Quiet Moments With God -- Don't Be A Wallflower.

Do you like to dance? I do. I remember my very first dance. My mother had sewn me a pretty new dress and I'd taken extra time with my hair and make up. I was only thirteen and remember that my nerves were tightly strung. I didn't know what to expect, but I remember being afraid no one would dance with me--back in those days girls waited for the boys to ask.

When the music started the kids hung back, too afraid to step out and be the first one on the dance floor. I pressed my back against the wall, wishing I hadn't come. I wasn't the only one.

Gradually a few boys made the long walk across the gym floor to ask girls to dance. One handsome young man boldly asked me. I could have said no and remained safely in my place, but I wanted to dance and gratefully allowed him to escort me onto the dance floor.

A scripture shared in church last Sunday brought this memory to mind. The verse is one that sits quietly among many. You might not even notice it if you didn't stop to ponder on it. I'm thankful my pastor loves to ponder God's Word. Mark 10:32 says, "They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him."

Jesus pushed on, knowing what He faced. The cross waited for him and yet he continued on, hearing the call of His Father and of His a destiny that only He could fulfill. In obedience He made his way toward Jerusalem and the cross. When I think upon that I feel the sting of tears. His obedience and love are beyond my ability to comprehend.

There is something else that stands out. The disciples followed. They must have known their lives were also in jeopardy, but they pushed forward, not knowing what would happen.

I think about myself and how cautious I can be--afraid of what the future holds. I could easily be a wall flower--too afraid to step out and heed God's leading. Fear, if allowed, kills boldness. If we focus on the possible pain or embarrassment that sometimes follows obedience we will remain on the periphery of life. We'll never dance.

Instead, shall we trust and yield ourselves to the Lord?

Don't be a wallflower. Dance.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

QUIET MOMENTS WITH GOD -- Follow Me

What do we do when we hear the Lord's voice say, "Follow me," and we don't know where that is? Or when we're afraid to step out into the world with all of its uncertainties. And again He says, "Follow me."

We need to take time to rest in Him, to soak in God's love and wisdom. But Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take up your mat and walk." And to the blind man, He said, "Go."

Lingering with our Lord is restful and fulfilling, but it can't be all that we do. Even when we feel faint of heart when our Lord calls us to follow we must go. I always want to know where. Where are we going Lord? But he says simply, "Follow."

When Peter and Andrew were fishing, Jesus said to them, "Follow me." They didn't ask where are we going master? Scripture says they put down their nets immediately and followed. Christ told them He would show them how to be fishers of men. Because they followed that's just what happened.

When the road before us seems daunting and unclear, we don't need to be afraid. The Lord will never lead us astray. Not ever. With confidence we can put one foot in front of the other and follow Him. He has a place for us, work for us, a calling for us. And when life seems to spin out of control, we can place our hand in his and He will hold on tightly.

When worries, doubts and the temptations of the world call to us hang on to the only one who will never let go.


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quite Moments With God -- Love Your Enemy

When we're treated unjustly or betrayed it hurts. It’s especially painful when the treachery comes from family or a close friend or a fellow Christian. I’ve been there. I’m there now. And I'm certain these feelings of betrayal will be part of my future. I know because even the best people can be thoughtless and unkind sometimes.

When we’re wounded by someone who ought to love us, what should we do? Strike back? Withdraw? Get angry or bitter? Never trust again?

The response God asks of us is to love . . . even our enemies. Not easy to do, but He’s clear about this. In Luke 6:32-36 we're told, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Convicting words. When I consider Christ on the cross, praying for mercy for those who cursed him—loving them and dying for them, I know what I must do. I must love. Is it easy? No. Is it spontaneous? Sometimes. Is it possible? Yes. God makes all things possible.

Allow the Lord to open your hearts. Love one another, forgive one another, be merciful to each other. Christ is our example. May His way be our way.

Trust in Him and He will create a new heart in you.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie