Susan's Blog: Hard Reading

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Hard Reading

Last night, before going to sleep, I picked up my Bible to read from Matthew. I don’t think I realized it until afterwards, when I started reading one of my favorite books “At Home in Mitford”, how challenging it can be to read Bible.

When I read the Bible, I’m examining myself in light of God’s word and that can be hard work! While my outward actions and words might seem okay, God looks at my heart. God uses His word to expose the thoughts and intentions of my heart and sometimes it’s not pretty.

Praise God that I feel that conviction of the Holy Spirit. Praise God that He is at work in me. Praise God that when I submit to God in obedience, He changes and molds me into the person He designed me to be, making me into the image and likeness of Christ. That work will continue until I die.

While I’ll enjoy reading books, fiction and non-fiction, it can be a way to escape and to not confront myself with the mirror of God’s word. That’s not to say I shouldn’t read books other than the Bible, but I need to put the word of God first in my life. I need to be ready and willing to let God do the hard work of shining the Light into the dark recesses of my heart and mind and clean out the uglies.

3 comments:

Patty Bivens said...: The mirror of His Word can be startling for sure! I love reading your thoughts and perspectives Susan. We are truly kindred spirits.; 3:55 PM
Debbie Bolduc said...: I agree Susan. At times, it becomes EASIER to pick up a Christian book. But I know God wants to speak to us directly and personally. This is a great reminder.; 10:13 AM
Ken said...: I think of how many times I wanted to rush through reading His Word to get on with something not of much importance. Jesus said "we do not live by bread alone, but every Word of God.
God bless and thank you for this post.
Ken; 8:11 PM

My Colors Will Be Clear

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight seeing, smooth knees, color-less dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, "chinchy" giving and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need position, promotions, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my destination is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few. My Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of the One that gave me life, drew the line in blood for me in the hour of my destiny.

I am one of Christ's remnant people. I belong to Him and none other. All I do to bring this life to another is done because of that blood covenant poured out for me.

I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. I must share will all that one more might hear and be drawn from the flaming darkness that longs to consume. Reach for another, touch but one more!

Until that moment...He will have no problem in recognizing me- my colors will be clear!!!

Not only are the words inspiring but so is the man behind them. The above letter was written by a Pastor in Africa who was undergoing severe persecution. On the eve of his execution he sat down and wrote the above note.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Hard Reading

3 comments:

With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin – Likeable, Thoughtful Characters