Let the Frog-ging come naturally.

9/25/14

  FULLY RELY ON GOD..

Have you ever been thinking of the possibilities involved in something you might be hoping might happen. Maybe there are choices of how to proceed, and you are not sure what you need to do. Questions abound concerning which road to go down and where to begin. Have you relied on yourself only? Or do you seek help from people you think are strong or smart? Are you banking on your own strength to get you out of a problem or to move you to a goal? Are your choices even sinful?

Do you notice anything missing in this way of working on a problem? Where is God in this? What place have you given Him?

In Isaiah God warns the children of Israel against banking on anyone and anything to save them from things that they fear. He speaks to Isaiah saying…

Don’t put your trust in mere humans.

They are as frail as breath.

What good are they?

Isaiah 2:22

He further warns them...

3:1The Lord, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies,

will take away from Jerusalem and Judah

everything they depend on:

every bit of bread

and every drop of water,

2 all their heroes and soldiers,

judges and prophets,

fortune-tellers and elders,

3 army officers and high officials,

advisers, skilled craftsmen, and astrologers

…………..

3:8 For Jerusalem will stumble,and Judah will fall,

because they speak out against the LORD and refuse to obey him.

They provoke him to his face.

Isaiah 3:1-3,8

I know that there are times when I try to lean on my own understanding and power. Studying Isaiah has brought me an AHA moment. I have realized that to forget to add God into the equation is a big misstep. Such self-centered behavior is defeating. Nothing happens in the world and in life that is not allowed by God. His blessings abound, and I need to invite Him into my life, choices, and problems constantly. The children of Israel did not do that in the time of Isaiah and they were punished for their mistakes. It is also a sad fact that many people are not even aware that they need to turn to God. The result is that they attempt to do everything under their own steam. I believe that God just lets us reap what our behavior and reliance on Him sows…be it good or difficult.

Here is another scripture that has a wonderful promise. Have you ever noticed while you are flailing along trying to decide a course of action, that things start to happen that make clear which is the right way to turn. If you become sensitive to the things God is showing, you will be aware of what should be done at every turn.

I will answer them before they even call to me.

While they are still talking about their needs,
I will go ahead and answer their prayers! ~

Isaiah 65:24

I know that I must FULLY RELY ON GOD.

I SUSPECT EVEN GOD ENJOYS A GOOD LAUGH:

Sent to me by my friend Paula...

What nationality was Jesus????

There were 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black:

  
1.   He called everyone brother  

2.   He liked Gospel  
3.   He didn't get a fair trial  

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish:  

1.   He went into His Father's business  

2.   He lived at home until he was 33  
3.   He was sure his Mother was a virgin and his Mother was sure

         He was God  
 

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian:  

1.   He talked with His hands  

2.   He had wine with His meals 
3.   He used olive oil  
 

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was a Californian: 

 
1.   He never cut His hair  

2.   He walked around barefoot all the time  
3.   He started a new religion  
 
But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was an  American Indian:

  
1.   He was at peace with nature 
2.   He ate a lot of fish  3.   He talked about the Great Spirit  

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Irish:  

1.   He never got married.. 
2.   He was always telling stories.  
3.   He loved green pastures.  

But the most compelling evidence of all - 3 proofs that Jesus was a woman:  

1.   He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there was virtually no food  

2.   He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it  

3.   And even when He was dead, He had to get up because there was still work to do  

 
                 Can I get an AMEN!!

Yes, There Was A Storm..........Beckoning

Yes, There Was A Storm

Yes, there was a storm

The herons cried through the night

We still continued.

Yes, there was a storm

I was tossed around and yet

My boat stayed afloat.

Yes, there was a storm

Ended in peaceful silence

As the gusts subside.

Clouds, rain, thunder, wind

You and I by loving joined

Yes, there was a storm.

Now the gale has stopped

But my Love is still with me

Loving my soul forever.

Now this Love brings joy

Beyond my fanciful dreams

Of all human love.

The peace of my soul

Brings me here to say  these words

I belong to You.

Now you are the Storm

That blows me on toward my bliss

And ne’er will I change.

Yes, I belong to You

In ways I never could  dream

Close in soul and mind.

Father, You draw me

With each wave and lightning flash

That teach me to love.

Each raindrop falling

Help clean my soul of its sin

And brings my mind peace.

Oh never deserved

Your storm is teaching me more

Than human love can.

  

Thunder of Your voice

Had called me to come to you

Before I even knew.

And before I cared

You blew your mighty currents

Calling me to You.

Why did I deserve

The love and grace You offered

To gather me in?

Your winds beckon home

All lost in their private storms

To bring their boats in.

Finding Your shelter 

Security in your port 

Safe forever more.

Appreciation

That You have given me storms

To teach me Your truths.

Without all the storms

Could I even comprehend

All You do for me?

Yes we are the storm!

You loving me without end

Now I hear at last.

You drawing me in

Finally I come to You

And  Your rainbow shines.

©Corinne H. Mustafa
September, 2002