Are we looking for miracles? 8:12 says that there may not even be a hint of a guarantee that God is present for you. Are we blaming others for what's not happening inside of my own life? 8:16 says: "Finding fault because they forgot"...do I think that if that certain person in my life were not a part of my life that all would be okay?
Do I see clearly my issues, my problems, my roadblocks? 8:23 says: HE put spit in the blind man's eyes. Am I waiting for something miraculous to come along or do I realize God can use everyday stuff like spit to open my eyes. Do I see men walking along that look like walking trees? Wonder why Jesus didn't heal the blind man fully the first time? Things don't work like I think they do.
What are you saying about Jesus? Peter gave the right answer: "You are the Christ, the Messiah." But when Jesus explained to the disciples in 8:31 about his upcoming death, Peter's response: Peter grabbed Jesus in protest---he had a better idea than God. Jesus response: "You have no idea how God works. Get out of my way! Satan, get lost! Let Me lead...don't run from suffering. Embrace it (8:34).
This isn't pie-in-the-sky by and by. You are going to see the Kingdom of God arrive in full force in a Light-Radiant Cloud (9:1). There are no 'ifs' among believers (9:23). Anything can happen." Then, help me with my doubts (9:24).
Am I following the path of last place that Christ has me on? The disciples were riddled with ambition. Discussing and arguing in 9:34 about who was the greatest among them. You want first place? Take the last place. For how long, God? Our flesh does not want to suffer. Our flesh does not want to fail. Our flesh needs to be crucified with Christ that I may no longer live but Christ in me...Gal 2:20 coming up soon.
"Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am.."
ReplyDeleteI was just talking with my friend about ballroom dancing the other day. We were both sure we could be great dancers if we have only had a good leader. We make life more difficult when we don't let HIM lead. We can embrace the suffering when we surrender to HIS leadership through it all.
Have a great day, friends!
xoxo
My precious dog has taken a turn for the worse. Macy dog is with Blair in Louisiana as we couldn't keep her any longer. She was in the dog hospital all day yesterday receiving an IV but she's not that much better this morning. What to do? She has anemia and heartworms. She's 10. Pray for me to let her go if we need to. I'd so love to be with her again. She's been a great faithful dog companion for 10 years. Don't quite know what to do. The hospital wouldn't give her antibiotics or meds---have to go to a vet. And we spent so much money at the hospital. Oh dear. We just want to help the dog if there's hope. Appreciate your prayers for me---seems like my days continually hold drama. Do I want a break? Or do I want to embrace this small suffering surrendered to His Leadership---definitely so.
ReplyDeleteMark 9:8 – “The next minute the disciples were looking around, rubbing their eyes, seeing nothing but Jesus, only Jesus.” Can we even imagine standing in His glorious presence, seeing only Him? No night, no tears, no failing health--only Jesus. One amazing Day!
ReplyDeleteMark 9:23 - Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen." My days are filled with ifs. Where am I not believing?
Mark 9:49-50 - Everyone's going through a refining fire sooner or later, but you'll be well-preserved, protected from the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace."
Praying that we hold up under the refining fires and tests this day.
Bev, I'm praying for Macy and for you this afternoon. I know how much a dog who has shared so much of your lives can capture your heart.
Tomorrow evening, Beth is having a night of Bible study in Houston at First Baptist. Christy Nockels will be there as well. We sang her song, Healing is In Your Hands Sunday in church. If anyone is going, let me know. I'd love to see you.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say thanks to each one of you for the thoughts you post. Each one of you finds a way to say something that really encourages me. I read through all of your thoughts and feel so very blessed to have this group walking with me this year. I miss your thoughts when you are away. And I love the way we can all read the same few passages and come away with a different Word from Him. He is so very Satisfying...
ReplyDelete"At about this same time he again found himself with a hungry crowd on his hands."
ReplyDeleteSo, here I am. Again. Today. At about my usual time.
I am that hungry crowd coming to my Lord. But it's not food that satisfies me here.
It is the Bread of Life. And He is the Bread of Life.
I come hungry. We all come and sit around the table waiting on God to satisfy our hungry hearts. I am the little girl, starving, holding out her tin cup, asking for Him to feed me. Lord, here I am. So hungry for You. I can take the silence here at my home. I can take the raw wound of abandonment by my spouse. I can take the fears and doubts as I wait patiently on You.
But I CANNOT take the hunger. I am here to let You feed me.
Psalm 145:15-16
"The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing."
Commune with me, Jesus.
Hey, Bev!
ReplyDeleteI just told my husband about your situation and he suggested you get her to a vet to treat the Heartworms. It will probably cost somewhere around $500.00 and is pretty safe. He didn't have any great suggestions that were less expensive. Sorry! I'll pray for Macy! Keep us posted!
Love,
Angie
Thanks Ang! I forgot your husband was a vet! I called our vet in F.W. and he got her hospital records from yesterday. Our vet gave her a thorough exam in August before I gave her to my daughter. Macy was anemic then. This hit her really fast. Like over the weekend. She literally has collapsed. She's 10 years old. So, our vet sent her meds today for anemia and heartworms---she has had two rounds. But they don't think she can make it to the weekend. She's that sick. Pray for me---I can't stop crying thinking about putting my dog to sleep. If she's not better by Thursday, then we are going to put her to sleep. Thanks Ang! I'm so attached to that crazy lovely dog! God will help me unattach~~~
ReplyDeleteIt's SO hard, Bev! I'll pray for you all! We had to put our Golden Retriever down and it was WAY harder than I ever imagined. They are really family! YES, I'll pray. Wish I could do more for you!
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Angie xoxo