A Goal for 2009 - April 1-15

I thought it might be good at this juncture to list each verse in the order that I have been memorizing them. It is interesting to search for themes in how God is working. I will start with my newest verses for April 1-15 and work backwards:

• "While Paul was waiting for them in Athen, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city...." Paul said, "Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious, for when I was walking along I saw your many alters. One of them had this inscription on it -- 'To an Unknown God.' You have been worshiping him without knowing who he is, and now I wish to tell you about him" (Acts 17:16, 22-23, NLT).
• The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance of height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions" (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT).
• "This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands upon you. God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.... With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News" (2 Timothy 1:6-8, NLT).
• "So my advise is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God" (Acts 5:38-39, NLT).
• Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done in love" (I Corinthians 16:13-14, NLT).
• Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to him; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn; the justice of your cause like the noon day sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes" (Psalm 37:3-7).
• "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13, NIV).

I have heard from at least one person who is also working on memorizing scripture. Shoot me an email, or respond on either this blog or Facebook to let me know what you are working on these days. I am certain the Lord loves it when His children meditate on His Word - Let's be a fragrant offering before Him!

132nd Verse - Same as the 1st

Sometimes I wonder if people (myself included) are talking just for the sake of talking.... Such a phenomenon can be annoying at times. Well, yesterday I feel like I was writing just to write; writing just because I thought I needed to create a blog entry. It did not feel natural like I have been feeling.... So, this morning I re-read portions of Acts to consider what I was missing.

"One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them.' So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way" (Acts 13:2-3).

P & B were set apart for a special work. In our day, I believe this equals those called to be pastors, teachers, missionaries, etc. At the same time, though, I believe every believer is set apart to serve as God empowers and guides. We must not allow humans to discourage our God-gifted guidance to contribute to His plan for His glory. Think of the most Godly, vivacious person you know and seek to serve with that kind of focus.

I allowed my passion to be deflated by mere humans. On one hand, they believed I lacked a specific calling worthy of my being "set apart." This may be true.... On the other hand, their compassion-less directive left me feeling rejected without further guidance and encouragement. Looking back I am thankful for the closed door, but I wish it had not been so impersonally slammed in my face. The experience hurt and created a wound requiring healing.

I am thankful God knows just what to do with wounds that need attention. It has taken me awhile to find my balance again, but God has been faithful; He has renewed my heart again. Wounds always provide fertile soil for growth.... I continue to ponder the following thoughts:

• It takes focused attention on God alone to distinguish between God's authority and man's interpretation of that authority. Humans, even church leaders, are not always correct in their judgments. I must not be like a sponge soaking up another's words as truth. I must be dependent on my personal relationship with Christ to determine His Truth.
• Humans can be very disappointing, but God overcomes and cleans up the messes men create.
• While denominations may achieve large scale advances for the sake of the Kingdom, denominational pride is a serious problem that must be addressed before God - particularly in the USA.
• Reliance on positions, titles, power, education, knowledge, etc. is dangerous. God speaks through many people, in unique circumstances whether throngs of followers are listening or not. In many cases, God uses ordinary people in common circumstances to have the most significant impacts.

The Lord is certainly not done with me yet! I still have this desire within me for some kind of man made status that signifies I have received some level of achievement or approval from man. Again and again the Lord reminds me that human approval is not necessary for effective ministry - sometimes it even impedes effective ministry. I am growing accustomed to how this lesson feels within my soul, so I catch God's message a little faster each time. Thank you, Jesus, for your patience! I am so grateful that You never give up on Your beloved children.