It's been a few weeks since my last post, however it has been intentional. How can you truly know if you really learned what you've read without putting it into practice. Since my last post I've read through the chapter "Protect Your Hunger" a couple of times, I've looked up all the reference verses, I started a new workout regimen, and also started a "Philippians" study with some women at my church. Now, you might say "wow, isn't she stretching herself to thin?" And to that I'll add a little well placed "hu huh" (breath in fast like Sheldon). This is all well guided for now with my Lord and Savior at the helm, for once in my life.
I'm absolutely committed to following him hard and strong till he tells me to stop. This journey to draw nearer to him has been in the making for quite some time and he's allowed me to make my mistakes, and to go through trials, so I could get to this pivotal point in my faith, where I have had to call out to him and say, "I want more of you Abba. I'm not going to sit idly by and wait for you to touch my heart and help me change, or to wait for you to change my mind, just because I prayed, asking for you to do so." My faith is based on God drawing me; yes, putting desire in my heart; yes but most importantly its about action...I'm not an english person, however I have to classify "faith" as a verb. Faith is believing in what is unseen, however if I don't pick up my bible and read the word everyday, and I don't spend time in prayer and fellowship with my father, my Abba everyday, then I'm not going to grow closer. Proverbs says that the lazy man shall not eat, well the same principle applies to us as well. The lazy christian, shall not grow closer to God if they're not willing to do their part and dig deep into the word. What I've seen and experienced is that God will give us a little kindling, then a little spark to start the fire, but we're responsible to stoke the fire and to add logs in order to maintain a fire. The more we read the word, the more we want to read the word. The more we pray and wait to hear from him, the more we want to pray and draw nearer to him. So on to telling you about protecting my hunger for the Lord.
First I know that my Abba draws me to him. (John 6:44) 2nd: When I draw near to my Abba, He will draw near to me. 3rd: I need to always remember that my soul thirsts for the living God. (Ps 42: 2-4) This is where the insatiable hunger, that I'm looking for comes from. I need to remember and hold onto this fact. It's just a little hard to absolutely grasp it, however, I'm getting there a little at a time, with his help. 4th: In the home group, my husband and I attend, we are studying Philip Clancy's "Prayer". In the last session, (2 weeks ago), he stated that the "satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb". This struck a chord with me, because just a few days before that, I came across the very same verse, regarding protecting your hunger. How can I disregard this verse? (Prov 27:7) If I'm filling my soul, my heart, my every desire with everything of the world, then where is there ever going to be any room for the things of the soul, for the heavenly desires? I need to protect my hunger for the Lord, by putting all things I desire before the throne of God. I like to read from time to time; I need to put what I read before the Lord. Shows I watch, things I do etc, all should be put before the Lord. He will grant me the desires of my heart, however, He wants me to desire him, so why don't I take the time to fill my time with the things of the Lord. I need to be an "addict" for the Lord! Right now, I'm still "doing", what I need to do, but I'm starting to feel my heart softening more and more for him and for the way of righteousness. In God's time, I'll be like a "God junkie", where I won't be able to function without having my time set before him. Some people, may be saying, "Well, make sure you find balance." And to that I will add that I've always followed God. As long as I can remember, however, it's time to say enough is enough. I've lived in the secular world for many years and I've accomplished much in the secular world's view. I'm not rich, financially, but I'm rich eternally. When you've eeked out an existence and you know, you should be further along in your walk and you desire to be closer, then to become a "God junkie", may be exactly what I may need. I've had "balance" for many years. Time for me to tip the scale the other way and be all in for HIM.
My friends, we could very well be living in the "end times". I don't want to be found to be "lukewarm" and spit out of the Lord's mouth. I am standing at the door knocking. The Lord hears me and is opening the door for me to come in. Protect your hunger. Make a stand for God. Put him first and he will draw near, and help you out. Don't be satisfied with what the world has to offer, for what the world has to offer will remain in this world once we are all gone. Lets focus on the prize at the end of the race and lets be found to be worthy and faithful servants. God is helping in many ways. He's helping me realize that my body is his temple. So he's given me the resources and the strength to get up and work out. More importantly, he's given me the desire and will to get up even earlier so I can read his precious word before I "push play and bring it". My days of late have been filled with my eyes set on him and the little things are falling into place, and this out of shape body is slowly becoming a body worthy of being a temple of the Holy Spirit. The healthier I am, the more I'll be able to help God in reaching others, as his willing servant.
Well my friends, till next time. Protect your hunger and guard your heart for the Lord "satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." (PS 107:9)
Shalom
I'm absolutely committed to following him hard and strong till he tells me to stop. This journey to draw nearer to him has been in the making for quite some time and he's allowed me to make my mistakes, and to go through trials, so I could get to this pivotal point in my faith, where I have had to call out to him and say, "I want more of you Abba. I'm not going to sit idly by and wait for you to touch my heart and help me change, or to wait for you to change my mind, just because I prayed, asking for you to do so." My faith is based on God drawing me; yes, putting desire in my heart; yes but most importantly its about action...I'm not an english person, however I have to classify "faith" as a verb. Faith is believing in what is unseen, however if I don't pick up my bible and read the word everyday, and I don't spend time in prayer and fellowship with my father, my Abba everyday, then I'm not going to grow closer. Proverbs says that the lazy man shall not eat, well the same principle applies to us as well. The lazy christian, shall not grow closer to God if they're not willing to do their part and dig deep into the word. What I've seen and experienced is that God will give us a little kindling, then a little spark to start the fire, but we're responsible to stoke the fire and to add logs in order to maintain a fire. The more we read the word, the more we want to read the word. The more we pray and wait to hear from him, the more we want to pray and draw nearer to him. So on to telling you about protecting my hunger for the Lord.
First I know that my Abba draws me to him. (John 6:44) 2nd: When I draw near to my Abba, He will draw near to me. 3rd: I need to always remember that my soul thirsts for the living God. (Ps 42: 2-4) This is where the insatiable hunger, that I'm looking for comes from. I need to remember and hold onto this fact. It's just a little hard to absolutely grasp it, however, I'm getting there a little at a time, with his help. 4th: In the home group, my husband and I attend, we are studying Philip Clancy's "Prayer". In the last session, (2 weeks ago), he stated that the "satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb". This struck a chord with me, because just a few days before that, I came across the very same verse, regarding protecting your hunger. How can I disregard this verse? (Prov 27:7) If I'm filling my soul, my heart, my every desire with everything of the world, then where is there ever going to be any room for the things of the soul, for the heavenly desires? I need to protect my hunger for the Lord, by putting all things I desire before the throne of God. I like to read from time to time; I need to put what I read before the Lord. Shows I watch, things I do etc, all should be put before the Lord. He will grant me the desires of my heart, however, He wants me to desire him, so why don't I take the time to fill my time with the things of the Lord. I need to be an "addict" for the Lord! Right now, I'm still "doing", what I need to do, but I'm starting to feel my heart softening more and more for him and for the way of righteousness. In God's time, I'll be like a "God junkie", where I won't be able to function without having my time set before him. Some people, may be saying, "Well, make sure you find balance." And to that I will add that I've always followed God. As long as I can remember, however, it's time to say enough is enough. I've lived in the secular world for many years and I've accomplished much in the secular world's view. I'm not rich, financially, but I'm rich eternally. When you've eeked out an existence and you know, you should be further along in your walk and you desire to be closer, then to become a "God junkie", may be exactly what I may need. I've had "balance" for many years. Time for me to tip the scale the other way and be all in for HIM.
My friends, we could very well be living in the "end times". I don't want to be found to be "lukewarm" and spit out of the Lord's mouth. I am standing at the door knocking. The Lord hears me and is opening the door for me to come in. Protect your hunger. Make a stand for God. Put him first and he will draw near, and help you out. Don't be satisfied with what the world has to offer, for what the world has to offer will remain in this world once we are all gone. Lets focus on the prize at the end of the race and lets be found to be worthy and faithful servants. God is helping in many ways. He's helping me realize that my body is his temple. So he's given me the resources and the strength to get up and work out. More importantly, he's given me the desire and will to get up even earlier so I can read his precious word before I "push play and bring it". My days of late have been filled with my eyes set on him and the little things are falling into place, and this out of shape body is slowly becoming a body worthy of being a temple of the Holy Spirit. The healthier I am, the more I'll be able to help God in reaching others, as his willing servant.
Well my friends, till next time. Protect your hunger and guard your heart for the Lord "satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." (PS 107:9)
Shalom
Amen, Audra. Amen. wow. couldn't have said it all better myself. I praise God for your passion and deep drive. May we all strive just as hard and fast after our Lord!! Glad you write a blog, btw. Blogs are my favorite :)
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