Just returned from speaking at a retreat in Palacios Texas for First United Methodist Church of Lake Jackson, Texas. Seventy women gathered and we had a great time. God poured Himself out and answered my prayers for each woman to leave with life changing truth in her heart. This was the second retreat I've done for this group of women and it was like speaking to a room full of friends. Many women gathered this morning to share what God had done during our 3 days together and 2 women shared how God used the messages this weekend to save their marriages! I was humbled and stunned! Another woman said that she will leave knowing Jesus is in her heart, another said that she'd struggled with something for several months but that God worked in her heart this weekend to convict her, to free her and that she feels like a new person! Other comments were testimony to the fact that God was at work this weekend in big ways.
It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord uses us, His frail vessels, to bring glory to Himself and to accomplish His will in the world. No special talents are required, no degrees preferred, there are no physical requirements to be met, no age restrictions, no auditions will weed the unwanted out, no experience necessary, no past record of perfection required, failures are welcome, in fact, God seems to relish using the rejects of this world to display His glory and to "participate in the divine nature". All He asks is that we are willing, that we surrender and that we trust Him. I long for irrevocable, absolute surrender in my life. That is not my longing only for speaking but for loving, respecting and honoring my husband, loving and serving others....in every area of my life I want His perfect will and for His Spirit to have full access to me. Oh that I would get out of the Lord's way and let Him have His way with me, in me and through me!!! Oh for more of You, Lord and less of me.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
God's Provisions
We had a great Christmas vacation in Colorado with our son, wife and three children! No wonder God gives children to younger people. Whew! I have no idea how my precious daughter in law does it. One 6 year old son and 2 little ones under 18 months old requires nonstop work on her part and she does it all with a smile and joy. Mountains of clothes to wash, food to cook (they are ALWAYS hungry for "bites" as she calls it, which means that our 18 month old grandson shouts, "Bites, now!!!" when he is hungry!), someone always needs a diaper changed or a nose wiped and she stands ready and willing at all times to do what it takes to provide for those children. You should have seen their Suburban loaded down with supplies when they arrived!!! That was hilarious. Toys, clothes, food, diapers, beds, blankets, bottles.....truly amazing. How did they get all of that stuff into that car and still find room for the kids! Those children have never missed a meal, a hug or a been denied one single thing they needed. All the provisions were made in advance to meet any and every need they might have.
God is that way and yet how often I forget. He is my father and has committed Himself to me through His covenant and the blood of Jesus Christ to never leave me or forsake me. He calls Himself my father and as such is guaranteeing me that He will love, protect and provide for me, not just for 18 years, but for eternity. He's covered all the bases and has taken care of all the provisions to "raise me" in Christ. Why then should I fret and worry? How silly it would be for my precious grandchildren to whine, cry and fret in the morning about whether or not they were going to get to eat dinner later that evening! That would be ridiculous. Yet, I do that with my Father, wondering and worrying about how certain things will work out or if there will be provisions for my needs. My Father God has, does and will take care of every single thing for me in Christ, all He has asked of me is that I love Him, trust Him and obey Him.
Oh Lord, may I live by faith. Teach me that all important life lesson. It is impossible to please You without faith. May I live by faith in Your provisions as a good child.
God is that way and yet how often I forget. He is my father and has committed Himself to me through His covenant and the blood of Jesus Christ to never leave me or forsake me. He calls Himself my father and as such is guaranteeing me that He will love, protect and provide for me, not just for 18 years, but for eternity. He's covered all the bases and has taken care of all the provisions to "raise me" in Christ. Why then should I fret and worry? How silly it would be for my precious grandchildren to whine, cry and fret in the morning about whether or not they were going to get to eat dinner later that evening! That would be ridiculous. Yet, I do that with my Father, wondering and worrying about how certain things will work out or if there will be provisions for my needs. My Father God has, does and will take care of every single thing for me in Christ, all He has asked of me is that I love Him, trust Him and obey Him.
Oh Lord, may I live by faith. Teach me that all important life lesson. It is impossible to please You without faith. May I live by faith in Your provisions as a good child.
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