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!

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!

Energizers and Energy-Suckers

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! It was a really nice one here at my house! We kept our focus on Jesus and that made everything that much sweeter. I'm eager to listen to what God wants to say today. I'm going to read the end of the letter of 2 Timothy, starting in 4:9. Read it with me.

Christmas is so much about family and friends. Maybe that's why I'm hearing God speak to me through this text about the different kinds of people there are in my life. St. Paul has a lot to say here about the impact of certain individuals on his own life. He starts out talking about several people who have really let him down.

"Demas has deserted me . . .
Crescens has gone . . .
Alexander did me a great deal of harm . . .
No one came to my support, but everyone deserted me." (v. 10, 14, 16)

I'm sad to say I've been there. Haven't you? Have there been people you thought were your friends who turned on you? It hurts. Others have just not been there when I needed them, or failed to show up when I was counting on them. Some of the people in my life are energy-sappers. They are emotional black holes, sucking the energy and joy right out of me. Others are more like baking soda. They don't hurt me; they just neutralize me. They don't take from me, but they don't give me anything either.

But then there are those special people who are the energizers in my life. They are the people I love to be around. I can't imagine life without them. Paul had people like that, too.

"Only Luke is with me. . . .
Get Mark and bring him with you, beause he is helpful to me in my ministry. . . .
Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. . . .
[Timothy,] bring the cloak I left . . . and do your best to get here before winter." (v. 11, 19, 21)

They are the tried and true. Real friends. They are there when no one else shows. They are the people I couldn't make it without. Who are the helpful people who you can always turn to when you need a hand? The hand on your shoulder when your grieving. The knock on the door when you're feeling isolated and alone. The friendly, encouraging voice on the other end of the phone. These people are absolutely priceless! They make me a better person.

God is reminding me to leave those who have hurt me or disappointed me to his judgment (v. 14, 16). Sorry, Zoe Saldana, but revenge is neither beautiful nor sweet. But I don't have to keep subjecting myself to their draining presence, either. I want to try to avoid these people as much as possible. God is also calling my mind to the people that I am so thankful for, filling my heart with gratitude and love. If you are one of those people in my life (and you know who you are), thank you so much! You make life beautiful.

God is also prodding me to consider where I would fit on other people's lists of their life impactors. Would I be one of the difficult people in their lives or one of the true and faithful ones that warm their hearts? I so want to be the latter. God help me to be just that. So, how about you?

Maybe you would share this post on Facebook and thank the true friends and special people in your own life. Please share your thoughts by commenting below. (Sign in first at the top right corner of the page or pick "Anonymous" from the "comment as" field menu.) God bless you, my friend!

My Calling

After a little traveling hiatus, I’m checking back in with all of our wonderful blog readers today. Ready for a conversation with God? It’s something to step into with awe of who God is and with an expectation that he wants to communicate with us. That’s why he gave us Scripture. So let’s open it up and read 2 Timothy 4:1-8. Read with an open invitation to the Holy Spirit to speak to you personally.

With some praise music playing in the background as I read, this text motivates me.

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season. . . .  (K)eep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all of the duties of your ministry. (v. 2, 5)

God’s word to me here is to be faithful to his calling. Timothy was gifted and called to lead the church under his care deeper into the way of Christ. Having been called by God many years ago to the same kind of work, I know that it can be a huge challenge at times. Sometimes you wonder if it’s worth it. The Spirit is telling him and me to follow God’s call. Be consistent. Serve persistently. From one season of life to another, keep living out the calling of God on your life.

You may not have been called to the same kind of service to Christ that I was as a church leader, but you have been called to serve him. If you have been born again, you have been gifted for ministry of some sort. Whatever that is, God is saying, “Carry out that service through the ups and downs of life. Don’t give up. Take a rest when you need to, but keep pursuing what I have called you to.”

It all hinges on the opening thoughts:

In the presence of God and of Christ . . . and in light of his appearing . . . (v. 1)

I hear God saying, “Live fully and in the moment, knowing that I am right here with you. I am present with you now. Don’t ever forget that! And remember that I am coming back for you. I know you long to see me, and while I am not visible now, the day is coming when I will show up in full glory and you will see me with your own eyes. Live in anticipation of that moment! Be ready to meet me. If you stand strong and serve me faithfully, you will feel such joy when you see my face!”

Lord, please guide me with a fresh sense of your calling. I am willing to be used in your Kingdom today and into the future. I'm so amazed by how your Kingdom broke into our world through the coming of your Son, the King of Kings, born in a manger. Please show me what you want me to do in your service. Open the door and I will step through it. Amen.

The Truth Always Comes Out

It's only 4 days before Christmas and I hope you're all getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior! I pray that all of you are preparing your hearts and letting others see the light of Christ as you encounter them this holiday season. This is Michele writing for you tonight as we study 2 Timothy 3:5-9. Read it more than once. I had to before I could really understand what God had to say to me.

This is what I think he wants me to hear:

But they won't get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres. (v. 9)

This is a great season to discuss this very important topic. The previous verses discuss the issue of individuals who oppose the truth and do not act in a godly fashion. Our society is full of depravity, self exaltation, and greed. Some people are very far from God.......but others are actually Christians who know the love of God. Every last person on this earth needs God. There is not a single one of us who can save themselves. Salvation only occurs through a relationship w/ the only on who can do the saving.

This verse reminds us that it's only a matter of time before this behavior is discovered. We certainly can't hide the true state of our hearts from God. He is omniscient. Do you remember ever trying to hide something from your parents when you were younger? If you were anything like me I got really nervous and would talk a lot when I had something to hide. Although they were nothing like God, my parents knew something was up when I acted this way and I usually got caught. It's only a matter of time before the truth comes out.

Please remember as we go about our holiday doings that there are many people who see us and pay attention to our behavior. We can only hide our true identity for a little while. At some point, our true selves will be seen by all. I want others to feel blessed to know me even years after I meet them and that will only be true if I adopt and live out the values and standards of my Lord and Savior.

Father in Heaven, I thank you for placing your Spirit inside my heart. Without it I would continue to live a lost and lifeless existence. Please help me and all who love you to live like we know you and point others to your saving power because they see in us what they want for themselves. We look forward to celebrating your birthday Jesus! We love you. Amen

A Year's-end Survey

Hello bloggers! With the wonderful Christmas season comes a variety of things: delight over holiday decorations, extra-delicious goodies to indulge in, a feeling of warmth and good-will toward family and friends. On the other hand, this season often brings out the worst in people because of: stressful family situations, stressful work situations, stressful shopping because of long lines and busy stores, frazzled nerves and snappy retorts to those unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity. Drivers seem to be putting on their worst driving habits and customers in the stores appear selfish and rude. What in the world is happening? This is supposed to be the season of Joy, Peace and Love, right?

Today Chris is on the way to see his sweet Michele so I (Katrinka) am taking up the blog for today. I hope you will read 2 Timothy 3:1-4. This is a short little passage but full of the sort of things we see around us in this time of year, and actually, always. As time has moved on, it seems that sin and its fruits mushroom in our world. The beauty of Christianity (true Christians living lives to please God) shines in the darkness for sure, but it is also true that the darkness is thick and difficult to penetrate. This passage from the apostle Paul puts a spotlight on some of the awful characteristics that sin produces in our lives.

"This we know that in the last days perilous times shall come..."  (v. 1)
Immediately the writer, Paul, makes it plain that troublesome, dangerous times will surround true Christians, and that the times will grow increasingly worse! The fruits of sin have been around since the Garden of Eden, but they continue to multiply and increase strength in this old world. I saw a "funny" Christmas card the other day that actually spoke volumes. It was Santa looking over his list of who's naughty and nice. He was saying, "This is getting easier all the time because there is nothing 'naughty' anymore!!"  Isn't that true? Morals and the perception of right and wrong is increasingly becoming blurred into one big "everything goes" mentality. Being politically correct means never saying that anything anyone does is wrong, for the most part.

Paul goes ahead in the next few verses to list the character traits people will have in their lives which will cause times to be troublesome. When we read the list it speaks like something out of today. Usually we read this and think: "Wow! What awful people these are!" But, instead of pointing the finger at others, let's each one think about ourselves and see if the ugly shoe fits. Only when we recognize our own faults and sins can we even begin to ask God for help in changing ourselves to be more to His liking.

A Survey of My Attidues and Actions

Am I self-centered?

Am I jealous of things others have, wishing they were mine instead?

Do I brag about my own things and accomplishments, proud that I am so much better than someone else?

What about the way I talk? Do I use God's name regularly in vulgar ways that are not praise or prayer to Him?

Hey kids, do you just ignore what your parents say and do your own thing without respect for their instructions and advice? Adults, do we still show respect and care for our parents?

Am I one who just takes it for granted when I receive my necessities of life, special gifts, help and encouragement from God and others people? Do I think that getting is just normal?

Am I unholy? Do I "live like the Devil" and still think I am a "Christian?" What do I listen to, think about, watch on t.v., enjoy doing?

Am I one who is insensitive -- numbed to caring about others and their needs? Is my heart hard as a rock?

Am I hard to get along with? Do I push my opinions so hard that I break up a peaceful atmosphere by causing controversy when I get the chance?

Am I overbearing, quick to judge and accuse others, fiercely lashing out at others in the case of disagreement?

Do I look down my nose and laugh behind their backs at people who are "goodie-goodies"? (That is my own assessment, of course, not necessarily true at all...)

Am I quick to turn against someone, or a cause I have upheld, because it is not popular? Do I become a traitor?

Am I out of touch with my own humanity and flaws? Do I esteem my own opinion above all? Am I stuck up?

Do I put making myself happy, comfortable, rich and well thought of above doing what I know God wants me to do and be?

Do I claim to be a believer in God and a faithful Christian, but actually just go through the motions on Sundays and other formal worship occasions? Is my life empty of the fruits of the Spirit throughout the normal week?

Am I someone who influences others to do ungodly things, or watch immoral programs, or violate their conscience in other ways?

Do I attend worship services, read the Bible now and then, maybe even regularly, but never find true, powerful conviction in my heart that Judgment Day is coming and that my life must be truly guided by God's will?

Oh, dear Lord, help  me to look inward and honestly evaluate my life before You. Please be merciful to me, a sinner, and help me to be honest with myself. I pray that any of these terrible characteristics that I find there will be overcome by your Grace and mercy. Please forgive me and make me clean and pure in your sight. And please, dear Lord, help me to keep myself purer as the days go by. I thank you with all my heart! In Jesus' blessed name I ask it. Amen

Edgy Christmas

Christmas is such a sentimental season for me! I love the lights and other decorations. Our Christmas tree is always beautiful, even if it does have several hundred ornaments on it! Unfortunately, with preparing a house for sale and being jobless it hasn't had quite the magic in the air it usually does. I feel myself being a little on edge at times, having a hard time being present in the moment, letting loose and having fun.

I doubt I'm alone in that. With family visits and extra time with the kids, all the stress of trying to get things done can lead to some impatience and bickering. And that's no way to enjoy Christmas! So I find my conversation with God today taking me to a much-needed place. Care to come along? Read and mull over 2 Timothy 2:14-26 for a few minutes. What do you hear from God?

Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. . . .  Avoid Godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. . . . Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone . . . , not resentful. (v. 14, 16, 23-24)

While this text is focused on religious quarrels and arguments, I am hearing a word for how I carry myself with my family through this holiday season. The Holy Spirit is  reminding me that my time with him will help keep me centered in his will, receiving the "faith, love and peace" that come from a close relationship with Jesus (v. 22). I need to turn over every worry, every fear, every frustration to the God who sits on the throne of heaven. He alone is in control of my circumstances. I need to give extra love to my family, too.

God is saying, "I want your words to be patient and gentle to all of your family members and others around you. Be a bringer of good cheer. Be the cushion between others if they start to get on each other's nerves, not the catalyst for a quarrel."

And isn't this kitchen imagery appropriate for Christmas (v. 20-21)? Some things that come out of a kitchen you serve up to your guests in crystal bowls and silver trays. Other things you dump in the plastic trash can. Be sure what you're serving up out of your heart in the way of words and actions is fit for the best holiday dishes rather than the garbage disposal. As The Message puts it:

Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. (v. 21)

Yes, I needed that, God. Thanks for the blessing of the reminder. Fill me with your peace and make me always a peacemaker. Make me less like lemon extract and more like a great big sugar cookie! Amen.

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