Being Christians, we all know the Source of our needs. When in ministry we must remain close to Him; so we can hear His voice, so we can know His will, so we will remember where to go for strength, renewal,inspiration and all the other things we need.
Writing takes a lot of energy and effort. If we are to be diligent in our work we must reach out to God daily. His love for us and care for our needs is so great and this is a humbling thought. We must not let those thoughts keep us from seeking Him. Remember, Christ made us worthy.
We don't often take note of the things we need for our daily lives or the protection, direction and strength it takes just to get through our day. There is more, we must maintain a sensitive spirit and seek God in every thing. The list also includes seeking Him; for a calm heart, spirit and mind as well as praying for friends and family to support us, safety for all those we love, knowledge, understanding, fortitude, discernment, wisdom, ability to use all that He provides.
We can get easily discouraged if we don't make a point of remembering WHO is in control and that it isn't about us/me. It is ALL about Him. It is ALL for Him.
Praise God that He is. Praise God that He saved us. Praise God it IS all for Him!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
God's Provision
When things don’t go the way we wish it is easy to get discouraged. But if we depend on God for those things, for everything, then we can trust in His provision. I’ve been trying, unsuccessfully, to find an agent. I’ve done research, mailed letters, emailed companies with no luck. I began to get the feeling that perhaps all I needed was a little more information on how to go about looking for an agent and how to get them to give my manuscript a try.
Then the other day, while shopping with my husband, at the local B&N store, he spotted a book with an interesting title. “The First Five Pages” by: Noah Lukeman was sitting on the shelf along with a collection of books on various subjects. My dear husband handed it to me thinking I might be interested and after reading the forward I decided to purchase the book and take it home.
Sunday afternoon we drove to a small town on the nearby coast with a shopping district, carnival and upscale restaurants. On the drive I opened the book and started reading the introduction. I could tell right away that this book would be worth the money I paid for it. I can see it sitting on my shelves years from now, dog eared, marked and highlighted. Some might regard this a horrible way to treat a good book but I have a feeling that Mr. Lukeman would understand and be pleased to find that his work had found such an appreciative reader.
Although I never treat books this way I feel sure that this book will be so indispensable that I will refer to it often, place bookmarks and post-its in it’s pages and of course recommend it to my writing friends.
I can see now that there is much to be done with my manuscript and I am grateful God led me to this tool. It will help me improve my work so that when I do submit it will be in the best shape for perusal by an agent or editor.
Have you found a good tool lately? Has God shown you something about your work?
Then the other day, while shopping with my husband, at the local B&N store, he spotted a book with an interesting title. “The First Five Pages” by: Noah Lukeman was sitting on the shelf along with a collection of books on various subjects. My dear husband handed it to me thinking I might be interested and after reading the forward I decided to purchase the book and take it home.
Sunday afternoon we drove to a small town on the nearby coast with a shopping district, carnival and upscale restaurants. On the drive I opened the book and started reading the introduction. I could tell right away that this book would be worth the money I paid for it. I can see it sitting on my shelves years from now, dog eared, marked and highlighted. Some might regard this a horrible way to treat a good book but I have a feeling that Mr. Lukeman would understand and be pleased to find that his work had found such an appreciative reader.
Although I never treat books this way I feel sure that this book will be so indispensable that I will refer to it often, place bookmarks and post-its in it’s pages and of course recommend it to my writing friends.
I can see now that there is much to be done with my manuscript and I am grateful God led me to this tool. It will help me improve my work so that when I do submit it will be in the best shape for perusal by an agent or editor.
Have you found a good tool lately? Has God shown you something about your work?
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Life & Attitude
How does our attitude affect our lives?
Often I am confronted by the Lord about why I am unhappy or having a bad day. And it is because of my attitude. Am I doing what I’m doing because I love Him? Am I giving Him my best in whatever endeavor I am involved in? How can I if my thinking is off or affected by the sins of others? How can I if I am unhappy or letting fatigue affect how I feel about it? If there is no joy then something is wrong.
If I expect to continue to be of use to our Lord then I need to take care of myself in every way. Physical health is necessary to maintain energy to work. Spiritual health is necessary to continued growth and usefulness. Mental health is important if we want to be able to reach others for Christ. Emotional health is needed if we are to deal with all that comes our way daily. For all of this we must work and yet we must depend on God’s leading.
Sometimes my attitude is affected by things around me, people or situations I have no control over. But, I can control my attitude through prayer and letting God adjust my thinking. Praying for someone or something that is negatively affecting my life does so much more than complaining and letting it make me angry. Praying the blood of Jesus over those situations puts it into God's hands. And asking Him to use it for His glory puts it into perspective for me. It changes my heart and my thinking.
Thank You, Lord, for always holding me accountable, always bringing me back into your will and for always making a way for forgiveness and restoration. Thank you that I can depend on You to get me back on your path. Thank you for all you give me; blessings, direction, protection, forgiveness, work, joy, health, family, finances, home, church family, friends, I could go on forever. Thank You, Lord. Be glorified in all of your children, be glorified in ALL things. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Glory to God in the highest!!
Often I am confronted by the Lord about why I am unhappy or having a bad day. And it is because of my attitude. Am I doing what I’m doing because I love Him? Am I giving Him my best in whatever endeavor I am involved in? How can I if my thinking is off or affected by the sins of others? How can I if I am unhappy or letting fatigue affect how I feel about it? If there is no joy then something is wrong.
If I expect to continue to be of use to our Lord then I need to take care of myself in every way. Physical health is necessary to maintain energy to work. Spiritual health is necessary to continued growth and usefulness. Mental health is important if we want to be able to reach others for Christ. Emotional health is needed if we are to deal with all that comes our way daily. For all of this we must work and yet we must depend on God’s leading.
Sometimes my attitude is affected by things around me, people or situations I have no control over. But, I can control my attitude through prayer and letting God adjust my thinking. Praying for someone or something that is negatively affecting my life does so much more than complaining and letting it make me angry. Praying the blood of Jesus over those situations puts it into God's hands. And asking Him to use it for His glory puts it into perspective for me. It changes my heart and my thinking.
Thank You, Lord, for always holding me accountable, always bringing me back into your will and for always making a way for forgiveness and restoration. Thank you that I can depend on You to get me back on your path. Thank you for all you give me; blessings, direction, protection, forgiveness, work, joy, health, family, finances, home, church family, friends, I could go on forever. Thank You, Lord. Be glorified in all of your children, be glorified in ALL things. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Glory to God in the highest!!
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