Heavenly Vision

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. Acts 26:19

Sometimes I m walking so close to my Lord that I can feel His sweet breath of  wisdom kiss my cheek, then, at other times,  I'm so lost I can't even sense His presence as I pray.  In my busyness to get to where I'm going,  I get distracted.  I find, as my day begins, I leave pieces of my armor beside the bed and, day after day, I am not as prepared as I should be. I am weakened, and more susceptible to temptations and the wiles of the enemy.  I never want to be grow so busy that I become disobedient to the calling He has placed in my life.   He doesn't intend for me to get lost - I do that all by myself.  We can all lose sight of God's heavenly vision for our lives, but that doesn't mean He has. I challenge you,  as I have myself,  to take more time to listen for His voice, pray, ask Him to refresh your soul and renew our joy, and seek His calling in openness, with obedient hearts. It's no telling what greatness God can do,  He's just awesome that way! 

Little by Little

"I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.  By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land."  (Exodus 23:29-30)

God's timing is often a hard thing for me to understand, yet I know deep down, where truth abides, that His ways are perfect. I love how beautifully His word assures us that we aren't the first ones to have to wait, and  the things He does is for our own good.  So, the next time I wonder why things aren't happening right now, or why it seems my prayers are going unheard, I'm going to do my best to remember these verses and trust Him. God knows best how to work the land of my life, and His "little by little" will bring more contentment and joy than my "right now" could ever bring.

It's just what He does!

It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
                                               -Psalms 18:32

        Boy, I don't know about you guys, but, for me,  this week has been a hectic one . Although I do have a few good qualities given to me by my heavenly Father, there are many many I do not possess, and one gift I've yet to enjoy is being good at time management... my midnight run to the laundry mat is evidence of that! ;-) However, today as I was sitting here in my car, trying to catch my breath between classes, I found a powerful verse in Psalms 18, reaffirming my weary soul,  scattered brain and tired body,  He is all I need!
        Isn't it just like Jesus to tell it like it is?!  It's like the Lord said, "kiddo, you may not have it all together, but I do, and I will fill you with every ounce of strength you need if you will learn to lean on me!!" 
        Sooo, while I'd been busy trying to micro-manage, and do it all, I had not taken the time to rest in Him.   It's an awesome relief to know, even if I'm messy and unorganized, if I will just take the time to listen and walk with Him, He surely will make my way perfect, because... that's just what He does!!

Watch Him Move

2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 KJV

And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.  Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.

Often when I'm facing something difficult, that almost seems impossible, the Lord leads me back to this passage of scripture.  When I am tempted to fix a problem on my own, I can hear Him say, " Tonya, set yourself, stand still, this battle isn't yours, it's mine. I'm always with you, trust me, I've got this." My spirit begins to stir within me encouraging me...

Trust Him, even when you're losing the battle...help is coming.
Trust Him, even when your faith is fading.
Trust Him,  because you love Him.
Trust Him, because He loves you.
Trust Him, because His word is true.

I know He says that he is always working things out for my good and He has a plan, so, today, I'm gonna sit still and watch Him move!! :-)

Waiting for Perfect...hmmph!

Life can make us bitter and pessimistic about things if we choose to let ourselves be swayed by everyone else's failures and negativity...stop, just stop, take responsibility for yourself and your own actions...Life is what you make it, if you're waiting on 100% certainty that you're not gonna fail before you give it your all and take a chance, well, friend, you'll be waiting forever.  I've got news for ya, you will never be fault-free, and neither will the people in your life. So, if you are loved and love in return, then move forward and choose to make the precious moments you've been given with them the best ever. Because, one day, you'll look back and see just how much time you let pass you by all because you were waiting...waiting for perfect to find you, you let perfect-for-you pass right on by.

The Palm of His Plans

Struggling to find peace in the midst of frustration is, well, frustrating!  I was a blubbering mess this morning when I asked for a friend's prayer to cover me, then I went to the one place I knew there'd be help - the Word! I opened my bible, and out fell a sweet thank you note given to me by a precious sister over a year ago. It's sweetness was found marking the pages of Daniel chapters two and three. Only the Lord knows exactly what we need when we need it. I have so many doubts and questions about issues far beyond my control, and I often become overwhelmed in feelings of  unsettling insecurities. I don't like not knowing  where I'm gonna land, but my sweet heavenly Father gently reminded me today that He most definitely does. I'm so grateful the One who holds creation in His hands, the One who sets the hours within the days, the One who holds all the mysteries of life in the wisdom of His grace, is also the One who has my life in the nail scarred  palm of His plans!! 

All the Difference

We have such an hope in our Savior! Why I lack confidence has absolutely nothing to do with Him, but everything to do with my sin! When I find my boldness to proclaim Him to others difficult to muster, it's only because I'm foolishly forgetting that my confidence rests not in my goodness, but always, and only, in His goodness! We can always have assurance that He is faithful to do what He has promised- when He is lifted up, He will draw all men unto Himself.  I pray He reminds me daily of this hope - it's all about Him- enabling me to be bold with the confidence of Christ; He will make all the difference!!!

Philippians 1:20

According to my earnest expectation and my  hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.