More of Him Mondays...

By Samuel Smiles

Our pastor shared this quote on Sunday. One thing that I really enjoy about him is that his preachings are very down to earth. Not hairy fairy or pie in the sky unattainable spirituality. Yesterday he shared a practical piece or reality but one which I felt was very spiritually powered!

Of course Samuel Smiles didn't hit upon this great principle on his own did he? We all know that the bible teaches what we sow, we reap. (Gal 6:7) But I was especially moved by the truth behind this quote and the challenge it presents us with. a Question of the heart.The reality of this principle is not only life changing, but it´s ramifications are beyond comprehension.

Today's message is that all roads,with varying types of moral and value, lead to Rome. They would like us to believe that each walk of life each with it's individual expression is equally valid and all of which ends in peace and happiness!!

Although this philosophy is wide spread and very much rampant amongst our youth, would you not agree with me that it is blatantly evident that certain choices embarked upon today propose nothing but disaster and destruction for the future? Is it not true that there are roads that lead to anywhere but the proverbial Rome, peace or happiness?

God´s word clearly teaches us that there are decisions we make that have the ability to convisgate a future of hope and peace. There are choices I can make which will not give me a happy end, which the philosophy of, "Everything goes...it will all come out in the wash anyway?" so eagerly promises.

Yesterday I was challenged to weigh my choices and decisions 0f today. As Ps 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. "

How desperately I need the Holy Spirit to lead me into all truth and not to trust my every so wandering heart which is is wicked above all things. (Jeremiah 17:9) It´s in the heart that the seads of thought are sown. Only God can test the heart (Ps 26:2) and only He is able to give me a pure heart (Ps 51:10)

I can help my heart from being deceived if I hide His word in my heart(Ps 119.11) I need to guard it because it's the wellspring of life! (Prov 4:23)

P.S. Click on title of this post to link to the blog where More of Him on Mondays was originated.

More of Him Mondays...

Okay, so I am a bit behind (again!) But I did still want to do this one because I have been inspired by Sharon . I have just gotten to know Sharon through Blogging and I have been encouraged by her openess and transparency and downright honesty... check her out... I am sure you will be drawn closer to God for sure! In sharon´s post about enough what sprang out to me was:

For you, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:10-12).

"God's economy of abundance often has little to do with material blessing. In God's economy, abundance is often measured in wisdom and knowledge of Himself. It is then that we are truly blessed. Wisdom cannot be gained through intellectual pursuits.

Before we come to our place of abundance maybe God has to bring us through some other stuff... I am feeling like the part: "you let men ride over our heads!!!"

Pls go back and read the whole enough post...you will be blessed. I have printed it up because I know I will need to go back and read and re-read it several times before it starts to really sink in!!!!

More of Him Mondays

I know that this should have been for yesterday, and even though I started it yesterday, I just didn´t get to finish it as I had planned so you will just have to pretend (like we did for Bonnie on her blog the other day!!!!) that it's Monday... okay guys...

I´m am taking part of Diane´s initiative called "More of Him Mondays" where she encourages us to share a specific piece of scripture that has spoken to your this last week. Share what you feel God is telling you through that passage and how you wish to apply it to your life. If you wish to take part, just click on the link and let her know.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)

"You shall have no other gods before Me."

Wesley's Notes

20:3 The first commandment is concerning the object of our worship, Jehovah, and him only, Thou shalt have no other gods before me - The Egyptians, and other neighbouring nations, had many gods, creatures of their own fancy. This law was pre - fixed because of that transgression; and Jehovah being the God of Israel, they must entirely cleave to him, and no other, either of their own invention, or borrowed from their neighbours. The sin against this commandment, which we are most in danger of, is giving that glory to any creature which is due to God only. Pride makes a God of ourselves, covetousness makes a God of money, sensuality makes a God of the belly. Whatever is loved, feared, delighted in, or depended on, more than God, that we make a god of.

God has been speaking to me about the fact that I have given some people, and what they think and say, a higher place that they ought to have... and sometimes I have feared, delighted and depended on them more than in God. God in his mercy showed me this recently and I was prompted to ask forgiveness and felt that God has replaced this "fear of man" with a new found freedom.

Please don´t misinterpret here that therefore I am not in agreement with the need for counsellors and looking to those respected in the faith for wisdom, just as it teaches in Proverbs. But I think you can all relate to my struggle that moment when I knew it had passed a limit where it concerns me more what these men think that God himself. It´s the Holy Spirit that reveals this to you and you do know it when you have crossed the line.

This also reminded me that God says that the reason for this is that he is a JEALOUS God.... he doesn´t want to share this intimacy he has with me with anyone one/thing else.

This reminded me of my dog Lady who now is in her last days with us before she leaves to go with her new family. She is so funny ...like all animals we often see things reflected in their actions that make us laugh or, believe it or not, teach us something.

Lady is our nervous Fox Terrier who is overly excitable and affectionate about everything. She likes to know that she is loved and cared for and literally fights for attention both in good and negative ways! She likes to be in my face and on my lap....she likes to be WITH me.

She has a interesting habit of whenever I call or love on any one of the cats she perks up and chases after the "named" animal as if to say to me, "Hey...don´t forget me...!!! I am the one you like best...remember? You don´t want to love them... !!"

She is highly envious if I give even a smidgen of attention of love to anyone else...even my kids get this treatment! If she see us hugging or kissing she wants to be right IN there knowing that she is special too. She feels threatened and insecure if she sees me directing any attention to others.

God, unlike lady, is NOT insecure or threatened in himself, but the bible does say He is IS Jealous of my affections being put in anybody or anything else. Also because God in His love, KNOWS that when I have HIM as number one in my life and affections (where your treasure is..there will your heart be also) I am complete and at peace with myself. There is nothing as freeing as being one with God and with yourself.

I saw this cartoon on my travels and although God´s jealousy has nothing to do with envy I thought it was funny!