Seek God

 

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is found in Psalm 27. King David asked one thing of God in this chapter. To “dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4 – NIV)

 

DSC00374This is exactly what Sunday is all about. Dwelling with God in His house. Gazing upon His beauty. Seeking Him in His house of prayer. I pray that you have found these to be important. Don’t allow other things of this world to take you away from the gathering of God’s people each Lord’s Day. You will find great blessing and encouragement in each gathering.

 

Today’s repeat blog post is about the reminders we need to be with God, family and friends. Enjoy!

 

DO NOT SPEED

 

Last February, I visited Daytona Beach for two weeks. There were several reasons for being there, but one of the best reasons was to access the ocean. I stayed at my great aunt’s home that was about four blocks from the beach. Each day I would set out to walk the blocks that separated me from the beach and stroll down the beach a while, then head back to the comfort of my family.

 

On one of these excursions, I passed a motorcycle that had a sign across the wind shield in large letters and in plain sight of the driver, “DO NOT SPEED.”

 

Apparently, the driver of this cycle needed reminding that speeding was not a good idea.

 

Now I typically drive faster than I should. Driving 5 to 10 miles over the speed limit is not unusual for me. I have, however, found that in our community, police officers don’t appreciate even that. To keep myself in check, I use my cruise control around town. I have no desire to receive my first speeding ticket in the Tri-Towns area.

 

Most highway systems these days have large electronic signs where important messages can be displayed for all drivers to see. Colorado is no different and I pass several signs each day in my travels. My favorite message of late states, “75 means 75. Violators will be ticketed.”

 

Sometimes we all need reminding that we should or shouldn’t do something, whether it’s gossiping, lying, swearing, being kind to others, sharing the Gospel with our neighbor, or speeding. So God could say, “do not lie means do not lie.” Or “love your neighbor as yourself means love your neighbor as yourself.”   And even “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God means do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Has the “ah ha” moment hit yet?

 

What about the times we take “signs” for granted? We see them each day and perhaps become used to them. They are just part of the scenery and then we ignore them. We go back to our old way of life and don’t take to heart the message. I think in those times, we need to remember to look at the signs and really see what they or God is saying. Ask God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts and bring us back to the message He has for us.

 

God’s Word continues to give us these reminders, but unless we are in His Word on a regular basis, we might miss some of them. Don’t ever think that God doesn’t have something to say to you. Be open to His subtle hints and be aware of His blunt reminders.

 

To be honest, that “75 means 75” sign has made an impact on my life. I now find myself traveling I-25 at 75 miles an hour more times than not. I still use my cruise control around my community. And part of this slowing down in my driving has helped me to slow down in all areas of my life. I now have more quality time and opportunity to spend with friends, family and most of all God. I pray these same things for you. May God bless you today in your travels and in your relationships.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Go For It!

 

I have learned through the years that when summer hits, I become lazy in my quiet time with God. There’s no Bible study(s) to keep in the Word. There’s no structure to when I meet with other women to talk about God’s Word. In the past it’s been several months of separation from God.

 

Balloon Parade 2014 (11)So I’ve learned that staying in routine helps me through the summer. I usually pick up a Bible study that is interesting and I work through that on my own. I continue to wake up early each morning, go straight to Bible study and quiet time with God and then sit at the computer to write my blog post. It’s a good system…as long as I follow the plan.

 

At this moment, I’m working through Lysa TerKeurst’s Made to Crave Action Plan. Oh how I need this! I believe I have the craving God part down. It’s the eating and moving part that I’m not as good at. So I’ve decided to go for it (yet again) to see if I can lose some weight, feel better and have more energy to serve God in His Kingdom.

 

In the midst of learning about soluble and insoluble fiber and the difference between fatty acids, Lysa reminded me of a beautiful section of Scripture. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – NIV)

 

What I have seemed to miss from these three little verses is the part about God’s will. For me to be in God’s will, what do these verses say I need to do? Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances.

 

When no joy can be found in my life, or my face doesn’t reflect joy, or when my attitude is just plain lousy, I am outside of God’s will.

 

When I forget to pray, or when I’m too busy to pray, or maybe too lazy to pray, I am outside of God’s will.

 

When I am totally engrossed in myself, or I find no reason to be grateful, or when I want more than I already have, I am outside of God’s will.

 

Wow. Did you see yourself in any of these statements? Perhaps it’s time for an attitude adjustment. A God adjustment!

 

Let me suggest a few things to help take the focus off you and back on God.

 

First, if you struggle with prayer time, maybe set an alarm on your phone to remind you to pray. We use our phones to remind us of other things, why not to pray?

 

Next, you’ve probably heard of Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts. Ms. Voskamp’s thought is to recognize the power of gratitude in every day occurrences and things we encounter. By writing them down, we are able to fully engage in gratitude to God for the gifts He has given.

 

And finally, in Lysa’s book, she offers this exercise to draw us into a life filled with joy. It’s similar to the exercise above, but instead it is a joy journal. At the top write, “Joy is…” Throughout the day jot down everything that inspires joy. Then review at the end of the day.

 

In these verses, did you notice the words “always,” “continually,” and “all?” We really must consider them. The instructions given here are not to be done “when we feel like it” or “when everything is going well.” Nope. We are to be filled with joy, pray, and have grateful hearts during the tough times as well. Even during the “ho-hum.”

 

I don’t know where you are today, but I pray that you will take note of these short words from Thessalonians. I pray that you will consider what they mean in your life. But mostly, I pray that you will be determined to find joy throughout your day, to pray more and to have a heart of gratitude. Remember, it is God’s will for you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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It Begins

 

As I closed out of my work computer yesterday, I realized that it was a special moment. In the closing of my work laptop, I closed a chapter of my life. When I open the laptop on Monday morning, a new chapter will begin. Now, am I ready for this new chapter? I believe I am!

 

flowers from friends1.jpg1In thinking about next week and additional job, I wanted to find a few verses of Scripture to keep before me as this new adventure begins. I thought I’d share them with you today. Maybe they are verses you can take hold of as well. At any rate, God’s Word holds many promises and words of encouragement for each moment of each day. I know I will benefit in being reminded of them.

 

“In him we live, and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28 – NIV)

 

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5b – NIV)

 

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28 – NIV)

 

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19 – NIV)

 

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 – NIV)

 

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Make of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2 – NIV)

 

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 – NIV)

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 – NIV)

 

“God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 – NIV)

 

“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.” (Ecclesiastes 11:6 – NIV)

 

These are my top ten verses to remember for this next week. I pray that you have found a little nugget to encourage you as well. Above all, I pray this prayer for each of us today.

 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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What Are You Singing About?

 

This has been an unusual spring for us here in Colorado. We’ve had plenty of moisture from rain which has created a perfect climate for nature to produce babies in abundance. There are little bunnies. Frogs. And birds. Lots of birds. Lots of birds that start their singing (if you can call it that) at 4:30 am and continue (constantly) through the day until the sun sets.

 

bunniesWhile it can be annoying (it’s really noisy in our back yard), I know this is what birds do. They sing. They make music. It’s how they communicate with one another. But I wonder if they maybe they might be praising God with their singing. If so, it makes sense that they would be consistent and constant.

 

birdsIf this really is the case, I hate to say it, but I think I’m being shown up by a flock of birds. These flighty creatures flit from one branch to another and sing, sing, sing without a care in the world. Why? Because God cares for them.

 

Do you remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-34? In this section of Scripture, Jesus’ teaches about the birds of the air. He said, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in bards, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” (Matthew 6:26a – NIV)

 

However, Jesus didn’t stop there. He went on to say, “Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26b – NIV) Jesus is telling us that God cares for us much more than the birds and it is His desire to care for us as He cares for the birds of the air.

 

Do you believe that? I pray that you do. Not because I tell you that you should, but because Jesus said so.

 

And regardless of what we are going through in our day-to-day lives, we should be singing like the birds. We should be praising God through it all. We should “consider it pure joy” (James 1:2).

 

I know it’s not Monday, but the birds have me thinking about singing. So I want to share a song with you. And since I’ve had Acts 17:28 on mind a lot lately, I thought this would be the perfect song. Let’s plan to sing with birds today and praise God with every part of our lives.

 

“Every Move I Make”

 

Every move I make
I make in You
You make me move, Jesus
Every breath I take
I breathe in You

Every step I take
I take in You
You are my way, Jesus
Every breath I take
I breathe in You

Waves of mercy
Waves of grace
Everywhere I look
I see Your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God, this love
How can it be[i]

 

Click here to listen to a fun version of this song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Every Move I Make,” Words and Music by David Ruis, Mercy/Vineyard Publishing, 1996.

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Pursuit

 

I’ve finished reading two of the books I’ve planned to read this summer. Phew! But before I move away from these books, I wanted to take some time to allow my thoughts and heart to be changed by the lessons I’ve learned from these books.

 

Daytona Beach 021mA Sudden Glory has allowed my spiritual eyes to be opened wider. Such insight into God’s love for mankind. The desire that God has for every person to be drawn to Him. God’s continual pursuit of people who sometimes seem indifferent to His wooing. These are all beautiful reminders of why God does what He does. What blessings we receive from God our Father and Creator!

 

There is a question in the back of A Sudden Glory that captured my attention. See if you don’t agree. “Make a list of ten ways that God has continued to pursue your heart and draw you into an intimate relationship with Him.”[i]

 

What do you think? Can you come up with ten ways God has pursued you? I’m sure if you spent some time with it, you would be able to. But just to give you a jump start, let’s look at this question together.

 

God loved first

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 – NIV) We find this thought over and over in Scripture. Don’t miss this important piece of pursuit.

 

God sent Jesus

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV) That is pursuit.

 

God’s love is everlasting

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:4 – NIV) How can we possibly resist this loving-kindness?

 

God Himself searches

“I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep.” (Ezekiel 34:11-12a – NIV) This is personal for God. He will continue to pursue you.

 

God strengthens

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9a – NIV) Not only does God search and pursue, He enables us to get through another day.

 

God embraces

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 – NIV) How wonderful to know the comfort of God’s loving arms.

 

God is patient

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 – NIV) Just think how patient God has been with you. Remarkable isn’t it?

 

God adopts

“He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” (Ephesians 1:4-5 – NIV) Chosen and adopted. What pursuit!

 

God protects

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7 – NIV) How blessed to be under the protection of God Almighty.

 

God is a friend

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made know to you.” (John 15:15 – NIV) Earthly friends come and go, but when we have God as a friend, we will never, ever be alone.

 

This is a list of ten ways God pursues us. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Maybe you’ll want to continue this search. Maybe you’ll want to make your own list. If so, I’d love to hear how you encounter God’s pursuit.

 

As you go through your day, I pray that you will take notice of all the ways you’re pursued by God. Be a believer. Open your eyes. See what God is up to. You will truly be amazed.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] A Sudden Glory, Sharon Jaynes, Multnomah Books, Colorado Springs, 2012, pg. 204.

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