Proverbs 3:1-12 Seeking Him

I have recently fallen in love with the Message translation of the Bible.  Like really in love...  I've been a King James or NIV girl, but I needed renewed eyes and a renewed fire, and the Message translation delivered. 

Here we are on the first day of the new year and let's be transparent.  We all have things that we are believing God for.  We all want a heavenly hook-up (I think I stole that metaphor from my pastor).  But are we really doing what we are commanded to do?  I know I'm not.  So this morning I thought, "let me start this year right! Order my steps.  Seek ye first."  And that took me to Proverbs 3:1-12. 

^1-2 Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
    take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
    a long life lived full and well.

^3-4 Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
    Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
    in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.

^5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this.

"Father, thank You for a new year to get it right.  Thank You for a new day to trust You.  Father, can You shout at me for a while?  I know that is a strange request but can You shout at me so I can be sure to not only hear Your voice but also follow Your word.  I don't want to do this year the same way.  I like to fix my problems on my own and not bother You.  But I know that You are not bothered by my pleas for help.  You find favor with those that trust You.  So shout at me so that I can remember to trust You and follow You.  I know You have things for me beyond what I can imagine.  Thank You in advance for being wonderful and holy.  In Jesus' name, Amen.  Amen."

It's Bigger Than You

Rick Warren's famous, life-changing book "The Purpose Driven Life"  starts with these words.  "It's not about you.  The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness.  It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions."   It later goes on to read "You were born by his purpose and for his purpose."  That is a sobering thought.  You were put here for something greater than you.

That statement could be the catalyst for a gazillion blog posts and sermons.  But I want to focus on our definition of greatness.  I think that many people - myself included - think of worldly applause and accolades as a measure of greatness.  But if we focus on pleasing the Father, then what the world says doesn't matter.  Follow me for a moment:  Imagine yourself the church soloist.  You can sang!  Every Sunday you are sanging for the Lord.  People are ministered too, blessed, and comforted by God's work through you.  But Monday - Friday you are an accountant.  You dream of singing on a big stage with a Beyonce'-esque set up but that hasn't happened for you.  And you are disappointed and feel small.  You think "when am I going to do something important?"  Now fast-forward 40 years.  You are still singing in the choir.  You are still an accountant.  But as you are walking out of church one Sunday, Senator Johnson comes up to you and says "Aren't you Ms. Jacobs?  You don't know me but when I was in college I was in a really dark place.  I decided to visit this church and heard you sing.  When you sang I could feel the Lord moving on my behalf.  It's because of God working through you that I didn't give up, got saved, and went on to help others.  Thank you."

That may not be important to the world, but that is important to the kingdom of God.  If we focused first and solely on serving God (and others through your ministry) the need for worldly applause will diminish.

Fire!

Remember when you first got saved and you were on fire for GOD.   But then life, work, and everything else gets in the way.  Now, remember God didn't move.  You did.  You moved away from God.  Now,  it's time to go home!

Speak, Lord, Speak to Me

Being in the presence of the Lord is a wonderful thing.  I need to wrap myself up in Him and remember that He never stops speaking to me.  He never stops seeing me.  He never stops loving me.  HE is always with me.

Every person in America should know this clip.  Reconciliation.  Deliverance.  Healing.  God will pull you back.. even from the juke joint.

Liberate Yourself!

Why do we worry about what everyone else will say instead of just trusting what God has already said to us?  We have messed up priorities.  Focus on the Father.  What He says goes. 

The Lie of "I Got This"

I ran across this picture on pinterest.

This could easily be a page from my own diary.  I am an alpha-girl.  I take charge.  I make things happen.  But my alpha-ness is getting in the way of the Alpha & Omega.  I don't take it all to God in prayer.  Quite often, I try to fix the problem and if that doesn't work, then I take it to God.  I need to leave it at the altar first.  Let Him speak to the situation, then act.  Only then will my priorities be in order. 

More Than Enough

"Father, help me to remember that You made me and You don't make mistakes.  I am more than enough.  I am Your child so that makes me great.  You are so awesome and all I need to do is to trust YOU.  You will not lead me astray.  I love You and thank You.  In Jesus' name, amen."