Yes He Hears!

Ps 18 describes the magnificence of God and yet simply reminds me of His great concern for me. Action verbs such as "heard", "reached", "rescued", "drew me", "led me", or "rewarded me" fill this psalm as God is at work on my behalf. Yes, the writer describes his action as well by crying out to God, keeping His ways, etc. How reassuring to know that God's heart is for me - not against me!

Look As Far As You Can See

The story of Lot (Gen. 13) certainly demonstrates the far reaching, every loving and patient hand of God for His people. It's an example of the lengths to which God will go to protect the plans and purposes He has for His people. I can imagine God telling Lot to "look as far as you can . . " (Gen. 13:14). I wonder how many times Lot glanced at the things merely in front of him. When did he lift his eyes to see further out and away from where he was? Lot could see what what right in front of him, but God could see further out and beyond what was in plain view. The directive to "go and walk through the land" (Gen. 14:17) is a faith step that had to be taken by Lot. God chose not to transport Lot or give him visions to view while standing in the same place. God instructed Lot to take action and move. God's desire was to give Lot all the land he could "see" and fill it with descendants beyond counting.

In Matthew 9:35-38, Jesus demonstrated what we can do as we walk through our land. Jesus did whatever it took to bring the Kingdom of God to people. He looked in every direction. He walked the land. The hearts and lives of people were changed as He simply brought what was truth about God to those who would listen. God still nudges His followers to open their eyes and walk where people haven't experienced the freedom and relationship found in God. What amazing possibilities there are to be discovered as His followers lift their eyes to see His work among them. May His followers be found walking in their sphere of influence having His eyes to see where He is at work.

Jesus in Everyday Life

Matthew 8 is a reminder to me of how simple Jesus wanted faith to be. He didn't need a plethora of rules or regulations to help people. He merely brought what was true about God into the world in which He was living. Jesus showed us how unencumbered living by faith really could be. Sometimes I make it much more difficult. A common factor when Jesus does touch people seems to be a willingness of the other person to participate. I see action words like "I am willing", "just say the word" or "getting up and serving". Even when encountering the demonic, Jesus simply said "go!". I'm praying for a less encumbered faith; a faith that is much more simple. I wonder if faith is much more about getting my thoughts in line with Jesus' thoughts. Along with doing what He does, I want to think like He things as well.

God's Idea of Justice

It might be that we have presupposed God's idea of justice. What comes to mind . . . lightning bolts, bad happenings, car crashes, sickness? Psalm 11 gives more clarity of God's thinking about justice (and injustice).

From the passage in Psalm 11, it is important to see that God doesn't "wink" at injustice. He sees and He will deal - in one way or another. I want to value what God values. God values His creation. As said in previous readings, He actually put humans "a little lower than the angels". He didn't put trees or water or the sun " a little lower than the angels" - He put humans. While I know we have to take care of our planet, truly I see that God's heart is for the part of His creation that can have relationship with Him. That's humans!

The world's "stuff" seems overwhelming sometimes, but within the sphere of my influence, I have the opportunity to bring God's ideas and heart. The realm of God's thinking and action, His kingdom, is where I believe justice will be done. My challenge is to retool my thinking to match His so I will see from His perspective. Therein lies the challenge for the day!

New Year - New Plan

I'm leaving a note to announce that I will be doing a yearly Bible reading plan and dropping in notes here on the blog. I will start in the morning on this blog. I've been journaling over at www.youversion.com, but several people have wanted to read what I am journaling. I'll use this blog for that purpose.

Also, I will be memorizing two scriptures a month. I'll have a new one on the 1st and 15th of each month. I'm making a commitment along with thousands of others after having been challenged by Beth Moore. Be sure to check the sidebar for the details on that opportunity.

My January 1-14, 2009 verse is Eph. 1:4 - 5 from the New Living Translation. You're welcome to ask me when you seen me what the verse is that I'm memorizing at the time. I believe by the end of the year I will have enjoyed committing more of His Word to my memory.

By the way, I'd love to know that you're taking this challenge of memorizing the Word too. I do need accountability partners!