Being Open To God

"God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus."

This is an introductory quote from one of Max Lucado's popular books, "Just Like Jesus: Learning to Have a Heart Like His." I chose to refer to this book, because today I have been listening to a song (the one I posted in this message) and I felt it had a great message so I wanted to find a good book to go with it.

Max Lucado talked about how God loves you just the way you are and how we should not confuse His love with the love of people. Whereas the love of people is often based on performance, God loves you right where you are. The author then gave a beautiful analogy of what it would be like if, for one day, Jesus were to become you. He raised some great questions that I challenge us all to ask ourselves: Would your priorities change? Would those around you detect more joy? Would you treat the less fortunate the same? And your friends and family?

The main message I'm hoping to send is a reminder to be open to God's leading in your life. See people the way He sees them. See trials, struggles, and daily circumstances the way He does. Ask Him to open your eyes, ears, mind, and heart the way Shawn McDonald does in the song posted.

I pray the Lord stirs something in you and you have a desire to let Him live through you even more today. Let His light be the light that directs your actions.

God bless,
Shannon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzSwqCbZqL8

Let Him Direct Your Steps

Recently I've been reading "Streams in the Desert" devotional by L.B. Cowman. Tonight I read one about letting God lead our paths and I found it really inspiring so I wanted to pass it along. Here it is below:

"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." - Jeremiah 10:23
Take Home: God's ability to direct our lives well is infinitely beyond our ability. Sometimes we are afraid of His power and His plans because we know His power would easily crush us if He used it against us. Don't be afraid to let God correct your plans - He will give you wisdom if you are willing.

"Lead me in a straight path." - Psalm 27:11
How do we receive God's guidance? The first step is to want to be guided and to realize that God's primary guidance system is in His Word, the Bible. Psalm 119 tells of the endless knowledge found in God's Word. By reading the Bible and constantly learning from it, we will gain the wisdom to perceive God's direction for our lives. When we are willing to seek God in prayer, learn from His Word, and obey Him, then we will recieve His specific guidance.

"Many people want to direct God instead of surrendering themselves to be directed by Him. They want to show Him the way instead of submissively following where He leads." - Madame Guyon <-- I love this quote! :) How true is this in our lives?! Sidenote: Some people call Christianity a "crutch," but when you get down to the basics, you realize that this is far from the Truth. Living for Christ and being His follower requires submission on our part and self-denial, which are not easy things. They must continually be given effort. Something to think about: The life we're living now determines where we will end up. Let us take this into consideration and surrender our paths to the leading of our Heavenly Father. We may be tempted to demand answers from God, but instead let us ask for direction. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend and staying warm. I pray you remember the infinite knowledge God has the next time you are seeking guidance and, as a result, turn to Him for direction. With love and prayers, Shannon