Is it time to take?

When he went and stood by his master, Elisha asked him, “From where have you come, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant has not gone anywhere.”
Then he said to him, “Did not my heart go with you as the man turned from on his chariot to meet you? Is it time to take silver, clothes, olive orchards, vineyards, sheep, oxen, male slaves, and female slaves?
– 2 Kings 5:25-26

It is critical for the man of God to discern times and seasons. In this story we see the prophet Elisha decline the generous offer from Namaan…why deny this generosity? Because it was not time. 

Elisha does not strive after this opportunity for provision and gets to rest in the continual provision of God elsewhere. Gehazi however, though he is a discerning fellow, lets his greed override wisdom. 

When you find yourself lying to a man of God, it is not the season for your misguided actions. Wisdom guides the man of God to discern seasons and keeps him safe from opportunity and greed.

For most of man…

For most of man’s existence he will pursue the life to be lived,
only to discover that he was called to die and to love.

To be known

I would like to be known.
Far more than my accolades
I’d like to be known
For more than all my achievements
I would like to be known
Though I pour my heart and soul
What I make is not me

I’d like to be known for just being me

The greatest lie

The greatest lie is perhaps a truth spoken from a distorted perspective.

If all have fal…

If all have fallen short of God’s glory, then the original design for man must be, in fullness, a creation glorified like God.

Storm-tossed: the paths of the righteous

O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires.
I will make your pinnacles of agate, your gates of carbuncles, and all your wall of precious stones.
All your children will be taught by The Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.
In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me, whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you.
– Isaiah 54:11-15

The precious gems referenced in this verse are obviously not a physical promise, these things speak to the heart and spirit of a people set firm in the righteousness of God. Right-living, no matter how turmoil-filled and lonely, it is not a foolish way of living. In the end the Love of God rescues His righteous people, and establishes a heritage of peace to a new generation.

Though I face hardship, longing for comfort, even for one to listen…I know my God cares. For what reason do I live this way? Why do I choose to live upright, avoiding the morally acceptable? Right now in the moment there is no apparent benefit…sure, it is “honorable” to live this way…but for what reason do I have? Perhaps for two small reasons:
1) I love God, and I want to know Him…the righteous get to know and see God, I am convinced of this.
2) This way of living sets up my descendants to do the same…they get to live in a greater reality through Christ because of choices made today.

Lord I pray for my sons and daughters…bless them, make them a blessing. Cause my footing to be steadfast on the path you have set before me, that I may pioneer a trail for the benefit of others. I would really like a companion to talk with and mutually know…would you build my trust in your provision.
Amen

The not-so míserables

I am rather content these days, surprisingly so because I could complain and say there are things lacking in my “life wellness”.
I had a good talk with a friend of mine today over a wonderful cup of Vanilla Rooibus (I have no idea how to pronounce this tea) He commented on the good state of my well-being, and I had to think for a second…yes, I in fact was doing well. I don’t think I would have noticed otherwise within the fast paced nature of my day. Overall I have found a new sense of joy in contentment…it is perfectly acceptable to be where I am in life, even under renovation…but I am in fact acceptable and accepting of the life and growth that Christ has accomplished within me.
Thank you Lord for your peace, this renewed joy within my being.

The Onward Journey

As I look toward this next new year of 2013, I am reminded to keep my focus on Jesus. To direct the eyes of others towards Jesus, teaching all that I have been taught over the years. While I do not exactly know what this year holds, I know that my God is present with me through whatever circumstances come my way. I know that my God is good, and has the best intentions for me. He will keep my gaze straight forward on this new journey.

What to get excited about

“Let the one who boasts, boast in The Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom The Lord commends. 

-2 Corinthians 10:17-18

I need to get excited about what God is doing…more so in others than in myself. Of all the words he has given me and the gifts he released, they are to be received by others and not for my own consumption. 

Lord may I boast in your great works. Help me to remove myself from the equation. Remove this pride that wreaks the good word and work in others.