Friday, August 31, 2007

Lately it seems that I have been running a marathon and my body is better suited for only short dashes. (Very short!) Therefore, I have not kept up with my committment to my writing. Today, however, I did find something on another web blog that truly touched my heart and I just wanted to share it.

Follow the link and watch this. It is very moving, albeit kinda long, so stick with it until the end. You'll be glad you did!

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

Blessings to all!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Butler Boy


For many long months this precious child of God would pray at night, "be a Butner boy." (At 2 1/2 he is unable to pronounce Butler correctly. LOL!)
Praise God the almighty Father of love and the giver of all good things, this little boy's prayer is being answered on Friday, August 17, 2007, exactly 365 days after he came to live in our home,
He will officially become a "Butler boy."
"Dear Lord, give his father and I wisdom, compassion and love to raise this 'your child' in a manner which he will grow to know You. I pray this through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, my redeemer. AMEN!"

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Carried Along by The Spirit

As I was reading from God’s precious word today, part of a verse of scripture captured my heart and set my mind on a fanciful journey. The words I read were from II Peter I:21, “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (NIV – emphasis mine)

Although this passage is written by Peter and is referring to prophecy spoken by men, through the Holy Spirit, as I read the words “carried along by the Holy Spirit,” a different sort of picture painted itself across my vision. I saw my life, and how it could be; no, how it should be, if I would take my selfish desires out of play and turn every issue, even my every breath over to direction by the Holy Spirit.

If I were to live this way how much more would I accomplish? How much more loving would I act? Would I react to people and their needs with more compassion and offer much more grace, grace, grace? Would my selfish desires begin to take a backseat to selflessly serving the Lord and seeking to promote His kingdom?

This same chapter of God’s word gives us me even more insight and wisdom for living a Spirit filled life. II Peter 1: 3 – 4 says: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (NIV ~ emphasis mine)

I can see it, I can feel it; dear Lord I can almost taste the sweetness of it! Living a life of Godliness; a life where I can escape the corruption in the world caused by my evil desires! But, the key to it all is found in “Him.” Through the knowledge of Him! To get there I must read His word, I must converse with Him, I must humble myself to listen and then act upon what the Holy Spirit speaks to me.

This is no easy task because before long, sometimes before I have even closed my Bible, or finished my prayer, life comes along and smacks me in the face! I’m human; I struggle with anger, envy, selfishness, pettiness, greed, etc., etc. I am going to sin. I am going to stumble and fall.

What I have learned over the pages and years of my life is that it is okay to fall. The goal is to not allow satan to keep me down long. I am to reduce the time curve that I allow myself to stay wrapped in sin and away from my precious Savior’s will for my life. When I fall, I must confess quickly, my very life depends upon my restoration of God’s grace. I do not want to stay in the dark for long. I need the living water that Christ alone provides. I need my comforter; my guide the Holy Spirit; not just today, but every day, every minute.

“Oh Lord, you know that I desire to serve you as one who is “carried along by the Holy Spirit!” Soften my heart and shape my mind to receive the words that the Holy Spirit whispers softly to me. May I have the courage and conviction to act upon the direction that I am given. Help me to filter every thought, every desire through You! May I always seek to serve only you!”