Rod & Rose

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Pivotal moments…cross roads along our journey. Rarely do they come as a surprise…more often than not it is what we chose yesterday that  impacts where we are today. To say that “we didn’t know” is often an untruth we  use to try to convince ourselves.

I believe our spirit senses the warning signals. Whether or not we choose to listen is often a matter of  whether or not we are in step with the nature of God. Have I been diligent in my walk? Am I practicing that which the WORD speaks? Or am I living for the momentary gratification of the flesh. To yield to the prompting of the Holy Spirit is not always an easy thing to do. More times than I care to count, I’ve reacted to circumstances in the flesh…choosing what feels good for the moment…what satisfies my carnal nature…the “old man”…instant gratification. Rather than being still and obedient to my Father’s calling, I do what feels right to ME. I ignore the fact that HE wants to lead; that His way is the best way.

I want to avoid the pain. I don’t want to be tested or humbled. So it is with many of us…we rush in, taking  the easy way out, the path of least resistance.  We make choices that change our trajectory. How foolish we are to think the impact is self-contained! We choose to ignore or reject the fact that our choices impact the lives of those He has entrusted to our care, whether they be friendships, family members or co-workers.  To “our care” you ask?  Yes….for we indeed are called to be “our brothers keeper.”

How difficult it is to abide in HIM! To simply trust HIM…to take a knee and humbly ask the difficult questions: “Papa how do you want me to respond to this situation? What is it that I’m supposed to say, or am I simply to be still and listen with my heart? Should I stay? Should I go? Should I buy or should I sell?” The choices are many. How we choose is simply a matter of either obedience or disobedience… “Not my will Father, but rather Your will be done.”  Is that my prayer…really? Is it?

Take a moment…be still and know that HE is God.  Recognize that your best interest is HIS heart’s desire:  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. So today my prayer for you and I is to abide in obedience….to truly trust in His promises. May Papa God’s WORD resonate in our hearts today!

(Dear friends…Would love to hear your thoughts. Can you take a minute to leave a comment?)

~ IN HIS STRONG LOVE ~ rose

The storm rages, the winds blow, a blanket of darkness seems to envelope us. We enter into the valley and find ourselves desperate and alone. We thirst and hunger…our tanks are empty. Our anxious thoughts unnerve us. We make an attempt to run…to hide. We seek shelter from the storm, but to no avail. Our efforts eventually prove to be futile. The rain continues to pound…and we become weary.

We carry our  baggage around with us while we waste time seeking answers from man, rather than from our Creator. We’re burdened by our “what ifs and what could have beens.” We wallow in our own self-pity, wasting yet more time.

But then…something miraculous happens. Something breaks through the clouds. Are those prayers we hear? Is someone interceding on our behalf? Could it be?  The Light breaks through…the SON illuminates the sky and the rain clouds part!  We fall on our knees….humbled…broken. Finally…a moment of sweet surrender! We take our burdens to the cross and fall into the arms of the One who came to rescue us! We lift our eyes heavenward and cry out…”Search me O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, lead me in the way everlasting” Psalm 139:23-24.

And he gently and tenderly reminds us, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing”  Zephaniah 3:17.  He takes us by the hand…dusts us off as we rise from the ashes–and illuminates our path once again. The sweet break through! We praise God for answered prayers! Hallelujah indeed! ~ IN HIS STRONG LOVE ~ rose