"I Believe, help me overcome my Unbelief"

     It came quietly, almost as if nothing had changed from the day before. Wasn't there to be fanfare as I walk gracefully into that new life of obedience? Wasn't the crowd there to cheer on the victorious hero as he rides out from the fog into the light?  No, that only happens in movies or melodramatic churches who need the drama and production to help themselves feel better (or worse) about decisions made in ministry. But not here...and not for me.

     This is what my new day in obedience felt like. I awoke to an uncomfortable peace in my home. And the entire day seemed filled with a quietness that was routinely interupted with short prayers of "God, now what?" Followed by, "I do believe, Help me overcome my unbelief. (Mark 9:24b)". I think I received a glimpse of what Peter experienced when he climbed out of the boat that stormy night. The power and energy of obedience in Christ is intense and focused to do what we can to be like Jesus and please the Father...and then the waves of life begin to beat against you and cause you to lose balance, to change focus and...to start trusting what you know for sure...that which you have experienced.

     Our obedience must wrestle with which master will it serve. The master that reminds you of your past--your limitations, your failures and your humanness. Or the master who fills your heart and mind with a present and future--one not alone but through a savior who modeled obedience and lets us know that we "will do greater things than these (miracles) because Christ went to the father." (John 14:12).

     Today, I align my obedience with the God of heaven and earth who chose his son's death and resurrection to reflect his love for us. And in that love, I witness and can experience the obedience of Christ, "who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God " (Heb.12:3).

     This week, I will consider Christ as I endure opposition by sinful men or my own limitations and failures so I won't grow tired or lose my heart of obedience.

Obedience verses for the journey this week:
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1: 7

New Beginnings

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life". I have always bristled a bit when I hear that. It always seemed to be used as a "cop out" for trying to forget or hide the past. But that has all changed in the last few months....so to all I may have challenged about a new day...I AM SORRY!

Truth be told, I am entering a new phase of my personal and professional life that I never imagined. And while the circumstances that brought me to this point were less than stellar...the God who loves me is more than stellar! My journey will be different than the last one, as I pray and plan to follow Jesus where he goes...and serve where he wants me to serve rather than the previous "I am going here...and Jesus your invited to come along"...and the "I am going to serve here and you can join me here."

This journey is exciting and tension filled at the same time...I want to experience the passion and joy of full obedience...and at the same time, I am apprehensive of what will happen if HE REALLY TAKES ME UP ON MY OFFER!

My hope is through this blog, I will be able to process that journey of obedience in a way that will assist my growth in my love, appreciation and relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And if anyone else finds truth in my writing...then all the glory and honor goes to him...because that's what obedient people do...give the credit and ownership to its rightful owner!

So yes...let it be known... "Today is the first day of the rest of my life...of Obedience!"

Obedience Verse for the Journey this week:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." Prov 3:5-6