Wandering . . .

I have to admit that this week’s blog has been a tough one.  Usually I get a very strong “influence” from
the Holy Spirit on the topic I use for the week.  This week He’s using a much more subtle approach.  There was no wakeup call at 4 a.m. as I’ve had in the past, no major revelation while in the shower. All in all a rather quiet week!

But, maybe that’s the message being sent this week.  Maybe he’s telling me to be still, slow down, and listen to my subtle, quiet prodding.  So many times, life gets so hectic, so overwhelming, that we just lose focus.  Our “reception” to his signal is so filled with static and interference that the messages that were once so “loud and clear” are no longer distinguishable!  I’m afraid that that is how my last few weeks had been.  I once again got caught up in my routines, that I began to lose touch a bit.

I spent a good deal of time over the last two weeks preparing for this past Sunday’s worship, and there was a lot going on both at work and personally, that started pulling me in many directions.  On top of the time involved came the added stress levels too.

This past Sunday I had the privilege of leading worship and giving the message in church.  I look forward to these opportunities as it is such an invigorating feeling when the Holy Spirit uses us to convey His message.  It is interesting to note that each time I’ve given the message, I get done and there is always something that I look at in awe as I know it did not come from me!

Anyway, I digress and am beginning to ramble, sorry.

As I said at the onset of my journey with this blog (see the Hello world! page), I am going to write about the observations as well as the enlightening moments on this journey, well this week is definitely more of observation!

I’ve noticed on this journey that it does go a lot like a roller coaster at times, some days, weeks; it is the adrenaline rush of that first big downhill with all the speed and excitement that comes with it.  Other times it can be like that very long, slow climb up the hill.  A long, slow journey waiting in anticipation and hope for the big thrill of the drop. It also comes with its many curves and bumps along the way, very seldom a smooth straight ride!

This week, I think I just came off the thrill of the big downhill after the preparation and thrill of Sunday’s worship, I’m kind of on that second hill climb, a little slowed down, I can still see the goal at the top of the climb, but a little “wind blown” and exhausted from the energy spent.

I am presently reading in the book of Romans, which is a great book to be reading at this time.  It gives many messages that can rejuvenate the soul for working in service to the Lord. Look at the following verses, great messages contained in all of them!

Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

Romans 3:9-11, “What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.’”

Romans 3:21, “But now a righteousness from God apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and Prophets testify.”

Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:9, “You however, are controlled not by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of  God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”

Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:37-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 10:9-10, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Romans 12:19, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

Romans 16:17, “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”

Amazing testimony by the Apostle Paul and it always is amazing to me how the Lord puts you right where you need to be with the words of encouragement and strength to empower you for the task he has for you.  All we need to do is be still enough to listen to him.

May his peace guide you on your “roller coaster” ride with Him!

Until next week, God Bless you all!