If.

Hi Friends,
Another update in the Order in the Bible series. Last time I did Psalm 37:4. Check it out if you didn't get to read it. Today I have another one for you:

Proverbs 1:23 If you turn at my reproof,behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
I will make my words known to you.
So whats the order here?
1. Repent
2. God will pour out His spirit and make His words known.

How often are we looking for God to speak, to show us the way or to give us a sign? If your me: often. I'm always asking Him to make my path clear, and to give me wisdom. (hint for the next post). But how often to I fail to repent first: often. In this version it starts with "IF" which I think is so perfect (note my opinion on whether or not I like what scripture says is not important). I think it is perfect though in that it demonstrated that there is a choice to be made. If we turn at His reproof. If we repent. If we humble ourself. IF. Meaning for the latter to happen, the former must happen first. A beautiful order.

Repentance. A turning from sin to God. How often do I fail to repent. How often does God with hold His spirit and His thoughts due to my lack of repentance. Friends what is God asking you to repent? What are you clinging to instead of Him? I find int he times where I walk away from God, I feel like He is distant though I know I'm the one that took those steps away whether quickly or slowly, I moved He didn't. And He knew He would need to tell me to come back if I want to hear Him. Come back if I want to feel His strength and comfort. He is continually calling us back.

Friends are you feeling distant from Him? He's calling you to come back in the most patient and gentle way and when we return His call He welcomes us with love. with warmth, with wisdom. What has God been asking you to turn from? What are you putting before Him?

Let me know how I can pray for you.
<3
Anita

Delight THEN Desire

As a type A personality, who is slightly OCD, there is something that I always pick up on: order.
Things without order, I tend to create one. But thankfully God knew that there would be people like me reading His word and He gave an order.

In Psalm 37:4 He says  "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." (ESV).

So whats the order :
1. Delight yourself in the Lord
2. He will give you the desires of your heart.

So often we ask God for things, we expect the second without doing the first. I'm so guilty of this. Despite my love of order, I want to go out of order with this.

Now people debate on this verse does it mean : He will give you what your heart desires? OR does it mean He will make your heart desire His will? I've read great commentaries claiming each side, and it comes down to this I believe: I think its kind of both. The more you delight in God the more your heart desires the right thing, but the more you honor God the more He honors you.

Friends, let's encourage each other to delight in the Lord. Lets hold each other accountable, share experiences and thoughts, lets come together and delight Him together. It's that delight that will change our hearts, and lead us down the path He is blessing.