Is God concerned with the trivial? I've asked myself this question a lot over my short 30 year existence. I always hear people (Christians) say "It was a God thing" and a lot of times it has to do with purchases (some big, some small) or some sort of advancement like a new job or a salary increase...or even being in the right place at the right time (a "God moment" if you will). So as not to sound cynical (which I've been accused of a few times), I firmly believe there are those "God moments" and those "God things" that He truly steps in and guides us and/or those we're in contact with in accordance to His will. On the other hand, I think the phrases can be overused, and maybe even incorrectly used.
Or are they?
For example, is God concerned with me getting a good deal on a pre-owned (sounds better than "used") 2002 Mercury Sable? Or is His concern simply the provision of transportation? Or is His concern simply that I am walking with Him daily? I lean towards the latter.
So do I even bother to pray for that decision of which car to get, what price to settle for, etc? This is where I want to say "Yes, pray about everything" but then my cynical (or is it?) side says "Just follow Him and you'll make the right choices". If I am fully His every day, then He would lead me in His path, right? Right.
When I am in a close relationship with someone, I like to know all the details of what's going on in their lives (my favorite phrase after Carter gets off the phone with whoever is "Tell me everything WORD FOR WORD and don't leave anything out!"). So in that sense, I think God does want to know ALL about our lives, the details, the WORD FOR WORDS...even if I feel like it's not ultra-interesting or important. It's more than just keeping Him informed (He already knows it all, right?). It's about a close relationship. No secrets. No shockers.
By the way, I got a great deal on a SWEET 2002 white Mercury Sable station wagon. I'll hold back on calling this one a "God thing" so as not to link Him with my ride, though sweet it is!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Who is this King of glory?
I was asked to lead a prayer time for the Summer Leadership Team at Epworth (my old job) on the first day of camp. Traditionally on this day, the whole team is nervous, anxious, excited, tired and a bit overwhelmed. As I thought about what to share with them, I came across Psalm 24. After reading and researching it, I got so excited I almost couldn't contain myself.
Here's a little background: This Psalm was sung on the first day of the week, every week, at the Temple. It was written by King David and referenced the time when the ark of the covenant was taken up to Mount Zion to be placed in a tent (later, Solomon would build THE temple up there). The ark, representing God's presence, was HIGHLY revered and taking it up the mountain was no small feat. It called for a huge gathering of people with a highly worshipful atmosphere. In beautiful togetherness, they shouted "Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in." Then the priest, who was inside the tent, would shout "Who is this King of glory?" and they would respond in unison, "The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." Imagining a multitude of people shouting this together just flat out gives me the goosies. But there's more...again, the crowd shouts "Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in." Just wait...here comes the priest with the question of the day, "Who is he, this King of glory?" In unison, loud as all get out, and full of emotion the crowd roars "LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory!" Dang.
What a way to start off the week. Calling down God's presence to break through the gates, the doors, our hearts, and dwell with His people. Working in us, through us, in spite of us. This King of Glory who comes strong and mighty, who is THE almighty. Dang.
Here's a little background: This Psalm was sung on the first day of the week, every week, at the Temple. It was written by King David and referenced the time when the ark of the covenant was taken up to Mount Zion to be placed in a tent (later, Solomon would build THE temple up there). The ark, representing God's presence, was HIGHLY revered and taking it up the mountain was no small feat. It called for a huge gathering of people with a highly worshipful atmosphere. In beautiful togetherness, they shouted "Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in." Then the priest, who was inside the tent, would shout "Who is this King of glory?" and they would respond in unison, "The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." Imagining a multitude of people shouting this together just flat out gives me the goosies. But there's more...again, the crowd shouts "Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in." Just wait...here comes the priest with the question of the day, "Who is he, this King of glory?" In unison, loud as all get out, and full of emotion the crowd roars "LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory!" Dang.
What a way to start off the week. Calling down God's presence to break through the gates, the doors, our hearts, and dwell with His people. Working in us, through us, in spite of us. This King of Glory who comes strong and mighty, who is THE almighty. Dang.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Perfect Peace
I love Saturday mornings. Especially rainy Saturday mornings. The beach is not an option today and frankly, I'm ok with that. A day spent inside in "lounge wear" doing nothing with the fam...doesn't get any better.
Carter and I did a devotion series a few months back on the fruits of the Spirit. We looked at one fruit per week and found ways in our daily lives to make sure those fruits were evident, and then held each other accountable when they weren't. Peace stood out the most. When we looked at areas of our lives where we saw peace, we shared example after example and found we were on the same page. It wasn't in the big stuff. It was in the "if you don't stop to notice, you'll miss it quickly" places...like riding in the car singing praise medlies completely off key, laying on the couch snuggled up watching Sesame Street, hearing "I love you" from a 2 year old, rocking my boy who's growing up too fast in the rocking chair, going on a date with my husband, dancing to "Boondocks" on the big bed, starting family traditions...you know, all those times that when I did stop to notice, those tears of joy would plague my eyes. Some call it hormones. Nah, just a thankful mom/wife noticing God's simple blessings.
That's not only peace. That's perfect peace. Kinda like a rainy Saturday morning spent in lounge wear doing nothing with the fam.
Carter and I did a devotion series a few months back on the fruits of the Spirit. We looked at one fruit per week and found ways in our daily lives to make sure those fruits were evident, and then held each other accountable when they weren't. Peace stood out the most. When we looked at areas of our lives where we saw peace, we shared example after example and found we were on the same page. It wasn't in the big stuff. It was in the "if you don't stop to notice, you'll miss it quickly" places...like riding in the car singing praise medlies completely off key, laying on the couch snuggled up watching Sesame Street, hearing "I love you" from a 2 year old, rocking my boy who's growing up too fast in the rocking chair, going on a date with my husband, dancing to "Boondocks" on the big bed, starting family traditions...you know, all those times that when I did stop to notice, those tears of joy would plague my eyes. Some call it hormones. Nah, just a thankful mom/wife noticing God's simple blessings.
That's not only peace. That's perfect peace. Kinda like a rainy Saturday morning spent in lounge wear doing nothing with the fam.
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