Everything we need

Yesterday I was grumpy with my husband.  I felt very justified.  I also felt cross because I knew shouting at him about it would only make him dig his heels in. 

Thankfully I went to God with my grumps.  I told Him how awful my husband was.  How he needed to change.  

God listened.  God waited for me to listen.  

Which I did . . . eventually . . . after a good wallow. 

I asked God what I should do.  How could I correct him and show him the error of his ways?

When God finally had my attention He reminded me . . . how much He had forgiven me.  How He continues to love me despite my ongoing flaws and failures.

His instruction was not what I was hoping for:  love him. 

I realised that my own love for my husband was inadequate and that I needed God to give me His love for my husband.

I came across this verse:

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" 2 Peter 1:3

Oh gosh!  No excuses.  He gives me everything I need to live a godly life.  I don't have to have it myself already. I need to come to Him. He has all I need.  He doesn't download it all in one go for the rest of my life though. I need to come to Him each day - even each moment - and receive His resources for whatever situation I'm in. 

Thank You Father for loving me and for your patience with me. I come to You now, so thankful that You have everything I need and more.  I open my heart to receive Your immense love. Please fill me to overflowing so that I can love those You give me to love - especially my family!!  Amen.

PS Please note that my husband had not done anything more terrible than lose his patience over spilt drinks and bad table manners.  No need to call social services!!

Do it just for Him

Psalm 32:8-9
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Don not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you."

God's guidance is gentle. He instructs, teaches and counsels in love. He does not want to control us like a horse, forcing us in the direction He wants us to go. He desires for us to willingly come to Him, to still ourselves to hear His gentle whisper and that we choose with freedom how we respond to His loving counsel.

I've always written lots in journals. I've always sung lots at the piano. I feel God has said both 'write' and 'sing' to me a number of times over the years. I know there are things He has given me to share. But I get hung up on it not being good enough.

Well, who am I doing it for? The applause of the world? Or the pleasure of my loving Heavenly Father? He is just like an earthly dad who takes great pride in the scribbled efforts of his child because his child presents him with a piece of paper and says, "Daddy I drew you a picture." The father's heart bursts with love and pride because of the love offering the picture represents.

So it is with all our offerings.

He paints the sunsets every evening.  How could we possibly paint anything to rival or impress Him?

He created music, gave the birds their songs to sing, gave every musician and composer the skills they use to make incredible music.

Yet I believe He takes real delight in my writing and singing for Him - however imperfect.

Psalm 32:11 "Rejoice in the Lord and be glad you righteous; sing all you who are upright in heart!"

Sing!  He wants you to sing.  He loves to hear you sing.  You don't have to be an incredible talented musician.  Do it for Him. He loves to hear your voice.

I'm not very techy, but below is a link to a song by Joni Eareckson Tada which is about just this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTXqiodq3ik

The lyrics are:

If I could dance, if I could glide across the floor in perfect time
If I could spin in graceful circles you would find
I'd dance for You Lord, I would dance for You.

If I could sing, if I could lift the golden notes up to Your ears
If I could send the music up for all to hear
I'd sing for You Lord, I would sing for You

Chorus:
But oh, Your love has no limit and when I am in it I can, Lord it's true I can
I know it's not only small things, but I can do all things,
Lord in You I can.

If I could fly, if I could spread my wings and soar through time and space;
if I could rise above the world to see Your face
I'd fly to You Lord, I would fly to You

Each life has a song and a dance of its own
And each heart has the wings and the will to fly home



So - whatever you do - do it for Him. He will love your offering because it is your unique offering to Him. 

Lord this blog post is for You.  May it bring You pleasure Lord.
If You choose to use it to bless others as well, that will be a wonderful added bonus.
But I write this for You, because I love You. Amen