It's a cool, rainy Sunday morning in July in KANSAS! I know, it stretches the imagination for us Kansans, but I LOVE it!
It seemed the better part of wisdom not to take Dad out in this weather, so I am sitting with him this morning instead of sitting in church. And enjoying it. I love this quiet time with God. Can't seem to get enough.
I was listening to Andy Stanley on youtube and he has an excellent sermon on prayer. He talks about some of the things that I've been thinking lately. You can talk to God throughout the day and through the week, and that is good. But it is also very necessary to have time alone, where you go in your room and shut the door, closing out all other distractions.
It's the same with other relationships. The more time you spend with someone, the better you get to know them. If you have only an hour at a time, most likely you will only talk about surface issues. It's after the 2nd and 3rd hour that you get to the "real" heart issues. Even though you may have been "talking" to them all week, you can still feel very disconnected.
I challenge you to take that extra time with Jesus. He wants you to; he longs to spend time with you. He wants to tell you his heart.
Hearing his heart,
Pauline
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
When God Says No
Last night, after the temperature had dropped to a comfortable degree, my sister and I were sitting on the front porch talking. We were discussing dreams. I love how God speaks through dreams! It just takes a bit of time and effort and an openness to "hearing", through the Holy Spirit, what God is saying. I have also found that it can be very helpful to discuss dreams with other people who are Spirit-filled and can help you see a different perspective.
I had been asking God for direction concerning a job/ministry opportunity. At first I was really excited about the job and I thought it was an answer to prayer. Later, I started to question it because of all that was involved in actually obtaining the position. Was this really where God wanted me to focus my time and energy? Would it keep me from having the time/energy I needed for what I already had on my plate? Most importantly, would I have time to pursue God?
I struggled a few days with these questions and others, trying to figure out a way to make things work. I only ended up feeling frustrated. Finally, when I was really ready to hear, God showed me, through this dream, that this is a closed door and I need to give it up.
I felt a pang of disappointment, for it was something I really wanted to do. However, following that I felt incredible peace and joy and thankfulness to God. First of all, for showing me so clearly the answer so that I could move ahead with confidence. Secondly, that he cared enough about me and my life to take the time to help me understand what it was I really wanted. And thirdly, I felt dearly LOVED!
I recently heard it said that your faith is strengthened when you keep giving God glory even in the midst of disappointments. I think I'm beginning to understand what that means. I don't know why this door was shut for now, but I know God is totally trustworthy and he is working on my behalf.
For His glory,
Pauline
I had been asking God for direction concerning a job/ministry opportunity. At first I was really excited about the job and I thought it was an answer to prayer. Later, I started to question it because of all that was involved in actually obtaining the position. Was this really where God wanted me to focus my time and energy? Would it keep me from having the time/energy I needed for what I already had on my plate? Most importantly, would I have time to pursue God?
I struggled a few days with these questions and others, trying to figure out a way to make things work. I only ended up feeling frustrated. Finally, when I was really ready to hear, God showed me, through this dream, that this is a closed door and I need to give it up.
I felt a pang of disappointment, for it was something I really wanted to do. However, following that I felt incredible peace and joy and thankfulness to God. First of all, for showing me so clearly the answer so that I could move ahead with confidence. Secondly, that he cared enough about me and my life to take the time to help me understand what it was I really wanted. And thirdly, I felt dearly LOVED!
I recently heard it said that your faith is strengthened when you keep giving God glory even in the midst of disappointments. I think I'm beginning to understand what that means. I don't know why this door was shut for now, but I know God is totally trustworthy and he is working on my behalf.
For His glory,
Pauline
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