“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge”
~ Psalm 62:8 (NIV).
What a roller-coaster ride this week. And what a lesson! So many thoughts running through my mind…You know what really hit me between the eyes? Video segment #4! First of all, I had to restart that segment 5 times; every time I got to around 5 minutes into the video, our internet went down (and we have cable :shock:). I guess someone didn’t want me to hear what Beth had to say in that segment. But – ha, I just kept resetting the internet and restart the segment.
As I was sitting there and listing to Beth, I really got an uneasy feeling. Do I really pour everything out to Him, so I may be filled with His Spirit? Do I talk to Him the way I should? He knows my heart…No, I don’t pour out everything! I hold on to my fears, my insecurity…I have never been as insecure in my life as I was this past week (okay, maybe one other time). When Beth talked earlier about sudden urges we have and the desire to be needed. Oh boy was I convicted. Because of such a sudden urge, I am out of work. I thought that I prayed long enough to make a change. Did I listen to God, or did I again was overcome with pride? I know that God has His own timing and His timing is always perfect. But I want everything in my own timing and I get impatient…and that my friend, gets me in trouble…
I received a book from a co-worker, which I just picked up this morning and started reading. I know that some of you make a daily read, but for me it was the first time. The book: Oswald Chambers – “My Utmost for His Highest”. Oh, don’t get me wrong – I have read quotes before, but I never called this book my own. I didn’t go to today’s devotion, but I started at the beginning…Ha, and did God had a word with me (the devotion was based on Philippians 1:20-21): ‘Whether it means life or death-it makes no difference!’ …But before we choose to follow God’s will, a crisis must develop in our lives. This happens because we tend to be unresponsive to God’s gentler nudges…”.
Yikes!!!! I can’t add to that, except that this devotion was written for me?! Yes, I was in the valley yesterday (very deep one; thank you friends for your prayers and encouragements), but today is another day. As I laid everything down this morning, He gave me peace. He is working things out; even though I made another mistake…He is faithful, even when I am faithless.
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” ~
Psalm 90:14 (NIV)
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| Addie | Heather* | Carol |
| M | Rach | Jeana |
| Jenn | Amanda | MamaB |
| GiBee | Boomama | Maria |
| Blair | Heather | Nancy |
| Janna | Flipflop | Robin |
| Sherry | Patricia | Tara |
| Lauren | HolyMama! | Faith |
| Christy | Eph2810 | Karin |
| Leann | Rachel | Janice |
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This is a list of the women participating in the study and the links to their blogs. New postings on the study will be published for the next ten weeks, between Friday 8pm – Saturday 8am. Please feel free to visit each of us and comment. Everyone is welcome to participate in this discussion as we seek to live beyond ourselves. May God bless you richly from the hearing of His Word. |
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I’m still working on that daily pouring out, too! One day I wrote down everything that came to my mind…and then I burned the paper….and “poured” the ashes “out” on the ground. I’m so sorry you have had such a difficult week. I sure do relate to your comment about making another mistake. *sigh* I had a couple of days this week when it seemed like everything I said was something stupid. It took a lot of faith for me to believe in that moment that my confidence was in Christ. I pray that you have a blessed weekend!
God loves a broken spirit, a broken and contrite spirit. it’s hard to get that way sometimes, to get that humble, but that’s what he needs from us.
Can I just say…OUCH! that quote stung. Learning to pay attention to the gentle nudges…
I hate the “valleys”. But isn’t it awesome when we feel GOD’S peace? Knowing that it can only comes from God and how powerful He really is?
I’ve been feeling that in my life since opening up to Him, again. It really helps to look past all of my valleys when I feel God’s grace and peace. 😉
“But before we choose to follow God’s will, a crisis must develop in our lives. This happens because we tend to be unresponsive to God’s gentler nudges…†– That is so true…sounds like Mr. Chambers was a mighty wise fella indeed. 🙂 And He is SO faithful…aren’t we glad?
I know this week was hard for you and I’m so glad to hear that He has given you peace today. It’s a good thing we know that God can use our mistakes too. I know that thought comforts me WAY too often. Please know that you are such a blessing to have in this study.
Oh . . . I am so glad you are doing better and that God spoke right to you!
His pursuit of us is relentless!!
Not only is he faithful . . . but he is SO QUICK to forgive!! Check out these verses from Psalm 103:
God is sheer mercy and sheer grace;
not easily angered, he’s rich in love.
He doesn’t endlessly nag or scold,
nor hold grudges forever.
He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve,
nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
As high as heave is over the earth,
so strong is his love to those who fear him.
You said “He is faithful, even when I am faithless.” Awesome quote!
Great post and reminder to pay attention to those gentle nudges
You’re not the only one who had trouble with segment 4 It kept locking up on me. I’d scroll it back about 30 seconds and re-watch and it would go smoothly again for a while then freeze up again. Is that what happened to you? It may be on the LifeWay end of things.
Pouring out….Amen and Amen! But…it does kind of sting, doesn’t it?
here is to the Lord’s timing!
Years ago I used My Utmost… for my devotional. I found it so powerful I promised myself I would use it again in the future – think I might get back to it agin!
thanks for the reminder!
Hey Iris, Pouring out is an area I need some serious work. (((HUGS))) I am so sorry you are dealing with so much lately. I think it’s safe to say that “someone” is really not wanting us to finish this study. We have some major things happening here as well (can’t share right now, but soon). I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you hon and praising the Lord for HIS timing in everything.
I’m so glad you’re feeling better! It is so true that the valleys are deep and lonely but when we can chose to listen to God we will find that we are quickly brought back up! I love your page! Very nice!
Yes, the valleys are lonely, but then you get up on that mountaintop, and the one on one time with God helps take us through the next valley!
I love “My Utmost for His Highest. It is one of my daily devotionals. Love your insights!
Love your new WP format. And don’t ya just love Oswald Chambers? I have worn ou my copy of My Utmost for His Highest!! It’s too good.
love you,
Vicki
Titus 2 says women should be keepers at home, that the Word of God be not blasphemed. Could it be that God has taken away your job so you can obey that verse?