Tough Questions

I am starting a class on Spiritual Maturity for the next 4 weeks. The questions at the end of the 1st lesson (which we will be discussing tomorrow) have made me really think about my walk with Christ.

1) Have I grown closer to God over the past year?
2) How do I know?

I obviously what to answer 'YES" to #1, but in all honesty......I believe the correct answer is "NO". When I tried to answer #2, that is when I knew my answer to #1 was "NO". I am ashamed to admit it, but I haven't grown much in the past year. So if I haven't grown, then I must have gotten worse - because you don't stay the same.

How do I know? I am still struggling with the same sinful habits and tendencies. Last year I was on a Bible reading plan, this year I read a short devotion each day. Not the same. I have gotten away from the Word, and for Christians - that is the oxygen we need to survive today's world. I don't think the world is getting any better; and if I have gotten worse spiritually the last year - then I have added to it.

It is all about what is important in our lives? We find time to do all the things we want to enjoy life, but we (I) am not finding time to do the things to make me enjoy eternity.

I have some reading to do............

Want to astonish Jesus?

Read Matthew 8:5-13.

Verse 10 is awesome. When Jesus heard the Centurion share his faith in Jesus being able to heal his worker just by saying so. "When Jesus heard this, he was astonished..." WOW! All it takes to astonish our Savior is to show our faith in Him. I can do that. You can do that.

So, when we are in the midst of temptation, struggling to make a life-altering decision, or just getting kicked around some by the world we live in.........have faith, show faith, demonstrate faith........believe in the One who will walk with you through any circumstance. Show Jesus some faith, and knock His socks (sandals) off. I can only imagine how He likes that feeling.

Have, show, and share some faith, today. Blessings.

A Few Good Men

I'm back...................................from an unplanned, non-productive break. Why did I stop blogging? The honest answer, I filled those times with other things, and stepped away from my time with God. How did I decide to come back? Simple....God's whisper. Yep, God sent me a message last night through a friend at my church. I was sitting down to eat at our Sizzling Saturday BBQ, and a friend came over to join me at the table. During our initial conversation I heard him say something like "you stopped blogging". I couldn't believe my ears. He said it so softly and to the point, and I heard it as a loud roar.........God was trying to lead me back. So...here I am.

The past 6 weeks have been hectic in my life. Extra work, kids off for the summer, nice weather, a little golf, work around the house.......and I realized last night, I squeezed God right out of my daily life. I blew it, again!

Today I read from Ezekiel 22:30 - "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." God is looking for a few good men. The last 6 weeks, when He looked my direction, He did not find one. Today...I WANT to change my appearance. Pastor Dave said last night, start eating better. I am starting to eat better, and returning to the source of eternal food. A daily partaking of this "good food" is just the ticket. I missed it.

Thank you, God, for the reminder last night on what I am missing. I am missing a lot. Finally, THANKS MIKE, for relaying the message.

Peace.