Sunday, September 9, 2012
MeccaMusing: Time Well Spent
MeccaMusing: Time Well Spent: Good Evening sweet friends. It has been an extraordinarily beautiful weekend in my "neck of the woods." I am blessed beyond my wildest dre...
Time Well Spent
Good Evening sweet friends. It has been an extraordinarily beautiful weekend in my "neck of the woods." I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams.
First, I am on my way to Heaven. We have all heard the saying that "we want to go to Heaven, but we just don't want to go on a trainload going today." I am not sure about that anymore. The older I get, the more people I have waiting for me there, the closer I am to the Lord and desiring to see His sweet face, the more I shout the words of Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit when he said, "for me to live is Christ, to die is gain." Phil 1:21
Second, God has given me a certain amount of time, graced me with His love, gifts and talents (Psalm 39: 4-5) and then promised me eternity with Him where time shall be no more (Rev. 10:6). That's a WOW!
There are so many thoughts, impactful quotes, and profound lessons on the subject of time. It is such a precious commodity that once gone, can never be retrieved; and yet, we often foolishly waste it.
Our use of time is important to the Lord or He would not have admonished us to walk in wisdom, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Eph. 4:15-16). He wants us to be disciplined with our time. (Oh boy, now I have gone to meddling). What a huge subject for later discussion - at least it is for me.
When we are young, we believe we have all of the time in the world. I can remember thinking when I was 6 that my 7th birthday would never arrive. Now that I am 61, I realize if the Lord doesn't come back, "Please come back, soon" that I will be celebrating my 70th birthday in what feels like a matter of "minutes." This feeling of "hurling time" is exacerbated by my job that requires me to plan about 6 months ahead. It sometimes feels like I miss out on "being in the present" because my focus right now is already in January.
We have also all heard the old adage, "time flies when you are having fun." I have news for you, my time flies, fun or no fun. So, I need to make sure my time is well spent.
Third, There is something precious about time spent with family and people I love - people in whom I have invested time and people who have invested time in me.
My priorities get really out of whack sometimes, and I have been guilty of spending precious time with less important things before spending time with those in whom the Lord has called me to invest, including my family and friends. (Thank you, Frank, Muther, and Suster for continually reminding me of the importance of prioritizing my time and spending the "first fruits" of it with the Lord, then Frank, then those whom the Lord has laid on my heart to love, including family.)
I believe I spent my time wisely this weekend. What a glorious weekend I had with family. Suster and I spent time with family, especially cousins we have loved for a lifetime.
We watched a family member get married in her mother's wedding dress made by the bride's grandmother (now deceased); saw the bridesmaids come down the aisle of the grassy meadow under cloudy skies only to see the clouds part for the sun to shine through just in time to provide the most striking sunlight rays as the bride began her walk to the altar.
We listened to the minister give the message of the gospel, drawing the parallel between the marriage of the bride and groom and believers as the bride of Christ. We were all affected differently by the message.
Some of us were watching the young children, some of us were watching the bride and groom, others were fidgeting over the amount of time the minister spent completing the ceremony. My elderly aunt was heard saying, "if he preaches a regular sermon like he preaches at a wedding, I'm gonna have to take a sandwich to church." (I laughed out loud at that one.)
She thought he spent way too much time on the ceremony; but then when you are 91 and redeeming your time, you might look at at wedding ceremony a little bit differently, too. Right? She was saved, knew where she was spending eternity, and thought it was time for cake. I didn't argue with her.
The sweet bride and groom spent time with their wedding guests. After they left, I decided I needed to get a good night's rest and started to leave about 9:30pm. With a little coercion, I decided to stay for awhile (3:00am). We laughed (the snorting kind) until we cried, told stories, made up stories, enhanced old stories, and created enough memories to last a lifetime.
I woke up this morning physically weary, but grateful for such special time with family. I also woke up to a sweet message from Frank, "did you have fun, please come home, do you want to go on a date tonight?" After 31 years, I am so grateful that my sweet Frank still wants to spend time with me.
The thought that has stood out to me during my musing about time is that the greatest ROI of time (return on investment) is our time spent with the Lord, learning to know Him better, because that is the source of wisdom. When we have wisdom, we have power in life to make smart decisions, including knowing how to spend our time in a way that adds the greatest value to others.
This weekend, I invested the precious commodity of time in others, adding value to their lives. They invested their time in me and added great value to my life as well.
What is the return on your investment of time? Try to make a list of what glory the Lord receives as a result of how you spend your time. I will do it, too. When He is glorified through our lives, then we have invested our time wisely. Love to you all. Still approaching each and every day with joy. Mecca
"The key is in not spending time, but in investing it."
~ Stephen R. Covey
First, I am on my way to Heaven. We have all heard the saying that "we want to go to Heaven, but we just don't want to go on a trainload going today." I am not sure about that anymore. The older I get, the more people I have waiting for me there, the closer I am to the Lord and desiring to see His sweet face, the more I shout the words of Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit when he said, "for me to live is Christ, to die is gain." Phil 1:21
Second, God has given me a certain amount of time, graced me with His love, gifts and talents (Psalm 39: 4-5) and then promised me eternity with Him where time shall be no more (Rev. 10:6). That's a WOW!
There are so many thoughts, impactful quotes, and profound lessons on the subject of time. It is such a precious commodity that once gone, can never be retrieved; and yet, we often foolishly waste it.
Our use of time is important to the Lord or He would not have admonished us to walk in wisdom, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Eph. 4:15-16). He wants us to be disciplined with our time. (Oh boy, now I have gone to meddling). What a huge subject for later discussion - at least it is for me.
When we are young, we believe we have all of the time in the world. I can remember thinking when I was 6 that my 7th birthday would never arrive. Now that I am 61, I realize if the Lord doesn't come back, "Please come back, soon" that I will be celebrating my 70th birthday in what feels like a matter of "minutes." This feeling of "hurling time" is exacerbated by my job that requires me to plan about 6 months ahead. It sometimes feels like I miss out on "being in the present" because my focus right now is already in January.
We have also all heard the old adage, "time flies when you are having fun." I have news for you, my time flies, fun or no fun. So, I need to make sure my time is well spent.
Third, There is something precious about time spent with family and people I love - people in whom I have invested time and people who have invested time in me.
My priorities get really out of whack sometimes, and I have been guilty of spending precious time with less important things before spending time with those in whom the Lord has called me to invest, including my family and friends. (Thank you, Frank, Muther, and Suster for continually reminding me of the importance of prioritizing my time and spending the "first fruits" of it with the Lord, then Frank, then those whom the Lord has laid on my heart to love, including family.)
I believe I spent my time wisely this weekend. What a glorious weekend I had with family. Suster and I spent time with family, especially cousins we have loved for a lifetime.
We watched a family member get married in her mother's wedding dress made by the bride's grandmother (now deceased); saw the bridesmaids come down the aisle of the grassy meadow under cloudy skies only to see the clouds part for the sun to shine through just in time to provide the most striking sunlight rays as the bride began her walk to the altar.
We listened to the minister give the message of the gospel, drawing the parallel between the marriage of the bride and groom and believers as the bride of Christ. We were all affected differently by the message.
Some of us were watching the young children, some of us were watching the bride and groom, others were fidgeting over the amount of time the minister spent completing the ceremony. My elderly aunt was heard saying, "if he preaches a regular sermon like he preaches at a wedding, I'm gonna have to take a sandwich to church." (I laughed out loud at that one.)
She thought he spent way too much time on the ceremony; but then when you are 91 and redeeming your time, you might look at at wedding ceremony a little bit differently, too. Right? She was saved, knew where she was spending eternity, and thought it was time for cake. I didn't argue with her.
The sweet bride and groom spent time with their wedding guests. After they left, I decided I needed to get a good night's rest and started to leave about 9:30pm. With a little coercion, I decided to stay for awhile (3:00am). We laughed (the snorting kind) until we cried, told stories, made up stories, enhanced old stories, and created enough memories to last a lifetime.
I woke up this morning physically weary, but grateful for such special time with family. I also woke up to a sweet message from Frank, "did you have fun, please come home, do you want to go on a date tonight?" After 31 years, I am so grateful that my sweet Frank still wants to spend time with me.
The thought that has stood out to me during my musing about time is that the greatest ROI of time (return on investment) is our time spent with the Lord, learning to know Him better, because that is the source of wisdom. When we have wisdom, we have power in life to make smart decisions, including knowing how to spend our time in a way that adds the greatest value to others.
This weekend, I invested the precious commodity of time in others, adding value to their lives. They invested their time in me and added great value to my life as well.
What is the return on your investment of time? Try to make a list of what glory the Lord receives as a result of how you spend your time. I will do it, too. When He is glorified through our lives, then we have invested our time wisely. Love to you all. Still approaching each and every day with joy. Mecca
"The key is in not spending time, but in investing it."
~ Stephen R. Covey
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
MeccaMusing: Amazing Results of Prayer
MeccaMusing: Amazing Results of Prayer: Ok, it's prayer one more time. The more I think about it, read about it, and dwell on it, the more I learn. I started listing the amazing r...
Amazing Results of Prayer
Ok, it's prayer one more time. The more I think about it, read about it, and dwell on it, the more I learn. I started listing the amazing results of unceasing prayer in my own life.
I wish this were an interactive blog so you could add the benefits you have in your own life from unceasing prayer. Here are a few of mine:
1. Keeps me in the presence of God
2. Keeps me from sin
3. Gives me confidence
4. Strengthens my faith
5. Gives me peace
6. Makes even my enemies to be at peace with me
7. Gives me contentment
8. Satisfies my longings
9. Gives me a longing for Jesus
10. Keeps my conscience clear
11. Keeps my heart pure
12. Gives me rest
13. Gives me boldness
14. Makes me kind
15. Increases my patience
16. Helps me to be gentle
17. Gives me compassion
18. Burdens my heart for the needs of others
19. Helps my wrinkles (I smile more)
20. Makes me smile
21. Draws others to the Holy Spirit within me
22. Gives me wisdom
23. Provides clarity
24. Changes me
25. Changes others
26. Changes situations
27. Makes miracles happen
28. Helps my health
29. Keeps me teachable
30. Causes me to trust
31. Helps me to be obedient
32. Provides a conduit for the "still, small voice"
33. Helps me recognize when I don't hear the "still, small voice"
34. Confirms I am a child of God
35. Changes my desires
36. Helps me sleep
37. Gives me an "attitude of gratitude"
38. Deepens my relationship with Jesus
39. Deepens my relationship with my husband
40. Deepens my relationship with friends
41. Gives me favor with my supervisors at work
42. Blesses the lives of those around me
42. Gives me joy
43. Decreases the power of and my reliance on the "flesh"
44. Gives me spiritual breath
45. Causes me to desire the Word of God
46. Bewilders those with worldly wisdom
47. Provides opportunities to share my faith in Jesus
48. Causes me to be strong when I am weak
49. Gives me hope
50. Makes me more like Jesus
51. Gives me victory
52. Helps me to be disciplined
53. Protects me
54. Hides me from my enemy
...and that is just the first 54.
Why oh why, sweet friends, would we spend so much money on wrinkle creams, diet plans and pills, stress releasers, massages (I really like those), self help books, books on how to win friends and influence people, - when we have the power of prayer? There are probably many more benefits that I didn't think of.
When we are children of God through faith in the redeeming power of the blood of His, Son, Jesus, we have a straight line of communication with the God of the Universe. He has every answer to every issue, problem or situation that will ever arise.
He knows our hearts and knows what we need before we even ask (Matt 6:8); but He wants us to communicate with Him because of all of the benefits I just listed. He is NEVER surprised by anything we will ever encounter, any need we will ever have, and appreciates our expressions of praise and gratitude through prayer.
Prayer - it is now one of the identified core values for my life. I am going to consistently draw on its power, yield to its sway, become what it makes me, more like Jesus in every way. How wonderful to be able to pray with all sincerity, "Lord, all of you, and none of me." If I want to see my life changed, time spent in the Word of God and in prayer is my key to victory. It's yours, too. Let's agree to begin afresh seeking the face of God. Can't wait for tomorrow - new mercies and great joy.
And all God's people said, "Amen and Amen." Love to all, Mecca
I wish this were an interactive blog so you could add the benefits you have in your own life from unceasing prayer. Here are a few of mine:
1. Keeps me in the presence of God
2. Keeps me from sin
3. Gives me confidence
4. Strengthens my faith
5. Gives me peace
6. Makes even my enemies to be at peace with me
7. Gives me contentment
8. Satisfies my longings
9. Gives me a longing for Jesus
10. Keeps my conscience clear
11. Keeps my heart pure
12. Gives me rest
13. Gives me boldness
14. Makes me kind
15. Increases my patience
16. Helps me to be gentle
17. Gives me compassion
18. Burdens my heart for the needs of others
19. Helps my wrinkles (I smile more)
20. Makes me smile
21. Draws others to the Holy Spirit within me
22. Gives me wisdom
23. Provides clarity
24. Changes me
25. Changes others
26. Changes situations
27. Makes miracles happen
28. Helps my health
29. Keeps me teachable
30. Causes me to trust
31. Helps me to be obedient
32. Provides a conduit for the "still, small voice"
33. Helps me recognize when I don't hear the "still, small voice"
34. Confirms I am a child of God
35. Changes my desires
36. Helps me sleep
37. Gives me an "attitude of gratitude"
38. Deepens my relationship with Jesus
39. Deepens my relationship with my husband
40. Deepens my relationship with friends
41. Gives me favor with my supervisors at work
42. Blesses the lives of those around me
42. Gives me joy
43. Decreases the power of and my reliance on the "flesh"
44. Gives me spiritual breath
45. Causes me to desire the Word of God
46. Bewilders those with worldly wisdom
47. Provides opportunities to share my faith in Jesus
48. Causes me to be strong when I am weak
49. Gives me hope
50. Makes me more like Jesus
51. Gives me victory
52. Helps me to be disciplined
53. Protects me
54. Hides me from my enemy
...and that is just the first 54.
Why oh why, sweet friends, would we spend so much money on wrinkle creams, diet plans and pills, stress releasers, massages (I really like those), self help books, books on how to win friends and influence people, - when we have the power of prayer? There are probably many more benefits that I didn't think of.
When we are children of God through faith in the redeeming power of the blood of His, Son, Jesus, we have a straight line of communication with the God of the Universe. He has every answer to every issue, problem or situation that will ever arise.
He knows our hearts and knows what we need before we even ask (Matt 6:8); but He wants us to communicate with Him because of all of the benefits I just listed. He is NEVER surprised by anything we will ever encounter, any need we will ever have, and appreciates our expressions of praise and gratitude through prayer.
Prayer - it is now one of the identified core values for my life. I am going to consistently draw on its power, yield to its sway, become what it makes me, more like Jesus in every way. How wonderful to be able to pray with all sincerity, "Lord, all of you, and none of me." If I want to see my life changed, time spent in the Word of God and in prayer is my key to victory. It's yours, too. Let's agree to begin afresh seeking the face of God. Can't wait for tomorrow - new mercies and great joy.
And all God's people said, "Amen and Amen." Love to all, Mecca
Monday, September 3, 2012
MeccaMusing: A Day in the Life
MeccaMusing: A Day in the Life: ...of unceasing Prayer: Still thinking about prayer. Once again, if prayer is my spiritual oxygen, I have to recognize its power and reali...
A Day in the Life
...of unceasing Prayer: Still thinking about prayer. Once again, if prayer is my spiritual oxygen, I have to recognize its power and realize how important it is to keep the power from being short circuited by ensuring there is nothing between my soul and the Savior. When that is accomplished, unceasing prayer is very natural.
I thought I would share with you what a day in the life of unceasing prayer has looked like for me when I have been obedient and walked with the Lord without shame or guilt.
5:30 am - "Good Morning Sweet Jesus, thank you for a good night's sleep. My knees hurt a little bit this morning, but I'm thankful it's not worse as much stair climbing as I did yesterday. Thank you for your mercies that are new this morning and your faithfulness; thank you that Mother is feeling good, and she is still with us. Thank you that Papa is feeling good, and Lord help him to realize he is getting older. He doesn't know it yet.
Thank you........ (and so it goes, acknowledging He is sovereign, asking Him to search my heart; asking forgiveness for any transgression He brings to mind; talking to Him as I would in the familiar relationship with my earthly daddy, trusting His love for me; praying for those people and situations He has laid on my heart, asking for strength to accomplish what I believe He has laid before me to accomplish today; and above all asking Him to help me keep my heart stayed on Him so others will see Jesus in me.)
6:30 am - get a text message saying a meeting has been changed to include a couple of people that I really have a difficult time being around. What I think is neat is that the Lord let me know that. "Lord, you are not surprised by this, and you are allowing it. Please set a watch before my mouth and keep the door of my lips. Help my goal not to be right, but to reflect You. Go before me, help me to see these people as you see them. Give me clarity and sense of purpose, and I will trust you with the outcome."
7:30 am - Frank prays for us both before he leaves for work. (I loved his words that morning)."Lord, thank you that you have taken the venom out of the serpent and the teeth out of the lion's mouth for those of us who belong to you..." He went on to ask for all the host of angels available to watch over my car since I was in a hurry and it was one of those days I might "run over fire hydrants and small children" because I was running late. (I think I have talked about that before.)
8:15 am - Drive to work, "Oh, Lord, thank you so much I saw the huge piece of metal in the road - almost tore up my tire. Whew! Glad those angels were posted. That would have certainly changed my day."
9:45 am - walk by the Crispy Creme donuts, fruit, and other assorted breakfast items as I head for "the" meeting. "Lord, now that 'ain't' right for those donuts to be in my pathway." To which He replies, "either get some fruit or look away and keep walking. You can certainly choose to have a donut, but you and I both know you will not be happy and will be asking me later this evening why I didn't help you. Make the right choice now, and we will rejoice together this evening." I keep walking that time. My conversations with the Lord after failure are much different than they are that evening.
10:00 am - Stop at the door of "the" meeting to thank the Lord for already preparing the way and for His faithfulness. Meeting is a little tense, but God is good, and my reactions honor the Lord. That is all that matters. As I walk out, "thank you, Lord. I appreciated your presence and wisdom." I am not stressed, and donuts don't sound good anymore.
Noon - walk by a co worker's office, "Lord, bless ---, I know she is worried about her son. Comfort her heart and provide me the opportunity to be a blessing to her today." The Lord whispers, "she needs to feel appreciated." I stop to say how much I appreciate everything she does and what a blessing she is to me. That draws a huge smile, and a hug. Isn't that neat? The Lord knows I looooooovvvvveeee a good hug. We are both blessed.
3:00 pm - Spill Diet Coke all over the desk (said I wasn't going to drink them anymore anyway) and I'll be a monkey's uncle if I didn't say "Oh, s---," before I could catch myself. I immediately look around to see if anyone hears me, and whisper, "Lord, I'm so sorry. I've said that enough being funny, that now it comes out when I don't want it to." Forgive me.
3:30 pm - receive an annoying email. I get on it immediately and set the sender straight on the facts. I start to hit the send button, when the Lord whispers, "Wait. Save and read in a little while. If it still sounds right, send it."
4:30 pm - read email again as I am checking on the things I need to complete that day, and while everything I said was correct, and I had the right to say it, it could be softened. I soften it, hit 'send,' and thank the Lord for the wisdom and warning.
5:00 pm - Frank calls, and it is irritating to me because he is bugging me to leave when I know I have to finish a few more things. He is trying to get me to be more balanced in my work - an area where I have never had balance in my life. This time, the conversation has a good outcome since the Lord is whispering, "at least he wants you at home to spend time with you. Not everyone has a husband that cares if she is home or not."
There are several more points before I go to bed that I have these ongoing conversations with the Lord. If life is 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how we respond to it (Chuck Swindoll), think how differently my day could have gone if I had not communicated with the Lord during the day. I would have missed out on blessings, caused issues for myself, and maybe caused a "tiff" between Frank and me.
My spirit is different, the joy of the Lord provides me energy to exercise, I have an "attitude of gratitude," and my sleep is sweet. All of this is because of my spiritual oxygen. Believe me, when my oxygen tube is clipped shut by disobedience, my days are much different.
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul, for walking with me through every situation in life, for remaining faithful, loving me unconditionally, and for the promise to uphold and sustain through life's journey and lead me safely home. What a friend I have and you have in Jesus. What a Savior. Approaching each day with joy. Mecca
I thought I would share with you what a day in the life of unceasing prayer has looked like for me when I have been obedient and walked with the Lord without shame or guilt.
5:30 am - "Good Morning Sweet Jesus, thank you for a good night's sleep. My knees hurt a little bit this morning, but I'm thankful it's not worse as much stair climbing as I did yesterday. Thank you for your mercies that are new this morning and your faithfulness; thank you that Mother is feeling good, and she is still with us. Thank you that Papa is feeling good, and Lord help him to realize he is getting older. He doesn't know it yet.
Thank you........ (and so it goes, acknowledging He is sovereign, asking Him to search my heart; asking forgiveness for any transgression He brings to mind; talking to Him as I would in the familiar relationship with my earthly daddy, trusting His love for me; praying for those people and situations He has laid on my heart, asking for strength to accomplish what I believe He has laid before me to accomplish today; and above all asking Him to help me keep my heart stayed on Him so others will see Jesus in me.)
6:30 am - get a text message saying a meeting has been changed to include a couple of people that I really have a difficult time being around. What I think is neat is that the Lord let me know that. "Lord, you are not surprised by this, and you are allowing it. Please set a watch before my mouth and keep the door of my lips. Help my goal not to be right, but to reflect You. Go before me, help me to see these people as you see them. Give me clarity and sense of purpose, and I will trust you with the outcome."
7:30 am - Frank prays for us both before he leaves for work. (I loved his words that morning)."Lord, thank you that you have taken the venom out of the serpent and the teeth out of the lion's mouth for those of us who belong to you..." He went on to ask for all the host of angels available to watch over my car since I was in a hurry and it was one of those days I might "run over fire hydrants and small children" because I was running late. (I think I have talked about that before.)
8:15 am - Drive to work, "Oh, Lord, thank you so much I saw the huge piece of metal in the road - almost tore up my tire. Whew! Glad those angels were posted. That would have certainly changed my day."
9:45 am - walk by the Crispy Creme donuts, fruit, and other assorted breakfast items as I head for "the" meeting. "Lord, now that 'ain't' right for those donuts to be in my pathway." To which He replies, "either get some fruit or look away and keep walking. You can certainly choose to have a donut, but you and I both know you will not be happy and will be asking me later this evening why I didn't help you. Make the right choice now, and we will rejoice together this evening." I keep walking that time. My conversations with the Lord after failure are much different than they are that evening.
10:00 am - Stop at the door of "the" meeting to thank the Lord for already preparing the way and for His faithfulness. Meeting is a little tense, but God is good, and my reactions honor the Lord. That is all that matters. As I walk out, "thank you, Lord. I appreciated your presence and wisdom." I am not stressed, and donuts don't sound good anymore.
Noon - walk by a co worker's office, "Lord, bless ---, I know she is worried about her son. Comfort her heart and provide me the opportunity to be a blessing to her today." The Lord whispers, "she needs to feel appreciated." I stop to say how much I appreciate everything she does and what a blessing she is to me. That draws a huge smile, and a hug. Isn't that neat? The Lord knows I looooooovvvvveeee a good hug. We are both blessed.
3:00 pm - Spill Diet Coke all over the desk (said I wasn't going to drink them anymore anyway) and I'll be a monkey's uncle if I didn't say "Oh, s---," before I could catch myself. I immediately look around to see if anyone hears me, and whisper, "Lord, I'm so sorry. I've said that enough being funny, that now it comes out when I don't want it to." Forgive me.
3:30 pm - receive an annoying email. I get on it immediately and set the sender straight on the facts. I start to hit the send button, when the Lord whispers, "Wait. Save and read in a little while. If it still sounds right, send it."
4:30 pm - read email again as I am checking on the things I need to complete that day, and while everything I said was correct, and I had the right to say it, it could be softened. I soften it, hit 'send,' and thank the Lord for the wisdom and warning.
5:00 pm - Frank calls, and it is irritating to me because he is bugging me to leave when I know I have to finish a few more things. He is trying to get me to be more balanced in my work - an area where I have never had balance in my life. This time, the conversation has a good outcome since the Lord is whispering, "at least he wants you at home to spend time with you. Not everyone has a husband that cares if she is home or not."
There are several more points before I go to bed that I have these ongoing conversations with the Lord. If life is 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how we respond to it (Chuck Swindoll), think how differently my day could have gone if I had not communicated with the Lord during the day. I would have missed out on blessings, caused issues for myself, and maybe caused a "tiff" between Frank and me.
My spirit is different, the joy of the Lord provides me energy to exercise, I have an "attitude of gratitude," and my sleep is sweet. All of this is because of my spiritual oxygen. Believe me, when my oxygen tube is clipped shut by disobedience, my days are much different.
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul, for walking with me through every situation in life, for remaining faithful, loving me unconditionally, and for the promise to uphold and sustain through life's journey and lead me safely home. What a friend I have and you have in Jesus. What a Savior. Approaching each day with joy. Mecca
Saturday, September 1, 2012
What Hinders It?
Prayer - that is. What a great God we have. He is still "holding my feet to the fire" so to speak about prayer. Can't get my mind off of it. Since it is my spiritual oxygen, I need to make sure my prayer life is healthy. I am thinking about what hinders the flow of my spiritual oxygen.
We have all heard the phrase, "that prayer probably didn't go any higher than the ceiling." Somebody was judging, right? But what is it that keeps our prayers stuck at the ceiling and from reaching the throne room of Heaven as a sweet-smelling incense in the presence of God? (Ps. 141:2a)
I don't know about you, but when I was a child, if I were in trouble during the day, and I knew my mother would be discussing it with my daddy when he got home, I didn't run out to greet him like I did when I knew I hadn't done anything wrong (or hadn't been caught yet - LOL). I would stay in my room and dread when he would come in to confront me about what I had done.
In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve hid from the voice of God, after they had disobeyed His command not to eat of the fruit of The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen. 3). Before, they had always run to greet Him.
When He asked why they were hiding, (He already knew), they said they were naked and ashamed. Then came the intuitive question, "Who told you you were naked? Have you eaten the fruit of the forbidden tree?" Thus, the fall of man. Before, Adam and Eve had no knowledge of evil. Now they did, and their disobedience to what they knew was the command of their Creator caused them not to even want to be in His presence.
There is only one thing that puts a clip on my spiritual oxygen tube - disobedience. When I have sin in my heart, I know I have been disobedient; my own iniquities separate me from God, and my sins cause Him to hide His face from me so that he doesn't hear (Isaiah 59:2).
I could name many ways I can be disobedient to the Lord Jesus (having idols, lack of forgiveness, refusing to turn away from sin God has revealed to me, etc.) I know exactly what He thinks about obedience. He says it is better than sacrifice. (I Sam 15:22).
The Lord Jesus wants me to love Him and obey Him as an attitude of the heart, not for outward show or as some kind of "devotion to earn points with Him," (as if His death wasn't enough.) I read somewhere that "Obedience might include sacrifice, but sacrifice does not always include obedience." Does that make sense?
Sweet friends, how far do you think the east is from the west? Really think about that. I can't fathom it because it is an infinite measurement, and my finite mind can't comprehend it. That is the very reason I believe God used that analogy for how far removed our sins are when we confess them. He is faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9). He removes them as far as the east is from the west and remembers them no more. How blessed to know that His mercy and faithfulness are new every morning, and we can never confess and ask too many times for forgiveness that He will not hear and forgive.
I love that precious old hymn, "Nothing Between." The chorus says, "Nothing between my soul and the Savior, so that His blessed face may be seen, Nothing preventing the least of His favor, keep the way clear, let nothing between."
"Search me Oh, God and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139: 23-24.) There is nothing like the Lord Jesus pointing out the thoughts and intents of my heart. He is the only One that knows my heart. It is wicked, but He exchanges the lies of my heart for His truth without condemnation and without ever throwing it in my face again.
Now that wicked ole' devil is another story. He will use our memories to condemn us. SHUT HIM UP when he starts talking trash and reminding you of failures and past sins. I am saying that to myself as well. We can be successful in causing the devil to flee by being obedient (submissive James 4:7) to the Lord Jesus and expressing gratitude to the Lord Jesus for His forgiveness and ongoing presence in our lives. Quote scripture. That will light a fire under his sorry tail.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Lord Jesus for your long suffering towards me. I love you, sweet Jesus. When I wake up with a clean heart, it is so much easier to approach the day with joy, and I do. Love to you all. Mecca
I don't know about you, but when I was a child, if I were in trouble during the day, and I knew my mother would be discussing it with my daddy when he got home, I didn't run out to greet him like I did when I knew I hadn't done anything wrong (or hadn't been caught yet - LOL). I would stay in my room and dread when he would come in to confront me about what I had done.
In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve hid from the voice of God, after they had disobeyed His command not to eat of the fruit of The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen. 3). Before, they had always run to greet Him.
When He asked why they were hiding, (He already knew), they said they were naked and ashamed. Then came the intuitive question, "Who told you you were naked? Have you eaten the fruit of the forbidden tree?" Thus, the fall of man. Before, Adam and Eve had no knowledge of evil. Now they did, and their disobedience to what they knew was the command of their Creator caused them not to even want to be in His presence.
There is only one thing that puts a clip on my spiritual oxygen tube - disobedience. When I have sin in my heart, I know I have been disobedient; my own iniquities separate me from God, and my sins cause Him to hide His face from me so that he doesn't hear (Isaiah 59:2).
I could name many ways I can be disobedient to the Lord Jesus (having idols, lack of forgiveness, refusing to turn away from sin God has revealed to me, etc.) I know exactly what He thinks about obedience. He says it is better than sacrifice. (I Sam 15:22).
The Lord Jesus wants me to love Him and obey Him as an attitude of the heart, not for outward show or as some kind of "devotion to earn points with Him," (as if His death wasn't enough.) I read somewhere that "Obedience might include sacrifice, but sacrifice does not always include obedience." Does that make sense?
Sweet friends, how far do you think the east is from the west? Really think about that. I can't fathom it because it is an infinite measurement, and my finite mind can't comprehend it. That is the very reason I believe God used that analogy for how far removed our sins are when we confess them. He is faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9). He removes them as far as the east is from the west and remembers them no more. How blessed to know that His mercy and faithfulness are new every morning, and we can never confess and ask too many times for forgiveness that He will not hear and forgive.
I love that precious old hymn, "Nothing Between." The chorus says, "Nothing between my soul and the Savior, so that His blessed face may be seen, Nothing preventing the least of His favor, keep the way clear, let nothing between."
"Search me Oh, God and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139: 23-24.) There is nothing like the Lord Jesus pointing out the thoughts and intents of my heart. He is the only One that knows my heart. It is wicked, but He exchanges the lies of my heart for His truth without condemnation and without ever throwing it in my face again.
Now that wicked ole' devil is another story. He will use our memories to condemn us. SHUT HIM UP when he starts talking trash and reminding you of failures and past sins. I am saying that to myself as well. We can be successful in causing the devil to flee by being obedient (submissive James 4:7) to the Lord Jesus and expressing gratitude to the Lord Jesus for His forgiveness and ongoing presence in our lives. Quote scripture. That will light a fire under his sorry tail.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Lord Jesus for your long suffering towards me. I love you, sweet Jesus. When I wake up with a clean heart, it is so much easier to approach the day with joy, and I do. Love to you all. Mecca
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