HEY GIRLS, I HOPE I GOT SIGNED IN QUICK ENOUGH. I can never begin to say thanks for letting me share with you and learn from you and hopefully grow with you during this journey. I have had a blast and wish we could meet up some time. I won't be long but I wanted to share just a few gems I discoverd along our way.The first part of the study I was a little intimidated by all this blogging and getting on the right date, and well you get the picture; that I wasn't looking deep enough or I was trying too hard to see things that just wern't there. But praise God the last 3 lessons opened my eyes and heart to exactly what I was needing and dealing with in my now.
I too, have been bothered all my life because of things I was taught in my childhood. I had perfectionism burned into me for so long that just in the last 8 years of my life believing that is NOT how God has it all planned out. My outward appearance must ALWAYS suppress or out rank anything I had on the inside. Whether I was saved, smelled like it, or felt like it or wanted to, I had better look like it! GONE BE THAT IDOL! I live for the joy of my Lord! Also, the Lord will noy allow me to live in the desert forever. This too will pass. There's so much more but I don't want you to run from me just yet! Please someone, anyone, contact me via my e-mail or phone. (865-688-8534) Iwant to hear about your lives and how God is working and evident in you. Send me a group pic and I'll try to send you guys one also. Love much, Carla Lee from Knox, Tn
Friday, August 22, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Remaining In The New
Remaining In the New
By: Michelle Adams
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Put on-enduo-Greek word-to be clothed with
I asked the Lord how I could truly remain in this new beginning day after day and year after year. How could I clothe myself with this new person? A person, who thought different, felt different and behaved different than she had in the past? How could I truly become the person that God wants me to be and how could I walk in the center of his will? I can say all sorts of things but to see them come to pass, to live them everyday can be difficult. I asked for insight.
Everyday at least twice a day I change my clothes. In the morning I take off what I slept in and dress to go out to work. In the evening I change from my work clothes to whatever I am sleeping in. I would never consider going off to work in my pajamas so why do I sometimes go off to work without clothing myself with the new man? It’s the same thing. When I wake up in the morning before starting a new day I must invite the Lord to come go with me, I must communicate with Him and seek His guidance for that day otherwise I am leaving home bare and uncovered. I haven’t clothed myself with the new man I have neglected my Heavenly Father and my relationship with Him. This makes a huge difference in how the day goes and my attitude about the events of the day.
A day in most of our lives lasts several hours usually somewhere around eighteen and we only sleep about six. During the course of eighteen hours a lot of things happen. It’s common to drop something you eat or drink on your clothes; once the spot is there it doesn’t just go away. Spiritually speaking our days are filled with different people, many events, things that sometimes hurt, that make us angry, frustrated or just plain tired. We wear these things emotionally so many times and the affects of them can be seen whether we realize it or not.
That’s why it’s so important that at the end of the day we bring our baggage to the altar in prayer. Everything that we have picked up that day, all the things that have stained our lives and left a mark we must lay down at night. We have to talk to the Lord about our day and tell Him all that has taken place and leave it there with Him. That’s the only way we can truly lay down and rest in peace. If we will learn to do this we can get up the next morning with a clean slate because we’ve put it down the night before. We can put on clean, fresh clothes spiritual as well as physically and anew each morning. The stains from yesterday do not have to go with us again today. Today holds its own spots and if we don’t lay them down every night we will find that we are full of them. We will end up on overload, feeling overwhelmed and not knowing how to cope.
As I write this I am reminded of a Women’s conference I attended one Saturday four or five years ago with a co-worker. The speaker that day talked about walking in a new beginning and ridding yourself of all that was passed. Her illustration was of a wall. She said we are born with a blank wall but as we grow up all those around us write on our wall. The wall becomes covered with all the writing, it affects our behavior, our attitude and how we deal with things. She taught that when we come to Christ, he has the ability to erase what is on our wall. Christ Jesus can erase that old man but we have to let Him. We must be willing to look at the wall that has been covered with various things and talk about them. We must invite the Lord to erase those things, usually one at a time.
When God erases something that has been written on our wall he writes a new thing. He gives us new life and a new beginning, He really does make us new people and he compels us not to have the wall become covered again with negative things or things that are not of Him. He wants to write on our wall filling it with the goodness of His grace and mercy. He wants us to clothe ourselves with the new man everyday, to start with a clean slate, that’s why His word tells us His mercies are new every morning. We mess up, we endure a lot and we face so many different things. God presents us the opportunity to rid ourselves of all things old and remain in the new. The only way to remain is to repeat the pattern of changing your spiritual clothes daily.
Heavenly Father, I desire to remain in the new. Help me to clothe myself with the new man every morning and to lay down all that happens in a day every night. I don’t want to carry today with me tomorrow but I want to learn to start anew. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By: Michelle Adams
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Put on-enduo-Greek word-to be clothed with
I asked the Lord how I could truly remain in this new beginning day after day and year after year. How could I clothe myself with this new person? A person, who thought different, felt different and behaved different than she had in the past? How could I truly become the person that God wants me to be and how could I walk in the center of his will? I can say all sorts of things but to see them come to pass, to live them everyday can be difficult. I asked for insight.
Everyday at least twice a day I change my clothes. In the morning I take off what I slept in and dress to go out to work. In the evening I change from my work clothes to whatever I am sleeping in. I would never consider going off to work in my pajamas so why do I sometimes go off to work without clothing myself with the new man? It’s the same thing. When I wake up in the morning before starting a new day I must invite the Lord to come go with me, I must communicate with Him and seek His guidance for that day otherwise I am leaving home bare and uncovered. I haven’t clothed myself with the new man I have neglected my Heavenly Father and my relationship with Him. This makes a huge difference in how the day goes and my attitude about the events of the day.
A day in most of our lives lasts several hours usually somewhere around eighteen and we only sleep about six. During the course of eighteen hours a lot of things happen. It’s common to drop something you eat or drink on your clothes; once the spot is there it doesn’t just go away. Spiritually speaking our days are filled with different people, many events, things that sometimes hurt, that make us angry, frustrated or just plain tired. We wear these things emotionally so many times and the affects of them can be seen whether we realize it or not.
That’s why it’s so important that at the end of the day we bring our baggage to the altar in prayer. Everything that we have picked up that day, all the things that have stained our lives and left a mark we must lay down at night. We have to talk to the Lord about our day and tell Him all that has taken place and leave it there with Him. That’s the only way we can truly lay down and rest in peace. If we will learn to do this we can get up the next morning with a clean slate because we’ve put it down the night before. We can put on clean, fresh clothes spiritual as well as physically and anew each morning. The stains from yesterday do not have to go with us again today. Today holds its own spots and if we don’t lay them down every night we will find that we are full of them. We will end up on overload, feeling overwhelmed and not knowing how to cope.
As I write this I am reminded of a Women’s conference I attended one Saturday four or five years ago with a co-worker. The speaker that day talked about walking in a new beginning and ridding yourself of all that was passed. Her illustration was of a wall. She said we are born with a blank wall but as we grow up all those around us write on our wall. The wall becomes covered with all the writing, it affects our behavior, our attitude and how we deal with things. She taught that when we come to Christ, he has the ability to erase what is on our wall. Christ Jesus can erase that old man but we have to let Him. We must be willing to look at the wall that has been covered with various things and talk about them. We must invite the Lord to erase those things, usually one at a time.
When God erases something that has been written on our wall he writes a new thing. He gives us new life and a new beginning, He really does make us new people and he compels us not to have the wall become covered again with negative things or things that are not of Him. He wants to write on our wall filling it with the goodness of His grace and mercy. He wants us to clothe ourselves with the new man everyday, to start with a clean slate, that’s why His word tells us His mercies are new every morning. We mess up, we endure a lot and we face so many different things. God presents us the opportunity to rid ourselves of all things old and remain in the new. The only way to remain is to repeat the pattern of changing your spiritual clothes daily.
Heavenly Father, I desire to remain in the new. Help me to clothe myself with the new man every morning and to lay down all that happens in a day every night. I don’t want to carry today with me tomorrow but I want to learn to start anew. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Roll Call
Be sure that you go to the LPM blog today and sign in! Beth wants us to individually give our name, city and state. I also put "Finished with Kentucky Siestas!" ;-)
Hope that you are enjoying the closing weeks of summer!
Hope that you are enjoying the closing weeks of summer!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Finishing Strong
Ladies,
I have posted the discussion questions for weeks 7 and 8. I hope that everyone has time to leave a comment or two. I thought that the last two weeks were very encouraging. At the end of this study, I feel that God has dealt with me regarding a few idols and I am surrendering them to Him. But I know that it is only by God's grace that I can say that. I am reminded of what we studied in week seven, day three "For when I am weak, then I am strong" and "His grace is sufficient for me."
I want to leave the Kentucky Siestas blog open for our mode of continuing communication after the study is finished. I feel like I have met some great ladies through this study/blog and I don't want to lose touch. If you will, post updates on what you are doing, studying, and either post or email any prayer requests. If you want to write a post of encouragement, please do. If you have deleted the email addresses for everyone, I can resend them to you. Just post a comment on the blog and I'll send them.
Early next week, Beth wants us to individually post our name and town on the LPM blog when we have completed the study (like we did when we signed up for the study). So, be sure that you add your name to the roll call!
God bless you all!
Cheri
I have posted the discussion questions for weeks 7 and 8. I hope that everyone has time to leave a comment or two. I thought that the last two weeks were very encouraging. At the end of this study, I feel that God has dealt with me regarding a few idols and I am surrendering them to Him. But I know that it is only by God's grace that I can say that. I am reminded of what we studied in week seven, day three "For when I am weak, then I am strong" and "His grace is sufficient for me."
I want to leave the Kentucky Siestas blog open for our mode of continuing communication after the study is finished. I feel like I have met some great ladies through this study/blog and I don't want to lose touch. If you will, post updates on what you are doing, studying, and either post or email any prayer requests. If you want to write a post of encouragement, please do. If you have deleted the email addresses for everyone, I can resend them to you. Just post a comment on the blog and I'll send them.
Early next week, Beth wants us to individually post our name and town on the LPM blog when we have completed the study (like we did when we signed up for the study). So, be sure that you add your name to the roll call!
God bless you all!
Cheri
Beth's Final NOG Message - Week 7 "Seasons of Aloneness"
Question 1:
Beth writes:
On the bottom of p.148 and in the context of promised blessing, Kelly writes, “Sometimes the Lord immediately replaces what we have left [as in, said good-bye to], and other times we are left feeling empty for a time.” At several very important seasons of my own life I believe God deliberately let me feel that empty space for a while before He filled it…even with Himself. If you’ve had a similar experience, share it and discuss what purpose God might have had in it.
This line of discussion also brings to mind the segment of Jeremiah 15:17 that Kelly shares on p.167 in Week Eight: “I sat alone because Your hand was on me.” Keep in mind that God created each of us to be a very plugged-in part of the Body of Christ. We were created for relationship but sometimes God draws us into a time of aloneness with Him so that He can work something IN US that He desires to later work THROUGH US. If you’ve had a season like I just described that had a pretty profound effect on you, share it briefly with your group.
Beth writes:
On the bottom of p.148 and in the context of promised blessing, Kelly writes, “Sometimes the Lord immediately replaces what we have left [as in, said good-bye to], and other times we are left feeling empty for a time.” At several very important seasons of my own life I believe God deliberately let me feel that empty space for a while before He filled it…even with Himself. If you’ve had a similar experience, share it and discuss what purpose God might have had in it.
This line of discussion also brings to mind the segment of Jeremiah 15:17 that Kelly shares on p.167 in Week Eight: “I sat alone because Your hand was on me.” Keep in mind that God created each of us to be a very plugged-in part of the Body of Christ. We were created for relationship but sometimes God draws us into a time of aloneness with Him so that He can work something IN US that He desires to later work THROUGH US. If you’ve had a season like I just described that had a pretty profound effect on you, share it briefly with your group.
Beth's Final NOG Message - Week 8 "Making Room - Cleaning the Heart"
Question 2:
Beth writes:
The intro to Session Eight was so powerful and dead on. Revisit the testimony about the married friend realizing she needed to get rid of the cards, letters and emails from the first guy she ever loved. Another friend shared a similar story with Kelly that she references on p.178. We can hang on to all sorts of things from the past besides old boyfriends and, often, until we really say goodbye, we can’t say hello to something wonderful God has for us. As Kelly’s been telling us for weeks, we’ve got to make ROOM.
Discuss a time you came to a similar conclusion and acted on it.
OR, if you haven’t let go of something but you know you need to, ask your group members to hold you accountable and pray for you to have courage to follow through.
Beth writes:
The intro to Session Eight was so powerful and dead on. Revisit the testimony about the married friend realizing she needed to get rid of the cards, letters and emails from the first guy she ever loved. Another friend shared a similar story with Kelly that she references on p.178. We can hang on to all sorts of things from the past besides old boyfriends and, often, until we really say goodbye, we can’t say hello to something wonderful God has for us. As Kelly’s been telling us for weeks, we’ve got to make ROOM.
Discuss a time you came to a similar conclusion and acted on it.
OR, if you haven’t let go of something but you know you need to, ask your group members to hold you accountable and pray for you to have courage to follow through.
Beth's Final NOG Message - Week 8 "He Brought Us Out...To Bring Us In"
Question 3:
Beth writes:
I loved Day Three! Revisit Kelly’s first paragraph on p.173. What is the “bridge between the old and the new”?
THEN, take a good look at Deuteronomy 6:23 in the margin of that same page and note Kelly’s abbreviation of it in the second paragraph: “He brought us out…to bring us in.” Girlfriend, that statement deserves an index card! Why is it so critical to keep that concept in mind?
Beth writes:
I loved Day Three! Revisit Kelly’s first paragraph on p.173. What is the “bridge between the old and the new”?
THEN, take a good look at Deuteronomy 6:23 in the margin of that same page and note Kelly’s abbreviation of it in the second paragraph: “He brought us out…to bring us in.” Girlfriend, that statement deserves an index card! Why is it so critical to keep that concept in mind?
Beth's Final NOG Message - Week 8 "Your Harvest is Just Beginning!"
Exhortation:
Beth writes:
The last two days of study out of the Book of Ruth were so good. Didn’t you love the last line of Ruth 1 (V.22) where we learn that Ruth and Naomi, devastated and grieved, entered Jerusalem, just “as the barley harvest was beginning”?
Read John 15:8 "By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
As we draw our journey to a close, having moved out some idols to make room for Christ, encourage one another to believe God to move in powerfully and purposefully. Speak these words over one another, emphatically and with authority: "Your harvest is just beginning!"
Beth writes:
The last two days of study out of the Book of Ruth were so good. Didn’t you love the last line of Ruth 1 (V.22) where we learn that Ruth and Naomi, devastated and grieved, entered Jerusalem, just “as the barley harvest was beginning”?
Read John 15:8 "By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
As we draw our journey to a close, having moved out some idols to make room for Christ, encourage one another to believe God to move in powerfully and purposefully. Speak these words over one another, emphatically and with authority: "Your harvest is just beginning!"
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Living Proof Live Pictures
Travis Cottrell has posted the Louisville LPL pictures on his blog - The TCM blog, traviscottrellministries.blogspot.com. Check it out.
Let me know if any of you are in the pictures.
I recognized my friend, Amy Allen, who is the facilitator for my Bible study home group in Anchorage. She is in a picture praying with a woman.
Let me know if any of you are in the pictures.
I recognized my friend, Amy Allen, who is the facilitator for my Bible study home group in Anchorage. She is in a picture praying with a woman.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Living Proof Live
To the ladies that were blessed to attend the Louisville "Living Proof Live" event (and simulcast):
Please, for those of us who could not attend, post how things went. I want details, details and more details.
Thanks!
Cheri
Please, for those of us who could not attend, post how things went. I want details, details and more details.
Thanks!
Cheri
Monday, July 28, 2008
Beth's Message #4 - Week Five, Question One
It's been a whirlwind since we left Saturday for Destin. The place where we are staying is supposed to have WiFi, but it was spotty, and basically nonexistent. So, in order to have the Internet, I have to hang out in my brother/sister in law's room to be able to hook up directly to the modem (sorry Derek and Sherri :-)
I am copy/pasting in order to get the discussion questions posted tonight.
Love you all! Will post again later!
Cheri
1. Take a look at the bottom of p.103, starting with the question, “What word in Numbers 11:4 (NIV) is used to describe their desire for meat?” Discuss a number of specific ways craving something is different from wanting it. While you’re at it, continue a discussion Melissa and I started on a walk a few nights ago. We were talking about how you can tell you’re getting out of control with something when you start trying to be secretive about it. What do you think?
I am copy/pasting in order to get the discussion questions posted tonight.
Love you all! Will post again later!
Cheri
1. Take a look at the bottom of p.103, starting with the question, “What word in Numbers 11:4 (NIV) is used to describe their desire for meat?” Discuss a number of specific ways craving something is different from wanting it. While you’re at it, continue a discussion Melissa and I started on a walk a few nights ago. We were talking about how you can tell you’re getting out of control with something when you start trying to be secretive about it. What do you think?
Beth's Message #4 - Week Five, Question Two
Being Lazy and Pasting the Discussion Questions:
Take a look at the top of p.108 under “Personal Reflection.” I loved this line of discussion starting with this question: “Have you ever tasted or brought back fruit from a future promise that had not been fully realized?” Discuss that whole first paragraph.
Take a look at the top of p.108 under “Personal Reflection.” I loved this line of discussion starting with this question: “Have you ever tasted or brought back fruit from a future promise that had not been fully realized?” Discuss that whole first paragraph.
Beth's Message #4 - Week Six
Hi Ladies,
I am in Destin this week and the Internet has been spotty, so I am going to be lazy and copy/paste the discussion questions. I haven't seen Beth's video yet (when I wrote this, it hadn't been posted yet), so if there is further clarification, I will include that later.
From Week Six:3. Turn to p.125 and reread (one of you aloud to the group) the excerpt Kelly included by Charles Spurgeon. What are a few things we often try to do rather than refer our doubts straight to God? Then, read John 2:1-5 and note how Mary approached the pressing problem. As you conclude today’s gathering, have a brief time of prayer, letting those that feel comfortable praying out loud simply state their need or problem to God in one statement, something like this: “Lord, there is no more _____________________.” Or, “Lord, I am ____________________________.” Then simply tell Him that you’re trusting Him to do something about it. Try to resist fretting over it this week but keep watching for Him to turn some water into wine.
I am in Destin this week and the Internet has been spotty, so I am going to be lazy and copy/paste the discussion questions. I haven't seen Beth's video yet (when I wrote this, it hadn't been posted yet), so if there is further clarification, I will include that later.
From Week Six:3. Turn to p.125 and reread (one of you aloud to the group) the excerpt Kelly included by Charles Spurgeon. What are a few things we often try to do rather than refer our doubts straight to God? Then, read John 2:1-5 and note how Mary approached the pressing problem. As you conclude today’s gathering, have a brief time of prayer, letting those that feel comfortable praying out loud simply state their need or problem to God in one statement, something like this: “Lord, there is no more _____________________.” Or, “Lord, I am ____________________________.” Then simply tell Him that you’re trusting Him to do something about it. Try to resist fretting over it this week but keep watching for Him to turn some water into wine.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Have you read The Shack??
Hey Girls,
Well, I was on vacation last week and I have fallen behind in my homework for NOGs. I am trying to catch up. However, while I was on my trip I read the book, The Shack. Have any of you read it??? How about you LifeWay bookstore girls???
I wasn't quite sure what to think about it. I found it wild and weird, yet wonderful all at the same time.
I would love to hear from you all on this one.
By the way, I am coming to the Living Proof event in Louisville on Friday. Who else will be there?? Where can I find you?
Amy
Well, I was on vacation last week and I have fallen behind in my homework for NOGs. I am trying to catch up. However, while I was on my trip I read the book, The Shack. Have any of you read it??? How about you LifeWay bookstore girls???
I wasn't quite sure what to think about it. I found it wild and weird, yet wonderful all at the same time.
I would love to hear from you all on this one.
By the way, I am coming to the Living Proof event in Louisville on Friday. Who else will be there?? Where can I find you?
Amy
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Lifeway Visit
Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with our Kentucky Siestas that work at Lifeway - Connie, Karen and Katie (along with a few of their great co-workers)! Believe it or not, yesterday was my first visit to the store. Crazy isn't it? I've lived in Louisville all of my life, but haven't shopped there. We used to have a Christian bookstore a couple of miles from my house, but it closed (leaving us Southwest Jeffersonians with no bookstore, secular or Christian; no "better" clothing store; no mall within 15 plus miles....wah! wah! wah!).
Anyway, it was so good to put a face with the names of these wonderful ladies that I have grown to know and love! And I left with 42 dollars worth of merchandise and I wanted to buy so much more! I bought the trade book "No Other Gods" suggested by Karen, and I am halfway through it - it's a good narrative that adds to the Bible study.
Southeast Christian is gearing up for Living Proof event. I would love to be here, but I will be on the white beaches of Destin (and so will Yvonne's family). I know that everyone that attends will be blessed! FYI: Southeast Christian was requesting their home group to park in three remote parking areas and shuttle over. I'm sure that leaving early for the event each day would be good advice :-)
Anyway, it was so good to put a face with the names of these wonderful ladies that I have grown to know and love! And I left with 42 dollars worth of merchandise and I wanted to buy so much more! I bought the trade book "No Other Gods" suggested by Karen, and I am halfway through it - it's a good narrative that adds to the Bible study.
Southeast Christian is gearing up for Living Proof event. I would love to be here, but I will be on the white beaches of Destin (and so will Yvonne's family). I know that everyone that attends will be blessed! FYI: Southeast Christian was requesting their home group to park in three remote parking areas and shuttle over. I'm sure that leaving early for the event each day would be good advice :-)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Be Strict With Me
No other gods is very convicting. It is changing my life and making me see things more clearly. So many times my focus is off and I am distracted by so much that my mind is not upon my Lord. I want so desperately to put him first and live my life for him, knowing He is all that matters and it's really all about him and reaching others for the kingdom of Heaven.
Be Strict With Me
By: Michelle Adams
Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O Lord; and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
Not too long ago I was listening to a teaching CD by Beth Moore and I heard her tell how she began in her early thirties asking God to be strict with her. The Lord spoke to my heart that I too needed to pray that prayer. I didn’t want to; the thought of asking Him to be strict with me was frightening. Needless to say I haven’t been praying for that.
Last night I picked up my Bible and read Psalms 24-28 and when I came to this verse I was convicted. The Lord reminded of the night He had told me to ask Him to be strict with me. Again I honestly don’t want to do that I know I should because that would be obedience but it scares me.
I within myself am the most undisciplined person I know. My house is a wreck of clutter and nothing is ever in the right place. Most of the time I can’t even find what I am looking for. I have never followed a schedule. I have never been a morning person and for a long time now God has dealt with me to get up early and spend time with Him before starting my day. I have yet to accomplish that.
This morning I overslept so I woke up in a bad mood. This is a regular occurrence at my house. I rush to get ready for work and I rush out the door. While I’m driving to work I am putting in my earrings and applying lipstick so I am distracted. Usually after I sit down at my desk and am still for a moment I feel conviction because I haven’t spoken to my Heavenly Father yet.
Today as I was getting ready the Lord said, “if only you would obey my voice I would cause you to have victory.” I knew what He meant. God kept telling me, “if you do it my way, pray what I tell you to pray, obey my voice; discipline yourself I will work out all the rest.” I thought Lord I come home in the evenings and I spend time with you, some days I don’t turn my TV on at all. I pray and I study your word from the time I get home until the time I go to bed. This was no excuse and no great accomplishment. In fact the Lord let me know the reason I do that is because I have starved myself all day. It’s time for balance, it’s time to take up my cross daily and not nightly.
I have come to the conclusion that it’s time to walk in obedience and have whole-hearted dedication. I need to make up my mind that I will do things His way and not my own. I can’t make up for my morning neglect in the evenings. Yes, this was hard to swallow and yes it will be difficult to get in the habit of getting up earlier and having that time in the morning but for me that’s what God is calling me to. I am humbled by this truth but it’s time to confront it and make the necessary changes.
Father please forgive me for my disobedience for trying to do things my own way. I’m asking you now to please be strict with me. Examine me, search me, and try my intentions, my motives and the very intent of my heart. I want to do things your way and allow you to teach me to walk uprightly before you. Help me to step out and pray as you lead even when I am afraid. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Be Strict With Me
By: Michelle Adams
Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O Lord; and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
Not too long ago I was listening to a teaching CD by Beth Moore and I heard her tell how she began in her early thirties asking God to be strict with her. The Lord spoke to my heart that I too needed to pray that prayer. I didn’t want to; the thought of asking Him to be strict with me was frightening. Needless to say I haven’t been praying for that.
Last night I picked up my Bible and read Psalms 24-28 and when I came to this verse I was convicted. The Lord reminded of the night He had told me to ask Him to be strict with me. Again I honestly don’t want to do that I know I should because that would be obedience but it scares me.
I within myself am the most undisciplined person I know. My house is a wreck of clutter and nothing is ever in the right place. Most of the time I can’t even find what I am looking for. I have never followed a schedule. I have never been a morning person and for a long time now God has dealt with me to get up early and spend time with Him before starting my day. I have yet to accomplish that.
This morning I overslept so I woke up in a bad mood. This is a regular occurrence at my house. I rush to get ready for work and I rush out the door. While I’m driving to work I am putting in my earrings and applying lipstick so I am distracted. Usually after I sit down at my desk and am still for a moment I feel conviction because I haven’t spoken to my Heavenly Father yet.
Today as I was getting ready the Lord said, “if only you would obey my voice I would cause you to have victory.” I knew what He meant. God kept telling me, “if you do it my way, pray what I tell you to pray, obey my voice; discipline yourself I will work out all the rest.” I thought Lord I come home in the evenings and I spend time with you, some days I don’t turn my TV on at all. I pray and I study your word from the time I get home until the time I go to bed. This was no excuse and no great accomplishment. In fact the Lord let me know the reason I do that is because I have starved myself all day. It’s time for balance, it’s time to take up my cross daily and not nightly.
I have come to the conclusion that it’s time to walk in obedience and have whole-hearted dedication. I need to make up my mind that I will do things His way and not my own. I can’t make up for my morning neglect in the evenings. Yes, this was hard to swallow and yes it will be difficult to get in the habit of getting up earlier and having that time in the morning but for me that’s what God is calling me to. I am humbled by this truth but it’s time to confront it and make the necessary changes.
Father please forgive me for my disobedience for trying to do things my own way. I’m asking you now to please be strict with me. Examine me, search me, and try my intentions, my motives and the very intent of my heart. I want to do things your way and allow you to teach me to walk uprightly before you. Help me to step out and pray as you lead even when I am afraid. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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