I love when The Holy Spirit talks to me when I'm not asking for it. I love hearing God's voice in the midst of the seemingly mundane tasks of the day. This week, that moment came when I went to get Jude out of his crib one morning. On a normal day, I wait to hear him stirring and then I go get his breakfast ready so he can go straight to his food instead of following me screaming until it's ready. This day he woke up crying so I picked him up before making his food. On the way to the kitchen, I saw his bottle from the night before and picked it up to put it in the dishwasher. Well, as soon as that bottle was in the kid's line of vision, it was ON. He screamed, he grabbed, he cried, he pulled... all the while I was repeating things like "No, that's yucky." "Momma's going to make you a good one." "That will make you sick." "Let's go get some yummy food." etc... Then in my spirit I felt God say, "Do you know how many times you look like that?" The Spirit showed me that so many times, I've reached out for what's in front of me, for the convenient thing, whatever was close and available. And God was whispering, "No, that's yucky...I'm making you something better. That will hurt you...I have something that will bless you and bring Me glory..."
As we all know, America is all about instant satisfaction and convenience. Internet, fast food, DVR... But convenience is not really God's priority. God likes for us to wait. (It's waiting for us anyway, not for Him, since time is not relevant to Him.) And the wait isn't just to drive us crazy. He uses the wait (in my opinion) to strengthen us by making us dependent on Him. Because in the waiting time, there is no sure thing. We are forced to put our reasoning aside and simply hold on to His promises, bind ourselves to Him in prayer, and expect Him to do what He does. Satan will put seemingly good, convenient things in our path to distract us. He waves that yucky bottle all around to keep you from getting the good stuff that God has waiting. He waves that "convenient lifestyle" in your face and makes it look so appealing.
It's easy to say the words "I'm a Christian." It's easy to get up on Sunday, drive to church, stand during a few songs, sit for a sermon, go home and go on about your day. It's easy to work, eat, sleep, repeat...and mumble a prayer here and there, and open your bible if you happen to have a spare moment. And say, "I'm a Christian."
But is God only worthy of Sundays? Is He only looking for those who claim His name? If so, He doesn't need to look far. But I believe God is looking for those who KNOW Him. Not those who know about Him, but those who know Him by experience. Those who marry themselves to Him and His will. Those who say no to the mundane. Those who turn their head at the yucky bottle and press forward to the fresh, full bottle, the life dedicated to God every single moment of every single day...the life that won't quit glorifying the Father because they'd rather die than to quit...the life that is inconvenient...the life that is not about self, but about others, and ultimately God. That's what Christianity was meant to be.
Give up the yucky bottle and press on. Seek Him. Commit to Him. Pound on heaven's door as you pray. Set yourself inside His will in every aspect of your life. Let Him consume you. Love like Jesus loved, serve like He served, pray like He prayed, speak like He spoke. Hold out for the better life not just because it's better for you and will bless you, although it is and it will. But do it because we serve a God who's worthy of us drinking the yummy bottle.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
It's the Small Things
I'll have to make this short and sweet as my son fills the room with a sewer-ish aroma and dumps utensils out of my craft box...
But last night, seeing part of the local high school gather around in church and grieve the loss of a friend, I was moved. Seeing your little sisters and their friends sob uncontrollibly tends to do that. But as Pastor Randy spoke and reminded the kids that their petty fights and disagreements with friends and loved ones weren't worth it because life was too precious and too short, and as he reminded them to "love deeply," God spoke to me.
Often we've all heard "God cares about all things big and small." Until now, I've always taken this in the context that God cares when I have a headache or when I spent too much money or when I'm just grumpy. While these are all true and God does care about our little concerns, He reminded me that He also cares about the little things in our heart.
Last night I got to thinking about anything that I may need to work on in my life when it comes to relationships because indeed, life on earth is short. My gut reaction was "No, I'm getting along with everyone in my life. I should just hug my family a little tighter from now on..." But God was quick to correct me and caused me to look a little closer. Am I getting along with everyone? Sure. But are there things in my heart that I'm holding in and not acting on only so I don't "rock the ship"? You betcha! Outwardly, I am "cool" with everyone and everything. But there are things in my past that I have "forgiven" yet, I still harbor bitterness, whether I act on it or not.
So I decide today and every day from here on out to TRULY let love reign in my life. Afterall, being a Christian means Jesus is my King, and Jesus is Love, therefore, LOVE MUST REIGN. I've done well in removing bitterness and unforgiveness in my actions but have failed to remove it in my heart and mind. I choose to do that now. His grace is enough, His love is enough, and with His blood it is possible.
So I challenge you, forgive truly, see value in everyone you encounter, and above all, love deeply.
But last night, seeing part of the local high school gather around in church and grieve the loss of a friend, I was moved. Seeing your little sisters and their friends sob uncontrollibly tends to do that. But as Pastor Randy spoke and reminded the kids that their petty fights and disagreements with friends and loved ones weren't worth it because life was too precious and too short, and as he reminded them to "love deeply," God spoke to me.
Often we've all heard "God cares about all things big and small." Until now, I've always taken this in the context that God cares when I have a headache or when I spent too much money or when I'm just grumpy. While these are all true and God does care about our little concerns, He reminded me that He also cares about the little things in our heart.
Last night I got to thinking about anything that I may need to work on in my life when it comes to relationships because indeed, life on earth is short. My gut reaction was "No, I'm getting along with everyone in my life. I should just hug my family a little tighter from now on..." But God was quick to correct me and caused me to look a little closer. Am I getting along with everyone? Sure. But are there things in my heart that I'm holding in and not acting on only so I don't "rock the ship"? You betcha! Outwardly, I am "cool" with everyone and everything. But there are things in my past that I have "forgiven" yet, I still harbor bitterness, whether I act on it or not.
So I decide today and every day from here on out to TRULY let love reign in my life. Afterall, being a Christian means Jesus is my King, and Jesus is Love, therefore, LOVE MUST REIGN. I've done well in removing bitterness and unforgiveness in my actions but have failed to remove it in my heart and mind. I choose to do that now. His grace is enough, His love is enough, and with His blood it is possible.
So I challenge you, forgive truly, see value in everyone you encounter, and above all, love deeply.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
HUNGER: being fed and never full
I dont now how to say what I feel right now. I will try in few words, but it won't be enough.
Today, on my 24th birthday, I have so much to be thankful for. There are the most obvious blessings: a husband, son, home, provision, etc., etc... But today, I must say I am HUNGRY, and so thankful that I am. I am constantly being filled with things from the Father, and unfortunately, sometimes things of the world too. But I am allowing the Lord to weed those things out more and more. But no matter how much I am filled lately, I am STARVING. I need God. I'm desperate.
Part of me longs to look back on days gone by and taste the food I was fed then that was so satisfying. But something in my inner-person says there's more. God wants to feed me...to feed you. He wants to feed NEW FOOD. My only prayer is to be available and prepared when God provides the next meal. I don't want to miss it. Unless I am fed by Him, I have no worth, no strength, power, or authority.
Forgive the long metaphore, but I don't know how else to say this. I simply want my appetite to work for me, for my hunger to urge me on (Proverbs 16:26) Let your hunger urge you. Get hungry with me.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Sacrifice: worship at a cost
I'm back! Crazy that once I gave writing (aka blogging) another chance, I'm hooked again. My hope is that this can be a safe place. I'm not ignorant, I know this is the Internet and nothing is safe. By safe, I mean a place where I can be a blessing, an encouragement to those who take a moment to read. But also a place where I can be honest, genuine, and just be me, whatever that may mean.
The first month of 2012 has already been very eye-opening. Although I've always had the "head knowledge" that God is supposed to be my life, not just a PART of my life, that He comes first in all I do, and that everyONE and everyTHING should take a backseat to Him and His will, I rarely, if ever, have truly grasped that. Although I never would have admitted it, I have lived most of my Christian life with the mindset that as long as there was a "Christian" living less Holy than I, than I was okay. And as long as the things taking up my time and energy weren't "sinful" things, they were okay.
God has gently shown me and somewhat pushed me to rearrange my priorities. While I still had a newborn, life was easy. (If only my 6-month-ago-self knew this!) He ate and slept. I spent time praying and in the word, time exercising, time cleaning, and sometimes cooking, haha. As my Jude grew and became more aware, mobile, and curious, it was oh so easy to lean on him as an excuse as to why I was not zealous momma I had been before. How on earth could anyone expect me to care for him, my house, my health, my husband, and my Heavenly Father all at once?!?!
Well, God (for the time, anyway) didn't expect all of that from me. He expected me to give my best. And I have now seen that "my best" is not working out, caring for Jude, keeping my house in order, getting dinner on the table at 5 o'clock, and muttering a quick prayer if I had a convenient moment. Most mothers would find that commendable. But God deserves more of me.
My best is sacrifice. Several years ago in preparing a sermon for a Wednesday night service, 2 Samuel 24:24 struck a chord with me. "However, the king said to Araunah 'No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing.'..." I know by the shed blood of Jesus, we no longer have to offer burnt offerings. But our lives need to be constantly worshipping and glorifying our Creator. And although Araunah was willing to give David the threshing floor to build an altar and the oxen for the offering, David insisted on buying it. He refused to give God leftovers. I must choose the way David chose.
In no way are exercising, cooking, cleaning, caring for my family, running errands, etc. sinful activities. But they all MUST take a backseat when they interfere with the will of God. I realize there is not enough time in the world to give God what He deserves from me. But when I obey and seek Him before all these other tasks, He makes what time I give effective and powerful. Yes, my house is a little messier than I like it. My body is a little mushier than I prefer. And my meals are lacking the "shazaam" I like for them to have. But I have a home, a beating heart and breathing lungs, and food on my table. Most importantly, by the grace of God, I have ears that hear His voice, and am being taught and renewed daily. Are you?
-rian
The first month of 2012 has already been very eye-opening. Although I've always had the "head knowledge" that God is supposed to be my life, not just a PART of my life, that He comes first in all I do, and that everyONE and everyTHING should take a backseat to Him and His will, I rarely, if ever, have truly grasped that. Although I never would have admitted it, I have lived most of my Christian life with the mindset that as long as there was a "Christian" living less Holy than I, than I was okay. And as long as the things taking up my time and energy weren't "sinful" things, they were okay.
God has gently shown me and somewhat pushed me to rearrange my priorities. While I still had a newborn, life was easy. (If only my 6-month-ago-self knew this!) He ate and slept. I spent time praying and in the word, time exercising, time cleaning, and sometimes cooking, haha. As my Jude grew and became more aware, mobile, and curious, it was oh so easy to lean on him as an excuse as to why I was not zealous momma I had been before. How on earth could anyone expect me to care for him, my house, my health, my husband, and my Heavenly Father all at once?!?!
Well, God (for the time, anyway) didn't expect all of that from me. He expected me to give my best. And I have now seen that "my best" is not working out, caring for Jude, keeping my house in order, getting dinner on the table at 5 o'clock, and muttering a quick prayer if I had a convenient moment. Most mothers would find that commendable. But God deserves more of me.
My best is sacrifice. Several years ago in preparing a sermon for a Wednesday night service, 2 Samuel 24:24 struck a chord with me. "However, the king said to Araunah 'No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing.'..." I know by the shed blood of Jesus, we no longer have to offer burnt offerings. But our lives need to be constantly worshipping and glorifying our Creator. And although Araunah was willing to give David the threshing floor to build an altar and the oxen for the offering, David insisted on buying it. He refused to give God leftovers. I must choose the way David chose.
In no way are exercising, cooking, cleaning, caring for my family, running errands, etc. sinful activities. But they all MUST take a backseat when they interfere with the will of God. I realize there is not enough time in the world to give God what He deserves from me. But when I obey and seek Him before all these other tasks, He makes what time I give effective and powerful. Yes, my house is a little messier than I like it. My body is a little mushier than I prefer. And my meals are lacking the "shazaam" I like for them to have. But I have a home, a beating heart and breathing lungs, and food on my table. Most importantly, by the grace of God, I have ears that hear His voice, and am being taught and renewed daily. Are you?
-rian
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
SIMPLIFY
I've done it. I've started a blog. Who'd have thunk it?
Writing has always been a release for me and my most comfortable form of communication, so here are my thoughts, my heart, put into words...
Lately, I seem to be hearing one word in my spirit: simplify. Today I think I had the "aha!" moment as to why it's been that word.
If you don't know me well, I am ridiculously analytical. I read into everything. I make things far more complicated than they need to be. I feel this is a blessing, but if not kept in check, it acts more like a curse. I read Scripture and mull it over and over.......and over. I hear a sermon and pick it to the bone. I listen to a prophetic word and question the heart of the "prophet." While none of these acts are necessarily wrong, I am realizing I am robbing myself of some potentially amazing "God moments" by letting my mind get in the way.
The well-known verse: "Be still and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10) comes to mind. I often, like many people, applied this verse to when my life had gone in a tail-spin, and I needed the kind of comfort that only came from God Himself. However, I am currently seeing this verse in a new light. I am being reminded to still my mind and remember the basic truth that God is God! The rest of this verse states: "...I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." I must get back to the basics. Yes, I should study, use discernment, seek wisdom... but I should not let those things get in the way of holding tight to THE TRUTH. God is love. Jesus is Lord. HE WILL BE EXALTED AMONG THE NATIONS. This is truth, and truth always wins.
-rian
Writing has always been a release for me and my most comfortable form of communication, so here are my thoughts, my heart, put into words...
Lately, I seem to be hearing one word in my spirit: simplify. Today I think I had the "aha!" moment as to why it's been that word.
If you don't know me well, I am ridiculously analytical. I read into everything. I make things far more complicated than they need to be. I feel this is a blessing, but if not kept in check, it acts more like a curse. I read Scripture and mull it over and over.......and over. I hear a sermon and pick it to the bone. I listen to a prophetic word and question the heart of the "prophet." While none of these acts are necessarily wrong, I am realizing I am robbing myself of some potentially amazing "God moments" by letting my mind get in the way.
The well-known verse: "Be still and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10) comes to mind. I often, like many people, applied this verse to when my life had gone in a tail-spin, and I needed the kind of comfort that only came from God Himself. However, I am currently seeing this verse in a new light. I am being reminded to still my mind and remember the basic truth that God is God! The rest of this verse states: "...I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." I must get back to the basics. Yes, I should study, use discernment, seek wisdom... but I should not let those things get in the way of holding tight to THE TRUTH. God is love. Jesus is Lord. HE WILL BE EXALTED AMONG THE NATIONS. This is truth, and truth always wins.
-rian
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