Sunday, February 20, 2011

Straining to hear Him

A couple weeks ago I got a precious gift when my 3 year old niece left me my first ever voicemail from her. I had to strain to hear her little voice, especially when she whispered. Of course she whispered, Mommy & Daddy were (to prompt her!) :) I have played the messge over and over so I don't miss a sound and can just hear her little voice over and over.

Yesterday I had my SS class prayer meeting. It ended up being just the teacher and me, but it was a sweet time. I played her the voicemail from A because I'm just so proud of it. When we were praying, she made the analogy that just like we were straining to hear every sound of the voicemail from A, we should strain to hear every Word Almighty God says.

I'm not one that believes (in most cases) that the Lord speaks today in an audible voice. I believe He left us the Word and that, along with the Holy Spirit within us as believers, that's how He speaks to us. I was so convicted about how I allow myself to be so distracted by the trivial (TV, internet, reading, etc.) that I don't take the awesome opportunity to spend more time with the God of the universe, my Heavenly Father.

A passage that I am memorizing right now has always been precious to me. I grew up knowing it in the KJV/NIV/NASB versions of the Bible. But this time I'm memorizing from Eugene Peterson's paraphased version, The Message. It says:

"I know what I'm doing - I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on Me, when you come and pray to Me, I'll listen. When you come looking for Me, you'll find Me. Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disapointed."--Jeremiah 29:11-13, The Message

What a promise - Almighty God promises that He will listen to little old insignificant me. That when I seek him whole-heartedly, He won't hide - He will allow me to find Him. It just struck me what an amazing promise He makes to us.

I hope that today, no matter where you are in life that you will strain to hear your Heavenly Father's voice. Look to Him--He will listen. He knows, He cares, He listens, you'll find Him. WOW.

Monday, February 14, 2011

He's the Best Valentine Ever!

"The Word of God uses the phrase 'unfailing love' thirty-two times, and not once is it attributed to humans. Every single use of the phrase refers to God and God alone. Although the love of others can be rich and meaningful, only God's love is unfailing.

"He is not only the answer to a thousand needs but a thousand wants. He is our chief desire in all of life. Oh, God, awaken our souls to see-You are what we want, not just what we need. Yes, our life's protection, but also our heart's affections. Yes, our soul's salvation, but also our heart's exhilaration. Unfailing love-a love that will not let us go!"

--Beth Moore, Breaking Fee Day by Day

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Update on Prayer Request

Carol's blood results were good enough to send her home but that means she has to wait a while longer for a liver. By following her doctor's instructions to the letter, her numbers are better...but that means she's down on the list a little further now. Friends that work for transplant doctors as well as those who have siblings who have received transplants confirm that this emotional roller coaster is par for the course. I can't imagine the stress on the family--must be sick enough to qualify for liver but well enough (no fever, etc.) to withstand the transplant. Certainly a delicate balance, but nothing outside of our mighty Great Physician's realm of power. Carol's soldier son is on leave until February 15. Please pray that if the Lord wills she will get her liver before he has to go back to the war--and that in the meantime, the family will have peace and rest. Thank you.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Prayer Request

Please pray for a sweet friend named Carol who is now #1 in the US for a liver transplant. Her MELD score (has to do with blood levels) has to be exactly right in order for her to qualify. She is a very godly, sweet , selfless, not-complaining lady and she has suffered so long for this. Her soldier son has been flown home and has a leave until February 15. Please pray for God's timing and peace and wisdom for all involved - including the family of the liver doner-to-be. Thanks.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

White As Snow




"Come now and let us reason together", says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow."--Isaiah 1:18