"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

8.09.2010

Abiding Monday


I had this little devotional book called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. I gave it to my daughter last year. For my birthday a friend gave me another copy. Apparently God wanted me to read it again. I am thankful He did.

Yesterdays reading:


"I speak to you from deepest heaven. You hear Me in the depth of your being.  Deep calls to deep. You are blessed to hear Me so directly. Never take this privilege for granted. The best response is a heart overflowing with gratitude. I am training you to cultivate a thankful mind-set. This is like building your house on a firm rock, where life's storms cannot shake you.  As you learn these lessons, you are to teach them to others. I will open up the way before you, one step at a time."  (Psalm 42:7; Psalm 95:1-2; Matthew 7:24-25)


God seems to be doing this in my life, one step at a time. One more little nugget of truth. They have been little baby steps. He has been gentle in his workings. But today a verse came to mind that shook me a bit."Though he slay me, I will trust in him." (Job 13:15) My prayer for sometime has been, Lord I really do want you to be first in my life. For I know that only He can fill the voids in my heart. That when I fill them with other things, they may ease the emptiness or pain for a short time, but they always return. This morning I gave Him permission to do what He needs to do. God is gracious, he will not push himself where he is not wanted.

Father, may I trust you in the process.  Help me not to want to return to my "Egypt's".

Blessings!

15 comments:

Nancy said...

"A Thankful Mindset"....and I can so identify...It seems He keeps bringing this thought to me in different ways.....

Truly making Him first is a scary propostion in some ways but just as you said other things don't feel the space He wants to occuply...

I needed to hear what you had to say this morning...I am glad you were faithful to listen and Obey...You touch many lives with your obedience...

Hugs my friend.........

jgr said...

I have that book, too! I love it and read it everyday. Yes, 'baby steps' are powerful!

Francois said...

"God seems to be doing this in my life, one step at a time. One more little nugget of truth. They have been little baby steps. He has been gentle in his workings."

This echos so much the way God has been dealing with me.

God really is a gentle and gracious God.

Thanks for the re-view of my journey.

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

I LOVE this. I am a firm believer in a positive, open mind, gathering more positive, more openness, more miracles, more gratefulness. Thank you for this reminder, and for this book. I need to get it, too.

Anonymous said...

I have this book, too. This was one of my favorite readings. I can't even put into words how this spoke to me. Sometimes I think others hear God's voice like I do. They look at me like I have three heads. This was like God confirming the gift He has given me to hear him in my innermost being. Thanks for sharing this. This is such an amazing concept, that I am being led by God in my Spirit. It is overwhelming to me.

Blessings,
Tammy

Just Be Real said...

I do not have that particular book by Sarah Young but her one called Dear Jesus which is a blessing. Her writings through the Holy Spirit are truly awesome! Thanks Mary for sharing. Blessings.

lori vliegen said...

such a powerful message, mary! and i love this line: "Never take this privilege for granted." how true, how true, how true!!! thank you for sharing your heart with us! xox, :))

Jennifer Richardson said...

I love this, Mary. Such a sweet reminder.
I love that you gave Him permission....and that He waits for it! It just melts my heart that He isn't pushy. Isn't controlling. Gosh, just takes my breath away.

Thanks for posting this, Mary.
-Jennifer

Denise said...

Beautiful.

Buffy said...

Thats what I need to do is to take baby steps. Thank God he is patient with us. Thanks Mary for sharing this.

Shelby and Bev said...

oh mary, i am sooooo in the same place you are, thank you for this post....and i intend to get that book...
xo

DJ said...

Lovely....
and always near...

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

Wow Mary! You have such beautiful heart! And to give Him permission to continue refining you like gold, well wow is all I can say. You are an inspiration to me. You are such a beautiful pot now, and I can't imagine the beauty you are going to be once he puts his jewel marks all over you.

Unknown said...

Oh yes my dear sister you truly do have a sweet spirit...and God oozes from all of you as you share more and more of your growth. You inspire me so much...I'm coming alone by clearing out the clutter of my mind making more room for my Father in Heaven. Please keep me in your prayers...love you Mar...

My Journey to Hope said...

Wow, that's good, almost prophetic the way it's worded. I may have to check that book out. I'm reading "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer, and it's really challenging me to remember my first love. Good stuff! I hope you're feeling better soon!

:) Michelle