I am in the process of reading a book my Pastor wrote and recommended. I'll be honest, as I am in this blog anyway, the title did not make me want to rush and buy. Since I love to read, and boy has that been a miracle since I was a child and a whole other story, I asked my husband to purchase it for me. I have not gotten very far into the pages but have already targeted many key points worth spending time in prayer. The one especially playng over in my mind so far is this, "embrace growth but pursue health." (Taken from the book, The Blessed Church by Robert Morris)
Not only is this a spiritual principal but a law of nature. Unhealthy things don't grow. They may begin but ultimately can't continue. So looking to improve and maintain health is critical for real growth. I saw this 'broken' journey in a whole new light. In order for God to heal, repair, renew, and grow me I must first be healthy. For me that means getting my heart furtile, removing anything that doesn't speak vibrance to my Spirit.
How about you? Are there things in your heart that you know are contrary to health? Have you failed to tend to the soil? Is it time to set the plow to work and get the ground rich in nutrients - love, peace, kindness, gentleness, etc.?
I know for me I can think of a few right away that lurk there. The first one that comes to my mind is a critical eye. I really never thought it mattered whethered it was totally gone. I have the tendency to be more critical of people and situations than I should. My perfectionist personality drives me to be better, attain more, strive higher while at the same time I am critical of situations and people that seem "lazy." Ouch! Reality confession looks really bad when you have to put it out on paper and the internet blog.
Lord, please forgive me. Take the force behind my unhealthy heart and show me how to cultivate a new soil. Help me to be rid of those negative and unhealthy attitudes. Holy Spirit reval to my readers unhealthy portions of their heart. As we see things in our lives that are sapping life, help to restore health. We want to grow but we don't want a harvest of pain, agony, disappointment. Amen
Sitting at the fires edge I can imagine my unhealthy issues being tossed into the flame. It is there that once consumed I am ready to start fresh. Jesus gives us do overs and am I ever grateful. His love is right here in this moment showing me and you what needs to go. I am excited that in His timing I was able to fan the flame in preparation for the offering. God you are so good! Join me and let's have a bonfire.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Day 50 - More of You, Jesus
I have enjoyed these few precious days with my new friends from Italy. It has been fun to learn about each other, the different cultures, the mild language barriers and beautiful similarities. But one thing is the same for us, the love of Jesus and wanting more and more of Him.
When I look back at the many 'broken' places in my life I praise God for the journey I am on now. I know that there is more freedom I have yet to experience. But every experience, like anything of worth, comes with a price.
Tonight we were talking about how the experiences of our life is what brings more of God's revelation. Those experiences can be pleasant and good or they can be hardships. But either way we usually don't get a forewarning that we are about to have an experience. How we go through it says something about our character. How we respond and use what we learned is our testimony of God and His power. Since we are relational beings our whole life is built on experiences and they were meant to be shared.
Take a look at your life. Can you see the experiences that have been allowed into your life? Can you testify to how you came through? Have you offered them to God as a means of service to your fellow man? Are you committed to allowing God the free reign to control your life forever?
Lord, please help us grow from all of our experiences. As we take an inventory of the circumstances we have found ourself in help us see how we grew stronger, gained knowledge, developed a passion or opened our heart of compassion for others. Make us Your instruments. May our lives be a symphony with You as our conductor. Amen
So traveling along the mountainside I come to a burned out campfire. The wood is ashen and I know that the fire has only recently been snuffed out. I walk to the edge of the pit and kneel down. As I move my hand above the logs I see a flicker deep inside the middle log. I lean forward and blow gently in the direction of the small glowing ember. Gradually I see a fire begin again. As I reach to put some twigs atop the blackened wood I watch as the flame grows bigger. I bow my head and praise God. I praise Him for searching my heart when I am weary looking for that small spark. He then takes His hand and encircles my heart while His Spirit gently blows life-giving power. Then He gives me an experience to face so the flame can burn again.
I thank God that on another mountain Moses approached a burning bush and brought forth the commandments that have shaped all of our lives. May my heart always know consuming passion for Jesus and my life constantly reflect that flame like a beacon for others.
When I look back at the many 'broken' places in my life I praise God for the journey I am on now. I know that there is more freedom I have yet to experience. But every experience, like anything of worth, comes with a price.
Tonight we were talking about how the experiences of our life is what brings more of God's revelation. Those experiences can be pleasant and good or they can be hardships. But either way we usually don't get a forewarning that we are about to have an experience. How we go through it says something about our character. How we respond and use what we learned is our testimony of God and His power. Since we are relational beings our whole life is built on experiences and they were meant to be shared.
Take a look at your life. Can you see the experiences that have been allowed into your life? Can you testify to how you came through? Have you offered them to God as a means of service to your fellow man? Are you committed to allowing God the free reign to control your life forever?
Lord, please help us grow from all of our experiences. As we take an inventory of the circumstances we have found ourself in help us see how we grew stronger, gained knowledge, developed a passion or opened our heart of compassion for others. Make us Your instruments. May our lives be a symphony with You as our conductor. Amen
So traveling along the mountainside I come to a burned out campfire. The wood is ashen and I know that the fire has only recently been snuffed out. I walk to the edge of the pit and kneel down. As I move my hand above the logs I see a flicker deep inside the middle log. I lean forward and blow gently in the direction of the small glowing ember. Gradually I see a fire begin again. As I reach to put some twigs atop the blackened wood I watch as the flame grows bigger. I bow my head and praise God. I praise Him for searching my heart when I am weary looking for that small spark. He then takes His hand and encircles my heart while His Spirit gently blows life-giving power. Then He gives me an experience to face so the flame can burn again.
I thank God that on another mountain Moses approached a burning bush and brought forth the commandments that have shaped all of our lives. May my heart always know consuming passion for Jesus and my life constantly reflect that flame like a beacon for others.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Day 49 - Application of the Word
I love Sundays. It is a time when I can begin my day with the Body of Christ. We gather together and experience corporate praise and worship, a teaching from the Word and then a time for prayer. Today was another great day in the Lord's house. But what happens Monday-Saturday? How do we apply the Word to our day to day life? Or do we at all? Do we hoard it to ourselves, thinking it will do a work in us and never share it with others?
In my work life I teach software to dental offices. One way I know that a person has learned what I have presented is for them to demonstrate the application of the principals. If they can I know that they will be successful and not get frustrated. If however, they can't then we have to demonstrate the technique again. It really has alot to do with how engaged the people are when I am teaching them.
Similar with the Word of God. We can hear a great message, but it will all be for naught unless we apply what we learn in our day to day life and share with another. It is all about taking the Sunday and making it Monday through Saturday. Look for ways to be Christ extended to others. It isn't difficult but it does take time and energy. It means we have to be unselfish. We must look to see where God has placed us, who God has placed around us and then what does God say to do? The reward is satisfaction and blessing.
Lord, we are a people that can get very busy and fail to spend as much time as we would like in communication with you. Show us how to apply Your Word to not only ourselves but also to others. Help us take the life giving Word and use it daily. May we experience the power, tansformation and love you so freely gave. Amen
Standing on the cliff and admiring the beauty of nature is cool but even better is touching lives with the power of God and watching lives change. It is being a part of the glorious manifestaiton that we will see when we are actively involved and not just spectators. It allows us to see the 'broken' mended and restored. It is time to get on down the path and give out while I'm being given to.
In my work life I teach software to dental offices. One way I know that a person has learned what I have presented is for them to demonstrate the application of the principals. If they can I know that they will be successful and not get frustrated. If however, they can't then we have to demonstrate the technique again. It really has alot to do with how engaged the people are when I am teaching them.
Similar with the Word of God. We can hear a great message, but it will all be for naught unless we apply what we learn in our day to day life and share with another. It is all about taking the Sunday and making it Monday through Saturday. Look for ways to be Christ extended to others. It isn't difficult but it does take time and energy. It means we have to be unselfish. We must look to see where God has placed us, who God has placed around us and then what does God say to do? The reward is satisfaction and blessing.
Lord, we are a people that can get very busy and fail to spend as much time as we would like in communication with you. Show us how to apply Your Word to not only ourselves but also to others. Help us take the life giving Word and use it daily. May we experience the power, tansformation and love you so freely gave. Amen
Standing on the cliff and admiring the beauty of nature is cool but even better is touching lives with the power of God and watching lives change. It is being a part of the glorious manifestaiton that we will see when we are actively involved and not just spectators. It allows us to see the 'broken' mended and restored. It is time to get on down the path and give out while I'm being given to.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Day 48 - Visitors
Little did I know yesterday that our visitors from Italy, we picked up at camp today, would bless us incredibly. Yesterday I mentioned the people in our lives and the divine appointments that many of them are as God is pouring out to us. Because we are relational beings and not meant to travel this earth alone, we must view people we meet and interact with as precious.
Our guests have been a huge extension of Christ and it is only our first day with them. During our home group this evening it was refreshing to hear them speak so passionately about the Word of God. It carries power. It is alive. It sets people free. Amen and Hallelujah! We all need to be reminded that reading the Word is not like reading any other book. We must remember God spoke from beginning to end and everything we need is in there.
Lord, I am so thankful that I have the Word and I can freely read anytime I want. You gave us Your essence and it is there for us to use. Praise God for the active Word if we will just put it to work. Amen
So as I move along the path I come to an overlook area where I see the beauty of Gods nature before me. I find voice in me that just had to exalt the Lord and I do so from the depth of my spirit. I am amazed at creation in every form. Sacred and Holy is the LORD!
Our guests have been a huge extension of Christ and it is only our first day with them. During our home group this evening it was refreshing to hear them speak so passionately about the Word of God. It carries power. It is alive. It sets people free. Amen and Hallelujah! We all need to be reminded that reading the Word is not like reading any other book. We must remember God spoke from beginning to end and everything we need is in there.
Lord, I am so thankful that I have the Word and I can freely read anytime I want. You gave us Your essence and it is there for us to use. Praise God for the active Word if we will just put it to work. Amen
So as I move along the path I come to an overlook area where I see the beauty of Gods nature before me. I find voice in me that just had to exalt the Lord and I do so from the depth of my spirit. I am amazed at creation in every form. Sacred and Holy is the LORD!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Day 47 - People in our Lives
I had a full day today. I was visiting with a client who I discovered while doing a internet search about speakers. I came across a website that listed various speakers in my profession. I had told my boss that this year my focus was on achieveing another profession designation. Next year I wanted to improve my speaker platform so I could be used for seminars and conventions. When I found a person in my backyard, literally within 10 miles of my house, who was a speaker I decided I would pop by his office and introduce myself, ask for any indeas or suggestions that could help me as I proceeded to tackle these two goals.
Arriving at his office I was met by his wife that works with him. He was not there but I introduced myself and the reason for my drive by visit. She mentioned she would tell him and I left not really sure if I'd hear from him or not. When he did contact me we visited about several things. He mentioned how he had been trying to meet my boss for some time. He wondered if I could arrange a meeting. I was able to arrange a time and my boss invited him to come to the office and speak at the next meeting of all our staff. It just happened that he also agreed to be the first guest speaker at a new study club I was forming at my office.
I say all that to say this, how often do you consider the people in your life? How much attention do you give to who is in your close circle of influence? Are they acquaintances or are they there for a very specific reason? I believe that people don't just happen in our lives. I believe in divine appointments. If we take better care to evaluate why for those around us I think we can see paths of purpose. I ask God to help me extract wisdom and/or revelation from those that seem to "just happen."
Lord, help my readers to seek out your plans and purposes for the people in their lives. If they are unsure what a person has to offer them, give them insight. I thank you for bringing people into our lives at the appropraite time and place to effect in us what You fashion. Amen
So journeying on I am watching to see if I encounter people and what their role is for me. Are they a helper? Are they a motivator? Are they an encourager? Am I something to them? I have no doubt that as God brings healing to me in all the areas of my past life He is going to reveal the why of a specific person in my life at a specifc time. Wow! God is so good.
Arriving at his office I was met by his wife that works with him. He was not there but I introduced myself and the reason for my drive by visit. She mentioned she would tell him and I left not really sure if I'd hear from him or not. When he did contact me we visited about several things. He mentioned how he had been trying to meet my boss for some time. He wondered if I could arrange a meeting. I was able to arrange a time and my boss invited him to come to the office and speak at the next meeting of all our staff. It just happened that he also agreed to be the first guest speaker at a new study club I was forming at my office.
I say all that to say this, how often do you consider the people in your life? How much attention do you give to who is in your close circle of influence? Are they acquaintances or are they there for a very specific reason? I believe that people don't just happen in our lives. I believe in divine appointments. If we take better care to evaluate why for those around us I think we can see paths of purpose. I ask God to help me extract wisdom and/or revelation from those that seem to "just happen."
Lord, help my readers to seek out your plans and purposes for the people in their lives. If they are unsure what a person has to offer them, give them insight. I thank you for bringing people into our lives at the appropraite time and place to effect in us what You fashion. Amen
So journeying on I am watching to see if I encounter people and what their role is for me. Are they a helper? Are they a motivator? Are they an encourager? Am I something to them? I have no doubt that as God brings healing to me in all the areas of my past life He is going to reveal the why of a specific person in my life at a specifc time. Wow! God is so good.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Day 46 - Move On
So yesterday I mentioned that it was time to sit a while and relax into God. I did but also heard in my Spirit that the battle is never won "sitting." There must be movement, forward is best, in order to lay hold of anything. So I determined that as easy as it would be to sit and relax I needed to get moving again.
Let me ask the question, "Have you ever felt like you were just putting one foot in front of the other? You really didn't have a sensing one way or the other as to what you are supposed to do? Does the not knowing sometimes hinder you and make you question in your mind?" Well then I know I'm not alone. It seems that the more difficulty I face the harder it is to know what to do. This is why I stopped to rest and relax.
But then it dawned on me when I stop moving I am in essence halting progress. That may seem like a "well, duh!" kind of statement but it is as real as a physical manifestation. If you stop an activity, you have to sometimes work harder to get it going again. I felt this is was happening when I was stopped to relax. Was I real close to a break through part of my healing? I had not heard the Lord tell me to relax so I guess I was intended to press on, persevere, keep moving and watch to see what happens.
Lord, I am going to get going and keep going. Unless I know it is You asking me to slow or stop I am going to push on through the tight places, keeping my confidence in You to show me the way and the truth along the way. Amen
So I got up, put my boots back on and set out. I know the journey will be long with much left to work through but I need to keep forward progress going when the steps get tough. I need to dig in and watch what God reveals in the process. I am eager to be healed and will do my part in keeping on when I want to stop for awhile. I trust God to give me rest when I need it.
Let me ask the question, "Have you ever felt like you were just putting one foot in front of the other? You really didn't have a sensing one way or the other as to what you are supposed to do? Does the not knowing sometimes hinder you and make you question in your mind?" Well then I know I'm not alone. It seems that the more difficulty I face the harder it is to know what to do. This is why I stopped to rest and relax.
But then it dawned on me when I stop moving I am in essence halting progress. That may seem like a "well, duh!" kind of statement but it is as real as a physical manifestation. If you stop an activity, you have to sometimes work harder to get it going again. I felt this is was happening when I was stopped to relax. Was I real close to a break through part of my healing? I had not heard the Lord tell me to relax so I guess I was intended to press on, persevere, keep moving and watch to see what happens.
Lord, I am going to get going and keep going. Unless I know it is You asking me to slow or stop I am going to push on through the tight places, keeping my confidence in You to show me the way and the truth along the way. Amen
So I got up, put my boots back on and set out. I know the journey will be long with much left to work through but I need to keep forward progress going when the steps get tough. I need to dig in and watch what God reveals in the process. I am eager to be healed and will do my part in keeping on when I want to stop for awhile. I trust God to give me rest when I need it.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Day 45 - Who will listen?
So when I left you yesterday I was in a overwhelmed state. My day had been filled with obstacles coming at me from many different directions. I was determined to not do what I normally do and fix them all myself. I found that for the most part I am helpless to fix most of the issues. So I went to prayer.
I wish I could say that prayer made it all better and today the sun was shining, all well with the world. Not the case. Today had some additional troubles and I was no further at getting a grip on yesterdays. So I determined that I was going to praise God anyway and carry on.
Due to the people involved I am not at liberty to write about what has happened but it did make me pause and ask myself who will listen. I know God hears my prayers but in the natural we all need a ear we can bend. Do you have such a person in your life? I find many people have no one they can talk to. Let's face it sometimes it has to be someone other than our best friend or spouse.
So I pondered who I could call. It had to be someone I trusted. They had to be grounded in the faith. They needed to be impartial. It would help if they had the gift of encouragement. My list was shrinking. You know who I called? No one. That should never be.
Lord, please help me and my readers to find the special people in our lives that can help, listen, advise, just be. We are relational creatures and like the saying goes, "no man is an island." Bring connectivity to all of us with those that need someone and those that need to be for someone. Amen
So for now I'm sitting here on this cleft edge. It is time to relax into God. I need to feel the Holy Spirit breathe over me. I need to be filled with power. I am going to watch God move in the situations I find myself. Praise you Lord for goodness, mercy and most of all LOVE.
I wish I could say that prayer made it all better and today the sun was shining, all well with the world. Not the case. Today had some additional troubles and I was no further at getting a grip on yesterdays. So I determined that I was going to praise God anyway and carry on.
Due to the people involved I am not at liberty to write about what has happened but it did make me pause and ask myself who will listen. I know God hears my prayers but in the natural we all need a ear we can bend. Do you have such a person in your life? I find many people have no one they can talk to. Let's face it sometimes it has to be someone other than our best friend or spouse.
So I pondered who I could call. It had to be someone I trusted. They had to be grounded in the faith. They needed to be impartial. It would help if they had the gift of encouragement. My list was shrinking. You know who I called? No one. That should never be.
Lord, please help me and my readers to find the special people in our lives that can help, listen, advise, just be. We are relational creatures and like the saying goes, "no man is an island." Bring connectivity to all of us with those that need someone and those that need to be for someone. Amen
So for now I'm sitting here on this cleft edge. It is time to relax into God. I need to feel the Holy Spirit breathe over me. I need to be filled with power. I am going to watch God move in the situations I find myself. Praise you Lord for goodness, mercy and most of all LOVE.
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