Monday, August 19, 2013

Radical Obedience

As I've thought about this topic over the past week, I came to realize that ALL obedience to God is somewhat 'radical'. I attended a women's event* a couple of days after drafting this post and God spoke so clearly to me, comfirming what I had written. That's just what God does, isn't it?? And that's one of the 5 filter questions in the YesToGod study - 'is it being confirmed?'....Wow, I just love the way God shows up and shows out at times. The women's event was ended with a question...'What does your Radical look like?' * ........ On to my post ......

Growing up in an angry home, it was my natural tendancy to be angry and blame others. I lived this way for most of my life. #ButGod pursued me and I came to know the Lord.....
  • Radical - I had to open my heart - and my heart was made of stone!!
As the Lord worked on my anger, melting it away, I then had to begin 'forgiving' people. #SayWhat?? Yes, we must forgive others....God commands it.....
  • Radical - It really wasn't all their fault - I had to take some responsibility!
Moving along thru life, letting God do some real work in me, I came to realize I now must love my enemies....Seriously? #SayWhat?? Yep! Of course this is much easier to say than do, especially when we have to see them but God's Word tells us to love them, so love them (and pray for them) is what I'm doing.....
  • Radical - I held the 'golden grudge' award!!! Had to let it go and love!
These 'Radical' moves of obedience may not be so radical in your life, but they were in mine. And that's just a few examples of how 'radical obedience' has looked in my life. Everyone's 'Radical' will be different, so let's never think of our 'radical obedience' as meaningless - every step of obedience is a step in the right direction and means something!

I've had many times when I haven't obeyed - learned that lesson the hard way! So now, when God speaks, I just go with Him (Big or Small). The next time you do something that you feel God is asking you to do, filter it thru the questions, do it and have peace knowing you were obedient. And when someone tells you you're crazy for doing it......You've just taken a step in 'Radical Obedience'!! :-)

Coming from a 55 year old that came to know the Lord at age 43, just know that 'everyday obedience can be radical'.

What does YOUR 'Radical' look like?




*The Real You women's event
*Julie Rape - Director



Thursday, August 8, 2013

#PalmsUp #YesToGod

#PalmsUp

God has a way of giving us exactly what we need when we need it! This On-line Bible Study, "What Happens When Women Say Yes To God"  is my confirmation, encouragement, and hope that I’ve been on and will continue to be on the right path, of saying YES to God.

I have lived this 'Say Yes to God' for almost 2 years now. While going thru a devestating time, all I could do was ‘trust’ Him. At times it was very difficult, but He would whisper so softly to me, “I am with you”.

As I literally ‘cried out’ with ‘palms up’, surrendering everything to Him, He would hold me, comfort me, and dry my tears. Everytime I would start to doubt (because of fear and lonliness) He reminded me of how far He’d brought me and what blessings He had already poured onto me. So, I would retrac my doubt and say, ‘Whatever’ YOUR Will is, Lord!

After a while, it became much easier ….. I now walk in ‘God Confidence’, not worrying about what’s been done, or what will come; He has brought me thru the worst of it and He will carry me thru to the end - that's His promise!

It may be a struggle to keep your ‘palms up’, but don’t give up - He gives us the strength we need to continue to praise Him. \o/

I’m not where I need to be but I’m not where I was!! He is faithful and true to His Word, so I will continue with hands raised high and palms up, giving Him all the glory!!

PalmsUp while saying Yes2God ……


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

U Turns

D0 you ever make plans for a vacation and get so excited that all you can think about is your destination? I think we all do that.

As I headed out of town recently, all I could think about was where I was going. In doing so, I made a couple of mistakes. Almost missing my first exit, I suddenly had to slow and vere quickly. Since I was back on track, my destination filled my mind, again. This time, I completely missed my turn and had to continue another mile, in order to turn around. Don't you love the people that designed the 'cut throughs' in medians?? Me too! So, a mile later I was able to make a U-turn, all in hopes of getting back on track.

This happens in life, also. Sometimes we get so focused on where we think God is taking us that we miss parts of the journey. But, God also allows U-turns - whether we are slightly off track or totally off track. Either way, He wants us to turn around and will guide us back to Him! So thankful for that!!

Each part of our journey is important; don't miss one!! We all get in such a rush to get 'there', that we overlook the 'little things', at times. Just like missing the exit, we may make a bad decision or miss the whole decision process, missing what's been placed in front of us.

Enjoy the journey, every detail of it! ..... Focus on God and where you are at the moment - He will direct your path!

On a journey with Jesus ..........

With God All Things Are Possible

With God All Things Are Possible