No more short cuts

My dad and I were driving back from my doctor's appointment today, when nature called so we saw a gas station in the distance and decided to stop there. Since we were in a hurry, we decided to turn right instead of waiting for the light turn. Long story short, we thought we knew a short cut, but we didn't. Trying to outsmart the stoplight only got us in trouble. If we would have just waited for the light to turn green, we would have been at the gas station sooner.

 

This little mishap made me think of when God lights a path for us to take and instead, we often take another path. God opens all these doors for us and we choose to close them so that we can open our own door. When that happens we can't blame God for the trials we've faced, because we ignored God's guidance in the first place.

 

In many ways God shows us which path to take, whether it be from reading the Bible, prayer, counsel and more. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Because we are selfish, there are times when we see His path and decide that our path is better than His. That's where we get in trouble. His path is better than our's. No matter what. From the distance, His path may look scary or boring or challenging, but it always ends up better than we can imagine. When we know what is right and decide to choose wrong for whatever reason, it gets us into a mess. James 4:17 says, "Anyone, then, who knows the good ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." We fall into temptation. It may feel good and right at the time, but it will catch up to us. We start getting caught up in all the world's desires and lose sight of God.

 

That's not the end of the story though. God never gives up on us even when we start to ignore his guidance. He is always there waiting for us to wake up and see the light. He sends his Holy Spirit to get us back in check. Our job is to recognize it. Once we recognize that we chose the wrong path, God shows us how we can get back on the right path. 2 Samuel 22:29 says, "You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light."  He gives us a new start and guides us back to where we're suppsosed to be. Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

 

When God lights the way for us, we need to follow it instead of ignoring it. We should obey Him instead, of trying to "outsmart" him because it never works. We have to open our eyes, ears, and heart so that we can find the path God wants us to follow. Don't blame God if you aren't following His path. His path is better than ours.

 

Check out this video...it's so true!

 

 

 

Holding your word close

Some of you may know that I started volunteering for a kids bible verse memory program. Since I'm unable to work, I figure this is a great time to do some volunteering. This program is just 2 hours a week so I figured I could handle it. Anyway, I missed the first week because of my herxing but I was able to make it last night. Yay!! 

My duty for this program is to listen to 3 year olds recite bible verses (I think it's the cutest thing EVER) and give them snacks. I thought it might be difficult to get them to say the verse, but surprisingly, probably 80% knew the verse by heart. I was impressed! My job is pretty simple..ask them to say their verse, affirm them, and give them a sticker! They were just precious. Kids definitely know how to put a smile on my face especially when they talk about Jesus. I don't think anything gets better than that. 

I think this program is wonderful because it helps kids treasure God's word in their hearts. My college minister always encouraged us to memorize scripture (I admit, I've been slacking :/). The bible tells us many times that we should guard God's word within us so that it can help us be witnesses and remind us of God's promises. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training righteousness." Psalm 119:9 says, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word." My favorite, Colossians 3:16, says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." When we let His word dwell in our hearts, we have a constant reminder of His love, grace, and guidance to live out our lives they way He intends us to live. I was reminded a few days ago by a friend/mentor how memorizing scripture can encourage others and be a shield to protect us. She prayed over me, recited scripture, and it was such a blessing to me. She didn't need her bible to tell me the word of God...it dwelled in her. It was such great encouragement for me to be more proactive in truly learning God's word and guarding it in my heart. She suggested that if I memorize a promise each week, I can say it when I'm anxious and God will give me peace and reassurance. I thought that sounded like a pretty good idea!

My verse that I'm memorizing is Psalm 91:2. "I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in him will I trust." 

So my challenge for you is to pick a bible verse for this week and memorize it. You can even use my verse! Recite it. Guard it. Use it. God's word is truth. Nothing is better than speaking God's truth because it grants us peace, confidence, and guidance.

What verse will YOU be memorizing? 

PS- you know what one of the most popular phrases I heard last night? "I wanna be line leader! I wanna be line leader!" Haha...if you read my last blog you would understand the irony.