God's Leading

I can remember driving by this company called Computing Devices twenty two years ago. I felt a nudge to investigate it but I ignored it because I thought it was a software type of company.

Now that I think about it the Lord nudged me about that place a few times over the two years that I drove by.

At the time I was working in sales and I was not happy. God was trying to answer my prayer but my preconceived ideas and snap judgments precluded me working at this place.

You want to know what's funny? Twenty one years later I got a job there. It's now called General Dynamics and I love it there. I am kicking myself for not listening to the Lord so many years ago.

Learning to discern Holy Spirit's nudges can take some training so I beg you, "today if you hear His voice do not harden your hearts," as the Israelites did in the wilderness." (ref. Heb. 4:7)

So many times we blame God for where we are and how things turn out in our lives and many times it's not His fault. He's trying to lead and guide us but we are not listening. Or worse still, we figure we know better and dismiss His guidance.

So I say to you (and myself), "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your heart (path)." Prov. 3: 5-6

Daily quiet time will help you to hear His voice and discern whether the little nudges are something you should revisit or explore.

I let the devil run me ragged back then and if I remember correctly I was more interested in reading science fiction novels then spending time with God. I was of the mindset that "I deserved a break today." No, actually we all deserve hell apart from God's mercy and grace. I have come a long way since those days and so can you. All things are possible with God. (Matt. 19: 26)

Beware of snap decisions and preconceived ideas because they usually lead to trouble. Act in haste... repent at leisure is a saying I heard many a time. I remember vowing that I would never go out with an Engineer because there were so many boors in my classes. Well guess what? I had to eat those words because I married one! We've been married almost twenty years now. It's too funny.

You want to hear something else? My husband always used to say that he would never go out with someone that had a kid. I had a three year old little girl. God made him eat his words. His friends even reminded him of what he used to say. God's got a sense of humor.

Therefore, let's acknowledge God's leadership in ALL our ways. As we listen for the little nudges we get, we will be blessed because that's God's plan for us. He delights in the prosperity of his servants. (Psalm 35:27) Hallelujah!

Lord help us all to hear Your voice more clearly and not to over rule or dismiss Your gentle nudges. I bless the person reading this blog.  May they be blessed in all their ways, mentally, spiritually, physically and financially in Jesus' name. Amen.

In Myself

When I am tempted to think that I'm really something... it's time to go through my scriptures verses again.

In myself I am nothing. (Gal. 6:3)
In myself I know nothing. (1Cor. 8:2)
In myself I have nothing. (1Cor. 4:7)
In myself I am and can do nothing. (John. 15:5)

Protect me Lord from haughty eyes and an arrogant heart... which are sin. (Prov. 21:4)
Thank You Lord that I will not allow the pride in my heart to deceive me. (Obediah 3)

The more the Glory and power of God flows through our words and actions, the more we need to be reminded that it's God-- not us.

Yes, we co-labor with Holy Spirit as we obey Him, but the Glory is all His. He will not share it with anyone! (Isaiah 42:8) I heard someone say that if we give God all the Glory, He'll give us all His benefits. Sounds like a good deal to me.

Benny Hinn says to live a Holy life. I agree. Holy Spirit is attracted to us more and more as we take thoughts captive, watch our words and live a holy life. (2Cor.10:4-5, Matt.12:35-37, Phil 4:8) In Job 22:30 it says, "He will deliver even one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands." Wow! I love that verse. To me this verse means that as I live a holy life, I can pray for others and Holy Spirit will set them free. Amazing! That's good news.

Isaiah emphasized the importance of submitting to the holiness journey, "See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another." (Isaiah 48:10-11)

Therefore, if we want to keep flowing in Holy Spirit we must make sure that we give God all the glory.

I know myself because it's happened to me. As soon as I started to think I was something special, I started drifting away from Holy Spirit. A few hours later when I asked Him a question, I didn't hear an immediate answer. That scared me.... I don't want to be here if He's not with me. I did a quick inventory and started repenting and asking Holy Spirit what I had done wrong. Thank God for His Mercy and Grace!

So let's all say, "Thank You Lord for using us today. We give you all the Glory, before and after for what You are going to do. Please warn us Holy Spirit when we start to walk in pride. Give us humble, teachable hearts so we can always have sweet fellowship with You. In Jesus' name we ask. Amen."