So, a few weeks ago I took a (much overdue) trip to the dentist. The good news is I have no cavities, but I was informed that my teeth show some serious wear and she asked if I grind my teeth. *shudder* Pretty sure I don't, and I don't wake up with tension headaches, which she said is a common occurrence with grinders. However, many a time have I awoke to Abram grinding his teeth, his head on my shoulder! The dentist suggested trying out a mouth guard if he wakes up headaches. After my appointment I called Abram with the update, and was more than a little surprised when he said, "You grind your teeth all the time! I wake up and have to put my hand on your mouth to make you stop." What?!? I guess it's kind of like the snoring thing.
I didn't give it too much thought, until a few nights ago when I actually woke up to Abram prying my jaws apart! In the morning I wasn't sure if I had dreamed it, or not, and he confirmed the incident. That got me to thinking: how much of what we do are we unaware of? The signs and symptoms may be there, but we have no clue what the root cause may be. It takes someone close to us to point out what is in our blind spot. In Proverbs 27:17 it says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." A good friend is such an invaluable thing.
We need to build up those around us, help them sharpen their skills and hone their focus. All in love. It can be easy to become a mill that just grinds and wears others down by pointing out weaknesses and mistakes. Even in brushing my teeth I can't really get a good look at my molars! I have areas that I am blind in, and I am so glad for friends to help me see them. Of course, it takes two, and I need to be receptive as well. Start praying for revelation on areas that you are struggling in. God can definitely show them to you in your quiet time, but He works though others too. It is always easier when you have someone to be accountable to, so seek out that friend, or pray for one!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
More Than a Nod...
"In all your ways acknowledge Him.." for some reason that phrase stuck out at me from the midst of the well known, and often rushed through, verse in Proverbs 3:5-6. I think I was listening to Joyce Meyer in the car, and of course now I don't even remember what she was talking about as that suddenly resounded in me, my spirit and *gasp* conscience.
How often do I tell myself that I am trusting God, all the while trying to reason it out in my head, throwing out suggestions to God that seem feasible. Or I will just throw up my hands in the air, claiming I don't understand, and tell God to handle it Himself while I sit on the sidelines tapping my toes in impatience. But more often, lately, I know that I have the faith for certain things, yet I fail to speak them out. I find myself telling other what I don't want (a car payment) and not speaking with faith in the situation. I KNOW that God has the power and means to provide me with what I need AND desire, but I get that finger wagging feeling in my spirit when I fail to speak in faith.
So, what is your "ways"? In Hebrew it is 'derek', meaning the way, path, route, road, journey; by extension: conduct, way of life. It is so much more than the path I am taking, but it is how I am acting and doing it! People notice how we do things. How much greater a testimony for them to see the before AND after, rather than thinking we just got lucky!
And in our ways there needs to be acknowledgement. 'Yada' is Hebrew for acknowledge. It is to know, recognize, understand (that is for us in our spirits and relationship with God inwardly); and to show, teach, make known, to be made aware. That is what our outward expression is to be! So many opportunities are missed to share and teach because we don't acknowledge God. Once we open that door He will help us walk through it.
The greatest thing about all of this is that as we walk out our faith along our way through our conduct, and as we give God the credit and make Him known... He will make our paths straight! Though I am not excited about needing a new vehicle, I have seen God's provision for others. My words will line up with my faith and I am going to acknowledge Him before it has even happened for me!
How often do I tell myself that I am trusting God, all the while trying to reason it out in my head, throwing out suggestions to God that seem feasible. Or I will just throw up my hands in the air, claiming I don't understand, and tell God to handle it Himself while I sit on the sidelines tapping my toes in impatience. But more often, lately, I know that I have the faith for certain things, yet I fail to speak them out. I find myself telling other what I don't want (a car payment) and not speaking with faith in the situation. I KNOW that God has the power and means to provide me with what I need AND desire, but I get that finger wagging feeling in my spirit when I fail to speak in faith.
So, what is your "ways"? In Hebrew it is 'derek', meaning the way, path, route, road, journey; by extension: conduct, way of life. It is so much more than the path I am taking, but it is how I am acting and doing it! People notice how we do things. How much greater a testimony for them to see the before AND after, rather than thinking we just got lucky!
And in our ways there needs to be acknowledgement. 'Yada' is Hebrew for acknowledge. It is to know, recognize, understand (that is for us in our spirits and relationship with God inwardly); and to show, teach, make known, to be made aware. That is what our outward expression is to be! So many opportunities are missed to share and teach because we don't acknowledge God. Once we open that door He will help us walk through it.
The greatest thing about all of this is that as we walk out our faith along our way through our conduct, and as we give God the credit and make Him known... He will make our paths straight! Though I am not excited about needing a new vehicle, I have seen God's provision for others. My words will line up with my faith and I am going to acknowledge Him before it has even happened for me!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Faith Fruit
So, we all know that faith with out action is not really faith! It can be so hard to find the balance between being active AND meaningful, and just talking about what we think should be done, or is right. In James 2:14 it says: "And I, by good works of obedience will show you my faith." That is what people are looking for- evidence of our faith.
Our faith is our roots. "I am the Vine, and you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him bears much fruit. However, apart from Me you can do nothing," John 15:5 Roots are underground. Unless you really want to get dirty and do some digging, you aren't going to see them! As our roots go deeper, as we are planted by the streams of living water, we will grow. And we will produce fruit.
The fruit we produce is a result of what is going on inside. If we are are producing unhealthy fruit, susceptible to worms and mold (ugh), it is not out of faith or well fed roots. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6 Recently God showed me through a dream that I was a blessing to my co-workers. In the dream I had taken food to work, specifically frut and berries. When I was journaling about it later, God pointed out that how I was a blessing was through my fruit: being patient , kind, joyful, etc. That is definitely not how I am every day, but it was a good reminder of how I need to be, and that it has an effect on others.
What has God told you to do? Has something been brewing in your heart, or recurring in your thoughts? Wiggle your roots a little deeper, and do something - produce some fruit! The fruit we produce feeds the people we are in contact with. Smiling, giving, and having patience with the person in front of you in line are some simple ways to start.
Our faith is our roots. "I am the Vine, and you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him bears much fruit. However, apart from Me you can do nothing," John 15:5 Roots are underground. Unless you really want to get dirty and do some digging, you aren't going to see them! As our roots go deeper, as we are planted by the streams of living water, we will grow. And we will produce fruit.
The fruit we produce is a result of what is going on inside. If we are are producing unhealthy fruit, susceptible to worms and mold (ugh), it is not out of faith or well fed roots. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6 Recently God showed me through a dream that I was a blessing to my co-workers. In the dream I had taken food to work, specifically frut and berries. When I was journaling about it later, God pointed out that how I was a blessing was through my fruit: being patient , kind, joyful, etc. That is definitely not how I am every day, but it was a good reminder of how I need to be, and that it has an effect on others.
What has God told you to do? Has something been brewing in your heart, or recurring in your thoughts? Wiggle your roots a little deeper, and do something - produce some fruit! The fruit we produce feeds the people we are in contact with. Smiling, giving, and having patience with the person in front of you in line are some simple ways to start.
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