Day 25: Reader becoming the writer!

Abba, before I read and write today, I pray that you visit with me. Be with me as I read your word and reveal yourself to me. Give me confirmation and affirmation that seeking you and understanding your words is the only way for me to live. Confirm my path and when necessary, redirect me. Allow me to experience your presence today.

Amen

-Read Proverbs 25 and Psalm 119-

This is a very hard day for me to write, because Psalm 119 is SO very important and personal to me. I'm finding it impossible to separate myself (and my past feelings and notes) from this passage in order to write something that everyone could receive something from. 

But isn't that the beauty of scripture and our own personal experiences with it! That we can learn from each other and see things we might of missed in the past. So today, here is what we are going to do. I want to learn from you.  I want to read this scripture through new eyes, and I can't seem to on my own. So I'm going to ask that you write a little something on Psalm 119 and what you hear and feel when you read it. This is not required, but if the point of this study is to stretch ourselves, then I'd go for it! I'm going to write something personal myself and include it as a comment in the section below. Feel free to do the same, or if you'd prefer it stay private, you can email me at steenjones@gmail.com. But I'd encourage everyone to stay public, because you NEVER know who might receive truth and something new from your perspective. God could use you to reveal truths to someone else. 

P.S. I've read this chapter in the TNIV, The Message, and The Voice. I highly recommend it in The Message version if you have access to one. 

I can't wait to hear what y'all get from this wonderful chapter :)

Day 16: Pursue your Passions!

Today we are reading Proverbs 16 and Psalm chapters 76-80. Before starting, let's ask God to give us clear minds to receive and remember all that we read today!

-Read Scriptures-

A couple of weeks ago I was having coffee with a friend, and she asked me about "God's Will". What did I think that meant, is there just one path or are there many, some better than others, etc. That is a very good question, one that has taken me a very long time (and many different paths) to begin to understand. Notice I said begin... :)

The thought of "God's Will" for our lives can be very overwhelming and subsequently many Christians obsess over finding it. The problem with this is that many men and women sit on their behinds waiting to figure it out, when opportunity after opportunity passes them by. I feel VERY strongly that God gave us free will and the desires of our hearts for a reason!  Pursue your passions and dreams and pursue God and his wisdom in the process.

Proverbs 16:3 says, "Whatever you do, do it as service to Him, and He will guarantee your success." The Voice. 

If you seek and use the wisdom God has given you, desire to honor and serve him; then you will be in his "will." Do those things and no matter where you work, where you attend school, where you volunteer, whatever career path you choose, you will be glorifying him. However, I do think that God does have particular paths for people. I just don't think it is necessary to wait for them!

Here is the thing, if you are in his word everyday, listening to him, and seeking wisdom, he will direct you to that path. "The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD." Proverbs 16:1 TNKJ We can make plans all day long, we can day dream and desire things in our hearts, but ultimately what happens is up to God anyway. The Voice translation words it: "People go about making their plans, but the Eternal has the final word." And let me tell you, sometimes he answers and brings you opportunities you didn't even know you desired!

I can't tell you how many times I'll be on a path or in a certain direction and God clearly affirms it or blocks it. That is one of the greatest gifts I've received since daily pursuing him. His affirmation and or redirection has been instrumental in my journey. Remember that God will always provide what you need to complete the tasks he has for you.

"We plan the way we want to live, but only GOD makes us able to live it." Proverbs 16:9 The Message If you are submitting and seeking after God, he will guide you and provide for you. He will show up tangibly in ways that will excite you and spur you on!

Today in your prayer time, tell God that you are ready and willing for whatever he may have for you. Tell him the desires of your heart and ask him to use them!