The Day Before Ash Wednesday

I've been feeling reflective all day. Today hasn't been Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday for me. It has been the day before Ash Wednesday. I mean today I have felt the weight of the Lenten Season. It was important that I change the cloth and artifacts on my home alter before I could accomplish any work. I was struck by today's readings in such a way that I was convicted even more to rely on God. I am convinced that God can use me for good and I strive to stay open to that use. As I move into slumber position I am both excited and apprehensive about what God will ask of me tomorrow.
May I become what I expect others to be. May my reflections open me to God in a way that my actions and words inspire you to say "YES" to God's invitation to wholeness.

Bending Over the Shoulder of God

I can't stand it when I'm working on something and someone comes and bends over my shoulder, directing me to do things their way. There they stand giving all sorts of advice and instruction as though my ideas are no good or irrelevant to the project. This I can imagine is how God feels sometimes as God continues to craft greatness. I know I'm guilty of bending over the shoulder of God way too many times. There have been many things that I've asked God to take care of in my life. I've laid the issue at Her feet. I've given it all to Him. And wouldn't you know it, there I am bending over God's shoulder "directing" God on how things need to be done. How unfaithful is that?

In my quest for peace I have discovered that solace is found only when I stop bending over the shoulder of God. Truly I must let go of my desire and need to shape things my way. For it is my way that has gotten me in the mess I often find myself.

Are you bending over the shoulder of God? Well,... just stop it then.

Just Do It Already

I was having a conversation with several young adults on whose behalf I work about the slow posting of Facebook statuses and lack of consistent blogging. I had a weak defense. How is it possible they asked that you use an iPhone and still are not posting regularly? Good question. As I struggled to find an answer the reply came, "just do it already ."
As I sat quietly moments later I was struck by that statement in regards to Christ. Our Savior gives us many opportunities to do as He guides and we stall out like a car with a bad transmission, unclear about what to do. We bemoan our situation, asking for guidance and assistance, lacking the drive and/or will to press forward.
Just do it already is my wake up call to stop making excuses for my lack of action. It is time for action already.

God's Word

I spent several hours trying to upload videos of sermons I've recorded so I could share God's Word with you, but for some reason I wasn't successful. But guess what? I will not let that stop me. In the coming days I will post parts of my sermons for you to read. I look forward to reading your comments and sharing our thoughts on God's Word for us today.

Giving to God

Why not give God all I have? What do I think I have to lose? What am I saving it for?
3 types of givers:
grudge
guilty
thanksgiving
Do I give like everything comes from God? What is my sacrifice? How is my lack of trust getting in the way of my faith?

The above came from a sermon preached several weeks ago. Funny how it seems to be about the annual feast celebrated here in the U.S.

When I think about giving my all to God, I seem to suffer from some sort of stupidity. Let me explain. I am well aware that God knows all, forgives me when I ask, freely guides me, bestows upon me grace untold and unheard of, yet there I am, trying to keep some things from Him. You know those things I'm not proud of; those foolish mistakes; the things I did on purpose being vengeful and full of anger; those things that sought to destroy and not build up. Those things I try to keep from God. I dare not give God those things. Yet at the same time I know that to be fully whole, washed clean, I must turn these things over to God. Ugh!!! Anyone ever feel like this? You think that if you give your mess over to God, God will stop loving you? That's what I mean about suffering from some sort of stupidity. I just stated that I know God forgives and gives grace yet here am I trying to keep something from Her. Oh my, what a mess.

I'm learning to give EVERYTHING to God. And I'm finding a new way to live: in peace. I can't imagine what I was saving this garbage for. Oh how great I feel now that I give all to God.