Work in progress

In reading from a devotional this morning, I came across “if we are doing God’s work . . . ” followed by the assurance of His protection, His care and His strong guiding hand.  This is not a guarantee that life will be easy or without difficulties – for in truth tribulations are also promised (John 16:33).  What struck me was “doing His work”, which always causes a certain amount of fear because I think to myself “oh dear, am I doing enough for Him?”   This isn't a bad thing – a little self-examination can be helpful but it needs to be kept in perspective.  So when I start to get a bit freaked out, because I’m not “doing enough” I have to remember how Jesus defined “work”.   In John 6:29 - Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” . . . . and once again, peace is restored.

I have come to understand that "belief" is not a passive thing, but active and alive and a result of His Holy Spirit working in my heart.  It's His gift to me and all I need do is surrender my will to His.  And no, it's not easy - I am a work in progress but I know that I can trust Him because He has promised to complete the work He has begun.  The assurance is in Him . . . not in me, and that is a relief!

Sitting in the moon light

Abba, sitting here just now and seeing the moon, barely peeking through the trees a thought occurred.  Sometimes to see the light I may need to change my position, move in a certain direction, or take some action.  At other times all I need do is wait, knowing the light will reveal itself.  Which I do requires discernment, which only comes by abiding in You and listening.  You have promised that those who seek You, will find You and so I come, seeking to know You and to follow where ever and however You may lead.

A lesson learned from a nail in my tire.

Driving home after work yesterday, I discovered I had a nail in my tire, I could hear it thumping as I drove on the road. So, I drove to the tire place to get it repaired. As the tire guy looked at my tire he asked for the unlock key so they could remove, repair and replace the tire. After searching for it, It became apparent that I did not have the unlock key. The car was a preowned car when I purchased it, and never having needed the unlock key before, I now realized the car did not have one. I called the dealership and somewhat frustratedly spoke with the sales manager, thinking MAYBE I just didn't know where the unlock key was located. I was told sometimes the preowned cars don't come with an unlock key. NOW they tell me. I could purchase one from their parts department, which closed at 6:00. It was now about 5:45 and the dealership was clear across town, not to mention I had no way of getting there. SO, I called Brant, who was just getting out of court . . . in Madison, about an hour away and he came to my rescue. So this morning we will need to go and purchase an unlock key so I have the tire repaired.


As I sit here this morning, remembering the frustration and thinking of the “what ifs” that could have happened, I realized how very present my Abba was through out this event. I was never in any real danger – inconvenienced but never in danger. Everyone I dealt with was very patient and kind, even with my ranting. There is a solution, the tire will get fixed and I will now have the unlock key I need – should I ever really need it at some future time. I realize now, that rather than letting the situation rob me of my peace, I could just as easily have turned to Him, resting in the assurance that He has me covered. There are certainly worse things than being inconvenienced by a nail in my tire, and I need to keep things in perspective. I'm reminded of a life's lesson I've had to learn and relearn time and time again.

The storm won't last, remember Who is in the boat with me and that He has promised to get me to the other side.

Abraham and Isaac

In the story of Abraham and Isaac – Abraham's willingness to kill, to lay down, what was most precious to him in order to obey the voice of God – Am I?   What I heard that I need to lay down was my burden – to stop striving and just rest, trust Him to provide and to work out all the myriad details concerning the cares of this life. My God, my Abba will provide.

I remember another time, when what I was to lay down was being a part of the worship team – and how very hard and painful it was because I was holding it to tightly and had let it define who I whose, rather than Whose I am.  I remember to the joy that comes in letting go, in laying down.

Sometimes we only need be willing – but most others require the actual doing. Either way requires our unconditional obedience, our response to His unconditional love.

Life Goals

Rather than new years resolutions, I've decided to set and work toward life goals - but only with the Lord's help can I attain them.

1. To love well.
   
2. To be a blessing to others.
   
3. To be present in each moment and see the joy that can be found.
   
4. To be humble and contrite in spirit and tremble at His word (Isa 66:2)
   
5. Rejoice, pray and give thanks.
   
6. To increase my capacity for faith, joy and love.
   
7. Eucharisteo.
   
8. To be generous with my life.
   
9. To see difficulties as blessings in disguise.
   
10. To see disappointments as opportunities for growth.
    
11. To become fearless.
    
12. To practice extravagant worship.
    

On Ducks and Disagreements

I have to say that all the uproar about Phil and A&E concerns me a bit. This has become what seems to be a line in the sand, and while I support Phil – there just seems to be so many other lines that deserve more attention. There are always consequences to our actions, and when you take a stand someone is going to disagree. In this instance, what bother me most is that the left is tolerant of every view point EXCEPT those that disagree with them.

If someone chooses to be practice same sex sex – and it is a choice, rather you're born that way or not – you.have.a.choice. If you choose this life style there are consequences. I don't think any less of someone who make this choice, but I do believe that this is outside of God's will. He still loves them but their choice causes a separation.

We are all sinner's in need of a savior and we are called to love one another – this doesn't mean everyone gets to do whatever they want or that I have to agree with them. It is God's part to judge the hearts of men. He has given us certain guidelines to help in discerning what is His will and what is not.

As a follower of Jesus, I believe the Bible provides those guidelines. It is the standard I use. If someone else chooses another standard – it's their choice and as long as their choice doesn't prevent me from following my choice – I'm basically okay with that.

But I'm not okay when I'm forced to accept something that contradicts my beliefs and here in America, we still have the right to express our beliefs . . . at least we use to.

As I see it, Phil has that right. A & E also has that right. If the gay community is offended, well so are a lot of folks who are called homophobic because they don't agree with that life style.

Just some thoughts.

The bread of adversity and the water of affliction (Isa 30:20-21)

ABBA, Forgive me for my grumbling heart and cause me to rejoice in You Who is my anchor in the storms, my refuge and my strength. Life is hard and I see so many whose lives are touched by pain and suffering. Yet those who know You are not overcome but have learned to walk through the fire, knowing You are with them, their provision and their strength; their constant Companion. The trials are only temporary and become opportunities to draw closer and closer to You. They teach us that we can rely upon, cling to and find rest in You.


It's a day by day journey, sometimes moment by moment and I don't always make the right choices. I try and do it on my own, in my own strength and in the way I want to go . . . until I can't go on. And there You are, always present, always loving and forgiving my wayward heart, my stubborn will. 

Oh ABBA, I so wish we could skip the hard parts and simply always abide in the center of Your will. I know this is and has always been Your plan and that gives me hope, knowing that You will complete what You have begun; that Your plans and purposes will be accomplished because You are God and have chosen me to be Your child. I will not fear the storms. You take the bread of adversity and the water of affliction and turn them into a feast of joy, peace and abundance. So, I will not fear the storms for I have put my trust in You.