Found

 

I recently read the statement, "God reveals Himself to a people that aren't even looking for Him." I thought about that for days.  Thinking of the “in and out” relationship the people of Israel had with God.  Soon I placed myself in the people category. Frankly I too wasn't looking for God at the age of sixteen, but yet there HE WAS! I was lost and didn't know it. Found by a God I wasn't even looking for.  God tells the folks through Isaiah, "I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me” (Isaiah 65:1). 

Remember good old Abe?  He settled in the land of Haran, God told him to move on and go to a land He would show him.  Abram wasn't looking to move let alone looking for God.  Abram was busy, looking elsewhere, he wasn't looking for God.  Yet there He was—looking at Abram. 

How many of us too weren't looking?  We were busy elsewhere.  Thank You God for making Yourself known, seen and heard.  Thank You that even when we weren't aware of our lostness, YOU revealed Yourself.  

Found.

Full-stop, Turn Aside

 

Moses & the burning bush (Exodus 3). Moses is out with the flock when he saw a bush on fire, but not being consumed. Curious, he thinks he should go to investigate. When Yahweh saw that he "turned aside to look"—it was then He called to Moses from within the bush and ultimately commissions him. God waited. He waited until Moses gave Him his full attention. This one-on-one, God with Moses (from the flame) sets the narrative for the rest of Exodus, God was in the flame. Moses trusted the flame. May we too, not keep God waiting—offering full stop, "turn aside." It is here that God speaks. Here, we take off our sandals, this place is holy, God’s presence—God’s word.

Cause to Pause

In our current culture we raise and wave the banner of God's love, which is SO worthy to do so. But we often forget our God is so HOLY. May we echo the Pastors' words in Hebrews; "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." (12:28-29). That alone is cause to pause. Reverence and awe.

 

Holy Expectation

30 Second Bible Study: King David wrote, "Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation" (Psalm 5:2-3, NIV). Scholars believe David wrote this when running from his "wanting to de-throne the King" son, Absalom. David didn't just pray, he leaned in. He leaned forward. Anticipating God's response. He did so in the morning - early. May we too lean in with such eagerness. First thing. Holy expectation! Happy Sunday. 

 

I'm wondering. Where are our older folks? 50+ in age? Why don't we see them on the platforms anymore? Paul wrote "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:6). That good work is NOT done yet. God said, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you" (Is 46:4). God sustained. God is still sustaining. They have something to say, wisdom to share - to encourage, to teach.

Do It Afraid

Multiple times we read in the bible, “Do not be afraid." Afraid of people. Afraid of circumstances. Afraid of what people will say and do. Each instruction speaks to the fear – yet – continues with instruction. Sometimes we must “Do it afraid!”  Stepping out in faith does not mean there is not some level of fear. Apprehension. Pause. We cannot, must not allow fear to paralyze us. To Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Elijah, "Do not be afraid." Hezekiah "He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him (2 Ki 18:6) Yet it was told him "Do not be afraid" (19:6). And to Daniel "Do not be afraid." (10:12).  And Stephen giving his speech, (Acts 7) I’m sure his heart was racing.  Were they men of faith?  Yes.  They did it afraid, in and through the fear.  Do it afraid.

 

Quietly

"Let all that I am wait QUIETLY..." Wow, what a challenge. If you are like me, I tend to always be fiddling with stuff. Crackling - noisy stuff. Stuff that is full of complaint and self focused. Yes, I am noisy. May I lay it all down and come to God empty handed (best plan for a noise-less encounter). Quietly.