short summary of psalm 37...don't worry, don't worry, don't worry. trust God, wait on God, give ur plans to God, don't worry, be still, don't worry!
And if u've spoken to me in the week you may have heard me quote this scripture...!
and also GOd has been giving me:
Psalm 37: Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- August 19, 2009:
There are things that you have had no clarity about, and you are still uncertain about what to do. But, I
say that if you exercise your faith and ask Me for wisdom, I will give it liberally and not hold anything back. All you have to do is ask and wait for My guidance. I will show you the way and bring to a conclusion matters that have been unsettled and undetermined, says the Lord. Only believe!
James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double- minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Then also from SCL
from: http://www.stuffchristianslike.net
#600. Asking God geography questions
I got kicked off the New Jersey turnpike once for being too fat.
Let me rephrase that:
My father in law and I got kicked off the New Jersey turnpike for having a moving van that was slightly over the legal weight limit of what the road could structurally support.
What’s slightly overweight mean?
In this case, 4,000 pounds.
There was two tons worth of stuff too much in our 24 foot Penske moving truck. I thought briefly about whether we could jettison some of our heavier items like they do in the movies. I imagine myself opening the back of the truck while barreling down the highway at 70MPH and yelling at my father-in law:
“We’re too heavy; we’re not going to clear the New Jersey border. We’ve got to lose some weight. The china has to go. There are 12 place settings. We ate lunch at Costco last weekend; we’re not fancy enough to have that much china. And fiesta ware? That stuff is made of lead. You could kill a man with a fiesta ware plate. So heavy. Throw that out the back too.”
But because I love my wife and promised her I’d never throw her china out of the back of a rented vehicle on a federal interstate, I wasn’t able to lighten our load. So instead, we were forced to get off the turnpike. The weird thing is that the NJ turnpike goes through backyards and small little neighborhoods. As soon as we got off we were completely lost. Since this was before GPS devices, way back in 2004, I had to take the support vehicle back to a rest stop and by a map while my father-in law waited awkwardly in some neighborhood cul-de-sac with our panting yellow beast of a moving truck.
All in all, that day turned out to be a geography lesson I would have preferred to miss but for some reason that’s a subject I can’t seem to escape right now.
Getting lost, not knowing where you’re supposed to be, fumbling with maps both physical and metaphorical, these are all things I find myself constantly doing right now.
The idea of "place" has been something I've been wrestling with a lot lately. I've got this overwhelming feeling that God wants me somewhere else. Whether that's a product of immaturity or selfishness, there's a part of me that loves to focus on there instead of here. I want to pray for chances to witness to far off people in far off places. It's always sexier to think your mission in life is going to involve some sort of adventure with a rope ladder over a ranging river full of piranha as you carry a vaccine and the hope of the gospel to a lost tribe of people that will eventually give you a wicked cool village nickname (mine would be Rik-Rok) and perhaps your own machete. It's a lot less fun to think that maybe you're already in a mission field and the annoying guy who you pass TPS reports to, the guy who sits near you in a sea of cubicles, the sniffler, yeah that guy, he needs to know about the love of God.
I get caught up in that attitude and when I do, I eventually start peppering God with geography questions. Have you ever done that? Have you ever said to God:
Where do you want me?
This doesn't feel like where I'm supposed to be God, can you please give me a sign?
Can you tell me where you want me to go?
Is this job, is this relationship, is this church, is this city where you want me to be?
Do you want me to move cities? States? Countries? Continents?
I fire off thousands of questions that center around the longitude and latitude of my life at God. And do you know how God answers me when I ask Him those kinds of questions? Do you know how I promise He will answer you if you ask Him those kinds of questions? Do you know the first answer God always gives when we say, "God where do you want me to go?"
"In my presence."
We won't get a city name first or a country or a street address. God isn't Google Maps. Punch in as many prayers as you want, but more than anything else, God is going to say the same thing to you as He says to me,
"In my presence, that is where I want you to go. Better is one day in my courts than a thousand elsewhere. I've got other destinations planned for you, far off places and close to home addresses that you can't even imagine, but every destination, every adventure begins with the same starting location, in my presence."
Stop trying to force a map on God. He might give you laser specific directions for your life and your journey and your next steps. But first, long before He does that, even after He does that, He's going to remind you of the one place He wants you to go most of all,
"In my presence."
and lastly todays word:
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- August 20, 2009:
Come away with Me, says the Lord. Deliberately find the place of peace and rest in Me. Life's demands and difficult circumstances have taken more energy than you realize, so you need to hide yourself in the secret place where you can be restored. This will not happen automatically; you must be still in your body and quiet your thoughts and emotions in order to come to the place of restoration and healing. Take the time and come. You will not be disappointed.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Things you may have heard me say, and things i'm learning as I go along...
About Love
* Love is like a tap, you can either open it wider or you can begin to close it, till less trickles out and eventually nothing... (however take note true love sometimes supercedes this)
* True Love lasts... If it didn't last and it isn't shared, it's not true love... Yes you loved the person, yes they loved you, but the true,meant to be from God love will last.. Of course you can choose not to allow that love too. which some do choose but I hope not to.
* Sex before marriage is fulfilling desires inside, going after what you want, emphasis on what you want...and perhaps the other person giving what the other wants... But Marriage is I love you so much, I am prepared to put a ring on your finger and commit the rest of my life to you... Then when the married couple have sex, that person is right there, the next morning. Again, it takes Love to commit, no matter how much the person has said they love you, this doesn't guarantee they will be there for you for life, nor does it assure they don't just enjoy what they get, however it takes a person to give up their life to marry you and only Love would make someone do this...(of course we get exceptions to the rules to all of this, but those are mere exceptions and not the rule)
* Trust...Having recently realised I still have major trust issues. Even if the person was christian and loved God, I have come to say God, I will trust, who you show me to trust... Whoever is meant for me, I will find in You showing it to me and confirming it in my heart...It's like the saying that says a womans heart should be so hidden in christ that it take a man to find Jesus to find her - or somehting like that...
* Sometimes what we really want is to be held by God...and we would choose temporary fickle arms instead...God never lets go. May we learnt to know Him in that way.
* Love is like a tap, you can either open it wider or you can begin to close it, till less trickles out and eventually nothing... (however take note true love sometimes supercedes this)
* True Love lasts... If it didn't last and it isn't shared, it's not true love... Yes you loved the person, yes they loved you, but the true,meant to be from God love will last.. Of course you can choose not to allow that love too. which some do choose but I hope not to.
* Sex before marriage is fulfilling desires inside, going after what you want, emphasis on what you want...and perhaps the other person giving what the other wants... But Marriage is I love you so much, I am prepared to put a ring on your finger and commit the rest of my life to you... Then when the married couple have sex, that person is right there, the next morning. Again, it takes Love to commit, no matter how much the person has said they love you, this doesn't guarantee they will be there for you for life, nor does it assure they don't just enjoy what they get, however it takes a person to give up their life to marry you and only Love would make someone do this...(of course we get exceptions to the rules to all of this, but those are mere exceptions and not the rule)
* Trust...Having recently realised I still have major trust issues. Even if the person was christian and loved God, I have come to say God, I will trust, who you show me to trust... Whoever is meant for me, I will find in You showing it to me and confirming it in my heart...It's like the saying that says a womans heart should be so hidden in christ that it take a man to find Jesus to find her - or somehting like that...
* Sometimes what we really want is to be held by God...and we would choose temporary fickle arms instead...God never lets go. May we learnt to know Him in that way.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Revelations I've had in the past time, which we all know but forget especially in the times we're challenged by these...
1) Deciding to deal with your issues, dig deeper is an honourable thing, in fact its the only way we are going to become better people, but also know it's like opening a Pandora's Box, or like Titanic, what you're thought you're dealing with may only be the tip of the iceberg... You are vulnerable, you want truth so you facing "The Man in the Mirror" but in the same time all of a sudden all these unique challenges present themselves and weaknesses you never even knew starts to act up, and suddenly it seems that life was so much easier and less hurting when you walked in ignorance, or you feel but hey I wasnt struggling with all these things? BUT the coolest part is, that when you decided to deal with your stuff, and asked God to help you, you took a step in the direction of Jesus and he in turn takes a giant leap in your direction and actually begins to help you! The end of the story has already been determined even before the beginning... (http://chandre.blogspot.com/2007/05/i-make-known-end-from-beginning.html) So All though it looks like ALL HELL IS BREAKING LOSE... God is holding you in the midst of your challenges, even your failures, Satan knows you are vulnerable and he is upping HIS GAME, he didnt need to fight you when you were content to walk oblivious, mediocre, indifferent... But all of a sudden you want more and you begin to pursue more, he begins really poking his finger at all your hidden faults, or hidden to you but not to the MASTER Robber, Murderer and Destroyer (John 10:10)... What he and sometimes you don't know is that little step of faith was more than enough to move the mountain ahead and God has gone ahead and made the way straight and he comes and walks and holds on to you every step of the way, whether you realise it just then or not... WOW, it's not up to you!, It's not up to you BEING perfect. It's not dependant on you not being tempted anymore, or You not ever falling for that temptation... IT is completely Dependant on GOD in us..and us just yielding and allowing him to carry us all the way, and what about the arrows/darts and bombshells Satan throws at us (why am i capitlizing Satan) - ? " Satan se VOET!" - Satan's Foot! lol.... 3 scriptures, Greater is HE that is IN YOU than he that is in the world... and Those that are with us are greater than those against us..(elisha) - Psalm 27 - though war break out against me, even then will I be confident... I know this doesnt make sense, especially in the midst of your sin. But it is the truth we can ask God the one thing that we dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our lives and that is the truth, that we are, EVEN while facing huge challenges... Again Psalm 31 why does he ask Free me from the trap that is set before me if he has made God his refuge... It means that this present traps are challenges, are real and are there and sometimes we are even getting entangled in them, but there is a greater reality that GOD is our refuge and we can hide in him even when we are stuck in the trap and ask him to free us, anyway only he can... the psalmist continues to say Into Your hands I commit my Spirit, Redeem me O Lord, the God of Truth... God, I am stuck, but I commit my Spirit to You, BUY me back, O Lord, the God of Truth.
So back to the pandoras box and facing the man in the mirror. It is so scary! I know, this is the place I am finding myself at...last year God told me i need more of him, and since then I've been on this journey of wanting more and doing what I can to get there...in the same time things that were'nt even an issue have been creeping up and even scaring me! but God has assured me he is ahead and with me, and I will make it and it's all worth it! You will also find when you decided to pursue more and deal with your issues alot of people will have things to say, some good some bad some just not relevant, the funniest or most confusing is the people who say Good for you, or even want to advise you but they have no intention of dealing with their own stuff...(u know sometimes everyone else can see your problems just not you - Johari's window...) in this time there are also the people currently on the same journey, who have been saying don't worry you will make it and their very lives are testimony to it, so I continue on...I commend these people :) But I am going to say Maturity is not an easy road, nor does it even happen in the time frames we have set for it. It takes a lot of honesty and courage...But the greatest part is we are not alone, his Spirit works in us and guides us into all truth. That Truth is not always what we wanted but what we need... But also God has already defeated Satan. Don't spend all your energy fearing, rather use that same energy to Trust the God you already Love! Yes easier said than done and not an overnight thing, but lets begin with God's help!
2) Purity is not a set of rules and regulations but a person Jesus Christ. Had a revelation of Him in white suit offering me a white rose. Me wearing a white wedding dress, and veil, me thinking how is it that I could look like this after all the nonsense I have caught on! but at the same time I could see that someone was wrapping white clothes around me (although I couldn't see the person - the holy spirit) - "he wraps himself in light, and darknesss tries to hide...) and then he comes forward and begins to dance with me - Langarm style - waltz and stuff for my non south african friends...We are in a big massive white room with white stairs and a river and just light streaming from above on to me... Oh before jesus there was the occasional flutter of angel wings which i couldnt entirely see, but knew that they were close like Mientjie (tarryn and natalies cute pug) when she wants to sleep in the bed, finding a nook to lie against on you, like at ur knees back or stomach and cuddles there... Ok maybe all of this doesnt make sense...but let me try and explain...1) We are surrounded by angels...Our very lives, no matter who we are...God has sent these ministering spirits to look after us and protect us, they are there, we don't see them, unless of course you have that gift but if you are very still you may be aware of the fluttering against ur cheek... No. 2 we Live for the Father who in this life we cannot entirelook at, for he is Holy but as we live the father never slumbers nor sleeps,(psalm 121) as u lift your eyes up to the hills you may be aware of his Light, his glory shining upon your face...As he always watches over you... no. 3) God has sent his son Jesus, who offers u a white rose of purity, even if you are not, it's not dependant on you but dependant on his offer and as you receive it 4( the Holy Spirit purifies and clothes you, he removes your sackcloth and gives you garments of righteousness...so that you are wearing an absolute white wedding dress, which really people did not come from yourselves. NO ONE is Holy! but for what God does in you... 5) Purity happens or a pure righteous life then happens as we having received Christ's invite, and allowed his spirit to work in us we respond by giving over and surrendering to his arms and then allow him to lead us through life, to dance, to twirl, to move... There is nothing else in this room but me, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God..and perhaps invisible to me angels... The same with life...there is no way I am going to dance God's dance,without him leading the way...
Purity and Righteous living comes from Christ an only occurs in Christ. If it is up to you, you better watch out cause you may have pride then. Satan looked at himself and said, hey look how kwaai (awesome) I am...and sin enterd the world...
Anyway I am still learning so will share more as I learn more... But Know that God is for you! not against you! and That he is the way the truth and the life! Surrender... And let him lead you!....
(I like the email that said Guidance stands for God, U and I Dance...)
So back to the pandoras box and facing the man in the mirror. It is so scary! I know, this is the place I am finding myself at...last year God told me i need more of him, and since then I've been on this journey of wanting more and doing what I can to get there...in the same time things that were'nt even an issue have been creeping up and even scaring me! but God has assured me he is ahead and with me, and I will make it and it's all worth it! You will also find when you decided to pursue more and deal with your issues alot of people will have things to say, some good some bad some just not relevant, the funniest or most confusing is the people who say Good for you, or even want to advise you but they have no intention of dealing with their own stuff...(u know sometimes everyone else can see your problems just not you - Johari's window...) in this time there are also the people currently on the same journey, who have been saying don't worry you will make it and their very lives are testimony to it, so I continue on...I commend these people :) But I am going to say Maturity is not an easy road, nor does it even happen in the time frames we have set for it. It takes a lot of honesty and courage...But the greatest part is we are not alone, his Spirit works in us and guides us into all truth. That Truth is not always what we wanted but what we need... But also God has already defeated Satan. Don't spend all your energy fearing, rather use that same energy to Trust the God you already Love! Yes easier said than done and not an overnight thing, but lets begin with God's help!
2) Purity is not a set of rules and regulations but a person Jesus Christ. Had a revelation of Him in white suit offering me a white rose. Me wearing a white wedding dress, and veil, me thinking how is it that I could look like this after all the nonsense I have caught on! but at the same time I could see that someone was wrapping white clothes around me (although I couldn't see the person - the holy spirit) - "he wraps himself in light, and darknesss tries to hide...) and then he comes forward and begins to dance with me - Langarm style - waltz and stuff for my non south african friends...We are in a big massive white room with white stairs and a river and just light streaming from above on to me... Oh before jesus there was the occasional flutter of angel wings which i couldnt entirely see, but knew that they were close like Mientjie (tarryn and natalies cute pug) when she wants to sleep in the bed, finding a nook to lie against on you, like at ur knees back or stomach and cuddles there... Ok maybe all of this doesnt make sense...but let me try and explain...1) We are surrounded by angels...Our very lives, no matter who we are...God has sent these ministering spirits to look after us and protect us, they are there, we don't see them, unless of course you have that gift but if you are very still you may be aware of the fluttering against ur cheek... No. 2 we Live for the Father who in this life we cannot entirelook at, for he is Holy but as we live the father never slumbers nor sleeps,(psalm 121) as u lift your eyes up to the hills you may be aware of his Light, his glory shining upon your face...As he always watches over you... no. 3) God has sent his son Jesus, who offers u a white rose of purity, even if you are not, it's not dependant on you but dependant on his offer and as you receive it 4( the Holy Spirit purifies and clothes you, he removes your sackcloth and gives you garments of righteousness...so that you are wearing an absolute white wedding dress, which really people did not come from yourselves. NO ONE is Holy! but for what God does in you... 5) Purity happens or a pure righteous life then happens as we having received Christ's invite, and allowed his spirit to work in us we respond by giving over and surrendering to his arms and then allow him to lead us through life, to dance, to twirl, to move... There is nothing else in this room but me, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God..and perhaps invisible to me angels... The same with life...there is no way I am going to dance God's dance,without him leading the way...
Purity and Righteous living comes from Christ an only occurs in Christ. If it is up to you, you better watch out cause you may have pride then. Satan looked at himself and said, hey look how kwaai (awesome) I am...and sin enterd the world...
Anyway I am still learning so will share more as I learn more... But Know that God is for you! not against you! and That he is the way the truth and the life! Surrender... And let him lead you!....
(I like the email that said Guidance stands for God, U and I Dance...)
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