Monday, January 6, 2014

I Need a Life Coach!

Have you ever felt like you need a life coach?  There are so many times that I have said, only half-jokingly, that I just need someone who will make all my decisions for me.  I can get very overwhelmed at times when I just don't know what direction I should go.  The sad thing about these paralyzing moments in my life is that I know the truth!  I do have a Life Coach, I do have Someone who will guide every step for me, Someone who I have relied on hundreds of times before to guide my next steps.  I was reading in Isaiah tonight and came across a verse that brought this train of thought into my mind.

 Isaiah 28:29 says "This also comes from the Lord of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance."

  The first thought that popped into my head was, "Duh!  God is always faithful.  God will always be exactly who He is, His character is unfaltering.  If God is 'wonderful in counsel' and 'excellent in guidance', then I am the one causing the barrier when I find myself overwhelmed with no direction."  As I pondered that thought, a few more verses came to my mind that broadened the scope a bit.

John 16:13, speaking of the Holy Spirit, says "He will guide you into all truth." 

Proverbs 3:5-7 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."

  Well, I know I'm saved and on my way to Heaven, therefore I have the Holy Spirit living in me according to God's Word.  Part of the promise that comes with the Holy Spirit is that He will guide me into all truth.  I know God will keep His promises, so if I am spinning around in circles with no direction then I have to ask myself if I am really acknowledging Him in all my ways.  When I allow the Holy Spirit to guide me and I let Him call the shots, then there really is no reason for me to ever be overwhelmed in the decision making process.  I need to spend more time in the Word, more time in Prayer, and zero time worrying about everything.

At this point in my life, I am in a stage of waiting, and I think that's the hardest for me.  My mind equates waiting with lack of direction, but I just don't think that's true.  Sometimes, God's direction for us is to be patient and wait on the next step.  He will reveal it at the perfect time, so there really is no need for me to fret over it.  I can wait with an excited anticipation, but leave the worry and frustration at the door please!

 Thank you, Lord, for your perfect Word and for once again hitting me right between the eyes with it!

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Snuggle Up! Abiding in Christ

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love."  John 15:9

My youngest daughter, Chloe is turning 10 years old this week.  She's having a hard time with the whole growing up thing, and tends to act younger than she is.  My other two are trying to grow up too fast, so I guess they balance each other out!  One of Chloe's "baby-ish" traits is she still demands a LOT of snuggle time.  All children of all ages need to have plenty of quality time with their parents, and I am all for that, but this is more than just your normal quality time.  I think she has a radar that gives off an alarm anytime I sit down in my chair, because she is right there ready to climb up in my lap for a snuggle.  I'm not always able to give her the amount of time she'd like, but I can't resist a good snuggle time with my kids.




As I pondered on last weeks Bible Study in John 15, this picture of Chloe came to my mind.  I wonder what kind of change there would be in our lives if we were like that with Jesus..... radar up and ready to snuggle at a moments notice, constantly desiring more and more quality time.  I'm only human and consequently can only give so much to my kids.  Jesus, on the other hand, is a never ending source of quality time.  He DESIRES that we would abide in His love.  He wants a day in, day out relationship with us.  You will never be denied snuggle time, He is always faithful to meet our deepest needs, and the best part about abiding in Christ is that we reap the benefits.  My life is radically different when I'm abiding in Christ.

 John 15:10 goes on to say that "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love." Our obedience to God (or lack thereof) tells us where our love for Him is.  You cannot love God and live in disobedience.  The two do not go together.  The only way I can live a life of obedience to God is by knowing how He wants me to live and that can only be found in His word.  As I spend time in the Bible and prayer, He reveals to me areas that I need to repent and turn to obedience.

When's the last time you climbed up into the lap of your Savior for some snuggle time?  He's waiting, so grab your Bible and a cup of hot chocolate and settle in for some quality time with Jesus!