How Big is Your God?

I apparently wrote this sometime last year but am just now posting this (I went back and double checked)

So many times I limit God to my own personal experiences without really looking around to the experiences of others.  When I do that I limit the "bigness" of God.  I am pigeon-holing him into only my little world.  In reading My Utmost for His Highest for April 9 (remember this was written in 2008) I read the following and it's talking about seeing Jesus: "Jesus must appear to you and your friend individually, no one can see Jesus with your eyes.  And division takes place when one has seen Him and the other has not..."

Then in Luke 10:23 I read these words of Jesus- "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see."  I want my friends to see what I see but at the same time I cannot force them to do so.  Only God can bring about that type of vision.  My part comes by sharing what I have seen.

Am I Passing the Test?

Based on Deuteronomy 8:2-10

Deut. 8:2 states God LED them in the wilderness, to humble them and testing them to know what was in their hearts.  Two things stand out to me in that verse: 1) God LED them.  Even though they were out there wandering and I'm sure they felt alone and abandoned- God LED them.  He never left them, never forsook them- He LED them.  He was in front of them the whole way! 2) He was testing them- to see if they could keep His commandments.  I can't help but think of the stress they were under- the pressure that built up.  It all came down to one thing- did they obey?  How did they respond under pressure?  He provided food, water, clothing, and shelter for them- what was their response?  Was it trust?  What is mine?  Am I trusting HIM? and then rewards for passing the test- a good land, a fruitful land, a blessing from the LORD.

So now, my question is: Am I passing the test?

It's Not Friday yet...

My pastor told a story this morning in the middle of the sermon on Trusting God (in these economic times) that just really struck a cord with me.  I'm going to summarize the story as best I can.  There was a leader (maybe the president) of Moody Bible Institute who had to make a big decision and he was back and forth about what to do.  After stewing on it for a while he called a friend of his who asked him when he had to make the decision- he said Friday.  His friend said, "well, it's not Friday yet".  By the time Friday came he knew what God wanted him to do.  

So, when I start to worry about my future and what is going to happen- I'm just going to tell myself- it's not Friday yet!

WOW

Yesterday at church our Pastor preached on just how much God loves us and how can see it throughout creation.  The one that he said that mean a LOT to me was based on Psalm 139- being fearfully and wonderfully made.  I was diagnosed this past week with medullary sponge kidney.  It's knocked me back a bit but I have learned that I am not in control of anything.  That GOD must have control and if I try to take it then I will just mess it up.  There's going to be some lifestyle changes and some dietary restrictions but through it all I have learned so much- I have learned that God is Holy and I have learned that He knew this was my path in life before I was born.  He created me in my mother's womb and knew that at this point in my life this is the path I would take.  So, even though I'm sure I'll struggle every now and then- I'm choosing to look at this as a gift and enjoy the journey!

Lots of good stuff today

Today's sermon at church was based on Psalm 46:10- Be Still.... and know that He is God!  

Totally what I needed to hear.  He started out with this quote (and I don't remember who it's by):

"Stillness is a spiritual discipline that moves us toward secret communion and paves the way for supernatural intervention."

He focused on the three parts in red.

Spiritual Discipline- should be Holy Habits- 1 Timothy 4:7 (discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness)

Secret Communion- has four parts. 1)as a child of God; 2)come reverently with a fear of God- Psalm 25;14, Psalm 31:19, and 1 John 1:9; 3)come undistracted (this is where I struggle) and 4) come persistently.  If we don't do these things- our lives begin to unravel.

Supernatural Intervention- "don't just do something, stand there!" 2 Chronicles (I'll have to find the reference later) and Exodus 14:13-14.

Just some things to ponder.  Hoping to be back tomorrow with a thought from Sunday School

Really not a slacker

I promise I am really not a slacker- I'm just really struggling with consistency and prioritizing my life.  I tend to let things slide and unfortunately my relationship with God/time with God is usually the first thing to go.  Which saddens me because I KNOW that it is to be the most important thing in my life.  I need to work on this area so please pray for me there.  Also, please pray for a friend of mine- her husband left her and their two girls.  She has a great attitude about it and I'm loving watching God work in her life.  Thanks!

Wonderful Sunday

Today's service was a great one! I have lots to share from it but will do so tomorrow. Between church and the singles class God didn't just nudge me- he pounded me over the head. See you soon!