A man of great godly character, who acknowledges the Lord in all things, and daily seeks His will are all things greatly to be esteemed…If this was only the norm, not only in a man, but also in a woman. We find these qualities in Boaz. This was a man who was known for his love for God…Oh if only we were all to be known for that! In fact Boaz’s name itself means “In His strength”, which I believe quite suited this man we see in the book of Ruth. Not only did Boaz exemplify godliness, but also diligence and faithfulness. Boaz saw his blessings no matter big or small and always sought to see the best in people. This was a man who took nothing for granted and in all respects gave it back in praise and offering to the Lord. Though Boaz owned and oversaw his fields, he too was a faithful worker. He enjoyed being part of the harvest and involved in his workers lives, always showing love, care, and compassion to all that surrounded him. Here was a master that served his workers! Boaz knew his workers and the man he was I wouldn’t be surprised if he knew them by name. I believe this is why Boaz took notice of Ruth – a woman he didn’t know working/gleaning from his field.
Boaz and Ruth both found contentment in God in their singleness – knowing that time was set aside according to God’s will…Boaz’s heart remained reserved. Yes ladies…there is such thing as a man – not a boy, who has kept his way in the ways of the Lord, is established and confident of his future because it is hidden in Christ, and most importantly has reserved his heart for the woman the Lord leads him to. Though we may find them far and few between I am sure there are men that feel the same way about finding godly women. Do not lower your standards! The Lord will give you the desires of your heart, because if you are walking in His will your desires are in actuality His desires that He has placed in your heart to fulfill His will! Does that make sense? So if they are His desires and His expectations for your life far exceed your own then why would you even think of lowering that standard?!…do not let it be because of impatience, but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing! (James 1:4) This story is a wonderful example of that!
Ladies love truly does comes softly. Boaz was most likely the first person to show Ruth true kindness since she had been in Bethlehem. It was this kindness that went straight to Ruth’s heart. Boaz was more than twice Ruth’s age and I am sure at some point he questioned how a woman like her would even look at a man like him in such a way. Even so, Boaz insured Ruth’s safety every step of the way and took it upon himself to be her protector. Boaz met and exceeding Ruth’s needs by giving her a double portion… (which she put away and kept for Naomi). Boaz desired to provide for Ruth, by intentionally asking his workers to drop heads of barley for her and for them not to give her a hard time. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matt. 25:40) Because Boaz loved those who belonged in his care, he desired them to act in a way of honor, which he set as an example.
Sadly a lot of young women’s hearts aren’t often won by a man’s character. We live in a society that is very superficial and shallow, based on the outward. “Do not consider his appearance or his height… The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7) Shouldn’t we also? Ladies you might be praying for God to bring your future husband into your life, and He might already very well have, but you are not looking at what is below the surface. It is amazing how when you see a mans heart it can transform his attractiveness. You can see an amazingly physically attractive man and after talking to him for only a few minutes can be transformed into one of the ugliest characters you have ever met. The same is that of the simple looking man who's heart is set on God – but to you the most handsome man you have ever met.
God was the center of this intimate communication between Boaz and Ruth because it was a matter of the heart. Let Him be the center for you as well...
Just wait there is so much more to come!
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Jehovah Jireh My Provider - Ruth (Part 2)
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
and to take Him at His word;
just to rest upon His promise,
and to know, "Thus saith the Lord."
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O FOR GRACE TO TRUST HIM MORE!
Ruth was a Moabitess and in prejudice eyes a woman of "loose" character who worshiped foreign gods. It was within the Hebrew law that no foreigner should enter the home and defile it...so you can only imagine the "welcome" she received when she finally got to Bethlehem. In order to prove herself a godly woman she had to LIVE an exemplary life before the people showing her love and devotion first and foremost to God and then to those around her. Ruth chose to abandon all else to chase after God. What courage this young woman had! She stepped out into unknown territory where close to no one would accept her for who she was based on appearances, and yet, with the great faith she had in God she took steps forward trusting God would meet, protect, and provide their every need! She clearly loved the Lord with all her heart, all her mind, and all her strength (Mark 12:30)…as her faith was tested and tried over and over again. She leaned upon God when she was weak and knew that then He was strong. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
Ruth sought the Lord for His provision…seeking His direction to lead her to the right job. I think a lot of the time we expect God to hand us things on a silver platter because we prayed for them, but He specifically tells us to ask, seek, and knock. (Matt. 7:7-8) My parents were always very clear to me that if I do my part God will do His, and where God guides He provides!
We see how perfect God’s timing is over and over. Naomi and Ruth made it to Bethlehem exactly at the beginning of the harvest. When there seemed like no hope in sight for work…God knew...and He led. It was written in the Law that the edges of the fields were to be left untouched for the poor and stranger. (Lev. 19:9-10) God reminds His people of His heart to care for and look after the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. (Deut. 24:19-22) He is a merciful redeemer and a gracious protector. Ruth walked in this grace and in doing so walked right into the arms of divine providence.
Ruth’s reputation was that of a hard worker – I am sure until her hands were raw and blistered and she was entirely covered in sweat and dirt. Each minute of daylight was important to her and she threw herself fully into the labor and was grateful for every moment because the Lord had answered her prayers and provided for her and Naomi. She had strong moral character, sensitivity, kindness, and loyalty. Everything she did was an act of selfless love. She was a woman who had a gentle and quiet spirit, who humbled herself to serve others before herself, and always showed great compassion. It was the inward beauty that shone brilliantly from Ruth. Ladies...let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:4
Ruth wasn’t placing herself in a position to be noticed, she wasn’t adorning herself to be recognized by men, she was serving the Lord and focused on the tasks at hand. She let God be completely in control, she was content being in the center of His hand. She trusted fully in God to be her husband and her provider, as we all should as young women. God laid before Ruth a test of character and in it He was well-pleased and opened up doors of opportunity.
The Lord never ceases to reward/bless those who are willing and humble to walk in obedience according to His will. When having waves of anxiety or doubt remember His faithfulness.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
There is so much more to come…
and to take Him at His word;
just to rest upon His promise,
and to know, "Thus saith the Lord."
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O FOR GRACE TO TRUST HIM MORE!
Ruth was a Moabitess and in prejudice eyes a woman of "loose" character who worshiped foreign gods. It was within the Hebrew law that no foreigner should enter the home and defile it...so you can only imagine the "welcome" she received when she finally got to Bethlehem. In order to prove herself a godly woman she had to LIVE an exemplary life before the people showing her love and devotion first and foremost to God and then to those around her. Ruth chose to abandon all else to chase after God. What courage this young woman had! She stepped out into unknown territory where close to no one would accept her for who she was based on appearances, and yet, with the great faith she had in God she took steps forward trusting God would meet, protect, and provide their every need! She clearly loved the Lord with all her heart, all her mind, and all her strength (Mark 12:30)…as her faith was tested and tried over and over again. She leaned upon God when she was weak and knew that then He was strong. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
Ruth sought the Lord for His provision…seeking His direction to lead her to the right job. I think a lot of the time we expect God to hand us things on a silver platter because we prayed for them, but He specifically tells us to ask, seek, and knock. (Matt. 7:7-8) My parents were always very clear to me that if I do my part God will do His, and where God guides He provides!
We see how perfect God’s timing is over and over. Naomi and Ruth made it to Bethlehem exactly at the beginning of the harvest. When there seemed like no hope in sight for work…God knew...and He led. It was written in the Law that the edges of the fields were to be left untouched for the poor and stranger. (Lev. 19:9-10) God reminds His people of His heart to care for and look after the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. (Deut. 24:19-22) He is a merciful redeemer and a gracious protector. Ruth walked in this grace and in doing so walked right into the arms of divine providence.
Ruth’s reputation was that of a hard worker – I am sure until her hands were raw and blistered and she was entirely covered in sweat and dirt. Each minute of daylight was important to her and she threw herself fully into the labor and was grateful for every moment because the Lord had answered her prayers and provided for her and Naomi. She had strong moral character, sensitivity, kindness, and loyalty. Everything she did was an act of selfless love. She was a woman who had a gentle and quiet spirit, who humbled herself to serve others before herself, and always showed great compassion. It was the inward beauty that shone brilliantly from Ruth. Ladies...let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:4
Ruth wasn’t placing herself in a position to be noticed, she wasn’t adorning herself to be recognized by men, she was serving the Lord and focused on the tasks at hand. She let God be completely in control, she was content being in the center of His hand. She trusted fully in God to be her husband and her provider, as we all should as young women. God laid before Ruth a test of character and in it He was well-pleased and opened up doors of opportunity.
The Lord never ceases to reward/bless those who are willing and humble to walk in obedience according to His will. When having waves of anxiety or doubt remember His faithfulness.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
There is so much more to come…
The Worth of Integrity - Ruth (Part1)
This is a time when everyone does what is right in their own eyes. This is a time when people have become tolerant of sin. This is a time when people worship individualism – whatever makes you happy. This is a time where Godly men and women need to step up and remind this world to remember what it means to be of noble character and integrity. Chivalry isn’t dead, ladies, and men there are women that are poised and hold themselves in integrity. It is those that exemplify godly character that we should resemble.
The Lord chooses men and women after His heart to fulfill His will. He chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (1 Cor. 1:27) God uses the ordinary to complete the extraordinary. This is why I love the book of Ruth and each time I read it the Lord reveals to me new truths. Ruth’s story shows us what it means to be submissive and obedient to the Lord’s will, and it shows us how the Lord lifts up the humble.
Ladies most of you have been waiting and praying for that man the Lord is going to bring into your life and some of you have already found him and have married him. It is our worst fear that we have waited and kept ourselves for the man we love and have married to die not very long into the marriage. This is exactly what happened to Ruth and Ruth didn’t just loose her husband, but all the men in her life! Imagine how much time Ruth and Naomi must have spent in unceasing fervent prayer for their husbands lives, but God’s answer was “No my beloved ones…I have something else in store to use your lives for. I have chosen you Ruth to be in this anointed lineage.” As much as some of us find it hard to wait for a godly man now being single with no attachments or baggage, can you imagine how Ruth felt? I am sure in her mind she had come to the conclusion, why would a man want a widow with baggage, and on top of that being a foreigner, when he could have a young Hebrew virgin? All her hopes and dreams that seemed so sure and were so close within her grasps about her future came crashing down around her. Everything she held dear was taken from her, except God and Naomi.
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21) Ruth never tried to gain anyone’s sympathy nor did she wallow in self-pity, but maintained a poise and serenity. Ruth placed her hope and satisfaction in the Lord. She was focused on the things the Lord had given her not the things she had lost…always operating in and motivated by love, as should we all as Christians. Though they were not blood related Ruth was bound to Naomi; they shared in deep sorrow, great affection for each other, and a predominant commitment to God. Ruth chose to cling to Naomi. The word cling is so powerful, it means to remain persistently or stubbornly faithful to, or hard to remove from. Ruth was willing to give up the possible future security and having children to care and look after Naomi; even though as women these seem like great sacrifices Ruth did not loose hope.
The wonderful thing we have been given is God’s peace that surpasses all understanding and it defies the circumstances that rage around us. Never will you know or find any other peace. Ask for it and you will receive it. You can find peace in the midst of chaos. It’s harder to surrender to what you can’t see, but when you do you are giving into something heavenly. When all is stripped away it leaves you and the Lord, trusting Him day by day, step by step. Christ will become the only future you see. Ruth was brought to that place of brokenness, humility, and vulnerability and the Lord met her where she was at, never leaving nor forsaking her.
Ruth lived in the time of the Judges when everyone did what was right in their own eyes. (Judges 17:6) But Ruth and Naomi desired to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord!
The Lord will sometimes strip us of everything we know, everything we treasure or find our security in, to allow us to know and realize all we need in this life is Him – our sustainer, protector, and provider. He will leave us with nothing to hold onto, but God. There are times in our lives when God seems to remain silent to our prayers, but that doesn’t mean He is not working through them. He is creating in you patience, trust, and ultimately strength. God has given us His promises and He always holds true to them. In our trusting in Him we must be content with that even though we do not know the how or when. Hold tight and cling to the Lord…continue to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all else will be added unto you. (Matt. 6:33)
There is so much more to come…
The Lord chooses men and women after His heart to fulfill His will. He chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (1 Cor. 1:27) God uses the ordinary to complete the extraordinary. This is why I love the book of Ruth and each time I read it the Lord reveals to me new truths. Ruth’s story shows us what it means to be submissive and obedient to the Lord’s will, and it shows us how the Lord lifts up the humble.
Ladies most of you have been waiting and praying for that man the Lord is going to bring into your life and some of you have already found him and have married him. It is our worst fear that we have waited and kept ourselves for the man we love and have married to die not very long into the marriage. This is exactly what happened to Ruth and Ruth didn’t just loose her husband, but all the men in her life! Imagine how much time Ruth and Naomi must have spent in unceasing fervent prayer for their husbands lives, but God’s answer was “No my beloved ones…I have something else in store to use your lives for. I have chosen you Ruth to be in this anointed lineage.” As much as some of us find it hard to wait for a godly man now being single with no attachments or baggage, can you imagine how Ruth felt? I am sure in her mind she had come to the conclusion, why would a man want a widow with baggage, and on top of that being a foreigner, when he could have a young Hebrew virgin? All her hopes and dreams that seemed so sure and were so close within her grasps about her future came crashing down around her. Everything she held dear was taken from her, except God and Naomi.
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21) Ruth never tried to gain anyone’s sympathy nor did she wallow in self-pity, but maintained a poise and serenity. Ruth placed her hope and satisfaction in the Lord. She was focused on the things the Lord had given her not the things she had lost…always operating in and motivated by love, as should we all as Christians. Though they were not blood related Ruth was bound to Naomi; they shared in deep sorrow, great affection for each other, and a predominant commitment to God. Ruth chose to cling to Naomi. The word cling is so powerful, it means to remain persistently or stubbornly faithful to, or hard to remove from. Ruth was willing to give up the possible future security and having children to care and look after Naomi; even though as women these seem like great sacrifices Ruth did not loose hope.
The wonderful thing we have been given is God’s peace that surpasses all understanding and it defies the circumstances that rage around us. Never will you know or find any other peace. Ask for it and you will receive it. You can find peace in the midst of chaos. It’s harder to surrender to what you can’t see, but when you do you are giving into something heavenly. When all is stripped away it leaves you and the Lord, trusting Him day by day, step by step. Christ will become the only future you see. Ruth was brought to that place of brokenness, humility, and vulnerability and the Lord met her where she was at, never leaving nor forsaking her.
Ruth lived in the time of the Judges when everyone did what was right in their own eyes. (Judges 17:6) But Ruth and Naomi desired to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord!
The Lord will sometimes strip us of everything we know, everything we treasure or find our security in, to allow us to know and realize all we need in this life is Him – our sustainer, protector, and provider. He will leave us with nothing to hold onto, but God. There are times in our lives when God seems to remain silent to our prayers, but that doesn’t mean He is not working through them. He is creating in you patience, trust, and ultimately strength. God has given us His promises and He always holds true to them. In our trusting in Him we must be content with that even though we do not know the how or when. Hold tight and cling to the Lord…continue to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all else will be added unto you. (Matt. 6:33)
There is so much more to come…
Psalm 63 - April 26, 2011
I don't know what it is but my body clock has been off lately...when I desire to get up at 5am to start my day I find it really hard to wake up, however almost every night I wake up at 2:30am-3am absolutely wide awake. And as I lay awake on my bed contemplating if I should try to go back to sleep, I am reminded of Psalm 63...
1 O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
4 Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
6 When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
7 Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
8 My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me...
Sometimes I am so caught up in the business of life I find it hard to find that place of quiet stillness. I have always loved the early hours of the morning, because it is probably one of the best times for me when I can think clearly and meditate on the many things that race through my mind. The world around me sleeps and there are few distractions...
I am so hungry for my Daily Bread, and most times sadly I find I go the day on an appetizer portion of the Word...I cry out to the Lord so often take me deeper! I desire a full portion...to be filled...even though I get fed through the Word on Sundays and various times through the week at bible studies or listening to teachings while I am driving...it is not the same as that times of it being just me, being still, before the Lords feet and asking Him to reveal to me specifically what He desires to speak to me...
Often I feel an Alice in Wonderland effect...the deeper I go in my relationship with the Lord...the farther and more overwhelming His vastness seems...and I can't ever wrap my mind around it...curiouser and curiouser...and always I long to go so much deeper...taking another step closer to His glory...My prayer Lord give me a clear mind and captivate my thoughts...may my focus be on You solely...
He is my sustenance in every way shape and form...it is only when He becomes more precious to me than all besides; when He becomes to me more real that all else: and when I love Him more than I love any other, then and only then will I know complete satisfaction!
In that glorious hope I praise Him...no one else will ever satisfy me the way my Savior does...no one else will ever hold my heart as He does.
Lord guide my steps and protect my foot from stumbling...May I follow in the shadow of Your wings forevermore. Amen.
1 O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
4 Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
6 When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
7 Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
8 My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me...
Sometimes I am so caught up in the business of life I find it hard to find that place of quiet stillness. I have always loved the early hours of the morning, because it is probably one of the best times for me when I can think clearly and meditate on the many things that race through my mind. The world around me sleeps and there are few distractions...
I am so hungry for my Daily Bread, and most times sadly I find I go the day on an appetizer portion of the Word...I cry out to the Lord so often take me deeper! I desire a full portion...to be filled...even though I get fed through the Word on Sundays and various times through the week at bible studies or listening to teachings while I am driving...it is not the same as that times of it being just me, being still, before the Lords feet and asking Him to reveal to me specifically what He desires to speak to me...
Often I feel an Alice in Wonderland effect...the deeper I go in my relationship with the Lord...the farther and more overwhelming His vastness seems...and I can't ever wrap my mind around it...curiouser and curiouser...and always I long to go so much deeper...taking another step closer to His glory...My prayer Lord give me a clear mind and captivate my thoughts...may my focus be on You solely...
He is my sustenance in every way shape and form...it is only when He becomes more precious to me than all besides; when He becomes to me more real that all else: and when I love Him more than I love any other, then and only then will I know complete satisfaction!
In that glorious hope I praise Him...no one else will ever satisfy me the way my Savior does...no one else will ever hold my heart as He does.
Lord guide my steps and protect my foot from stumbling...May I follow in the shadow of Your wings forevermore. Amen.
Underneath His Everlasting Arms - April 7, 2011
Questions swarm my mind...Who? What? Where? When? How? My mind is always on the future and there is an unsettledness in my heart because I am trying to figure it out on my own...in my own time, on my own calendar. Then that tug comes...and that still small voice...BE STILL...
but Lord show me in Your Word, I plead, give me direction...
again...BE STILL...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Me and I will direct your path...
Lord it feels like chaos inside...
Because you are trying to figure things out in your own strength...things I have purposely hidden from you for the time being...
I know it's harder to surrender to what I cannot see, but I know that when I do relieve my grip it allows Him to work out the blessings He has promised me...and in doing so it brings Him such wonderful glory!
I realize I will never feel settled because this place is not my souls home...I need to keep my eyes heavenward...I must keep faith, I must keep hope, I must keep courage, I MUST KEEP CHRIST! Jehovah Jireh - my Provider is on my side...He has never left me without and like a spoiled child I strive for more not satisfied with what I already have. Praise the Lord that His faithfulness never depends on my own.
Child of weakness WATCH and PRAY...stand in Him COMPLETE
May we find contentment in knowing He knows our paths...and if He has yet to reveal what He has in store for us it is because He has given us as much as we need to know at the moment. Sometimes the silence is the best answer, though it may not be the one we are looking for at that very moment. That doesn't mean however, that He desires us to stop seeking Him for direction. He still desires us to sit as His feet. Sometimes the most intimate moments you can have in a relationship is just being STILL together...just BEING. Yes it can be unsettling at times - it takes patience and time, but it is more than worth it all. He rewards those who DILIGENTLY seek Him. He gives us the portion we need daily...His grace is sufficient. God is able to make all grace abound toward YOU, that YOU, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an ABUNDANCE for every good work (2 Cor. 9:8) By His grace we are renewed day by day...Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.
May peace come to all you who are anxious about your future knowing that you are underneath His everlasting arms...Be thankful for today for we are not even promised tomorrow...BE STILL AND KNOW HE IS GOD...He is on the Throne...May He rule and guard our hearts and minds in Christ...praying for all you who are/have been feeling this very same way...
In His Love,
Anna
but Lord show me in Your Word, I plead, give me direction...
again...BE STILL...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Me and I will direct your path...
Lord it feels like chaos inside...
Because you are trying to figure things out in your own strength...things I have purposely hidden from you for the time being...
I know it's harder to surrender to what I cannot see, but I know that when I do relieve my grip it allows Him to work out the blessings He has promised me...and in doing so it brings Him such wonderful glory!
I realize I will never feel settled because this place is not my souls home...I need to keep my eyes heavenward...I must keep faith, I must keep hope, I must keep courage, I MUST KEEP CHRIST! Jehovah Jireh - my Provider is on my side...He has never left me without and like a spoiled child I strive for more not satisfied with what I already have. Praise the Lord that His faithfulness never depends on my own.
Child of weakness WATCH and PRAY...stand in Him COMPLETE
May we find contentment in knowing He knows our paths...and if He has yet to reveal what He has in store for us it is because He has given us as much as we need to know at the moment. Sometimes the silence is the best answer, though it may not be the one we are looking for at that very moment. That doesn't mean however, that He desires us to stop seeking Him for direction. He still desires us to sit as His feet. Sometimes the most intimate moments you can have in a relationship is just being STILL together...just BEING. Yes it can be unsettling at times - it takes patience and time, but it is more than worth it all. He rewards those who DILIGENTLY seek Him. He gives us the portion we need daily...His grace is sufficient. God is able to make all grace abound toward YOU, that YOU, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an ABUNDANCE for every good work (2 Cor. 9:8) By His grace we are renewed day by day...Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.
May peace come to all you who are anxious about your future knowing that you are underneath His everlasting arms...Be thankful for today for we are not even promised tomorrow...BE STILL AND KNOW HE IS GOD...He is on the Throne...May He rule and guard our hearts and minds in Christ...praying for all you who are/have been feeling this very same way...
In His Love,
Anna
Committed - January 12, 2011
The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
I was reading in Genesis tonight and pondering on God's heart for man. God created us not because He needed us, but because He wanted us. Man is God's most prized possession and He calls us His treasures. He has invested EVERYTHING in us and apart from Him we hold no value.
As I was reading about the fall of man, Genesis 3:9 struck me, "But, the LORD God called to the man, 'Where are you?'" Where are you? God is all knowing, He knew where Adam and Eve were hiding, but He continued to ask because He desired a response. And I felt this question posed to me, Where am I? What is this season I am in? This is a season of planting, refining, tending, ministering. teaching, praying, striving, hunger and thirsting...and I am constantly being taught through it all. However, ultimately the most important question is not where am I, but where is my heart? The Lord throughout scripture is continually asking us to give Him our WHOLE hearts because when our hearts are not in the careful protection of His hands they are deceitful above all things and very misguiding. The world tells us to "follow your heart", but this could be one of the most dangerous things you can do. Granted we are human and like to be in control, but let me tell you friend, we can attempt to change circumstances all we want, but only God has the power to change hearts. So true are the lyrics in the Sanctus Real's song Dear Heart...
Dear Heart, do you belong to me, or do I belong to you?
Just look at all the trouble you drag me into.
I've heard it said to follow your heart,
But I'm starting to wonder if it's gone too far.
Oh Heart, you've let me down,
Chasing love where it can't be found.
Heart, we've fallen out,
Cause all of your emotions
Have led me to doubt. Tell me who's gonna save us now?
Dear Heart, you're in the wrong place,
Looking out for yourself no matter what I say.
And I know that you're holding me back,
And it's time for a change, so I'm giving you away.
Heart, you've let me down,
Chasing love where it can't be found.
And Heart, we've fallen out,
Cause all of your emotions
Have led me to doubt. Only Jesus can save us now.
This is something I have to check daily within myself - Where is my heart? Daily committing my heart and my life into His precious hands.
Whatever state your heart may be in at the moment...I urge you give it fully to Him...you have nothing more to loose and everything left to gain...You are His Beloved...May He be yours as well.
For where your treasure is there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21)
I was reading in Genesis tonight and pondering on God's heart for man. God created us not because He needed us, but because He wanted us. Man is God's most prized possession and He calls us His treasures. He has invested EVERYTHING in us and apart from Him we hold no value.
As I was reading about the fall of man, Genesis 3:9 struck me, "But, the LORD God called to the man, 'Where are you?'" Where are you? God is all knowing, He knew where Adam and Eve were hiding, but He continued to ask because He desired a response. And I felt this question posed to me, Where am I? What is this season I am in? This is a season of planting, refining, tending, ministering. teaching, praying, striving, hunger and thirsting...and I am constantly being taught through it all. However, ultimately the most important question is not where am I, but where is my heart? The Lord throughout scripture is continually asking us to give Him our WHOLE hearts because when our hearts are not in the careful protection of His hands they are deceitful above all things and very misguiding. The world tells us to "follow your heart", but this could be one of the most dangerous things you can do. Granted we are human and like to be in control, but let me tell you friend, we can attempt to change circumstances all we want, but only God has the power to change hearts. So true are the lyrics in the Sanctus Real's song Dear Heart...
Dear Heart, do you belong to me, or do I belong to you?
Just look at all the trouble you drag me into.
I've heard it said to follow your heart,
But I'm starting to wonder if it's gone too far.
Oh Heart, you've let me down,
Chasing love where it can't be found.
Heart, we've fallen out,
Cause all of your emotions
Have led me to doubt. Tell me who's gonna save us now?
Dear Heart, you're in the wrong place,
Looking out for yourself no matter what I say.
And I know that you're holding me back,
And it's time for a change, so I'm giving you away.
Heart, you've let me down,
Chasing love where it can't be found.
And Heart, we've fallen out,
Cause all of your emotions
Have led me to doubt. Only Jesus can save us now.
This is something I have to check daily within myself - Where is my heart? Daily committing my heart and my life into His precious hands.
Whatever state your heart may be in at the moment...I urge you give it fully to Him...you have nothing more to loose and everything left to gain...You are His Beloved...May He be yours as well.
For where your treasure is there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21)
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