Frankly Speaking—“The Hobbit”

For the word of God is alive and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,
joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

Are you a ‘visual’ person? Or are you a ‘reader’? I guess I’m a little of both. I like to read but I also like people ‘showing’ me how to do something. And if I can get ‘hands on’ experience! Voila! I’m a happy camper!

Currently, I’m re-reading “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien. Yes, ‘re-reading’! Why? You see, though I’ve seen the movies a couple of times and love them, I’ve never ‘read’ the books until one of my nieces ‘encouraged’ me to do so! Oh, friends, I’m so glad I did!!!! The movies can’t put in everything and didn’t! There’s lots of ‘really good stuff’ in the books!

So why am I going down this road today? First, let me ask you this—have you ‘read’ the Bible clear through at least one time? If not, can I encourage you to do so this New Year? Why? You see, church is really the “Visual” form of the Bible. Church can’t possibly ‘put in’ everything in just the ‘hour’ the pastor has on Sunday morning. Therefore, it is critical, yes, critical to ‘read’ the Book, God’s Word, to get the information we need to live like God wants us to!

Our pastors try hard, with the Holy Spirit’s leading, to give you really ‘good stuff’ for your soul. But my friends, it’s up to you to ‘dig’ into the Book, God’s Word, daily to get the ‘good stuff’ you need to serve Him that day. That’s something the pastor can’t do! You have to ‘feed’ yourself. You need to do this to get ‘the rest of the story’ as radio commentator, Paul Harvey, used to say.

One more thing. Keep reading the Bible. It’s the only book I know that will ‘grow’ with you. It says one thing to you when you are a child, something else when in your teen years, and still more into your adult years. For sure, the words haven’t changed, you have! Your life’s experiences continue to ‘grow’ you. Thus you need God’s Word, regularly, to help temper those experiences so you can discern what truth is. So keep reading my friends! Keep reading.

And if you have a mind to, dive into “The Hobbit” as well!

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Your Past Does not Define You

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19

Do you ever reminisce? Do you like to sit with family or friends and talk about the way things used to be? Maybe you discuss experiences you have had or lessons you have learned?  Does your past ever trip you up? Maybe there are things that you would rather forget.

I would say I fall into both categories. I love to sit with family and listen to old stories being told. I enjoy the memories that go through my head as my brother and I reminisce about our younger years at home together. I laugh with my husband as we remember our dating years. Yet amid all the fun memories there are many I would rather not speak of. There are sections of my past which I am happy to leave right where they are. There are even some over which I still trip from time to time.

One of my favorite parts of a new year is the feeling of freshness that comes with it. For me it is like turning the page in a book and beginning a new chapter. Sure, you can go back and visit the previous pages if you would like, but oh the excitement that comes with the many blank pages that lie ahead, just waiting to be filled! The possibilities are endless.

Many times, however, the devil wants to steal that joy from us. Yes, he wants to hold us back, to bind us down. He reminds us of our mistakes. Often times he tortures us with our past. You see, satan has no hope. He was given a choice many, many years ago and he made it. His fate is sealed. Now he wants nothing more than to keep you down, to hold you back. Remember friend, the devil is the father of all lies. (John 8:44)

I want to encourage you today with these words. Your past does not define you. No matter what you have done, or what your past may hold, God loves you. He sent His Son in order that you may have a future. When you confess your sins and give it all to God, He makes all things new. He wipes your slate clean and gives you a fresh start. (Psalm 103:12) What better way to start a new year than with the realization that you are God’s child? The plans He has for you are amazing! (Jeremiah 29:11) Do not let your past failures hold you down any more. Do not allow the devil to fill your head with lies. Hold fast to Jesus and the promises that He has made you.

Will you commit with me right now to put the past behind? Can we lay down the weight of our past mistakes and boldly walk into the future that God has for us? My prayer for you today is that you will take hold of the hand of Jesus and allow Him to lead you to the things He has waiting for you in this new year. The possibilities are endless if we will let go and let God.

 

 

 

 

 

God-sized dreams: Listening For God’s Voice

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

Do you ever get tired of the noise that seems to consume us every day?

How are we suppose to hear from God if we never take the time to get quiet and listen for His voice.

 

I have learned that in order to do God’s will in my life, I must get alone with Him and listen to what He has for me.

I begin every morning in my house the same way:

I get up and turn my coffee pot on.

I grab my computer and boot it up.

I take my place on the couch and I soak up the rare silence that comes in a house of five.

 

No matter how much I attempt to write on my own, nothing makes sense until I get alone with God and seek His guidance and His message for the day.

I first thank Him for giving me the ability to serve Him in this way;

I then ask God to give me the words that He would have me to say.

 

 

I am amazed at the awesomeness of our God, and I feel very blessed to get to share His Word with you every day,

but  I sometimes get hasty and tend to run ahead of God.

I am quickly reminded that He is the Author here, I am just the means by which He chooses to speak.

I am reminded to take time to sit, and listen for God’s voice.

It is only then that I can successfully write something that makes sense.

 

 

You see, without God we are nothing. We can not possibly accomplish our dreams until we give complete control to God our Father.

He is the Author of our lives. He knows every page that dwells within us. He wrote every word with His mighty pen.

 

 

Do you have dreams of your own? Maybe you are wondering if they will ever come to pass.

 

Let me offer you some encouragement today from God’s Word:

God has promised us in His word that He will never leave us or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

God’s Word also tells us that if we will seek Him we will find Him ( Matthew 7:7 )

And finally God’s Word tells us to, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33 )

 

 

I want to encourage you today to start in the right place.

Find time to get alone with God, and listen.

Listen for His words, listen for His calling, and listen for the guidance you are looking for.

 

 

I can tell you without any reservation that God will lead you in the direction He wants you to go.

All you have to do is get still, and listen for His voice.