There’s so much more!

It’s been far too long since I sat down to write you. You’ve been in my thoughts very much and I’ve prayed for you often.

Well over two years ago I was inspired to encourage you through this blog with the idea that if I could tell you just one thing, what would it be? Well today it’s that there is so much more! More what? Would be a good question but we’ll answer that later. Here are some other questions to consider first: Do you have the feeling that there’s something lacking in your life? Do you feel less “spiritual” than many of those around you? Could God be more “real”, more present to you? Do you get pressure to religiously perform up to others expectations but when you do it’s rarely fulfilling? If you answered yes to any of these questions don’t be discouraged. God is inviting you to put all of that behind you.

Each of us spends far too much of our lives looking for love in all the wrong places. The more that we are looking for, the more that we know is out there for us, is God Himself. He truly is everything we need and He wants us to quit trying to manufacture a relationship with Him or maybe more importantly to quit manufacturing the appearance of a relationship with Him.

Slow down, get quiet, cry out. He loves you so very much. He truly can be everything you need and even more so everything you want. Let Him! Don’t remain in the shackles of whatever keeps you from Him, it’s a position of your own making. He wants to meet you today right where you’re at and pour His peace and freedom all over you.

You are loved; don’t believe the evidence to the contrary.

Run

More often than not you’ll hear me suggesting we slow down. However there are times when haste is fitting such as when we find someone with all the answers.

Sidetracked

Why are we always in such a hurry? All we’ll find at the end of the current blazing inferno is another one. Could it be that because we allow urgency to distract us so effectively it’s the only weapon the enemy needs to sidetrack us?

Quiet Time

One of the most difficult things to find in the world we live in is quiet time. Interruptions are everywhere and everything is urgent. It also seems that the more we look for the interruptions and accept the urgency, their frequency only increases. It is so important to make or take some time today to be still, to shut the world out for a time and connect with our God. When we do this somehow the world slows down and we are so much more equipped to help others navigate the craziness of their lives.

Stay Focused

Don’t let the busyness of the world around you keep you from taking the Lord into every aspect of your day. Slow down enough to listen, He wants to share with you. The day God has planned for you is far better than the day you have planned for yourself. Don’t be afraid of getting off the beaten path and don’t get frustrated by interruptions that alter your well planned day. Chances are they are opportunities He has brought your way. Love those near you well.

Love Does VII

The quote that begins chapter 7:

“I used to think Jesus motivated us with ultimatums, but now I know He pursues us in love.”

Oh how He pursues you. All of creation is a result of His love. He will go to any length to draw you into an intimate relationship with Him. Slow down, let Him love you.

Come Back

Do you ever have those times when God seems a little distant? You know something is not like it could be so you start to worry about it and put a plan into action. You determine to read more and pray more and before you know it you’ve taken the relationship completely into your own hands, religion has taken over and you aren’t any closer than when you started. I wonder if God might want to say, “slow down, rest, come back over here I haven’t gone anywhere. Don’t try so hard, Let’s just be together today”?

Time and Attention

One of the best gifts we give is our time and attention. That’s one of the things that make this time of year so special, slowing down and enjoying each other. Now that we’ve worn ourselves out making everything just right, let’s let our loved ones know how special they are to us.

Walk don’t run

Not to contradict Paul, but I want to slow down enough to bring as many people along on this journey as possible. There is only one prize but He is more than enough for us all. I want to go through life with enough breath and energy to share with others and to be there when they have need or even when they don’t.

More Intimacy

In order to join in God’s plans we have to develop the ability to recognize His voice. I wish there were an easy way to do this but for me it has taken many mistakes; hearing what I thought might be Him but deciding it wasn’t, only to know later that it was. God is talking to us all the time, we just need to slow down and listen.