"If I put my trust in human beings first, I will end in despairing of everyone; I will become bitter, because I have insisted on man being what no man ever can be - absolutely right. Never trust anything but the grace of God in yourself or in anyone else." (Oswald Chambers)
Most Tuesday mornings I go to breakfast with a good Christian brother. I was struggling a bit this morning with what to do in a certain situation. It was not a major decision, just one where there was something that I wanted to do and did not know how much to push forward on it. My initial inclination was to make a contact with a person and let God take it from there. If it was something I should pursue, then God would let me know.
So I made a contact, but did not hear anything back. Selfishly I wanted to make another contact, and give God another chance to respond, but deep down I wondered if I was going too far. So, I told my friend of this situation. He responded with some good common sense counsel, and I decided to see what happened.
Later on this morning, I had a tennis match, and, while walking home from that, I felt God giving me a good reason why I had not heard back from this contact. He did not close the door on that particular item, but He did indicate that there were some other considerations that I should take into account.
I do not say all of this to put down my friend and his common sense advice. It all sounded good to me, but it was still the advice of a man. God did not say that the advice was bad, He just gave me some input that I had not considered.
Knowing that God's will is the right way, I believe that I will just leave the ball in His court and see how the game plays out. If I push it on my own, I could be settling for what I see as a good thing, while God wanted to let me in on something much better.
I think I will wait and see (and listen some more also).
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Common Sense
"If a man is going to do anything worth while, there are times when he has to risk everything on his leap, and in the spiritual domain Jesus Christ demands that you risk everything you hold by common sense and leap into what He says, and immediately you do, you find that what He says fits on as solidly as common sense." (Oswald Chambers)
Common sense sometimes becomes the enemy of accomplishing a daunting task. The mind wants to say that it is impossible, and that the risk of failure is much greater than any reward of doing. Common sense wants to take the safe road and not take a chance on everyone having the opportunity to say that you could not do it.
A wise man (I think it was my Dad) said more than once, "Anything worth doing is worth doing wholeheartedly". Sometimes this is jumping with both feet into a job or project or endeavor that does not make much sense from a common sense viewpoint.
In a spiritual sense, this jumping in can mean following the call of Jesus into an area where "angels fear to tread". Other people, and common sense too, can say "keep away", but, if I hear the call, my only right response is to do.
Now I can see that this is great advice for a young man like my grandson, who is about to enter college this fall. A new world of possibilities is opening before him, opportunities to do something worthwhile, and also to be someone worthwhile. My prayer is that he will have the courage and vision to lay hold of these challenges and jump into them wholeheartedly. Not for personal fame and fortune, but from God's standpoint of service to others.
Do I need to hear this lesson for myself? Sawyer will be 18 when he goes this fall, but I am a few years older than that. Is there something that I need to apply the same principles to? Does God have me still in pretty good health for a reason, or am I just taking up oxygen?
Now that is a possibility worth considering. Maybe I too need to keep listening for a call.
"Open my ears Lord and help me to listen."
Common sense sometimes becomes the enemy of accomplishing a daunting task. The mind wants to say that it is impossible, and that the risk of failure is much greater than any reward of doing. Common sense wants to take the safe road and not take a chance on everyone having the opportunity to say that you could not do it.
A wise man (I think it was my Dad) said more than once, "Anything worth doing is worth doing wholeheartedly". Sometimes this is jumping with both feet into a job or project or endeavor that does not make much sense from a common sense viewpoint.
In a spiritual sense, this jumping in can mean following the call of Jesus into an area where "angels fear to tread". Other people, and common sense too, can say "keep away", but, if I hear the call, my only right response is to do.
Now I can see that this is great advice for a young man like my grandson, who is about to enter college this fall. A new world of possibilities is opening before him, opportunities to do something worthwhile, and also to be someone worthwhile. My prayer is that he will have the courage and vision to lay hold of these challenges and jump into them wholeheartedly. Not for personal fame and fortune, but from God's standpoint of service to others.
Do I need to hear this lesson for myself? Sawyer will be 18 when he goes this fall, but I am a few years older than that. Is there something that I need to apply the same principles to? Does God have me still in pretty good health for a reason, or am I just taking up oxygen?
Now that is a possibility worth considering. Maybe I too need to keep listening for a call.
"Open my ears Lord and help me to listen."
Saturday, May 28, 2011
800 Meters
Mayre Lou (or Granny Lou to those of you who know her by that term) and I have spent this week with our oldest grandson. Well, a lot of this week anyway. He was spending the week on Jekyll with the members of his graduating class on a senior trip. Last Wednesday I took him over to Brunswick for a track workout so he could stay ready for a race in Orlando this Saturday. He had already run 5 1/2 miles on Tuesday morning and would run again on Thursday on the beach.
On Friday we picked him up and drove to Orlando for this particular race. It was a good field and he thought he could set a PR (Personal Record) in the 800 meter event.
Saturday morning we were up early and over to the track to register and warm up for an approximate 10AM race. The gun sounded and in about 2:00.95 minutes it was over. He missed a PR by about 1.45 seconds. A lot of effort went into the preparation for that one race, as he had been running track workouts all spring, even after his track team had finished their season.
He is a dedicated runner, running all year round, running on weekends, in good weather and bad, to try to improve his performance.
This race today is not the end. He will run a couple more times in meets before summer, as he prepares to run in college in the fall.
It just struck me, as I thought about all he does to prepare, that it is a big effort to prepare for an event that takes 2 minutes to run. In the great scheme of things, 2 minutes is not a long time.
I spend a lot of time, and have more so in the past, in planning for my family's future. In the light of eternity, the life I live now will only be a dot on the lifeline of the universe but I tend to live as if my life here is the only thing out there. Little thought is given to the eternity that extends to infinity.
I need to keep my life in perspective, living so as to keeping the reality of eternal things up front instead of using the back burner so much.
Thanks, Sawyer, for a lesson I needed to think about, and thank you God for reminding me of its truth.
On Friday we picked him up and drove to Orlando for this particular race. It was a good field and he thought he could set a PR (Personal Record) in the 800 meter event.
Saturday morning we were up early and over to the track to register and warm up for an approximate 10AM race. The gun sounded and in about 2:00.95 minutes it was over. He missed a PR by about 1.45 seconds. A lot of effort went into the preparation for that one race, as he had been running track workouts all spring, even after his track team had finished their season.
He is a dedicated runner, running all year round, running on weekends, in good weather and bad, to try to improve his performance.
This race today is not the end. He will run a couple more times in meets before summer, as he prepares to run in college in the fall.
It just struck me, as I thought about all he does to prepare, that it is a big effort to prepare for an event that takes 2 minutes to run. In the great scheme of things, 2 minutes is not a long time.
I spend a lot of time, and have more so in the past, in planning for my family's future. In the light of eternity, the life I live now will only be a dot on the lifeline of the universe but I tend to live as if my life here is the only thing out there. Little thought is given to the eternity that extends to infinity.
I need to keep my life in perspective, living so as to keeping the reality of eternal things up front instead of using the back burner so much.
Thanks, Sawyer, for a lesson I needed to think about, and thank you God for reminding me of its truth.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Is Prayer Really Important?
"The danger with us is that we want to water down the things that Jesus says and make them mean something in accordance with common sense; if it were only common sense, it was not worth while for Him to say it. The things Jesus says about prayer are supernatural revelations." (Oswald Chambers)
So, what does Jesus have to say about prayer? He taught his disciples to pray, He berated the Pharisee and held up the tax collector as examples, He said to go into the closet and pray in secret, just to name some. He Himself prayed.
Chambers says today, that prayer is not an exercise, it is a lifestyle. Prayer is an essential ingredient that sustains us in all areas of our lives.
When I examine my prayers and my attitudes toward prayer, I have to ask the question, do I really think it makes any difference? Sure, I pray, but what does it look like ?
I have the tendency to pray for people and situations to show God that I am concerned about those. I know God cares, but I go back to the portion of The Lord's Prayer where it says "Thy Will be Done", and I know that It will be. Does it really matter that I pray?
If I pray for a person to be healed and ask God to do that, and then turn right around and say "Nevertheless, Thy will be done", is that just an exercise in concern, believing deep down that the outcome of the situation will be the same, regardless?
I know that prayer is important because Jesus both taught and modeled it. I just need to understand more what it is all about.
As I look back on what I have written this morning, I guess this journal is more a prayer for understanding than anything else. Oh may it be so.
Amen and Amen
So, what does Jesus have to say about prayer? He taught his disciples to pray, He berated the Pharisee and held up the tax collector as examples, He said to go into the closet and pray in secret, just to name some. He Himself prayed.
Chambers says today, that prayer is not an exercise, it is a lifestyle. Prayer is an essential ingredient that sustains us in all areas of our lives.
When I examine my prayers and my attitudes toward prayer, I have to ask the question, do I really think it makes any difference? Sure, I pray, but what does it look like ?
I have the tendency to pray for people and situations to show God that I am concerned about those. I know God cares, but I go back to the portion of The Lord's Prayer where it says "Thy Will be Done", and I know that It will be. Does it really matter that I pray?
If I pray for a person to be healed and ask God to do that, and then turn right around and say "Nevertheless, Thy will be done", is that just an exercise in concern, believing deep down that the outcome of the situation will be the same, regardless?
I know that prayer is important because Jesus both taught and modeled it. I just need to understand more what it is all about.
As I look back on what I have written this morning, I guess this journal is more a prayer for understanding than anything else. Oh may it be so.
Amen and Amen
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Greater Good
"The great enemy of the life of faith in God is not sin, but the good which is not good enough. The good is always the enemy of the best." (Oswald Chambers)
If self interest is my main concern, then any "good" that I do will not be good enough. Indeed, the focus on this may keep the good that God wants for me from coming through.
The whole key is selfless living, getting my self out of the way, and concentrating on faith in God and His will. But there are so many things in my life that need my attention, and don't I have the responsibility to attend to them?
I try to focus on God each morning through my Chambers' reading. If I do this first thing while I am fresh, I can concentrate on God and His will for me that day, and the whole day goes better.
But look at today, I was up at 5:30 to go get my grandson on Jekyll, take him to a track in Brunswick for a track workout, take him back, then go by the church, and then home. I finally got to my study around 9:30 and then got sidetracked by a couple of other issues. The concentration was hard and my mind was distracted.
Don't get me wrong, I wanted to do all those things, and I enjoyed the time with Sawyer. Life is just full of "things" and concentration on God is hard sometimes. I tend to think of what I need to do and see it as what God wants me to do. Sometimes they may be the same, but quite possibly not.
The need is for me to get out of the driver's seat and listen to what God says are my real needs.
My real need is Him. I know it but struggle with it each day.
Another cry for Help. Help!
If self interest is my main concern, then any "good" that I do will not be good enough. Indeed, the focus on this may keep the good that God wants for me from coming through.
The whole key is selfless living, getting my self out of the way, and concentrating on faith in God and His will. But there are so many things in my life that need my attention, and don't I have the responsibility to attend to them?
I try to focus on God each morning through my Chambers' reading. If I do this first thing while I am fresh, I can concentrate on God and His will for me that day, and the whole day goes better.
But look at today, I was up at 5:30 to go get my grandson on Jekyll, take him to a track in Brunswick for a track workout, take him back, then go by the church, and then home. I finally got to my study around 9:30 and then got sidetracked by a couple of other issues. The concentration was hard and my mind was distracted.
Don't get me wrong, I wanted to do all those things, and I enjoyed the time with Sawyer. Life is just full of "things" and concentration on God is hard sometimes. I tend to think of what I need to do and see it as what God wants me to do. Sometimes they may be the same, but quite possibly not.
The need is for me to get out of the driver's seat and listen to what God says are my real needs.
My real need is Him. I know it but struggle with it each day.
Another cry for Help. Help!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Trust rears its ugly head again...
"God can do nothing for me until I get to the limit of the possible." (Oswald Chambers)
Do I ever do anything that is not possible unless God shows up? Do I ever even try? Am I ever in any situation that cannot be resolved unless God delivers? Have there been times in my life where I have felt this "delight of despair"?
Perhaps my mind does not remember everything, but I can't think of any of the above.
My life is full of the possible. I can do things because of my education, my personality, my resources, or even because I have done them before. I am sure that God has come through for me before, but I do not recognize it as such. I am hesitant to put myself in positions where I am not sure I can do something.
Mentally I can read Chambers each day. I can write this journal and reflect on the meaning, and I can kind of understand what God is telling me in each reading, but to move this from the brain to the heart and experience it fully, is something else entirely.
My life right now is pretty predictable, so I do not leave God much room to show His grace and power. If I can do it on my own, why do I need Him? Another one of those rhetorical questions.
God has said in His Word that He will. Am I back to the issue of Trust again?
Help!
Do I ever do anything that is not possible unless God shows up? Do I ever even try? Am I ever in any situation that cannot be resolved unless God delivers? Have there been times in my life where I have felt this "delight of despair"?
Perhaps my mind does not remember everything, but I can't think of any of the above.
My life is full of the possible. I can do things because of my education, my personality, my resources, or even because I have done them before. I am sure that God has come through for me before, but I do not recognize it as such. I am hesitant to put myself in positions where I am not sure I can do something.
Mentally I can read Chambers each day. I can write this journal and reflect on the meaning, and I can kind of understand what God is telling me in each reading, but to move this from the brain to the heart and experience it fully, is something else entirely.
My life right now is pretty predictable, so I do not leave God much room to show His grace and power. If I can do it on my own, why do I need Him? Another one of those rhetorical questions.
God has said in His Word that He will. Am I back to the issue of Trust again?
Help!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Worry or Que sera, sera?
"Take no thought . . ." don't take the pressure of forethought upon yourself. It is not only wrong to worry, it is infidelity, because worrying means that we do not think that God can look after the practical details of our lives, and it is never any thing else that worries us." (Oswald Chambers)
Worry is excessive concern, mostly over things that may or may not happen, and the Bible says that it is wrong. Practically speaking, it is a slap at God because it insinuates that He cannot take care of us. Worry states that it is all up to us, because no one else cares. If we don't get something done it is "woe is me for I am undone".
Worry can paralyze. Possibilities abound for problems, stock market, health issues, cars hitting me on my bike, being struck by an asteroid or any number of bad things that could happen.
What would I do if.....?
I tend to float to the other extreme. The "Que sera, sera" idea of whatever will be, will be. The "don't worry, be happy idea". This leads to inaction and can be just as paralyzing as worry.
Somewhere there is a balance in all of this. Why does Jesus caution me about putting down my roots in either of these two towns?
Worry shows a lack of trust in God and His promises for provision. Trusting to fate says that I can just sit back and wait for things to come to me. Looks like there is a balance somewhere in the middle there. I need to have concern about things in my life, without worry, and I have a responsibility to use the resources that God gives me to serve Him with my life.
All of that can mean walking a tight line, but absolute trust in God and His provision and plan can make it all possible.
I know it, now do it.
Worry is excessive concern, mostly over things that may or may not happen, and the Bible says that it is wrong. Practically speaking, it is a slap at God because it insinuates that He cannot take care of us. Worry states that it is all up to us, because no one else cares. If we don't get something done it is "woe is me for I am undone".
Worry can paralyze. Possibilities abound for problems, stock market, health issues, cars hitting me on my bike, being struck by an asteroid or any number of bad things that could happen.
What would I do if.....?
I tend to float to the other extreme. The "Que sera, sera" idea of whatever will be, will be. The "don't worry, be happy idea". This leads to inaction and can be just as paralyzing as worry.
Somewhere there is a balance in all of this. Why does Jesus caution me about putting down my roots in either of these two towns?
Worry shows a lack of trust in God and His promises for provision. Trusting to fate says that I can just sit back and wait for things to come to me. Looks like there is a balance somewhere in the middle there. I need to have concern about things in my life, without worry, and I have a responsibility to use the resources that God gives me to serve Him with my life.
All of that can mean walking a tight line, but absolute trust in God and His provision and plan can make it all possible.
I know it, now do it.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Thy Will Be Done
"Jesus has prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far off it, and yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him, because Jesus has prayed that we may be." (Oswald Chambers)
When I read the portion of the reading that says that some are far off from where they need to be, the consolation is that God is not content with that, and that He will not leave us alone until we are actually One with Him.
What does this oneness look like?
I think again about the line in the Lord's Prayer that says, Thy will be done, and it seems to me that this is the key. If I can pray this in absolute honesty and truly align this in my heart and life, then my will will be of no effect in the way that I live. God's will is all I will seek and is all that matters.
When I meditate on this, I realize that I am truly one of those that are far from this oneness, but I also see that God is not leaving me alone there in that barren spot.
My prayer is that I will not just acknowledge that this is a fact, but not be satisfied to stay there. Thy will be done.
When I read the portion of the reading that says that some are far off from where they need to be, the consolation is that God is not content with that, and that He will not leave us alone until we are actually One with Him.
What does this oneness look like?
I think again about the line in the Lord's Prayer that says, Thy will be done, and it seems to me that this is the key. If I can pray this in absolute honesty and truly align this in my heart and life, then my will will be of no effect in the way that I live. God's will is all I will seek and is all that matters.
When I meditate on this, I realize that I am truly one of those that are far from this oneness, but I also see that God is not leaving me alone there in that barren spot.
My prayer is that I will not just acknowledge that this is a fact, but not be satisfied to stay there. Thy will be done.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Carefully Careless
"Jesus taught that a disciple has to make his relationship to God the dominating concentration of his life, and to be carefully careless about every thing else in comparison to that." (Oswald Chambers)
I like the words "carefully careless" in this reading. I am not to be so careless that I don't eat or drink what I should, that I look so sloppy as to be an embarrassment to others, or that I care so little about my earthly affairs that I endanger others, but that I put these second to seeking God. Spending my time in constant worry about these items is wrong, because He says that if I seek Him first of all, He will take care of my needs.
The priorities of my life should be in the proper order. The focus should be on Him and not on me, on His will and not mine. The words of the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6 give us the proper order in our lives, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done", with the emphasis on Thy.
Can I be careful to put God first in my life and be carefully careless as to my own position? Can I fully trust God in all things and not be overly concerned about my situation?
Could I really?
I like the words "carefully careless" in this reading. I am not to be so careless that I don't eat or drink what I should, that I look so sloppy as to be an embarrassment to others, or that I care so little about my earthly affairs that I endanger others, but that I put these second to seeking God. Spending my time in constant worry about these items is wrong, because He says that if I seek Him first of all, He will take care of my needs.
The priorities of my life should be in the proper order. The focus should be on Him and not on me, on His will and not mine. The words of the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6 give us the proper order in our lives, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done", with the emphasis on Thy.
Can I be careful to put God first in my life and be carefully careless as to my own position? Can I fully trust God in all things and not be overly concerned about my situation?
Could I really?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A Widow's Mite Tale
Mayre and I counseled a young single mother last night who was struggling financially to provide for her own and her son's needs. She had had some real problems in her life, from growing up times, marriage times, employment times and the single parent responsibility times. Her life had been hard, and the light was still at the far end of the tunnel.
But what struck me in our conversation was not her situation, which was not real good, but her determination to see it through, especially in the raising of her son in the right way. She was trying to do all the right things and give him the example of not giving up in spite of trying circumstances. She was asking for God's help in all these areas of her life. She was looking for advice on how to meet her challenges without shifting her burden onto another person, agency or even the church.
She gave us one incident that had happened to her in church on Mother's Day. She was feeling so low that she did not want to even sit in the service, but found a seat in the foyer where she could see on the monitor what was happening inside. Right by the screen was the offering box, and she felt God saying to her that she should give (even though the message that morning had nothing to do with giving). She had $3 in her pocket that needed to last till the next Friday's payday, but she took it and put it in the box, just obeying God. She said that she had an immediate feeling of release from her worry, and felt that God would indeed be faithful to His promise to take care of her.
From this "widow's mite" experience, she was able to see God meet her needs that coming week in ways that she could not have anticipated. Not only that, but it was a teaching experience for her as she modeled this moment before her son, and a learning experience for the son, as he was able to see first hand the provision of God in their lives.
God does care, and that is one thing you can take to the bank.
But what struck me in our conversation was not her situation, which was not real good, but her determination to see it through, especially in the raising of her son in the right way. She was trying to do all the right things and give him the example of not giving up in spite of trying circumstances. She was asking for God's help in all these areas of her life. She was looking for advice on how to meet her challenges without shifting her burden onto another person, agency or even the church.
She gave us one incident that had happened to her in church on Mother's Day. She was feeling so low that she did not want to even sit in the service, but found a seat in the foyer where she could see on the monitor what was happening inside. Right by the screen was the offering box, and she felt God saying to her that she should give (even though the message that morning had nothing to do with giving). She had $3 in her pocket that needed to last till the next Friday's payday, but she took it and put it in the box, just obeying God. She said that she had an immediate feeling of release from her worry, and felt that God would indeed be faithful to His promise to take care of her.
From this "widow's mite" experience, she was able to see God meet her needs that coming week in ways that she could not have anticipated. Not only that, but it was a teaching experience for her as she modeled this moment before her son, and a learning experience for the son, as he was able to see first hand the provision of God in their lives.
God does care, and that is one thing you can take to the bank.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Future Epitaph?
"The people who influence us most are not those who buttonhole us and talk to us, but those who live their lives like the stars in heaven and the lilies in the field, perfectly simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mould us." (Oswald Chambers)
"I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day."
Without a life lived in the constant principles of Jesus, my words are just sounds on the wind. They are not to be taken seriously, if they are not lived out everyday. I can speak the truth, but if I do not live it, people are turned off, and I have no influence on them at all.
Several years back, and maybe they are still in fashion, there were bracelets with WWJD on them, What Would Jesus Do? I never had one, but I presume that the thought behind it was to get people to think before they acted, so as to do the "right thing", or not destroy any witness that they had, by some foolish act or word.
A book I once read asked the reader to picture what their tombstone would look like if they could write their own epitaph. At the time I remember that I wrote down "He served others in Jesus Name", but maybe a better choice would be "His life was a constant witness to what he believed".
If that is what I would like to be remembered for, I had better start doing life that way before my time runs out.
An impossible task in my own strength but not with God's help.
Help!
"I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day."
Without a life lived in the constant principles of Jesus, my words are just sounds on the wind. They are not to be taken seriously, if they are not lived out everyday. I can speak the truth, but if I do not live it, people are turned off, and I have no influence on them at all.
Several years back, and maybe they are still in fashion, there were bracelets with WWJD on them, What Would Jesus Do? I never had one, but I presume that the thought behind it was to get people to think before they acted, so as to do the "right thing", or not destroy any witness that they had, by some foolish act or word.
A book I once read asked the reader to picture what their tombstone would look like if they could write their own epitaph. At the time I remember that I wrote down "He served others in Jesus Name", but maybe a better choice would be "His life was a constant witness to what he believed".
If that is what I would like to be remembered for, I had better start doing life that way before my time runs out.
An impossible task in my own strength but not with God's help.
Help!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Pick up the Line and Call
"There is now freedom of access for anyone straight to the very throne of God by the Ascension of the Son of Man." (Oswald Chambers)
Jesus says, in John's Gospel, that whatever a Christian asks in His (Jesus') name, God will grant it. There is power available at the end of this line, all I need to do is call. It is like I have the right area code and number but never pick up the phone.
What do I mentally know about this?
Jesus promises to be there for me.
Jesus is the conduit to God who will listen.
If I ask in Jesus' name, it will be done.
This is not just a tag at the end of a request.
I need to ask in God's will.
This is not just a static formula, but a living relationship.
So, if all of the above are true, and I believe they are they are according to the Bible, then why don't I avail myself of that power in my life more often? Do I really believe what I say? I give lip service to the concept, and in times of real trouble, I turn to Him that way, but most of the time I abide in my own self sufficiency.
What I know deep down, and what I do consistently in my life, don't square up very often. There is a disconnect, and I am the one that hung the receiver up.
Do I really, really believe?
Jesus says, in John's Gospel, that whatever a Christian asks in His (Jesus') name, God will grant it. There is power available at the end of this line, all I need to do is call. It is like I have the right area code and number but never pick up the phone.
What do I mentally know about this?
Jesus promises to be there for me.
Jesus is the conduit to God who will listen.
If I ask in Jesus' name, it will be done.
This is not just a tag at the end of a request.
I need to ask in God's will.
This is not just a static formula, but a living relationship.
So, if all of the above are true, and I believe they are they are according to the Bible, then why don't I avail myself of that power in my life more often? Do I really believe what I say? I give lip service to the concept, and in times of real trouble, I turn to Him that way, but most of the time I abide in my own self sufficiency.
What I know deep down, and what I do consistently in my life, don't square up very often. There is a disconnect, and I am the one that hung the receiver up.
Do I really, really believe?
Monday, May 16, 2011
Do I See Myself Here?
"We are made partakers of the Divine nature through the promises; then we have to "manipulate" the Divine nature in our human nature by habits, and the first habit to form is the habit of realizing the provision God has made." (Oswald Chambers)
Provision...what does God say about this?
In Matthew 6, Jesus asks why do we worry, just seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the earthly things that we worry about will be provided. He has made provision for those who believe in Christ Jesus, and we need to rely on those promises He has made.
God said He will provide, so why do I spend so much time on making sure that I have provided well for my family (and myself)? In my mind I think, God has given me the abilities to take care of this provision, and He expects me to use them. My problem is that I trust more in what I can do, than what God has said He will do.
With this kind of trust in myself, I am like the man in the Bible who was proud that he had a lot, so he decided to build bigger barns so that he could store more. How much is enough? Just a little more...
Do I really understand God's provision? Do I really want to? Do I want to be like the rich young ruler in Matthew 19, who went away from Jesus sorrowful because Jesus told him that he was lacking? What was he lacking?
TRUST in God
Do I see myself?
Provision...what does God say about this?
In Matthew 6, Jesus asks why do we worry, just seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the earthly things that we worry about will be provided. He has made provision for those who believe in Christ Jesus, and we need to rely on those promises He has made.
God said He will provide, so why do I spend so much time on making sure that I have provided well for my family (and myself)? In my mind I think, God has given me the abilities to take care of this provision, and He expects me to use them. My problem is that I trust more in what I can do, than what God has said He will do.
With this kind of trust in myself, I am like the man in the Bible who was proud that he had a lot, so he decided to build bigger barns so that he could store more. How much is enough? Just a little more...
Do I really understand God's provision? Do I really want to? Do I want to be like the rich young ruler in Matthew 19, who went away from Jesus sorrowful because Jesus told him that he was lacking? What was he lacking?
TRUST in God
Do I see myself?
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Oh, Memories
"Never live on memories;" (Oswald Chambers)
There seem to be at least two things that are hard about living in the present. One is living on things that have happened in the past, both good and bad. The other is constantly looking forward to the future. Neither of these is very productive for the present, but the present is all we have to work in.
I have a lot of memories. Most are good and things that I would do again, but some are not so good, and I do have regrets of things that I would do better or differently, given the chance. However, I can't live there. Life goes on. We have no promise of tomorrow, only the present moment.
While I was visiting with a friend in Chattanooga this past week, I picked up a book that spoke of the stages in a man's life. Of course, I skipped to the last stage to see what I should be doing in my latter years. Deep down I know that these years should be filled with service for God and others, but I also know that it is easy for me to live them for self.
Life actually happens between the memories of the past and the plans for the future. This is where I am and where I am called to live. Remembering and planning are both good, but I can't pitch my tent in either place and stay there. The old cliche is right, "today is the first day of the rest of your (my) life".
I want to wake up each morning with the anticipation of what God will do that day in my life and in my world. Today has never happened before and won't ever again either.
"This is the day that the Lord has made".
So true, and yet, so easy to forget. Much easier to write it than to practice it.
There seem to be at least two things that are hard about living in the present. One is living on things that have happened in the past, both good and bad. The other is constantly looking forward to the future. Neither of these is very productive for the present, but the present is all we have to work in.
I have a lot of memories. Most are good and things that I would do again, but some are not so good, and I do have regrets of things that I would do better or differently, given the chance. However, I can't live there. Life goes on. We have no promise of tomorrow, only the present moment.
While I was visiting with a friend in Chattanooga this past week, I picked up a book that spoke of the stages in a man's life. Of course, I skipped to the last stage to see what I should be doing in my latter years. Deep down I know that these years should be filled with service for God and others, but I also know that it is easy for me to live them for self.
Life actually happens between the memories of the past and the plans for the future. This is where I am and where I am called to live. Remembering and planning are both good, but I can't pitch my tent in either place and stay there. The old cliche is right, "today is the first day of the rest of your (my) life".
I want to wake up each morning with the anticipation of what God will do that day in my life and in my world. Today has never happened before and won't ever again either.
"This is the day that the Lord has made".
So true, and yet, so easy to forget. Much easier to write it than to practice it.
Friday, May 13, 2011
This is your Captain speaking...Listen
I am sitting here this morning, sitting on the deck of the Whitestone Inn in Kingston, Tennessee, listening to the sound of geese on Watts Bar lake below and to the east. All of a sudden there is a hummingbird beating the air right in front of me, and three deer walk unhurried across the front lawn. Two owls call to each other in the morning air. These are the sights and voices of a quiet May morning in this country.
I like quiet, especially when my desire is to meditate and to worship. Maybe it is my age, but loud stuff tends to put me off a bit. I know that God oft times speaks in a soft quiet voice, and I want to hear that voice, but I often wonder how often I miss it. It is hard to hear when my spirit is not attuned correctly.
I would be easier for me, and maybe that word easier is a symptom of my spiritual condition, if God would take the microphone like the airline captain and say "Listen up, this is your captain speaking".
Now that might get my attention, especially if I really wanted to hear what He wanted to say to me. Perhaps the real question is "do I want to hear?"
I like quiet, especially when my desire is to meditate and to worship. Maybe it is my age, but loud stuff tends to put me off a bit. I know that God oft times speaks in a soft quiet voice, and I want to hear that voice, but I often wonder how often I miss it. It is hard to hear when my spirit is not attuned correctly.
I would be easier for me, and maybe that word easier is a symptom of my spiritual condition, if God would take the microphone like the airline captain and say "Listen up, this is your captain speaking".
Now that might get my attention, especially if I really wanted to hear what He wanted to say to me. Perhaps the real question is "do I want to hear?"
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Take the Initiative the right Way
"Add" means there is something we have to do. We are in danger of forgetting that we cannot do what God does, and that God will not do what we can do. We cannot save ourselves nor sanctify ourselves, God does that; but God will not give us good habits, He will not give us character, He will not make us walk aright. We have to do all that ourselves, we have to work out the salvation God has worked in. "Add" means to get into the habit of doing things, and in the initial stages it is difficult. To take the initiative is to make a beginning, to instruct yourself in the way you have to go." (Oswald Chambers)
It seems to me that taking the initiative is right only you have actually heard the call of God on a particular matter. It is good to take action, but I do not need to jump ahead of God.
My friend and I had this same discussion this morning over breakfast. He had been asked by a friend in the ministry to come on board a start-up move to plant a new church. He knew he could get excited in this endeavor, but did not sense a call from God to do it. The project was good, it was a chance to serve, and he had been through this once before and new the blessings that could come from it. But he did not feel that it was God's call for him at this particular time. He felt it would be of great personal satisfaction to him, but maybe he needed to get himself out of the way and listen for God to speak on the matter, or even to keep silent.
Many times, I let circumstances dictate my service. Someone asks and I see the need and jump in. Maybe I need to listen more and act less, especially when it is something that I know I can do.
Looks like there may be at least three keys to right service:
1. Wait on God to lead
2. Listen for the Call
3. Go,,,,Do
(a note for any reader...tomorrow is another travel day for us, so if you want Chambers' word for tomorrow, go to the site:)
http://www.myutmost.org/05/0511.html
read it for yourself.
It seems to me that taking the initiative is right only you have actually heard the call of God on a particular matter. It is good to take action, but I do not need to jump ahead of God.
My friend and I had this same discussion this morning over breakfast. He had been asked by a friend in the ministry to come on board a start-up move to plant a new church. He knew he could get excited in this endeavor, but did not sense a call from God to do it. The project was good, it was a chance to serve, and he had been through this once before and new the blessings that could come from it. But he did not feel that it was God's call for him at this particular time. He felt it would be of great personal satisfaction to him, but maybe he needed to get himself out of the way and listen for God to speak on the matter, or even to keep silent.
Many times, I let circumstances dictate my service. Someone asks and I see the need and jump in. Maybe I need to listen more and act less, especially when it is something that I know I can do.
Looks like there may be at least three keys to right service:
1. Wait on God to lead
2. Listen for the Call
3. Go,,,,Do
(a note for any reader...tomorrow is another travel day for us, so if you want Chambers' word for tomorrow, go to the site:)
http://www.myutmost.org/05/0511.html
read it for yourself.
Monday, May 9, 2011
My Vision
"Where there is no vision....."(Proverbs 29:18)
"The ability to think about or plan the future with imagination and wisdom." (Dictionary)
What vision do I have? Not too much I am afraid. My vision is pretty short term, sometimes not even getting out of the day that I have in front of me. Too focused on what my life looks like from a very selfish attitude.
When I think about longer term, I tend to consider what impacts me. The picture is pretty small and I don't recognize the larger story and the part that I play in that. It takes vision to picture that, a vision that I seldom cultivate.
I think about our church and how, in 1996, a few folks in a living room were led to begin a new work, one that they felt God calling them to. Did they know exactly how it would look in 2011? No, but they felt God was in it and they were willing to step out in faith that it was God. They were not responsible for the results, only the following. They had a vision of a future with God leading, but could not know the result 15 years down the road.
I like the analogy of the Pilgrim and Puritan fathers. They were stepping out in faith, establishing a colony that could become a city on the hill, a light shining for the world to see. They could not see the end result, but were willing to be "stepping stones" that others might have the life that was envisioned for them by God. They were satisfied to be bit players in a larger drama. They had a future oriented vision.
Where is my vision? I am a bit player, and the story is not about me. If truth be known, I am a very, very small bit player. Can I see the vision of the larger story and where I actually fit in? Am I willing to be a "stepping stone", counting my life as little, so that the future generation can build something worthwhile?
Today there are actually two prayers; one to be a stepping stone and the other not to be a stumbling block. Oh to God that I would have the vision to be the former and not the latter.
"Where there is no vision....."
"The ability to think about or plan the future with imagination and wisdom." (Dictionary)
What vision do I have? Not too much I am afraid. My vision is pretty short term, sometimes not even getting out of the day that I have in front of me. Too focused on what my life looks like from a very selfish attitude.
When I think about longer term, I tend to consider what impacts me. The picture is pretty small and I don't recognize the larger story and the part that I play in that. It takes vision to picture that, a vision that I seldom cultivate.
I think about our church and how, in 1996, a few folks in a living room were led to begin a new work, one that they felt God calling them to. Did they know exactly how it would look in 2011? No, but they felt God was in it and they were willing to step out in faith that it was God. They were not responsible for the results, only the following. They had a vision of a future with God leading, but could not know the result 15 years down the road.
I like the analogy of the Pilgrim and Puritan fathers. They were stepping out in faith, establishing a colony that could become a city on the hill, a light shining for the world to see. They could not see the end result, but were willing to be "stepping stones" that others might have the life that was envisioned for them by God. They were satisfied to be bit players in a larger drama. They had a future oriented vision.
Where is my vision? I am a bit player, and the story is not about me. If truth be known, I am a very, very small bit player. Can I see the vision of the larger story and where I actually fit in? Am I willing to be a "stepping stone", counting my life as little, so that the future generation can build something worthwhile?
Today there are actually two prayers; one to be a stepping stone and the other not to be a stumbling block. Oh to God that I would have the vision to be the former and not the latter.
"Where there is no vision....."
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Grand Children
" Our Lord implies that the only men and women He will use in His building enterprises are those who love Him personally, passionately and devotedly beyond any of the closest ties on earth. The conditions are stern, but they are glorious." (Oswald Chambers)
Beyond any of the closest ties on earth....this is hard to ponder today. Here we are over in Arkansas with our daughter, son in law and 2 grand kids. Any time I am around these little ones I realize just how much I do love them and miss watching them grow up. They are glad to see us, glad to play games with us and just fun to be around.
It is the same when we are in Virginia with the 3 kids there or Charlotte with the 2 over there (even though they are not kids anymore). The love a grand parent has for his grand children is pretty awesome, and when we are in the midst of them, everything else seems to pale. The way I read Chambers, and, deep down it seems correct, I am not very usable in Jesus' kingdom. My earthly ties are heavy.
I realize that Jesus loves these folks, too, and He wants me to have a godly influence when I can, but I see myself as concentrating more on them as mine and less on them as God's children.
Maybe it will be easier to put things in the right perspective when I am away from these kids, but I will sure miss them.
God, give me the ability to see these youngsters as You do, and help me not to make idols out of them.
Beyond any of the closest ties on earth....this is hard to ponder today. Here we are over in Arkansas with our daughter, son in law and 2 grand kids. Any time I am around these little ones I realize just how much I do love them and miss watching them grow up. They are glad to see us, glad to play games with us and just fun to be around.
It is the same when we are in Virginia with the 3 kids there or Charlotte with the 2 over there (even though they are not kids anymore). The love a grand parent has for his grand children is pretty awesome, and when we are in the midst of them, everything else seems to pale. The way I read Chambers, and, deep down it seems correct, I am not very usable in Jesus' kingdom. My earthly ties are heavy.
I realize that Jesus loves these folks, too, and He wants me to have a godly influence when I can, but I see myself as concentrating more on them as mine and less on them as God's children.
Maybe it will be easier to put things in the right perspective when I am away from these kids, but I will sure miss them.
God, give me the ability to see these youngsters as You do, and help me not to make idols out of them.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Of course, I may be wrong, but.....
"Don't get impatient, remember how God dealt with you - with patience and with gentleness; but never water down the truth of God. Let it have its way and never apologize for it. Jesus said, "Go and make disciples," not "make converts to your opinions." (Oswald Chambers)
Often I begin a statement with the words "Of course I may be wrong, but....". I know that means that what I am about to say has the possibility of being in error, but what I am really saying is that you had better listen, because this is going to be right. I am saying that I have lived a long time and learned a lot of things that are "right" and am glad to pass them on to you.You had best listen up! I am glad to be able to help you out and steer you on the right course.
I say this tongue in cheek, but perhaps, as I look down inside, I really do have a high opinion of what I think, what I know and what I remember. My words say that if you followed what I tell you, you would be OK. Pride rears its ugly head a lot of the time.
When it comes to spiritual matters I can be equally dogmatic, but I find that my statements begin with "this is what I believe", or "this is what I have been taught", or this is what ___(enter the name of any well known Bible scholar) said. The implication is, of course, that it is right. Notice the use of the little word "I".
The standard Jesus sets up and teaches is the only one that is true and right. Anything that I say or do, must square up with those.
Another thing that comes to mind regarding how I phrase my responses to a question is "Now this may not be right....but". There is no problem figuring out what I am suggesting with that statement.
You can take the words of Jesus to the bank, but be very careful with what you do with mine, or even Oswald Chambers' for that matter.
There is only one standard. That is right.
Often I begin a statement with the words "Of course I may be wrong, but....". I know that means that what I am about to say has the possibility of being in error, but what I am really saying is that you had better listen, because this is going to be right. I am saying that I have lived a long time and learned a lot of things that are "right" and am glad to pass them on to you.You had best listen up! I am glad to be able to help you out and steer you on the right course.
I say this tongue in cheek, but perhaps, as I look down inside, I really do have a high opinion of what I think, what I know and what I remember. My words say that if you followed what I tell you, you would be OK. Pride rears its ugly head a lot of the time.
When it comes to spiritual matters I can be equally dogmatic, but I find that my statements begin with "this is what I believe", or "this is what I have been taught", or this is what ___(enter the name of any well known Bible scholar) said. The implication is, of course, that it is right. Notice the use of the little word "I".
The standard Jesus sets up and teaches is the only one that is true and right. Anything that I say or do, must square up with those.
Another thing that comes to mind regarding how I phrase my responses to a question is "Now this may not be right....but". There is no problem figuring out what I am suggesting with that statement.
You can take the words of Jesus to the bank, but be very careful with what you do with mine, or even Oswald Chambers' for that matter.
There is only one standard. That is right.
Traveling with Nature
As we traveled, I kept thinking of what Oswald was going to say in today's reading. Since I had not been able to write last night, or to read yesterday's devotion, I needed to make both fit into my days events.
We have been on the road to Arkansas to see Donna, Noel and the kids. It has been since last Thanksgiving that we have been together, and it was time. We miss them a lot. So we left on Wednesday morning, stopping at various county courthouses in Georgia to continue our picture odyssey. We got 9 done on that day and had a great time doing it. Being able to visit and photograph such diverse cities, well not really cities, as Ellaville, Buena Vista, Cusseta, Vienna, Cordele, Ashburn, Fitzgerald, and Americus, was fun. Even learned how to pronounce Schley county. It is like Sly. Our informant for information on that county was the Probate Judge, whose Dad had been the Sheriff for 20 years. You meet some interesting people in these small, out of the way, counties
Today, we resumed out journey to Arkansas. Traveling through Birmingham, we came through a war zone where the tornado had come through last week. What havoc nature had brought to that area. Along with that experience, nature hit us again with flooding on the White River that caused I-40 to be shut down and necessitated a long detour on the way. What was projected as a 7 hour trip, was really a 11 hour marathon.
So what I was looking for in a reading for today was maybe, a thought on patience or persistence, or something on prayer as this was the National Day of Prayer all over the US. We had experienced all of the above as we sat still, in a convoy of 18 wheelers on the detour. But Chambers wanted to talk to me about intercession again, and midnight after a long car ride was not the time.
Perhaps I should have read it this morning before I left Alexander City. I would have done better praying for the people devastated by the tornadoes and displaced by the flooding, than just sitting in the traffic caused by both.
I'll do better on the way back to St. Simons, I promise.
We have been on the road to Arkansas to see Donna, Noel and the kids. It has been since last Thanksgiving that we have been together, and it was time. We miss them a lot. So we left on Wednesday morning, stopping at various county courthouses in Georgia to continue our picture odyssey. We got 9 done on that day and had a great time doing it. Being able to visit and photograph such diverse cities, well not really cities, as Ellaville, Buena Vista, Cusseta, Vienna, Cordele, Ashburn, Fitzgerald, and Americus, was fun. Even learned how to pronounce Schley county. It is like Sly. Our informant for information on that county was the Probate Judge, whose Dad had been the Sheriff for 20 years. You meet some interesting people in these small, out of the way, counties
Today, we resumed out journey to Arkansas. Traveling through Birmingham, we came through a war zone where the tornado had come through last week. What havoc nature had brought to that area. Along with that experience, nature hit us again with flooding on the White River that caused I-40 to be shut down and necessitated a long detour on the way. What was projected as a 7 hour trip, was really a 11 hour marathon.
So what I was looking for in a reading for today was maybe, a thought on patience or persistence, or something on prayer as this was the National Day of Prayer all over the US. We had experienced all of the above as we sat still, in a convoy of 18 wheelers on the detour. But Chambers wanted to talk to me about intercession again, and midnight after a long car ride was not the time.
Perhaps I should have read it this morning before I left Alexander City. I would have done better praying for the people devastated by the tornadoes and displaced by the flooding, than just sitting in the traffic caused by both.
I'll do better on the way back to St. Simons, I promise.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Being Concerned
"Whenever we step back from identification with God's interest in others into sympathy with them, the vital connection with God has gone, we have put our sympathy, our consideration for them in the way, and this is a deliberate rebuke to God." (Oswald Chambers)
Intercessory prayer is prayer for others and their situations. I confess that I do not do this enough, my interests are too often centered on myself and not the needs of others.
I can remember a couple of instances where I was in a gathering, and the group was interceding for another. In one place, someone prayed as "God, we know that you can relieve this suffering they are going through, and we ask, believing in your power and mercy, that you will do it. We thank you ahead of time for what you are going to do". It bothered me that this person was making an assumption that it would be God's will to make this person whole again in this life. Maybe so, and maybe not, but how could we know? It was our wish that was spoken to God, but maybe not His.
Another time, in another group, the prayer went like "Lord, we thank you that you have caused this cancer to go away, and we rejoice with _____ that you have made her well". True, it was our wish that she be made well, but did we really know?
Chambers says that when we intercede for others, if it is just in sympathy for them and their situation, we have placed our interests ahead of God's. We cannot know the purposes of God in the lives of others, or even of ourselves, unless He chooses to reveal it to us.
I cannot intercede in a dictatorial fashion, telling God what needs to be done. Neither can I assume that what I want is what God wants. I simply cannot know the mind of God on all of this.
I need to be concerned for others, and to pray for them, but maybe my prayer should not be just for relief, but a heartfelt "Thy will be done".
Intercessory prayer is prayer for others and their situations. I confess that I do not do this enough, my interests are too often centered on myself and not the needs of others.
I can remember a couple of instances where I was in a gathering, and the group was interceding for another. In one place, someone prayed as "God, we know that you can relieve this suffering they are going through, and we ask, believing in your power and mercy, that you will do it. We thank you ahead of time for what you are going to do". It bothered me that this person was making an assumption that it would be God's will to make this person whole again in this life. Maybe so, and maybe not, but how could we know? It was our wish that was spoken to God, but maybe not His.
Another time, in another group, the prayer went like "Lord, we thank you that you have caused this cancer to go away, and we rejoice with _____ that you have made her well". True, it was our wish that she be made well, but did we really know?
Chambers says that when we intercede for others, if it is just in sympathy for them and their situation, we have placed our interests ahead of God's. We cannot know the purposes of God in the lives of others, or even of ourselves, unless He chooses to reveal it to us.
I cannot intercede in a dictatorial fashion, telling God what needs to be done. Neither can I assume that what I want is what God wants. I simply cannot know the mind of God on all of this.
I need to be concerned for others, and to pray for them, but maybe my prayer should not be just for relief, but a heartfelt "Thy will be done".
Monday, May 2, 2011
What to do about Today?
The teacher of a Bible class that we attend one morning a week, sends out an email devotion, that I read each morning. This morning it concerned my responsibilities toward the day in front of me.
Today is the day I am to be concerned with. Not the day or days that come after it.
Now does that mean that I just need to sit back and see what falls into my lap today? Is this just a form of apathy that says "whatever"? Does that mean not making any plans for days that lie ahead?
Or does it imply a patient waiting on God to show me what I need for today and what I need to do about it? Is waiting an action verb? Can it include some planning ahead?
It seems to me that living today should be my active involvement in the things that God puts in my life today. It means keeping my eyes open for situations and people that God puts in my path this day. It means taking care of those things that He calls to my mind that need to be done today. It asks the question, "What do You want me to do, or consider, or meditate on, or take care of today?".
It can also include planning for some things in the future. Not worry about, but plan for as God leads.
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let me rejoice and be glad in it"
Today is the day I am to be concerned with. Not the day or days that come after it.
Now does that mean that I just need to sit back and see what falls into my lap today? Is this just a form of apathy that says "whatever"? Does that mean not making any plans for days that lie ahead?
Or does it imply a patient waiting on God to show me what I need for today and what I need to do about it? Is waiting an action verb? Can it include some planning ahead?
It seems to me that living today should be my active involvement in the things that God puts in my life today. It means keeping my eyes open for situations and people that God puts in my path this day. It means taking care of those things that He calls to my mind that need to be done today. It asks the question, "What do You want me to do, or consider, or meditate on, or take care of today?".
It can also include planning for some things in the future. Not worry about, but plan for as God leads.
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let me rejoice and be glad in it"
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Exceptional Moments
" Never live for those exceptional moments, they are surprises. God will give us His touches of inspiration only when He sees that we are not in danger of being led away by them. We must never consider our moments of inspiration as the standard way of life, our work is our standard." (Oswald Chambers)
Chambers talks in this reading about the dangers of exceptional moments with God. If we concentrate on them and wait for them to appear before we actually do anything for God, then we, as self assured saints, are worth very little to Him.
There have only been a couple of times in my life that I would come close to calling "exceptional", times when I felt like God was speaking directly to me. I find that I call these up at times when I have the feeling that maybe God really does not care much about me or my situations. The memories of those are assurances for me, that He is there and He does care.
It could be that I do not have more of these "exceptional moments", because most of my work is of the type that I can do in my own strength. It is comfortable and convenient work that requires little, if any, of a stepping out in faith to do it.
If truth be told, I do want those special moments of God in my life, but I don't put myself in a position to receive them many times.
I may be somewhat self assured, but I'm not on any track for sainthood, and that is not a good thing.
Help!
Chambers talks in this reading about the dangers of exceptional moments with God. If we concentrate on them and wait for them to appear before we actually do anything for God, then we, as self assured saints, are worth very little to Him.
There have only been a couple of times in my life that I would come close to calling "exceptional", times when I felt like God was speaking directly to me. I find that I call these up at times when I have the feeling that maybe God really does not care much about me or my situations. The memories of those are assurances for me, that He is there and He does care.
It could be that I do not have more of these "exceptional moments", because most of my work is of the type that I can do in my own strength. It is comfortable and convenient work that requires little, if any, of a stepping out in faith to do it.
If truth be told, I do want those special moments of God in my life, but I don't put myself in a position to receive them many times.
I may be somewhat self assured, but I'm not on any track for sainthood, and that is not a good thing.
Help!
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