Blessings!
This week, I have found it almost impossible to quieten my mind to hear GOD.
Don't you hate that?!
For me, its been something like this:
Busy time
HIS voice is fading
Busy days
my mind won't be quiet!
Rising stress levels,
where are you GOD?
I KNOW you are there
am I hearing impaired?
I know you won't leave me but
wish I could hear you!
I take control
Make things happen
Stress increasing
What if I'm not living GOD's will?
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I CAN'T HEAR HIM?
Sssh!
I better be quiet and listen.
Ah!! There you are ....
Yes, it is all so simple really -
As simple as the beautifully SIMPLE response to the Jailers question (16:30) "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household."
Ahhh! Soothing words.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
6 comments:
Gemma, thanks for your words of honesty and encouragement :)
I was quite impacted again as I read through Acts 16 this morning. Here are a few of my thoughts:
1) verse 5 "So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers". I believe it is God's will that our churches today would also grow daily in numbers.
2) verses 6-10: The Holy Spirit was clearly directing Paul and his companions. They were kept from preaching in Asia and then Paul received a vision showing they were to go to Macedonia. They responded immediately in obedience.
3) verse 15: Lydia and her household became believers and were baptized immediately...and then again in verse33: The jailer and his household believed and they were baptized immediately. Why do we wait?
4) Paul and Silas were not spared from being severely beaten and yet after being flogged (and surely in much pain) they are still praying and singing with the other prisoners listening in!!!! And then God performs another rescue mission from prison!!
Lord, give us boldness to follow you, be lead by your Spirit and proclaim your words of life no matter what the cost!
I was also struck by the way Paul and his companions were led by the Holy Spirit and remained obedient. Lord, help me to hear you, not only with my ears, but with my heart, so that I too can be led by your Spirit and remain open to what it is you want to say to me.
The situation with the jailer also served to remind me that people can be saved at any time and at any place; often it happens at the most unlikely times and in the most unlikely places. So we need to continue (or start, as the case may be) to "... make disciples of all nations ..." (Matthew 28:19)
"A mans heart plans his way but the Lord directs his steps". It's interesting the directions that Paul and the disciples take and the promptings that lead them along - dreams etc. They sometimes get it wrong - vs 6-8 when the Holy Spirit blocks their path (leads them somewhere else). I guess it helps to be moving or doing to be guided/directed along God's plans and purposes.
Gemma... Never give up your wonderful honesty.
I know I am often in the place you desribed. I am also often in the place where He is speaking loudly - but the "Musak" of life is dimming his voice!
Thank you Rosaleen :)
Have prayed blessings on your household and that Jesus meets you at your point of need x
To your question, Andrew ... wHY DO WE WAIT (TO BE BAPTISED)
'We' wait because we are not sure it is what we truly want/beleive.
I waited because I felt the decision to commit to The Lord, to a faith, a life-style etc. was too great to take 'on a whim'.
Whilst I 'waited' I prayed, read scripture, discussed and googled (!)
It was the book 'I dared to call him Father' that spoke to my heart and brought me to my knees inviting Jesus to enter my life/indeed, my very being!
Interetingly - it was still SEVEN months before I was actually baptised... but by the time I was I wanted it badly and the commitment on my part was/is SOLID.
(Thank goodness not everyone takes as long as I did!)
Post a Comment