tells me he is guarding my path, and yours. I don't take a single step without him. I can be confident. But it's not the kind of cocky self-confidence that people who don't know God have. It's a confidence in who God is and what he can do for me, in me and through me for his glory.
God, please let your favor rest on me and my family and on all who love you. I trust you with me.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Waiting on God
Happy New Year to you all! I hope this year brings lots of blessings and a new hope to your life. I, Michele, am happy to be with you tonight. We will begin our reading in 1 Samuel. Please take the time to read verses 1-18. I'm excited to dive into this portion of scripture to see what God has to say to me...and to you!
There is so much to take from these first 18 verses, but what I hear you saying most, God, is this:
Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. Year after year it was the same - Peniannah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord....if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son.... (v. 2, 7, 10, 11)
Everyone in your creation has something that they are waiting for, something that they feel would complete their lives or at least make them feel like a person with purpose. Whether it's a child, a spouse, or maybe a cure from a disease. A dream and a prayer that they've lifted up to you over and over again and continue to wait for you to deliver. It's so hard to face each new day when there is something so significant missing from our lives. We see others who have what it is we are missing and they seem to take it for granted. There are people in this world who aren't compassionate to the yearnings of others and sometimes taunt those who have to go without, paying no care to the anguish that's being suffered. Others can be so cruel at times.
When I read this passage, Lord, I can't help but think of my own life. I know I've lifted the same prayer up to you year after year and have many times wondered if you were listening to me as I desperately cried out to you. I've wondered if you'll ever answer or if you'd forgotten me. Do you care at all? I know I'm not alone. I've heard the same story over and over again. Different situation, but same plea for an answer.
So, this is how this portion of scripture ends:
....Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad. (v. 18)
As we plead to you, there is a sense of peace. Not always, but for the most part I truly knew that you heard me and would grant my prayer someday. I always told myself that I would rather go without what I want than to have what I want without your blessing. Waiting on the you, Lord, really does pay off!
And so I waited......and you answered my prayer in the most perfect way! Thank you, Lord!
Please, share your story about how God has answered your prayers. Or, share the struggles you've had as you wait. We would love to hear from you!
There is so much to take from these first 18 verses, but what I hear you saying most, God, is this:
Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. Year after year it was the same - Peniannah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord....if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son.... (v. 2, 7, 10, 11)
Everyone in your creation has something that they are waiting for, something that they feel would complete their lives or at least make them feel like a person with purpose. Whether it's a child, a spouse, or maybe a cure from a disease. A dream and a prayer that they've lifted up to you over and over again and continue to wait for you to deliver. It's so hard to face each new day when there is something so significant missing from our lives. We see others who have what it is we are missing and they seem to take it for granted. There are people in this world who aren't compassionate to the yearnings of others and sometimes taunt those who have to go without, paying no care to the anguish that's being suffered. Others can be so cruel at times.
When I read this passage, Lord, I can't help but think of my own life. I know I've lifted the same prayer up to you year after year and have many times wondered if you were listening to me as I desperately cried out to you. I've wondered if you'll ever answer or if you'd forgotten me. Do you care at all? I know I'm not alone. I've heard the same story over and over again. Different situation, but same plea for an answer.
So, this is how this portion of scripture ends:
....Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad. (v. 18)
As we plead to you, there is a sense of peace. Not always, but for the most part I truly knew that you heard me and would grant my prayer someday. I always told myself that I would rather go without what I want than to have what I want without your blessing. Waiting on the you, Lord, really does pay off!
And so I waited......and you answered my prayer in the most perfect way! Thank you, Lord!
Please, share your story about how God has answered your prayers. Or, share the struggles you've had as you wait. We would love to hear from you!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Conversations With God
Wow, it's almost a brand new year! But before we rush into the next one, I want to reflect a little on this one and what has come before.
I've had many conversations with God through my time reflecting on his written Word, personalizing it and praying to him about what I was hearing him say. It's amazing to me how many times my scheduled reading has struck me as being just what I was needing to hear at that juncture in my life or even that particular day's circumstances. And even on the days when the reading wasn't about whatever was already on my mind, I found that it was still what I needed to hear. Sometimes God speaks right into the situations we are struggling with or celebrating. Other times he speaks into our value systems, our quest for character, our invariable search for meaning, acceptance and love.
Those very meaningful conversations have been the guide posts along my journey. Without them, I would have been lost in a fog. It strikes me that the populace that surrounds me seems to spend most of their time wandering in an unseen haze, unclear about what is true or what is truly valuable and beneficial to their own experience of life. Rarely do they pull themselves away from the distractions around them long enough to pause and look up to the One who thoughtfully made them and gave them physical life and every good thing they've ever received or experienced. He loves us more than we can fathom, yet not many people welcome his love and step into a real relationship with God where they can actually enjoy him.
People seem to be afraid to hear what God has to say. In reality, I have found that he is always saying the things that will bring people to life. The themes of our conversations are always consistent. God is saying to me, to you, to everyone . . .
"I created you to love you, and for you to experience a love like no other. In loving me back, you will find life. I'm not talking about having a heartbeat, eating, breathing, and the other things you think of as life. Listen to me and I will show you the morning sun. I will give you strength to work through midday and I will walk with you and open your eyes to the wonder of the sunset.
"I will make you the person you've always wished to be deep inside, the kind of person others look up to. I will free you from bitterness and unresolved guilt and from your feelings of inferiority so that you can experience satisfying, authentic relationships, beginning with me. You will begin to understand why sin is evil and hurtful to you and why my way is the way of love, forgiveness, compassion, justice, kindness, truthfulness, service, loyalty, self-sacrifice, courage and purity. All of your deepest needs will be met in the kind of life I am calling you to.
"I am the source of everything good, every joy that you long for. Give me your heart and I will give you hope. Trust me. Rely on me. Give to me everything you have and are and I will give you myself--not a bad trade!
"Quit hiding. Step out and engage your world. My light inside you gives you so much to offer the world. Share it! Give it away! You can make a difference.
"And never forget that when you stumble or fall and the pain overwhelms you, I am with you then, too. I never walk away and leave you when your trust is in me. I use those times to refine you, to build your spiritual muscles, to put legs under your faith. Relax and let me do my best work in you.
"Just wait and see what I have in store for you! You have no idea how amazing it's going to be!"
So, if you would like to know God more fully, I hope you will stop and listen to him. Have your own heart-to-heart conversations with him. Let my blog be an encouragement to you as I share mine. Stay with me and let's keep traveling further into the wonder of God. Take several minutes now to just be quiet and pray. Let God love you today and love him in return. Best wishes for a happy new year!
After you pray, would you just take a second and share this post with all your friends on Facebook by clicking the Facebook icon (f) below? And I would love to hear how the blog has blessed you this year. Best wishes for a happy new year!
I've had many conversations with God through my time reflecting on his written Word, personalizing it and praying to him about what I was hearing him say. It's amazing to me how many times my scheduled reading has struck me as being just what I was needing to hear at that juncture in my life or even that particular day's circumstances. And even on the days when the reading wasn't about whatever was already on my mind, I found that it was still what I needed to hear. Sometimes God speaks right into the situations we are struggling with or celebrating. Other times he speaks into our value systems, our quest for character, our invariable search for meaning, acceptance and love.
Those very meaningful conversations have been the guide posts along my journey. Without them, I would have been lost in a fog. It strikes me that the populace that surrounds me seems to spend most of their time wandering in an unseen haze, unclear about what is true or what is truly valuable and beneficial to their own experience of life. Rarely do they pull themselves away from the distractions around them long enough to pause and look up to the One who thoughtfully made them and gave them physical life and every good thing they've ever received or experienced. He loves us more than we can fathom, yet not many people welcome his love and step into a real relationship with God where they can actually enjoy him.
People seem to be afraid to hear what God has to say. In reality, I have found that he is always saying the things that will bring people to life. The themes of our conversations are always consistent. God is saying to me, to you, to everyone . . .
"I created you to love you, and for you to experience a love like no other. In loving me back, you will find life. I'm not talking about having a heartbeat, eating, breathing, and the other things you think of as life. Listen to me and I will show you the morning sun. I will give you strength to work through midday and I will walk with you and open your eyes to the wonder of the sunset.
"I will make you the person you've always wished to be deep inside, the kind of person others look up to. I will free you from bitterness and unresolved guilt and from your feelings of inferiority so that you can experience satisfying, authentic relationships, beginning with me. You will begin to understand why sin is evil and hurtful to you and why my way is the way of love, forgiveness, compassion, justice, kindness, truthfulness, service, loyalty, self-sacrifice, courage and purity. All of your deepest needs will be met in the kind of life I am calling you to.
"I am the source of everything good, every joy that you long for. Give me your heart and I will give you hope. Trust me. Rely on me. Give to me everything you have and are and I will give you myself--not a bad trade!
"Quit hiding. Step out and engage your world. My light inside you gives you so much to offer the world. Share it! Give it away! You can make a difference.
"And never forget that when you stumble or fall and the pain overwhelms you, I am with you then, too. I never walk away and leave you when your trust is in me. I use those times to refine you, to build your spiritual muscles, to put legs under your faith. Relax and let me do my best work in you.
"Just wait and see what I have in store for you! You have no idea how amazing it's going to be!"
So, if you would like to know God more fully, I hope you will stop and listen to him. Have your own heart-to-heart conversations with him. Let my blog be an encouragement to you as I share mine. Stay with me and let's keep traveling further into the wonder of God. Take several minutes now to just be quiet and pray. Let God love you today and love him in return. Best wishes for a happy new year!
After you pray, would you just take a second and share this post with all your friends on Facebook by clicking the Facebook icon (f) below? And I would love to hear how the blog has blessed you this year. Best wishes for a happy new year!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
God's Word in My Life
Happy Tuesday to all of you! I, Michele, am going to take you back to a portion of 2 Timothy that was inadvertently skipped in Chapter 3. Please go back to verses 10-17 with me and see what you hear God saying to your heart.
This is what I hear you saying to me, Lord:
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (v. 16)
I need to commit to being in your Word every day so that my feet stay on your path and my mind stays full of truth. This world is full of lies and every kind of darkness. It would be easy to fall away from you, Lord, by neglecting your teaching. You use scripture to point out what is wrong in my life. Ouch! On occasion you use my quiet time with you to convict my heart of sin that needs to go, of things or attitudes that do not fit with your direction in my life. If I depend on people, reality TV, advice columns in magazines, or the evening news to cloud my perception of truth I will be in trouble quickly. When I struggle in life I need to turn to you, Lord, and seek absolute truth. Your Word is the only absolute truth. Please continue to show me what is wrong in my life. I realize my need to change when you show me what wrong attitudes, behaviors, or thoughts I'm entertaining. I know that you will work change in me when I understand my wrongs and repent.
You may choose to speak a truth to my heart through scripture at just the perfect time and I know for certain that you are speaking directly to me. I may feel lost and abandoned and you use a passage to comfort me and give me peace. You show me truth which helps me to ignore the lies. All scripture is inspired by you, God. I can hear your voice and know how you may be guiding me if I'm committed to being in your presence. Truth is what I need if I profess to be your follower, Lord. Please place in my heart a desire to always seek your truth.
God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (v. 17)
I am also able to encourage others and know what they may need when I'm devoted to spending time in your Word. You have called me to be your witness and ambassador in this lost world but you did not call me to figure out how to do that all on my own. You provide tools for me to use and all the power, strength, courage and motivation I need. You, O Lord, are all I need to do everything you call me to do. When I feel like I'm not capable please remind me that I'm not. I can do nothing without you! I may need to step out and take the initiative but you will not leave me to conquer any task on my own. If you call me to do it you will provide everything I need to accomplish it. What an honor it is to be your daughter and get to be on mission with you! Equip me, Father. I'm ready! Amen.
I obviously have no idea how often each one of you spends in God's Word, but I bet we can all admit that it's not nearly enough. With the beginning of a new year I'm hoping we can all make an attempt or, even better, a commitment to spending time with God and in his Word on a more consistent basis. Only you know what you can commit to and what will be realistic for you. I know that I feel so much closer to God and full of joy and peace when I spend daily time reading my Bible and in prayer. And, God loves it when I put him first and spend daily quiet time in his presence.
I hope that you've been blessed and encouraged by this post. If so, please share this with your friends and/or family. What a great way to share a blessing!
This is what I hear you saying to me, Lord:
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (v. 16)
I need to commit to being in your Word every day so that my feet stay on your path and my mind stays full of truth. This world is full of lies and every kind of darkness. It would be easy to fall away from you, Lord, by neglecting your teaching. You use scripture to point out what is wrong in my life. Ouch! On occasion you use my quiet time with you to convict my heart of sin that needs to go, of things or attitudes that do not fit with your direction in my life. If I depend on people, reality TV, advice columns in magazines, or the evening news to cloud my perception of truth I will be in trouble quickly. When I struggle in life I need to turn to you, Lord, and seek absolute truth. Your Word is the only absolute truth. Please continue to show me what is wrong in my life. I realize my need to change when you show me what wrong attitudes, behaviors, or thoughts I'm entertaining. I know that you will work change in me when I understand my wrongs and repent.
You may choose to speak a truth to my heart through scripture at just the perfect time and I know for certain that you are speaking directly to me. I may feel lost and abandoned and you use a passage to comfort me and give me peace. You show me truth which helps me to ignore the lies. All scripture is inspired by you, God. I can hear your voice and know how you may be guiding me if I'm committed to being in your presence. Truth is what I need if I profess to be your follower, Lord. Please place in my heart a desire to always seek your truth.
God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (v. 17)
I am also able to encourage others and know what they may need when I'm devoted to spending time in your Word. You have called me to be your witness and ambassador in this lost world but you did not call me to figure out how to do that all on my own. You provide tools for me to use and all the power, strength, courage and motivation I need. You, O Lord, are all I need to do everything you call me to do. When I feel like I'm not capable please remind me that I'm not. I can do nothing without you! I may need to step out and take the initiative but you will not leave me to conquer any task on my own. If you call me to do it you will provide everything I need to accomplish it. What an honor it is to be your daughter and get to be on mission with you! Equip me, Father. I'm ready! Amen.
I obviously have no idea how often each one of you spends in God's Word, but I bet we can all admit that it's not nearly enough. With the beginning of a new year I'm hoping we can all make an attempt or, even better, a commitment to spending time with God and in his Word on a more consistent basis. Only you know what you can commit to and what will be realistic for you. I know that I feel so much closer to God and full of joy and peace when I spend daily time reading my Bible and in prayer. And, God loves it when I put him first and spend daily quiet time in his presence.
I hope that you've been blessed and encouraged by this post. If so, please share this with your friends and/or family. What a great way to share a blessing!
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