This morning while I was doing devotions I was reminded that in order to demonstrate God's love the way He has called me to, I need to become like a love sponge soaking up God's love and letting out a bit at a time throughout the day with every person I encounter. This is not a new revelation, but a great reminder.
In order to be that sponge it means I need to in God's presence allowing His love to soak into me every day. The challenge to all Christians is that we do this every day, for without this we end up with a sponge that is empty and when we want to demonstrate to love to others we are empty. Extended periods of dryness then lead to becoming hard hearted. It is in these times that we lose sight of God's place in our lives and our love for Him. This was a great reminder for me and I hope for all that read this who love God, it inspires you to want to soak in God's love and become full again, ready to share God's love with everyone you meet.
0 Comments
Have you ever thought about the food you eat? Lately, it has been one of the things that is always in the back of my mind. How does this food make me feel? Do I feel nauseous? Do I feel satisfied? Do I feel lethargic or energetic? Asking myself these questions has helped me to better understand what works for me and what does not.
This got me thinking about how many times food was mentioned in the Bible. From the fruit that Adam and Eve ate from the tree in Genesis, to Jesus having the last supper with the twelve disciples. Food is an intricate part of our lives. Meal times are meant for us to communicate with each other as well as provide sustenance. I think this gets lost sometimes in busyness. Drive Thru's do not really facilitate this type of communication. Eating a meal together may not seem all that important, but I must say the times when I have been device free enjoying a meal with others, it brings a real sense of closeness with those joining me. I have two cats and I have found that they are extremely mysterious creatures. One day they are all snuggly with me, and the next they want nothing to do with me. Is this normal? They are constantly glued to my husband's side. When he sits on the couch they either curl up by his side or crawl up into his lap. When he is cooking they stand at his feet begging for food, attention or both. As a result of the lack of attention I receive I have started to feel like they do not love me as much as they love Walter.
It is interesting how we measure love. With the cats, I have been measuring how much they love me based on whether or not they snuggle with me. In all honesty, there could be many things at play for why they are more distant with me. For one, Walter is usually up before me so he is the one who usually feeds them in the morning. Secondly, both of our cats are female, so they may be upset with me when Walter shows me more attention. In our lives, we can always be thinking we know what others are thinking through their actions, but in reality do we really know their mind or their heart? Is it possible that it could actually be something going on for them and have absolutely nothing to do with us? Regardless of how that person has been acting if they are a person you love, show them. You may just be surprised by their reaction. I have been reminded today how important it is to maintain relationships especially since many of us cannot see each other on a regular basis. A phone call, text message, email or online call could be just the thing to keep these relationships going.
The people you reach out to during this time may just be the most important people in your life. When we invest in people we are building into the relationship. Is there someone you have lost connection with that used to be an important person for you, if so today may be the day to reconnect. This is one of my greatest struggles in life. If I really trusted God I would let Him be in control, right? Why is it then I spend so much time focused on my circumstances, my future, my path? Do I not trust Him that He has a plan for my present and my future? Do I not trust that He can carry me through every circumstance and give me every tool and everything I need to persevere through this trial and all the ones to come?
I have done many things to bring my heart back to trusting but somehow it keeps having these moments when it wanders back to my circumstances, and stops focusing on God. It stops trusting and goes its own way. When I realize it has wandered I once again remind myself of the times God has come through for me; the times my plans have failed, but God's have flourished; the times when I was battered and broken and God restored my heart and soul. God is so good! This yo-yo action is not a new thing. The Israelites went through it too! They would go through seasons when they trusted God and the blessings of God's peace, provision and protection filled their lives and then when they began to take back control God would warn them through prophets and then they would wander away from God's plans, which brought loss, pain and anguish. This cycle continues over and over. It is part of our humanity. I have to keep reminding myself that God is worthy of my trust, He has never let me down and He has my best interests at heart. I would love to come to the place where my heart never wanders and never vies for control. In the meantime, my hope is I will see the warning signs and immediately turn back. |
Connie BlackwoodJoin me on my journey through life's joys and difficulties. Archives
March 2022
Categories
All
|