Consult the Lord...

The devotional for today was discussing the importance of keeping your word. The scripture portion that stuck out to me though was found in Joshua.

Joshua 9:14 (last part):

"...but they did not consult the Lord."

Joshua and the Isrealites did not consult the Lord when they met the Gibeonites and agreed to make a peace treaty with them. They were supposed to destroy the people of the land but because they were deceived, they did not realize what they were doing and agreed not to harm these men. Once they found out who they were there was nothing that could be done. They had agreed and made a vow so they had to honor it. As a result, the Gibeonites became the servants of the Isrealites...

What struck me about this was, how many times I just go on feeling rather than taking the time to consult the Lord. Many times I just 'go with it' rather than taking the time to pause and hear what He has to say. How many times could I avoid frustration or a bad situation if I would just take time to consult Him?

Lord, remind me of this passage when I get ready to make decisions. I ask for wisdom to make the right decisions. I pray that you would grant me the wisdom to know when I should wait. Jesus I want to make wise decisions and not just jump in on what 'feels' right. I want to be on and to stick to your path for my life. I don't want to waver off any more... Keep me close to your side and whisper in my ear - this is the way, walk in it.

Thank you Lord for being my companion.

New mercies...

Confession... sometimes, I have a hard time doing my devotions in the morning. I know it's the best time of the day and I find my days go so much better when I take the time to have breakfast with Jesus. However, I also find that when I do and then take time to write out my thoughts... we run behind and my husband is then late for work and frustrated. But if I wait until evening... it's after 10 when I get to stop and post my thoughts... and by then... I'm tired. 

Jesus, please help me go to bed earlier so I can get up earlier. I long to spend time in the mornings with you and there is no doubt that my week has been better because of taking that time to be with you. Please help me be consistent.

These were the words that I wrote on my journal pages this morning:

Psalm 96:2-3:

Sing to the Lord; praise his name.

Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.

Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.

Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.

Lord, I ask that you would grow me in the areas of speaking, writing and proclaiming your good news and all the great things you have done for me. Provide opportunities for me to sing, to speak, to write, to tell others about you. Open my ears to hear your voice. Open my mouth to speak your words. Open my heart to feel what you feel towards others. Show me what to do. Guide me each step of the way. I pray I will be obedient to your leading.

I love you Lord.

Baby steps...

This is the beginning of what promises to be an incredible journey. You see, I was blessed to be able to attend the Proverbs 31, "She Speaks" conference and I must say... God's presence was so amazing.

At first I was incredibly overwhelmed and intimidated by all these women I was meeting who seemed to be 'accomplished' or ready to be published. They had been there before and had so much confidence in the calling that's on their lives. I on the other hand am a beginner. I kept asking the Lord, "WHAT am I doing here?" and yet, I knew that He had brought me to this place so He had to have a plan and a purpose in mind. Doesn't He always?

Saturday night... Renee Swope spoke this incredible message on doubt and discouragement. She shared about her own experience with doubting what God had called her to and how He showed her that she needed to turn towards the Light. In the Shadow of the Cross played and I was moved to tears. We then took cards with our doubts and fears and discouragement to the cross and left them there. In exchange, we were given cards with promises on them. My promise is the scripture written above and what stood out to me was that I CAN show others the goodness of God because He has brought me out of darkness and into His marvelous, glorious light. It was so powerful.

What the Lord showed me was that He has called me to write. He has called me to share my story and the experiences I've had. He has called me to tell others of His goodness and grace. He showed me that He will always be there, to be my companion and my guide. He will lead me and He will show me the next step to take... this is the first step.

I'm looking forward... forward to all that God has planned, unfolding before me in His timing.

Amazing...