Change - A Fantastic Thing

It's Monday. And, it's a Federal Holiday - It's the day that we celebrate the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr. It's amazing to me to look back on how times have changed - and they have. That's a fantastic thing.

I was watching the news and saw a partial interview. The interviewer was asking what people thought that Martin Luther King Jr would think of the fact that the Democratic party has two minority front contenders (Clinton and Obama). I don't know what he would think but I think that change, in the right direction, is good. In fact, it's a fantastic thing.

So, desiring to continue on with change, in the right direction - looking back on everything that has happened over my life, I am going to really focus on moving forward in the right direction. And, that's a fantastic thing. That for me means more discipline. I don't know what it means for you, but I know what I need to do.

By the way, if you were wondering if I got the nod from P31, nope. Sure didn't. But, that's alright too. God used that ministry to pull three women into the spotlight. I will be looking forward to reading their articles. If you get a chance, drop by Lysa's blog - her link is to the right.

Sanya

P31 Posting: Weeds!

To the Proverbs 31 staff,

Welcome to my blogsite! I am submitting this post for your contest consideration. It's entitled "Weeds!" and it is about spiritual dryness. I pray that you will find it a joyful read.

Yours and His,
Sanya


Weeds!

I’ve got weeds y’all. Anyone that knows me will tell you that I put a lot of time and effort into maintaining a nice, green, lush lawn. I got that trait from my Dad. He would say, “If you make the investment in a house, you should also make an investment in the yard. It frames the house.”

Well, where I live, we are experiencing an “exceptional drought.” Apparently, that’s the worst category. Pray for rain! Due to the drought, my lawn is parched. The grass is no longer nice, green and lush. In fact, in some spots, the lawn is bare. The grass died due to the harsh conditions: extreme heat with little nourishing and cooling rain. And now, I see weeds encroaching in my grass!

Surveying my lawn, I began to ponder - could it be that my spiritual life is being played out in my lawn?

There are extremes in my spiritual life. I can be “red-hot” for God or I can be a “lazy” Christian and sometimes I fall somewhere in between. Don’t gasp. I’m not alone. My “status” in this area all depends on how much quiet time I spend alone with God.

Lately, I’ve been slack. I’ve put several other “important” and well-intentioned things before my devotional time with God. Don’t get me wrong. I’m still praying and studying. But, I’m talking about real quiet time – where I am still enough – long enough to hear my Father speak to me. Quiet time!

As a result of neglecting my quiet time, the “harsh” circumstances and conditions of my life have presented a drought-like situation for my soul. I need the nourishing rain of a long conversation with my Father.

Can you relate? The drought in my state spans multiple counties. And, although you may not physically live where I do, if, when you take a spiritual survey, you discover weeds, I urge you to seek the nourishing rain that is available. I pray that the ground of our hearts is saturated with praise for God. I finally understand the saying “My soul thirsts for thee.”

I’ve got weeds in my yard but I don’t want weeds in my soul. I know that grass – having a personal relationship with God – is the best defense against weeds. Take the steps with me now to return to being a woman of God that sits at the feet of our Lord, listening and learning, in intimate fellowship with Him – sans weeds. Spend time alone with him, practicing the discipline of Solitude. Enter a noise-free period designed for communing with Him. Afterall, He comes first! But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33 KJV)

My God, let it rain!

Survey the Bench

We are a nation of plenty. We have a boatload of talent nearly everywhere we look. So many of us are gifted in different areas. Yet, so many of us refuse to use or discover the gifts that lie within us. Instead of activating our gifts, they lay dormant, being utilized by no one. Therein is the problem. We were not given gifts by God just to have them. We are to use them to benefit the Kingdom. Are you using your gift? Is it benefiting the Kingdom of Heaven?

There is something else to consider. I am finding that often times, when our gift is recognized and activated, we are “held back” from opportunities to practice our gift. Unfortunately, I see this happening in some churches. Let me give you an example: some ministries would much rather go outside of the church looking for a resource than to use the resources that exist within its very walls. Why don’t we give our own the opportunities to grow and develop? Why do we not lend our support and cooperation? I could suggest many things but I want you to ponder that question. What is it about us, as a people, as a church, and in some cases, as a gender, that we would much rather cheer the non-member than to support the member? I suggest the answers lies in a close examination of our heart.

If this happens to be you, and you are in a position where your spiritual bench is being overlooked, be encouraged. God has a great plan for you. BE OBEDIENT to Him. He will continue to develop the gifts that He has given you – and at the right time, in the right season, your gift will come forth and be made known – it will overtake you (Deuteronomy 28:2) and there is nothing that anyone can do to stop the plans of the Lord!