by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
{ Day 6 }
What specific things are we praying for these days?Whether last
minute cries for help, a laundry list of needs, or an unexplainable
groaning from within—God hears the prayers of His people.
But add
specificity, and we’re given an opportunity to witness our God’s
awe-inspiring attention to detail in action.
One
of those moments came for me this week while peering out our window,
curled up in my prayer chair. I was sharing with the Lord how I’d not
sensed His presence as much in recent weeks, even though I was confident
He was there—whether I felt it or not. Nevertheless, like any daughter
desiring to feel closer to her Father, I made a simple but heartfelt
request: “Pappa, I just want to know You’re near.”
Before
catching my next breath, a brief but blustery gust of wind swept
through the trees closest to my window pane—without disturbing another
tree in my yard.
To some, a ten-second gust of wind would simply appear as our season’s
signature. To me, however, it was a specific answer to prayer—a Father
reminding His daughter that through His Holy Spirit He is always a
breath away.
Staying in step with the Holy Spirit: Just as good communication promotes closer and richer relationships, the same is true in our relationship with God. A dialogue consists of a conversational exchange between two people. If you’re like me, you’re well versed in the asking part, but a little rusty when it comes to watching and listening for God’s answers. When we do, however, He is faithful to make Himself known to us for He is a personal God longing to converse with you and me.
Heavenly Father, I thank You that Your presence in our life isn’t dependent upon whether we feel like You’re near or not. Today, as we seek to draw nearer to You through Your Holy Spirit, help us to pray specifically, trust fully, watch expectantly, and praise You quickly.
What specific answers will you be watching and listening for this week? If you feel comfortable sharing in the comment section, I’d love to join you in that prayer. Otherwise, can you share how God has personally revealed Himself to you lately?
Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. Gods voice in response to mine is its most essential part. ~ Andrew Murray
(Last Sunday, one of our pastors at
Summit Upstate, Kyle Estepp, mentioned the wind in relation to the Holy Spirit. It reminded me of the above post from 2011. Because it stays in step with our October series I decided to slightly tweak it and re-post.)
#Write31Days:
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
{ Day 3 }
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17
My friend, Becky, and I co-lead a Community Bible Class. Our current study by Angela Thomas’ Do You Think I’m Beautiful? is proving to be quite the eye-opener.
In it, Angela shares how our wholeness is found only in God—not spouses, parents, children, friends or stuff.
For today, let’s talk friendships.
|
| Skipper sinking in quicksand. Love Gilligan’s Island! |
Just this week, I emailed Teresa, my best friend of 20+ years, sharing a current struggle. In that moment, I felt surrounded by circumstances heavier than quicksand (Does anyone else have Gilligan’s Island flashbacks when you hear that word?) She responded with much wisdom, discernment, and a fresh perspective to boot. Teresa, along with my other friends, are a treasure to me. They are, as Angela describes, vessels of God’s love. They are not, however, placed in our lives to make us whole.
Here are three (of many) ways we could unknowingly be looking to our friends for wholeness rather than God:
1. Without hesitation, we
pick up the phone (or tap on the laptop) to ask for a friend’s advice
instead of first whispering a prayer to the Lord for His wisdom. (James 1:5)
2. We allow friend’s advice to trump the Word of God. Yet another reason to surround ourselves with godly friends. (Proverbs 12:26)
3. We place unrealistic expectations on our friendships. Our friends need to be released from the pressure of making us whole. It’s impossible. They can’t do it, nor should they.
“A girlfriend can be fun, but she cannot be your savior. We need God.” -Angela Thomas
Staying In Step With The Spirit: When we look solely to God to fill those empty spaces in our lives, we draw closer to Him, relying on the unseen Face rather than familiar ones.
Father, thank You for creating places in our lives that only You can fill. Forgive us where we’ve sought out anyone or anything to take Your place. Fill us today with your power, grace, and mercy — not only for our benefit but for others as well. May You receive all the glory!
Is there a particular friend you’re thankful for today? The comment box is the perfect place to give a “shout out!” Or, if you have something to add to the list above, I invite you to share.
#Write31Days:
{ Day 2 } Staying in Step With the Spirit Via Less Clutter
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
{ DAY 2 }
I know, I know. The saying “Cleanliness is next to godliness” is not in the Bible, but whoever came up with it may have been onto something.
I don’t know about you, but having things neat and decluttered goes a long way in clearing my head, especially when trying to quiet myself before the Lord. I sit down to read my Bible, study, or simply take in the silence and all of a sudden a multitude of should be’s collaborate with a stack of books and dust scarred table tops to vie for my attention.
With this in mind, I’d like to introduce you to another 31 Day writer, Ruth Soukop, of LIVING WELL Spending Less. Her beautiful Web site is dedicated to living the good life on a budget — a life not dependent on what we have but who we are. It’s chock full of creativity, wisdom, and graphics that make me envious smile. This month, Ruth is challenging us to rid our homes of the clutter in order to clear our home, mind and schedule. I’ve signed up to receive her daily emails for 31 Days but you can also order the book via Kindle.
Staying in step with the Spirit: I know of fewer things that put a hiccup in my step than distractions. We can’t control them all, but I’m asking God to show me those distractions which I can kick to the curb (or at least improve) in order to stay more in step with His Spirit.
Father, keeping our homes decluttered seems like such a baby step but I thank You for the many ways Jesus valued the little things and how often He used them as examples.
“Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I
compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted
in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air
perched in its branches.” Luke 13:18
I’d love for you to join me on this journey in finding fresh and creative ways to stay in step with the Spirit, and if one of those ways includes a clutter free home, be sure to check out Ruth’s challenge here.
#Write31Days:
{ Day 1 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Our Senses
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
Here’s why I’ve decided to participate in Myquillyn Smith’s (The Nester) 31 DAYS writing challenge to blog every day during the month of October:
- I love to blog. It’s that simple. Putting my thoughts out there for all to see is a bit scary but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
- The challenge offers a unique opportunity to meet other bloggers. Who doesn’t enjoy meeting others willing to undertake similar challenges?
- Structure is my friend. Having said that, I’ve decided to blog every day in October except Sundays.
- Because it’s where I am right now. The theme for my October blogging is “Join In The Dance…Staying in Step with the Spirit.”
Later this week I’ll be sharing the “why” behind the topic. In the meantime, if you enjoy blogging, it’s not too late to join in the fun!
