GOD'S DIRECTION!

How does one read the compass of God's direction. Study His Word. Follow His direction. All are answers I've heard from believers. Robert J. Morgan gives ideas in his Jordan River Rules book, which our group has been reading together.

Morgan sees the center of the compass as a deep conviction of God's sovereignty. All agreed knowing that the Lord is in control....not us! Morgan also espouses that the circumfrance of the compass is wholehearted willingness. In the book of Joshua we have been encouraged to meditate on Scripture day and night, standing on the promise that we can be strong and courageous, knowing "the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8-9) 

Standing on God's promise of His Presence has sustained us .

For those directionally challenged, a visual is often helpful! 

N= Nearness aka his Presence (Morgan, p.53)

S= Scripture leads to divine truth (IBID, 53)

E=Entrusting every detail to the One who knows the path He has uniquely for us

W=Wise plans, a watchful heart & waiting on Him; result=His way to move forward

So grateful for believers together......who desire to follow God's directions to the path of righteousness which is found in Christ alone. (Acts 4:12)

As we seek to move forward in life may we all clearly hear His voice saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)

WIRED!

How are you wired? Are you wired for God's purpose specifically "Younique" to you? How will you know?

God's Word reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.....that He knows the plans He has for us and He will guide our steps. That's how He designed us for the purpose He has called  us to as His children. 

Call unto Him and he will answer and show you the great & mighty ways He has wired you!

TUESDAY'S TO DOn't LIST

Consider the consequences of the negative "TO-Don'ts" on your list if they become your "DOs."

Switch your thinking. Realize that ultimately you control very few of the circumstances/happenings which life throws your way and you have no control over the responses of others. 

Re-consider those negatives......1) excessive planning, 2) fretting & complaining 3) comparing         4) excessive talking, self-promoting.

.......with a positive focus accepting that the "best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." (R. Burns, to A Mouse")

To end on a more positive note...here are some "DOs" to counteract those DOnt's."

1. Allow the Lord to direct your steps. (Proverbs 3:6) 
2. Give thanks in everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 
3. Accept self as God created you. (Psalm 139:14) 
4. Be quick to listen, listen, listen. (James 1:19)
5. In humility consider others more important than yourself. (Philippians 2:3)

DO remember that you are not in control! The most positive result is remembering Who is ultimately in control of all of life.

CHOOSE: A MAP FOR THE JOURNEY

Hubby has always dubbed me, "Ms Rand McNally" as I have such an affinity for maps. In this age, most people are GPS "driven," Not I. I prefer a good ole big fold out paper map or at least an atlas. You see, I like to "see" where I am going. The big picture. It helps me plan ahead for possibilities along the way. i.e. rest areas. Always handy for an OAB lady to know locations of closest bath rooms. Also, I don't want to miss a quaint place along the way that might not show up on the expressway/main highway driven Global Positioning Systems.

Often, I think a spiritual map would be helpful. As topographical maps explore twists and turns and note steep hills, one is able to "plan ahead." The Bible certainly gives direction for the most important destination, eternity---though not quite as clear in the daily of life. I'm sure there is a purpose in that. Too much exact info might lead to worry and dread so God wants us to focus on His presence in each of one's "present" moments. So.....He's given us direction to his heart. The Bible a map of His sovereign will. God's Positioning System.

When we reach those difficult climbs in midst of hard places---when we're struggling through those hard places, God wants us to remember He is there. (Zephaniah 3:7)

By His Spirit and through His people, (Psalm 27:13) God is there to guide us and show us the way. (Proverbs 3:6)

To those fighting their way to the "top" or other side of the bad diagnosis, grief from the death of a loved one or chosen path of a wayward child, know God never leaves or forsakes His loved ones. (Isaiah 41:10)
Find fellowship with other believers on the same side of the struggle. (1 Thessalonians 5:7)
Choose to share your "map" of the same journey with them. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

As my friend, sister in Christ and fellow MAC cancer survivor, Michèle Phoenix, says, "When you get to the "top" remember to call down to those on the way up, not to give up because the view from the top is fabulous. It's worth the climb."

Cuppa rou-TEA-ine

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs: 3:6, NASB)

Some routines are good....to keep me focused and "in the pink" emotionally. Change can mess with my psyche. Change, though often necessary, especially during the holidays, can rev up this ADD (Always Distracted) Dotsy (love the Ditsy typo that comes up) into frenetic frantic anxieties. I, like Daddy, seem to function better with routine.

However, these next few days are going to be anything but routine---for everyone celebrating Christmas, not just me.
My "new" routine will be minus the "normal" routine of a retiree. Gone is the familiarity of home. The time frame. The morning crossword.The straight paths from A to B. 
But God.....has given me time with the entire family (all 15) and that's a great gift. The path in the mountains might be a little curvy, and according to this morning's "Winter Weather ALERT!" a lot SNOWY......but I am trusting the Lord to lead the way. Stay in Taos, NM or "mush" on to Colorado?

Regardless of today's decision, my  cuppa "new" rou-TEA-ine will be served with extra measures of, not only snow,  but trust...as I spend time this Christmas with the Lord and family. A great combo.

ABCs---the basics

6/27/11 ABCs. The basics. Today’s meditation is just that. Choose one that speaks to your heart. Focus on one ABC all week or one each day of the week. Look up the complete verse (s). (Clicking here http://www.biblegateway.com/ & typing the Bible passage citation in the search line will take you right to it, in any version you want.)

Always Be a Comforter…..as you have been comforted. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Always Beckon Children….. to the Lord. (Matthew 19:13-15)

Always Balance Commitments…..by allowing Him to direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:6)

Always Be Compassionate….fill your heart with lovingkindness for others .(Colossians 3:12)

Always Be Content…..wanting what you already have and knowing that God will never leave you. (Hebrews 13:5)

Always Bless Christ….with all that is within you and your life will be renewed. (Psalm 103:1-5)

Always Boast in Christ….not in your own accomplishments. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31) (Ephesians 1: 8-9)

Remember none of these basics is possible in and of yourself. But God….. Always Be Confident in Him, not your own flesh (Phil. 3:3), because you are His workmanship and He is able to guard all that you have entrusted to Him. (2 Timothy 1:12)