Tag Archives: God Speaks

Overwhelmed with the presence of God

It has been awhile since I have posted here.  I realize that it is a technical mistake to not continually post – especially if one wants to keep those following as a follower.  I appreciate those who have messaged me or spoke with me in some way that I needed to write.  That’s always so encouraging… thank you!

So, why have I not been writing? It began at the start of Lent.  After reading, Wonderstruck, about Margaret Feinberg‘s experience around Lent, I decided that this year I would take those days leading up to Easter to focus.  And focus is what I did! I sat down to write several times but each time I felt like my focus was being divided.

Matthew 6:33 was the basis for my focus.  I began praying around these words of Jesus, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.”  I researched the Bible and prayed with the focus of God’s Kingdom and His righteousness.  As I began praying, I realized how self-centered my prayer life had become.  My praying over the years had become about the later part of Matthew 6:33, “…and all these things will be given to you as well.”  I realized I had been seeking “things” rather than seeking God.  My relationship had become about the physical over the spiritual-love-life that God so desires to have with His people.

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied withgetting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. (Matthew 6:30-33, The Message).

At the beginning of Lent, there was a lot of things that came up against me and my family.  I was beginning to wonder if what I had began to do was the right thing or not.  I pressed on!  With each obstacle, I spoke to God and prayed with His Kingdom and His righteousness as my focus.  I did not ever pray about the specific issues that came up.  I trusted the words of Jesus to seek first His Kingdom.

I write in a journal most days.  That journal at times becomes a list of stuff I am wanting God to bless me with.  I begin praying about those things and neglect intimately seeking God.  Think with me for a moment about your best friend.  Do you have them in mind? OK, now imagine every time you see them instead of talking with them you ask them for something.  Not ever once inquiring about their life or thinking about their needs, etc.  All you want out of them is something they can give you.  How long do you think you are going to have that relationship if it is only based on you asking them of something?  It’s not going to be much of a relationship is it?

If all we have are lists of things we are praying about – where is the relationship with God? 

During Lent, I came to realize my past “comfort” was found in praying over my problems rather than finding real comfort from the Holy Spirit.  Because the Holy Spirit is at work around us, all of the time, God knows what we need.  We don’t have to “worry” our prayers before God over those things.  He truly desires for us to live in freedom rather than fear.  I found freedom this year in knowing God.  I am so thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.  I am thankful for this time of Lent.  I am thankful for a renewed passion for love I have for God.  I am thankful for all the Holy Spirit has done in the past couple of months.  I am amazed and so blessed.  I can honestly say with great passion and grace I have been Wonderstruck by God.

Have you been accused of cheating on God?

I keep reading James 4 and 5.  It seems like for the past couple of years I will go through moments where I keep going back to these two chapters… over and over.  The other morning I sat down to read and James 4 came to mind so once again I begin to read.  The words, “You’re cheating on God.” stood out to me.  My first reaction was, “No, I’m not.” Until I read the next couple of verses.

You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”  (James 4:4-6, The Message).

If you have been keeping up with me the past week or so – you will know I have been reflecting a lot from Margaret Feinberg’s new book Wonderstruck.  I have been more focused on the wonder of God and how He takes the opportunity to show up in our lives.  Margaret’s thoughts have led me down a path that looks for how God plans on showing up next.  I have been finding that life is a bit more wonderful when I live with this kind of expectancy.

God wants our attention.  Not only our attention but our affection… deep love and commitment to Him.  He desires for us to want only Him.  The book of James reminds us, “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.”  I asked myself, “Where have my pursuits and thoughts been?”  Career, money, family, that problem I can’t seem to conquer, some sin, and/or God’s will more than God Himself – These are all areas in which any of us could be accused of cheating on God.  Now why any of us would really do that is really the mystery.  While I sit here and ponder this I really wonder how in the world I could ever put anything else before God.  His love for us goes beyond what any language can communicate.  In fact, His love is best communicated through the life of His Son – Jesus.  But, I know the attraction to flirt with the world is there.  The way James puts it each time I decide to give my focus and affection somewhere else – I am cheating on God.

It doesn’t have to be a sinful thing that moves us into flirting with the world.  It could be a good thing… even a godly thing… as long as it takes the place of God then we have walked into a situation that could lead us into relying upon ourselves, someone else, or that thing that has won our affection more so than God.

So, where do your thoughts take you?  Are you living in oneness with God or are you cheating on Him?

The other side of the mountain

After my run up Pine Mountain I spent some time sitting enjoying the scenery and the cool breeze.  I was the only one up there for the first 10 minutes or so.  I was later joined by a woman who apparently ran up behind me then two other men who had hiked up with water bottles in hand and walking sticks.  They sat down near me talking business and an acquisition they were considering.  I thought it was an interesting way to discuss business.  Based on their conversation (I wasn’t listening in at all - I promise) they go up there often.

Once I was done taking in the sites and conversations I decided it was time to go.  As I began the RunKeeper app on my iPhone I decided to run the other side of the mountain too.  The purpose for the run beyond the exercise and scenery was to hear from God that morning.  My checklist was complete with the exception of hearing from God.  It wasn’t until I was heading back up the mountain on the other side that I encountered Him in a way that was real and personal.  I had not been satisfied with just making it to the top.  I wasn’t going back home without knowing the experience was complete.

As I was reading Colossians this morning I was reminded of a previous post, When your path intersects with God….  The run back up the other side was exhausting.  I wasn’t taking in the scenery any longer.  I was only concerned about getting back to the top to enjoy the view.  That’s when I related the run back to my life and how too often I stop focusing on the beauty of the journey when things get tough.  In hindsight, it makes me see how much I enjoy living on the mountain top.  The words of Paul in Colossians 3 are fitting as I’m reminded of “the other side of the mountain,”

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides.  Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you.  Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ – that’s where the action is.  See things from his perspective. (Colossians 3:1-2, The Message).

When your path intersects with God…

…it is nothing short of wonderful!

I love the Fall season.  The cool crisp air. The leaves turning colors. I also enjoy the rain that typically accompanies the season.  A couple of weeks ago I went for a run on Pine Mountain.  It’s a beautiful little trail on the east side of our town.  The Friday that I took off from work was perfect for some time with God on the mountain.

My prayer that morning was to meet God on the trail, on the  top of the mountain, see Him in the scenery, or hear Him in the breeze.  I wanted to hear Him speak to me.  I wanted to know He was with me.

From every angle of the path, the leaves, and the mountain I looked at was picture perfect. (I took a lot of pictures).  The colors of the leaves were absolutely beautiful.  As I ran, I kept noticing the path I was on.  The path continued to stand out.  I would look at it off in the distance to see where I was headed.  I would pay close attention to the rocks so I would not trip.  Occasionally, I would stop and look back for a moment to see where I had been.  The perspective of the path was always a bit different when I would take a moment to look back.  

I made it to the top and decided I would do the trail on the other side of the mountain as well.  It was when I was about half way up the other side that I began to get tired.  My eyes were no longer enjoying the scenery.  My body was asking, “Why did you want to put me through this run?”  I was just trying to get back up to the top.  I stopped for a moment and that is when I believe I heard God speak to me.  This is the thought that came to mind and what I recorded in my notes that day,

Life has become overwhelming. You have lost your view of the journey.  You are focused on the rocks in your path and the perceived darkness looming ahead.  Roye, look at what you have begun to focus on… You are no longer enjoying the journey.

I stood there tired.  I stood there and understood.  I stood there and I knew I was not alone.

Within the past week, I’ve been given the opportunity to preview Margaret Feinberg’s soon to be released book, Wonderstruck.  I’m amazed at how God is speaking to me right now.  I have personally received so much confirmation and affirmation for where I am in life as I have read this book.  She writes,

Many of us say we want to experience God, but we don’t look for his majesty. We travel life’s paths with our heads down, focused on the next step with our careers or families or retirement plans. But we don’t really
expect God to show up with divine wonder.

God invites us to look up, open our eyes to the wonder all around us, and seize every opportunity to encounter him. (26-27).

I have begun praying for God’s wonder.  I believe my path has intersected with God…  On the trail a couple of weeks ago and this week as I have been reading Wonderstruck.   Little did I know God was preparing my heart two weeks ago to be reading this book now.  I believe this is one of those wonderstruck moments Margaret writes about.  I pray you will begin to look for God to show up in your life in places you would least expect Him to.  In fact, I challenge you to ask God to show up in ways that only He can so you will know there is no mistaking that He is with you.  

Praying for wonder…

Perfect timing for Margaret Feinberg’s latest book, Wonderstruck.  Her new book is set to be released on December 25, 2012.   I sat down in the living room to begin reading the first few chapters that were sent to me. As I began to read, I watched my youngest daughter play.  She is only 2 years old and has a life  ahead of her to learn and grow.  I can see the wonder in her eyes with each new experience she faces.  She hasn’t faced any real hardships in life beyond the occasional, “No, you can’t do that.”  That moment made me stop and question if God looks at me in the same way.  Does He see me as one who is filled with wonder?

I also have 3 older girls and 2 boys.  The oldest being 18 years old.  She also has a life ahead of her to explore.  I’m watching her as she applies to several different colleges around the country.  Both of my daughters are looking at the world around them with wide-eyed wonder.  They are both at different stages in their development – yet they both are on the crest of excitement as they adventure on in this life. Are you and I living with that same wonder?

Margaret Feinberg’s, “Wonderstruck,” has not disappointed… I haven’t even started chapter 1 either!  Her ability to draw my attention to the most simple and basic thoughts concerning God and His pursuit of a relationship with me are beautiful.  Her introduction has drawn me to a place to pray – to ask God for wonder.  I am confident you will also have a similar experience as you read it.

A few weeks back I was up praying.  It was around midnight when I decided to go outside to walk and pray.  As I looked up at all of the stars I had a moment where I was Wonderstruck.  Margaret describes such moments like this:

The wonder of God is that moment of spiritual awakening that makes us curious to know God more.

That moment lead me to praise and worship Him as I stood there that night.  I pray I never lose my sense of wonder in my pursuit to know Him more.  That’s why as I embark on this journey through Margaret Feinberg’s, “Wonderstruck,” I’m joining her and praying for wonder.  I hope you will too.

This song by The Choir, Wide-Eyed Wonder, came to mind as I was reading and watching my 2-year-old.

Ignoring Internal Reservations

This year I have been asked to take on two different teams and my response to both was, “Yes, I will take it on.”  (The teams were with different organizations.) I had reservations prior to agreeing to work with both.  At the time,  it seemed the opportunities out-weighed the reservations.  In both cases, shortly after I started the small reservations I had internally became great stumbling blocks.  The result was that both began to affect other areas of my life and eat away at real passions I have.

A few things I learned as a result or saying, “Yes.”, when I should have responded with, “No.”:

  • Listen to the quiet internal reservations and investigate them.
  • Ignoring the reservations can bring on unwanted stress later.
  • Lost momentum. (Personally and for the team).
  • Risk of losing credibility if the reservations aren’t dealt with first.

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 10:5 have been very helpful to me as I have moved forward with stepping away from both teams.  I’m realizing how important it is to take every thought captive

We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. (The Message).

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV).

I have come to understand the importance of taking every thought captive and submitting them to the obedience of Christ.  There is freedom found in Jesus when we trust in him and allow him to shape our lives with his life.  I read in My Utmost for His Highest , “When the inspiration of God does come, it comes with such miraculous power that we are able to arise from the dead and do the impossible thing.” (Oswald Chambers)

What’s that I hear?

I miss those moments I once spent in a Canyon just west of Durango, CO.  The memory of the fresh air and the quietness of that spot on our planet is intoxicating.  It’s a place I really desire to go and visit once again.  There is a small stream that flows down that is so inviting to sit by.  The sound of the water as it rushes over the rocks  is calming to the soul.  The sight of the water as it flows tucked within the bank is reassuring that all of God’s creation has meaning and purpose.

I long for moments like those I spent there.  Those memories of camping, walking, talking, mountain biking, and thinking in that canyon are wonderful.  Memories that seem to always be calling me to return.  Just as I have those memories, there are other memories from my past that seem to find their way into the forefront of my mind. 

Today as I cycle, drive off in my car, or sit quietly and pray or read Scripture - I keep hearing the same few words fill my mind.  This Voice continues to echo through my mind the same message I have heard so many times.  It’s a call to follow Jesus in way that is greater than the life I could plan on my own.  This echo is something that Margaret Feinberg calls the Sacred echo, “…those moments when God speaks the same message to my heart again and again.” (24).

Oh, how I want my life to count. To be filled with meaning and purpose.  To be stretched in order to live worthy of the calling He has placed within my soul.  I’m reminded of a parable Jesus taught in Matthew 25:14-31.  I must confess, these days it seems I am more like the one who buried his talent.  I want more than anything to be faithful to Him who has given to me so freely.  I want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful son.”  But until that day, I want to live life to the fullest of God’s potential working through me.

This week I saw the movie, Blue Like Jazz.  I was once again reminded that my life is a story.  I have a choice today to determine how I want this story to be written.  I can choose to live boldly or I can continue to live in fear and hide that which God has given.  What is it that you hear? What is keeping you from living life to the fullest?

Speak to me

Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”  Keeping the commandments our Lord laid out for us is how we show him that we love him.  He has outlined for us in the Bible the way we are to live.  Within in each word he has spoken we find life, direction, hope, love, and the key to fulfillment.  If we love him we will keep those words – we will keep his commandments.

Oswald Chambers points out in Exodus 20:19 (NLT),  “And they said to Moses, ‘You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!,’”

We show how little love we have for God by preferring to listen to His servants rather than to Him. We like to listen to personal testimonies, but we don’t want God Himself to speak to us. Why are we so terrified for God to speak to us? It is because we know that when God speaks we must either do what He asks or tell Him we will not obey. (My Utmost for His Highest, February 12).

We honor his words by obeying what he has spoken to us.  Do you recall the E.F. Hutton ads? “When E.F. Hutton speaks everyone listens.”  When God speaks we need to listen and obey.  What has God spoken to you lately? It is vital to our walk with Jesus that we take the time to quietly come before him and listen. 

David charged Solomon with this words found in 1 Chronicles 28:9,

“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

Have you heard him? Ask him today to speak to you.

“Edit Walker”

Several weeks ago I was checking my son in at church.  I was in the process of making the correct selections for the class he was going to be in when he noticed a button on the screen that read, “Edit Walker.”  With his 9-year-old wheels turning he asked, “What does that mean?”  I replied, “Computers have a button that allows us to go in and edit our lives.”  He didn’t buy it. 

We went on to talk about this a little while later.  We talked about why we go to church, read God’s Word, and why we pray.  I explained to him I do these things in order to give God the opportunity to teach me so I can get to know God better and so I can make the necessary changes in my life in order to become the person He created me to be. 

Too me it seems like I put God in a box and look for Him to speak to me in certain ways.  I look to those moments from the past and think I should learn certain things to help me adjust my life today… at least so I won’t repeat the same mistakes twice.  I know God chose this simple moment at the check in station to speak to me through my son’s question.  While reading Oswald Chambers this week I read,

Do not look for God to come in any particular way, but look for Him. That is the way to make room for Him. Expect Him to come, but do not expect Him only in a certain way. However much we may know God, the great lesson to learn is that at any minute He may break in. (My Utmost for His Highest, January 25).

There is no set formula on how to hear God.  I find that at different seasons of life He speaks in different ways to me.  My main job is to look for Him – in all circumstances.  I’ve got a lot of growing left to do.  Each day I know that a part of that growing comes from those moments where the Holy Spirit needs to do a bit of editing of my life. 

I’m ready!  I’m ready for God to break into my life.  I’m ready for the renewing and editing that I know needs to take place.  I know that I have a story to tell… I know you do to.  Be ready.  Be on the look out for Him to show up in your life.  There is not an easy edit button on your life.  Submit your ways to Him… and may they become His ways.  Just when you least expect to see Him begin to look… seek Him and you will find Him.