Point to Ponder- I'm as close to God as I choose to be.
Verse to Remember- "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you." (James 4:8a)
Question to Consider- What practical choices will I make today in order to grow closer to God?
As I sit on the floor of my bedroom, looking out the window, I'm amazed at God's (I don't know the word I'm looking for...kindness maybe?) He is awesome...do you know that? Do you know how amazing He truly is??? What can happen in your life when you hand everything, and I mean EVERYTHING over to him?
I'm going to give you "Purpose Driven Life" in a nutshell:
1. Trust God
2. Hand everything over to Him
When you do those two things, I'm thinking things will start falling into place for you. And when I say hand everything over, I don't mean give to Him for a week, and then when you're not happy with the timing or the outcome, take it back. God sees a much bigger picture than we do.
Ok, so back to the question (sorry, I just felt led to say all that)...what practical choices can I make to grow closer to God. Pray. there's my answer. Pray about everything...in thanksgiving for the things He has given me. The opportunities, the parking spaces and the kind words. Yeah, the little things...and the big things too...the peace I've been given first and foremost, and many other things, that will not be written on this lil blog o' mine :-)
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Day 11- Becoming Best Friends with God
Point to Ponder- God wants to be my best friend.
Verse to Remember- "Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him." ( Psalm 23:14)
Question to Consider- What can I do to remind myself to think abouut God and talk to him more often throught the day?
I have a best friend...actually, a few best friends. They know me better than I know myself sometimes. They call me on my crap when I mess up, and seem to expect more out of me than what I expect of myself sometimes (usually I'm just being lazy, but they know better).
But God...wow, God...to be BFF's with him. This is not something that just happens. Just as in any relationship, it takes time to trust. That doesn't JUST happen. One has to continually talk and give of oneself. Pray without ceasing...right? Pray as if God is right there with you at all times. Aren't we called to see Jesus in everyone we come across and everything we do? So, when I'm driving, I should drive as if Jesus is in the passenger seat (although in the journey of life, he is soooo in the driver's seat, and I'm sitting shotgun )
When we constantly talk to God, and thank him for the little things, talking to him about the big things gets a little easier. Becoming BFF's with God will obviously take some time. But look at what He did for us... I think giving him my time is pretty small in comparison to that...don't you?
Verse to Remember- "Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him." ( Psalm 23:14)
Question to Consider- What can I do to remind myself to think abouut God and talk to him more often throught the day?
I have a best friend...actually, a few best friends. They know me better than I know myself sometimes. They call me on my crap when I mess up, and seem to expect more out of me than what I expect of myself sometimes (usually I'm just being lazy, but they know better).
But God...wow, God...to be BFF's with him. This is not something that just happens. Just as in any relationship, it takes time to trust. That doesn't JUST happen. One has to continually talk and give of oneself. Pray without ceasing...right? Pray as if God is right there with you at all times. Aren't we called to see Jesus in everyone we come across and everything we do? So, when I'm driving, I should drive as if Jesus is in the passenger seat (although in the journey of life, he is soooo in the driver's seat, and I'm sitting shotgun )
When we constantly talk to God, and thank him for the little things, talking to him about the big things gets a little easier. Becoming BFF's with God will obviously take some time. But look at what He did for us... I think giving him my time is pretty small in comparison to that...don't you?
Friday, July 25, 2008
Day 10- The Heart of Worship...
Point to Ponder- The heart of worship is surrender.
Verse to Remember- "Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes." (Romans 6:13b)
Question to Consider- What area of my life am I holding back from God?
The resounding answer to this question is my love life. I'm good at handing over everything else, but when it comes to my love life, I seem to keep grabbing it back. Well, I should say I USED to. For a while now, I've pretty much stopped trying when it comes to stuff like that. Yes, I still go out with my friends, but not with the goal of meeting someone. I did the online thing, and stopped doing that. It's in HIS hands now, not mine. I don't want just any random guy. If I just wanted to be in a relationship, I think I could find someone to go out with, but I don't want to be in just any relationship...I want to be in the RIGHT relationship. The one God has planned for me, if that's in his plan (and for the record, I hope it is!).
This time last year, I was dating someone who I THOUGHT was the ONE...we talked about marriage, kids, and faith...everything seemed in alignment, but something was always off. I finally realized when our relationship ended that it just wasn't meant to be. The way he ended it, the way he handled it, it just wasn't right. (not to say that it was all his fault, because it certainly wasn't...i'm partly to blame as well). I gave my whole heart, but he held back, and in the relationship of my dreams (or of God's dreams for me) I don't think I'd have that nagging feeling that something was off. I kept trying to fix it, or fix me, and I (or anyone for that matter) shouldn't have to try to fix it...No relationship is perfect; they all require work, but, it shouldn't be just one person working to fix it...it should be both. I know that now :-)
So here I am...handing it ALL over to God...I trust Him with my life.
Do you?
Verse to Remember- "Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes." (Romans 6:13b)
Question to Consider- What area of my life am I holding back from God?
The resounding answer to this question is my love life. I'm good at handing over everything else, but when it comes to my love life, I seem to keep grabbing it back. Well, I should say I USED to. For a while now, I've pretty much stopped trying when it comes to stuff like that. Yes, I still go out with my friends, but not with the goal of meeting someone. I did the online thing, and stopped doing that. It's in HIS hands now, not mine. I don't want just any random guy. If I just wanted to be in a relationship, I think I could find someone to go out with, but I don't want to be in just any relationship...I want to be in the RIGHT relationship. The one God has planned for me, if that's in his plan (and for the record, I hope it is!).
This time last year, I was dating someone who I THOUGHT was the ONE...we talked about marriage, kids, and faith...everything seemed in alignment, but something was always off. I finally realized when our relationship ended that it just wasn't meant to be. The way he ended it, the way he handled it, it just wasn't right. (not to say that it was all his fault, because it certainly wasn't...i'm partly to blame as well). I gave my whole heart, but he held back, and in the relationship of my dreams (or of God's dreams for me) I don't think I'd have that nagging feeling that something was off. I kept trying to fix it, or fix me, and I (or anyone for that matter) shouldn't have to try to fix it...No relationship is perfect; they all require work, but, it shouldn't be just one person working to fix it...it should be both. I know that now :-)
So here I am...handing it ALL over to God...I trust Him with my life.
Do you?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Day 9- What Makes God Smile?
Point to Ponder- God smiles when I trust him.
Verse to Remember- "The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love." (Psalm 147:11)
Question to Consider- Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust him most?
I think the answer to this question is in the question itself. GOD KNOWS BEST, and if that is the case, shouldn't I trust him in ALL aspects of my life? I'm slowly starting to understand that. There are no coincidences...only the holy spirit at work. Is it a coincidence that the same amount of money I took out of my savings account to pay for my car is the same amount of money I recieved extra on my paycheck this week? I think not! I'm beginning to turn it all over to God. My love life, my financials, my job, life in general...everything. And in doing that, He's showing me that it's ok to "let go and let God". He's bigger, smarter, more powerful than me...why worry myself with things/people I can't change? To truly trust Him is very refreshing. It's not easy by any means, but I don't feel as stressed. Of course, that will likely all change once school starts, but honestly, why stress or worry over something once I place it in His hands?
Proverbs 3:5 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding". In other words, don't worry about if you don't understand it. Trust God! Let him lift the heavy stuff! Yes, it's hard to do. No, it's not easy. No one ever said it would be. But to trust Him...what faith! Do you have it?
I think you do...just let go and let GOD!
Verse to Remember- "The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love." (Psalm 147:11)
Question to Consider- Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust him most?
I think the answer to this question is in the question itself. GOD KNOWS BEST, and if that is the case, shouldn't I trust him in ALL aspects of my life? I'm slowly starting to understand that. There are no coincidences...only the holy spirit at work. Is it a coincidence that the same amount of money I took out of my savings account to pay for my car is the same amount of money I recieved extra on my paycheck this week? I think not! I'm beginning to turn it all over to God. My love life, my financials, my job, life in general...everything. And in doing that, He's showing me that it's ok to "let go and let God". He's bigger, smarter, more powerful than me...why worry myself with things/people I can't change? To truly trust Him is very refreshing. It's not easy by any means, but I don't feel as stressed. Of course, that will likely all change once school starts, but honestly, why stress or worry over something once I place it in His hands?
Proverbs 3:5 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding". In other words, don't worry about if you don't understand it. Trust God! Let him lift the heavy stuff! Yes, it's hard to do. No, it's not easy. No one ever said it would be. But to trust Him...what faith! Do you have it?
I think you do...just let go and let GOD!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Day 8- Planned for God's Pleasure...
Point to ponder- I was planned for God's pleasure.
Verse to remember- The Lord takes pleasure in his people. (Psalm 149:4a)
Question to consider- What common task ocould I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?
This question brings Mary and Martha to mind. Mary was at Jesus' feet, while Martha was in the kitchen busily preparing for him. I need to be more like Martha at times. If I cleaned, and kept my little condo upkept as if Jesus lived there, it would NEVER get messy! If I drove as if I were carrying Jesus in the passenger seat, would I speed? Absolutly not! If I knew it were Jesus that I were meeting for lunch or anything else, would I run late? Nope! Why is it that we give the best to Jesus, but not to ourselves? Aren't we a living breathing vessel of Christ?
Verse to remember- The Lord takes pleasure in his people. (Psalm 149:4a)
Question to consider- What common task ocould I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?
This question brings Mary and Martha to mind. Mary was at Jesus' feet, while Martha was in the kitchen busily preparing for him. I need to be more like Martha at times. If I cleaned, and kept my little condo upkept as if Jesus lived there, it would NEVER get messy! If I drove as if I were carrying Jesus in the passenger seat, would I speed? Absolutly not! If I knew it were Jesus that I were meeting for lunch or anything else, would I run late? Nope! Why is it that we give the best to Jesus, but not to ourselves? Aren't we a living breathing vessel of Christ?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Day 7- The Reason for Everything...
Point to Ponder- It's all for him.
Verse to Remember- "For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." (Romans 11:36)
Question to consider- Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?
I think one of my biggest problems is that I am constantly going. From the time I wake up, to the time I lay down, I'm on the go. Whether it's to job #1 or job #2, lunch/dinner/drinks with friends, a movie, a running session with GCRC, I'm on the go. Yes, there are many times that I just veg out on the couch, but for the most part I'm on the go. And in being constantly busy, I don't do what I should to be aware of God's glory. For example, even though I wake up to KSBJ and I listen on my way to work, I don't take the time each morning to pray. I've done it now for almost 7 days (the last few days I didn't get my readings in until the end of the day), and starting my day in prayer seems to get me centered for my day. I'm a little bit calmer, a little less stressed, and a little more focused. I know I'm not ready for a bible study every morning, but a little time in prayer, I think, can go a long way.
And then throughout my day, I can recognize the little successes that life gives us every day as God's glory. I know people think that somethings are just coincidences, but are they really? Could it be that God is orchestrating our days for us to show us that He's here? I think so...and maybe if I just start recognizing those things, I'll feel a little closer to God.
This week, although a tad superficial because it just dealt with my car, tested me. Control is a HUGE issue for me, and I'm working on it, but this week has taught me that it's ok to give up control and let others take care of me. Not everyone has a negative ulterior motive. I'm so used to taking care of myself, that to give that up and let someone else do it seems foriegn to me, but I do promise to work on it!
Verse to Remember- "For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." (Romans 11:36)
Question to consider- Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?
I think one of my biggest problems is that I am constantly going. From the time I wake up, to the time I lay down, I'm on the go. Whether it's to job #1 or job #2, lunch/dinner/drinks with friends, a movie, a running session with GCRC, I'm on the go. Yes, there are many times that I just veg out on the couch, but for the most part I'm on the go. And in being constantly busy, I don't do what I should to be aware of God's glory. For example, even though I wake up to KSBJ and I listen on my way to work, I don't take the time each morning to pray. I've done it now for almost 7 days (the last few days I didn't get my readings in until the end of the day), and starting my day in prayer seems to get me centered for my day. I'm a little bit calmer, a little less stressed, and a little more focused. I know I'm not ready for a bible study every morning, but a little time in prayer, I think, can go a long way.
And then throughout my day, I can recognize the little successes that life gives us every day as God's glory. I know people think that somethings are just coincidences, but are they really? Could it be that God is orchestrating our days for us to show us that He's here? I think so...and maybe if I just start recognizing those things, I'll feel a little closer to God.
This week, although a tad superficial because it just dealt with my car, tested me. Control is a HUGE issue for me, and I'm working on it, but this week has taught me that it's ok to give up control and let others take care of me. Not everyone has a negative ulterior motive. I'm so used to taking care of myself, that to give that up and let someone else do it seems foriegn to me, but I do promise to work on it!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Day 6- Life is a Temporary Assignment...
Point to Ponder- This world is not my home.
Verse to Remember- "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Question to Consider- How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?
I'm one of those people that's fearlessly independent. I fully admit that I like to be in control of things. I don't like to depend on others, and I most certainly don't like to ask others for help. With that said, I also don't like to step out on faith if I'm not 99.9% sure of the outcome. That's not really stepping out on faith is it? I worry about things I shouldn't worry about. I worry about what people think about me. I worry about whether or not I'll have enough money for something. I worry about whether or not I'm wearing the right thing or if people will think I'm stupid. So what if they do? In the scheme of things, is that REALLY important? When I get to the pearly gates, is St. Peter really going to wonder if I had the most up to date Coach/D&B/LV purse, or if all the light fixtures in my house matched? I certainly hope not!
I have got to stop second guessing myself. I've got to stop taking so much control, and START letting people help me. I need to stop worrying about what people think about me, and stop living with so much fear. This has been a HUGE problem for me for as long as I can remember.
Today, a couple of really good friends reminded me that it's ok to ask for help, and it's definetly ok to accept help when it's offered. It doesn't inconvenience people, because if it did, they would hopefully say no, and then you're no worse off than you were before. There is more to this life than what's seen. I just need to work on understanding that, and loving and living my life right now.
Verse to Remember- "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Question to Consider- How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?
I'm one of those people that's fearlessly independent. I fully admit that I like to be in control of things. I don't like to depend on others, and I most certainly don't like to ask others for help. With that said, I also don't like to step out on faith if I'm not 99.9% sure of the outcome. That's not really stepping out on faith is it? I worry about things I shouldn't worry about. I worry about what people think about me. I worry about whether or not I'll have enough money for something. I worry about whether or not I'm wearing the right thing or if people will think I'm stupid. So what if they do? In the scheme of things, is that REALLY important? When I get to the pearly gates, is St. Peter really going to wonder if I had the most up to date Coach/D&B/LV purse, or if all the light fixtures in my house matched? I certainly hope not!
I have got to stop second guessing myself. I've got to stop taking so much control, and START letting people help me. I need to stop worrying about what people think about me, and stop living with so much fear. This has been a HUGE problem for me for as long as I can remember.
Today, a couple of really good friends reminded me that it's ok to ask for help, and it's definetly ok to accept help when it's offered. It doesn't inconvenience people, because if it did, they would hopefully say no, and then you're no worse off than you were before. There is more to this life than what's seen. I just need to work on understanding that, and loving and living my life right now.
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