I was nearly finished with what would’ve been my first blog post…lost it! As I’ve written snippets of ideas and posted a few on facebook, I’ve realized a blog maybe more appropriate. Well, the message needs to be out there, whether some appreciate it or not!
This writing must be real in order to count for anything at all. So I will not sugar coat the thoughts, although being crass diminishes the dignity of the words.
This morning as I read, I was struck by the fact that when Jesus healed the blind (this is where I noticed it most), he led them away from the population…the village, the crowd. He wanted the focus on the healing. When he healed the blind man in stages (Mark 8), the notes in both NIV and NKJV mention it was an example to the disciples that their own understanding would come in stages. So we must accept that ours does too.
Many folks will not write of their beliefs so none are offended. Some will not write or speak of it out of fear…backlash at work, loss of friendship etc. I am called to write and sometimes speak of my beliefs, whether anyone reads it or not. It is an act of obedience.
Thinking of obedience, I know it’s best to do as the Lord leads. Jonah knew he was to speak to the folks in Ninevah. He ran the other direction…right into that whale! Afterward he obeyed.
Moses didn’t want to be the speaker in front of Pharoah. He made excuses and tried to weasel his way out of it. God sent his brother Aaron to help.
I understand how Moses must’ve felt when he said ‘what if they don’t believe me or listen to me’ ( Exodus 4). Been there. Still, my part is to obey. Whether another person believes me or listens, is not within my power to determine. My part is to do my part.
So it is, that there’s nothing left to do but say it! Jesus is my Lord and Savior. My writing will be in that direction. The reader is free to listen, believe or turn away, but my part is my part and I will do it. You must choose your part.
It has been suggested to me that I should write a blog. Some have mentioned writing a devotion. This may end up being a combination. As I’ve been working my way through the Bible, there’s this compelling need to express, somewhere, what I’m learning from it. After many years of searching for a spiritual companion for this journey, I’ve concluded the most important One to journey with is the Lord Himself. Gotta love it. It frees a person to realize this.
Yes, we were designed for relationship but we forget that the first relationship we are designed for is with our Creator ( Genesis 1 and 2). And that leads back to the earlier thought of Jesus leading the blind away from the crowd to heal them. It doesn’t need to be a big retreat at a camp or resort. In fact, often those are packed with people and there’s a meal schedule and corporate worship. It takes time alone with God to slow down enough to give him 5 minutes of time in the morning as the day begins. I remember the days when I thought I couldn’t possibly squeeze in one more thing. Try it. See how it works to allow 5 minutes to read a single verse. Daily. Give it a try for thirty days. Maybe at the end of the day is best for some. But 5 minutes off Facebook, Google Play or watching sports.
And we can start by wanting something for ourselves out of it…selfishly. He will meet us anywhere, any time. And he will provide all we need. Got no faith? Ask for it! Got anger issues? Cry out about it. He will hear. Hate your father? Resent your mother? Those folks are nothing like this God. Pray for your ears to be opened to hear his response. Pray for his help to get his perspective on…life…your specific situation…this world’s situation.
Didn’t really mean for this to turn into a sermon, but then, you were given fair warning. 🙂
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