Follow first, see second

Below is my devotional for today, thought it was worth sharing.

Reflecting God - Follow First, See Second

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Follow First, See Second Posted: 17 Jun 2014 12:00 AM PDT John 1:35-51 “You don’t have to believe me,” a salesman proclaims. “There’s a money back guarantee! Absolutely no risk to you!” Lots of spray-on hair, food dehydrators, and wearable blankets have been sold under those promises. People are like that. We like to see some proof before we make a commitment. Perhaps that is why being fully devoted to Christ provides such a challenge forsome. Maybe it was a stretch for John the Baptist’s two disciples, when they asked Jesus where He was staying, because He didn’t directly answer their question. Instead, He invites them to follow. “‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see.’” (John 1:39a). The order of the two verbs—come then see—is repeated later when skeptical Nathanael inquires about Jesus’ credentials. “‘Come and see,’ said Philip” (John 1:46b). In Christ, it’s follow first, see second. Often, when I have asked the Lord a question, I have sensed in His response not information but an invitation. In those instances, like John’s two disciples, I didn’t just simply see where Jesus was but who He is. Author: Brian Charette

Chair folding

While sitting pool side relaxing I observed a lady trying to fold a Chair the incorrect way. Try as she might it wouldn't fold. Such is the way our lives are outside of gods will, gods plan. Try as we might nothing works out. We have problem after problem or situation upon situation. When we seek first his will it all falls into place. 

This quote from a book my Oswald chambers seems to fit. 

 If I am abandoned to Jesus I have no ends of my own to serve. 

- Chambers

If we abandon ourselves to him we will have nothing outside of his will in the way. I pray I live abandoned to his plan, not mine. 

A faithful watchman

(The following is a devotional from May 31st titled reflecting god)

After seven days the LORD spoke his word to me. He said, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the people of Israel. Listen to what I say, and warn them for me. Suppose I tell you that wicked people will surely die, but you don’t warn them or speak out so that they can change their wicked ways in order to save their lives. Then these wicked people will die because of their sin, but I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But suppose you warn the wicked people, and they don’t turn from their wicked ways. Then they will die because of their sin, but you will save yourself. If righteous people turn from living the right way and do wrong, I will make them stumble, and they will die. If you don’t warn them, they will die because of their sin, and the right things they did will not be remembered. I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn righteous people not to sin, and they don’t sin, they will certainly live because they listened to the warning. You will save yourself.” (Ezekiel 3:16-21 GW)

The watchman was a key and comforting figure in ancient cities. Typically the Jews divided the night into three “watches” of approximately four hours each. The watchman was to stay alert while the city slept. It was his job to watch out for any danger that might threaten the life or property of the residents: thieves, fire, an approaching army, whatever. If a danger was discovered the watchman was to raise the alarm. If a watchman neglected his duty by sleeping on his watch or, even worse, by taking a bribe to “look the other way,” his own life could be forfeit for his betrayal of trust. Being a watchman was a serious responsibility.

 

It is no less true for the one who speaks for God. If God gave Ezekiel a warning for the people, he must speak out “or be held accountable for their blood” (3:18). If they ignore God’s messenger, then the judgment falls on them but not His faithful servant.

 

Ezekiel was God’s servant whether in silence or speaking.

 

Faithfulness was the key. It still is.

 

http://youtu.be/N2kl7tqpnY4

Trust

Lay your requests before me and wait in expectation. Waiting and trusting g are ever so closely connected. The more you trust me, the more you can wait with a positive attitude. Meeting with me each morning is a profound demonstration of trust. This practice helps you begin the day with a thankful heart-receiving it as a precious gift from me. 

Waiting in my presence has beneficial "side effects" so don't be overly focused on getting the answers you seek. In my holy light you relate to me as creature to creator, as clay to potter. This humbles you and helps you worship me as I truly am. Many people create in their minds aconvenient god who suits their goals and lifestyle. They may call this god by my name, but they are actually practicing idolatry. You need to search the scriptures to protect yourself from this tragic deception. As you read my word ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate your mind so you can see me more clearly without distortions. 

Feel free to bring me many requests, because your world is brimming with neediness - as you are. While you watch and wait in my presence, look trustingly up to me. I speak graciously to your heart, assuring you of my unfailing love.  

In the morning, O LORD, hear my voice. In the morning I lay my needs in front of you, and I wait. (Psalms 5:3 GW)

But now, LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our potter. We are the work of your hands. (Isaiah 64:8 GW)

Indeed, the time is coming, and it is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. The Father is looking for people like that to worship him. (John 4:23 GW)

But I trust your mercy. My heart finds joy in your salvation. (Psalms 13:5 GW)

http://youtu.be/LZfsxydxEXA

http://youtu.be/hfa3GZOEb38

Renewing your mind

Don't be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. I understand your struggles; I know that the world exerts relentless pressure on you, trying to squeeze you into its mold. This is why you need time alone with me. When you open up to me and invite me to transform you, I can work freely in you and accomplish amazing things.  One of my most challenging tasks is renovating your mind, and my spirit is always at work on this project. He does not overwhelm you with his power. Instead, he prompts the prompts you gently and convicts you cleanly – showing you where you need to make changes and helping you develop new attitudes.

Many Christians are unable to discern my will because their minds are entangled in worldliness. The glitter and glamour of this world distract them from me, so they do not since my nearness. As you are transformed by the renewing of your mind, you progress in your ability to discern my good and perfect will. You  also become increasingly aware of my loving presents with you.  This awareness is so pleasurable that it draws you ever closer to me - increasing the effectiveness of my work in you, creating an upward spiral of transformation. Thus you grow not only closer to me but also more like me. This is a foretaste of what is to come when I am fully revealed: you will be like me, for you will see me as I am.  

(From a devotional by Sarah young)

Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. (1 John 3:2 NLT)

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT)

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT)

Footprints

Be strong and courageous. Don’t tremble! Don’t be afraid of them! The LORD your God is the one who is going with you. He won’t abandon you or leave you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 GW)

http://youtu.be/IbAk1WxdSXI

We all walk a path in life.  For some the path is illuminated and obvious where it leads. Others it is more dark, or even pitch black. Still others it wanders into and out of the light. No matter what, or how you may feel god is always right beside you. You might stray from the path, it doesn't mean god leaves you to find your way back in the dark.  He is still there.  

The following poem I think sums it up better than I can. 

Footprints in the Sand

One night I had a dream...

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and

Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;

One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my life flashed before us,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many times along the path of my life,

There was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life

This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,

You would walk with me all the way;

But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,

There is only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why in times when I

needed you the most, you should leave me.

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious

child. I love you, and I would never,

never leave you during your times of

trial and suffering.

When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you."

                                                         ~~~~~~

Footprints Prayer

Blinders

While sitting on i66 this morning in traffic it occurred to me that everyone was intently focused straight ahead, not much concerned with what was to their left or right, but intently focused forward.  It was almost as if they had blinders on.  It also occurred to me that we can get so focused on what is in our path, we fail to see the beauty of what god has given us.  We are so intent on focusing all our energy on what we see that we neglect to see the plan god has for each one of us.  I pray that I am always mindful and aware of his will and his plan.  Not to focus on what is in front of me, but to seek his will in all I say and do.

http://youtu.be/86dsfBbZfWs

http://youtu.be/LA_uwWPE6lQ

What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that. Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God’s grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily. (Galatians 2:19-21 MSG)

http://youtu.be/8T3EySH-o7w