Friday

Julie has already posted for this morning on yesterday's post. She referred us to a verse in Isaiah that talks about walking with the Lord. Isn't that a great and comforting picture? Think about it - being able to see Him, talk to Him, learn from Him, BE with Him! We can do that now, actually. We see Him with spiritual eyes all around us - His creation, His blessings, His work in our lives. We can talk to Him whenever we want and learn from Him at any time. And if we are aware as we should be, we know we are always with Him. Very cool.

Thursday

So continuing on with our discussion from yesterday, Sarah has asked more or less if the Holy Spirit speaks to us in any way apart from the Bible. What about when you remember a verse you have studied when presented with a situation? Is that your conscience or the Holy Spirit? I would say it is both. A well-trained conscience will remind you of what the Holy Spirit has taught you in your studies. That is why it is so important to be continually studying - to keep that conscience trained and open to the Holy Spirit's teaching. Some may feel that this is limiting the Holy Spirit in some way, but actually He seems to have limited Himself. We see in the New Testament that the Holy Spirit actually spoke to the disciples from time to time and He used WORDS - not impressions or feelings. Now that we have His complete revelation, He has chosen to speak through it instead. (1 Cor. 13) Does He still live among us? Absolutely. Does He work in our lives apart from the Word? Well, God answers prayers so in that sense He does - but only when it is in accord with God's will as presented in the Bible. Does He reveal Himself apart from the Word? In some ways. Romans 1 talks about things we are to learn from the creation itself. But when someone claims to have been urged by the Spirit to do something without scriptural authority, I have no way to test that and so must discount it.

Wednesday

How do we know when to wait? What does it mean to wait on the Lord. I'll give you a few of my thoughts and I hope you will all give yours.


A primitive root; to bind together (perhaps by twisting), that is, collect; (figuratively) to expect: - gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon). Strongs

In Isaiah 40 the context is a discussion comparing God to false gods. The main idea is that because our God is truly diety, we can know that He is in control even though it seems like He doesn't know the trouble in which we find ourselves. It is a really comforting passage.
So waiting on the Lord involves being patient in difficult situations, knowing that in the end God will make it right. That would include doing the right thing even when it feels scarey or inappropriate. When it comes to applying this principle to specific situations it can be somewhat difficult, I think, because we don't get to see the big picture. Obviously we have examples of godly men in the Old Testament waiting and trusting in very difficult situations and EVENTUALLY, in HIS timing, things are made right. (Example: Moses, Joseph) So how does it apply in everyday situations that are not necessarily moral like buying a new house. Or does it? My own belief at this point is that it applies in this way: I have a plan, but I know God may have a different one so my attitude is one of submission. Just because I run into obstacles doesn't mean it isn't God's will but I am open to that possibility. I ask Him in prayer and explain my reasons (sometimes this is enough for me to see that my will isn't matching His) and do my part but leave it up to Him. I am then OK with whatever outcome happens. This may involve putting a time limit on it - not to manipulate God, but to give myself a time to let go if needed. The bottom line is really an attitude of submission and acceptance.

So what do you all think?

Tuesday

Julie brought up a really important topic in her post yesterday. We have to be honest with ourselves for God to really be able to work in our lives. It is so easy to deceive ourselves! So how can you know if you are being honest with yourself? I would say the most important tool you have is prayer - the kind of prayer in which you really open yourself up to God and ask Him to see what He sees. He will often open your eyes in what I think of as layers. Maybe at first you will realize you have a problem in an area but it's not so bad. Than as you continue to pray about it you begin to realize that maybe it's worse than you realized - there have been consequences you hadn't associated with that problem. As you continue opening yourself to God He begins to show you the work you have to do. Maybe you will feel a little over-whelmed and ashamed, but don't give up! God is amazing and can do amazing things for you if you are willing to endure the process and grow. Painful? Yes - sometimes agonizing. Worth it? Absolutely. Of course all this assumes you are continually studying in His Word so you are allowing Him to teach you. And that's what we are doing! Our spiritual family is another tool we have to help us be honest. Be open to helpful criticism. Be willing to consider the possibility you could be wrong. It's OK. We are all wrong sometimes.



May we all have open eyes and honest hearts!!

Monday

Good morning! (Or whenever you find the time to post today)

Yesterday was a big day for all of us. Today it's back to the normal routine. I'm thankful for you ladies who encourage me to continue my daily reading plan. I have a tendancy to forget to do the most important things when my schedule gets crazy. Having this blog helps me to not forget one of the most important things there is - spiritual nutrition. We can't live long without it. I hope you enjoy your spiritual "meal" today.