Get Me Off Of This Hamster Wheel - Please!

Are you frazzled?   Did the start of the New Year bring anxiety or dread?   Are you over-committed? Do you feel like you’re running faster and faster to just keep up with everything?      Well – you’re not alone! 

This year in particular I’m feeling a sense that God wants me to re-evaluate my day-to-day schedule and general life purpose.  In preparation for this – I’m asking Him to validate and confirm His plans for me in the weeks and months ahead through His Word, His people, and His Spirit.  There are even some private family matters that are stealing some of my time, energy and emotional stamina.  All the more reason for me to press into God, and seek the mind of Christ in this matter.

I am putting these thoughts on paper (as well as in this post) for a reason:  Writing things down brings a level of commitment that in turn helps us meet our goals.  It’s an accountability method that God used with the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk.  The Lord told him to, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it”  (Hab. 2:2).  Habakkuk needed to deliberately cast the vision before the people as a catalyst for their obedience.  God assured him that though the vision may be delayed far into the future, God would surely bring it to pass.  God’s timing is not our timing.  His ways are not our ways.  If your plans are God-inspired, God ordained, and God led, they will come to fruition.

These are the four areas He is clearly speaking to me:

Prepare        Plan        Prioritize        Pursue

PREPARE

This step involves quietness before the Lord.  Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God”.  Prayer and spending time in God’s Word helps our Spirit prepare for what He has to say to us regarding our individual lives and service to Him.  However, beware of choosing your own destiny.  Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”  God’s inspiration is often the medium used to bind the project spiritually to Him.  His Spirit bears witness with your Spirit as you begin to walk in His will concerning your endeavors.

 

PLAN

This is a two-step process:  1. Count the cost   2.  Give your agenda to God

Counting the cost is helpful in determining your supply line and tools necessary to complete the venture.  Jesus said in Luke 14:28-30, “…for which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it – lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.”  Of course, He was talking about what it would take to become one of His disciples – but the principle still applies to your level of follow-through and commitment. Jesus will be the ultimate “supply line” and He will gift you for what He calls you to do. You may need to evaluate the time required, family obligations, health concerns, or other variables in order to say “yes” at this time in your life.

Giving your agenda to God involves believing in the trustworthiness of His Sovereignty, and in knowing that He is the architect and builder of your blueprints.  Psalm 33:10 says, “He [The Lord] makes the plans of the people of no effect.”  In other words, when God interrupts our well-ordered and designed map for our life, we need to recognize and welcome it as an opportunity – not a hindrance.  God’s route to the finish line will most likely not be what you had in mind.

  

PRIORITIZE

This is ultimately the most effective way to bring about your plans in a smooth and stress-free manner.  As Christians, God gives us spiritual purpose and direction.  His love “compels us” to live for Him and serve Him in a way that bring Him glory. 

How do we effectively prioritize all that we have to do? How do we determine in what order we should pursue our obligations and dreams?  Learning how to prioritize is learning to focus on the necessary tasks.  There are many things competing for your attention and time. Learning to listen to the Lord’s voice and the prompt of His Spirit is imperative to setting up your priorities. Not every good thing is a God thing.

Remember - when we submit to and honor our spouses, parents, employers and church leaders – we are doing it unto the Lord Himself.  We need to use wisdom and spiritual sensitivity as we arrange our schedules and assignments.  It’s okay to not say “Yes” to every invitation and ministry opportunity. Will you make the right decision every time?  No!  Just remember, “…all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

PURSUE

This step involves the volition of the will.  We need to “go after” our dream, project or ministry with a genuine determination to lift Christ up and stay in the background.  John the Baptist boldly proclaimed, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). 

The Apostle Paul told the church at Colosse, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23).  Bless the Lord by pursuing your duties and projects with an attitude of gratitude – not a sour disposition.  Do your personal best and rely on His strength, grace and gifting to provide the desired results.  God wants your availability – not your ability. 

To sum it all up – this year is my year for action.  Not to run out and get ahead of God – but to fall in line behind Him – walking in His footsteps as we journey forward in life together.  

I’m getting rather dizzy on that hamster wheel - and not getting anywhere either…

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

 

Get Me Off Of This Hamster Wheel - Please!

Amazon Launch of "Letters to God on a Prodigal Son" by Anita Estes

Tired of not knowing how to handle your troubled teen or prodigal? Anita Estes’ book, Letters to God on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer, can help guide you through these troubled waters. Buy it TODAY only, Tuesday Nov. 8^th  on Amazon and receive lots of  FREE gifts and a chance to win  FREE gift cards. For details see: http://www.anitaestes.com/landing-page.html

Addiction is rampant in our country, seizing our children and adults alike, dragging them into the darkest pit. In this book, Letters to God on a Prodigal Son, God’s hand is not so short that He cannot pull anyone from the deepest pit of despair of addiction and set them free. A triumphant story of faith tested in the fire of affliction, this book is recommended for anyone with a family member struggling with the stranglehold of addiction.

Letters to God on a Prodigal Son not only shares insights into the spiritual realm and explains the war that is waged against our children's souls, but Author Anita Estes teaches, how through prayer, faith and worship, one can be victorious over the powers of evil that hold our children in bondage. This journal accompanied with the lessons learned is a powerful tool for any parent finding themselves in similar circumstances.

This practical book will lift your faith and encourage you in your fight for your child's life. Throughout the entries, faith-filled prayers are included that are based on the scriptures to assist you in your battle. Understanding the spiritual realm, this mother shares how prayer and worship are some of your most powerful weapons to be waged in this war.

About the Book:

Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer is the poignant, true story of a parent's journey through the minefield of her adult child's addiction. This book will help you find peace in the midst of your tsunami and the secret to victorious prayer! Letters to God is a powerful journal packed with prayers, practical advice and key spiritual insights. It will help unlock the secrets to successful prayer, not only for those dealing with prodigals, but for anyone facing their own storm.

Estes' writing is straightforward, fluent and easy to read, so much so that I was tempted to rush through the book (it's a page turner) without taking time to grasp the seriousness and depth of the narrative. The final outcome is proof positive that God does answer prayers, but not before Estes, her husband, who himself is battling self-esteem issues, and their two other children come out of denial and face the reality that their loved one is a drug addict and needs to be treated with the tough love that eventually helps in Ben's recovery.
 

"This book should be required reading in schools to help parents and students recognize the dangers of alcohol as a gateway to harsher drugs, a fact often overlooked." Yyonne Pat Wright, Author of "From Spice to Eternity"

     Tell us about your newest book, Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer

      This power packed journal and guide was birthed from the painful passage I experienced while navigating the minefield of my son’s addiction. I kept a diary that contained many insightful prayers, letters, and scriptures that I thought would help others navigate the turbulent waters of a prodigal’s addiction, so I worked on transforming it into a book. I added two sections, Lessons Learned and Suggestions that I thought would further help others to avoid some of the pitfalls I experienced, while offering a lifeline of hope. At the time my son was going through this terrible ordeal, I couldn’t find any Christian books on the subject that gave practical and spiritual, not textbook, advice.  Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son was designed to fit this need. It’s filled with the heart-felt letters and prayers of a mother, key spiritual insights and practical advice. My desire in writing this book is to help others and minister to them though this true life story.  

What are some of the pitfalls you experienced in dealing with your son’s addiction and in writing this timely and powerful book?

It is sometimes very difficult for a parent to recognize the warning signs of an addiction in their teenager, especially in this culture today when drinking is so accepted. This was my downfall. I kept thinking my son was just going through a stage, especially because he would repent when something bad happened, like losing his license for a year or failing out of college. He would turn back to God and do what was right for a while, but then he’d fall again.

One of the pitfalls in writing the book was trying to figure out a way to take my personal experience and help others learn from it. I didn’t want to offer just another informational or book of advice on addiction, so I kept it in a journal format. I wanted others to see that God held me thought this very difficult time and that He can do the same for them. I also wanted to be very honest and real because as Christians we sometimes think we need to cover up our pain and even try to keep it from God and fellow believers. I wanted to show people that you can show God your pain, cry out to Him and go through different stages with Him right alongside. The last thing you should do in a crisis is stay mad at God and stop taking or communicating with Him.

What did you learn from this experience?

I learned that God is faithful even when we’re not, even when we get mad at Him and don’t understand what he’s doing. God wants us to draw near to Him and cast ALL our concerns, cares, worries and anxieties on Him. He has very big shoulders to carry our burdens and for us to lean on and even weep upon. I also learned that God is true to His word. You can believe His promises as long as you understand them, have faith and continue to trust God with the outcome. I also learned that it’s very important to surrender your prodigal to God.  That’s the best place for them.

About the Author:

Anita Estes resides in the beautiful Hudson Valley of upstate New York with her husband and son. She is an art teacher, freelance writer and avid gardener. As an educator, she has been honored  in “Who’s Who of American Teachers” for 2000 and 2005. Her work appears in several compilations including God Allows U-Turns, A Cup of Comfort, Deliver Me and Adams Media books. Her devotions have been published in Penned from the Heart, “Upper Room” and on-line. She is the author of When God Speaks: 40 Days of His Promises, Transformed—Inspiring Stories of Freedom and Letters to God on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction through Prayer.  Her passion is encouraging others in their Christian walk, by calling the church to intimate and honest communication with God. She desires to help others break the bonds of addiction and pain through an understanding of God’s promises.  Visit her at http://www.anitaestes.com and http://anitaestes7.blogspot.com/

Remember - TODAY ONLY - Tuesday Nov. 8th - is Anita's Book Launch for Letters to God... and you'll be able to get a lot of FREE GIFTS when you purchase the book from Amazon.  You can find out more about the launch on this direct link 
http://www.anitaestes.com/landing-page.html

  

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Amazon Launch of "Letters to God on a Prodigal Son" by Anita Estes

Are You Still on the Potter’s Wheel?

clay       lump       speed       whirling       pressure     impression       shaping       carve       band       stop       glaze       fire       rest     use

Is this a picture of your spiritual life?  Has the Master Potter spent considerable time and effort on your vessel?  Do you know for what purpose you were created? 

Wikipedia has this definition:  Pottery is made by forming clay into objects of a required shape and heating them to high temperatures in a kiln or oven to induce reactions that lead to permanent changes including increasing their strength and setting their shape. 

Wow! Did you just grasp what that said?  Christ is forming us [clay] into objects of a certain shape and purpose [of His choosing] and heating us to induce reactions [purifying us] that lead to permanent change [new creation] in order to increase our strength and permanent use [for His Glory].

Our Potter determines what material, what shape, what purpose, and what prominence we have in His Kingdom.  We are clay formed from the dust of this world into a vessel of honor for our Potter’s honor and glory.  Ephesians 2:10 declare, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”

In his devotional My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers says this concerning our vision of what our reality should be according to our own inclination:

     “We always have visions, before a thing is made real…God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way… Let Him put you on His wheel and whirl you as He likes, and as sure as God is God and you are you, you will turn out exactly in accordance with the vision. Don’t lose heart in the process.”

Chapter 18 in the book of Jeremiah contains the famous passage of the potter and the clay.  Jeremiah was lamenting and admonishing Israel about their grievous sin and idolatry.  He stood in the gates of Jerusalem proclaiming God’s words of warning to a stiff-necked people.  During this time the Lord spoke to Jeremiah and said, “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.”  

When Jeremiah visited his house he observed him making something at the wheel.  Jeremiah says in verses 4-6, “And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter, so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?’ says the Lord. ‘Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel?’”

This  pottery “factory” in Palestine (mentioned in Jeremiah 18) was in the Valley of Hinnom near the Potsherd Gate and near the tower of the furnaces or pottery kilns (Nehemiah 3:11; 12:38).   Potter’s clay was made by “weathering” the dry native clay-dust or the wet stream-bank clay before treading it by foot for use in making cooking vessels and water pots.  Often the clay was hand-kneaded several hours in order to remove all of the air bubbles before working with it on the wheel.  After it dried to a leathery consistency, the vessel would be returned to the wheel for turning, cutting and paring off excess clay.  It was then beautified with a variety of tools and techniques before having a “slip” coat for color or sheen.  Finally, it was “fired” by heating it in an open fire or in a kiln and later removed for cooling.

In our marriages we must remember that our Potter created us to be unique.  His process differs from one vessel to another. He knows just how to make us so we will fit into our particular family unit.  Our clay may have been tread on for a longer period of time. Our kneading might have lasted a little longer than someone else.  We may possess a different color or texture than the next vessel.  We might have been whirled and whirled and stretched longer and harder.  Maybe we were beveled or poked or intricately cut more than the others. Finally – just when we thought we couldn’t take one more second in that intense heat – we are removed. Now we wait… and wait… and wait as we sit and cool. Our Potter knows best.

God formed Adam from the “dust” in Genesis 2:7, and we are likened to the potter’s creation as found in Job 10:8-9, “Your hands have made me and fashioned me, an intricate unity; Yet You would destroy me. Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay.”  And in Isaiah 29:16 we read of God’s reply to him saying, “Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; for shall the thing made say of Him who made it, ‘He did not make me?’ Or shall the thing formed say of Him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding?’”

Paul makes a similar plea to the Romans in Chapter 9:20-21.  He states, “But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to Him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’  Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?” Who are we to complain or self-determine with what or how we will serve Him?

I have finally given up trying to analyze how I was formed and how I will be used. I am coming to peace with myself and my Potter. There are times when I simply don’t grasp His methods or timing.  But this I know: as He was with the three Hebrew youth in the fiery furnace, so will the Lord be with you (Daniel 3:25).

Below is one of my favorite worship songs of all time - The Potter’s Hand by Darlene Zschech of Hillsong.  One of the repeated lyrics is, “Take me; mold me; use me; fill me. I give my life to the Potter’s Hand.”

“Click on Play” and let it minister to you as you continue to browse online or work on your computer. It’s a magnificent outpouring of our love to the Master Potter…

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.Spirituallyunevenmarriage.com    

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Are You Still on the Potter’s Wheel?

If You "Play God", You Just Might Get What You Want...

Oh, how we love to bash Eve for succumbing to temptation – but don’t we all struggle with that? Satan does not tempt us in generalities. He is far too clever for that. He likes to pick out something specific to hone in on. Take discontentment, for example. He will tell you that you deserve so much more, or maybe something better, and of course, that one particular thing you don’t have. He just aimed his poison dart at your “pride” and you fell for it. What happened to that shield of faith you were supposed to hold up for protection?

The enemy of our soul delights in focusing his deception on our desires or needs that haven’t been met. He picks the time and place of our temptation and sends us an “engraved invitation”, hoping we’ll reply quickly. He knows when we’re tired, hungry, upset, depressed, lonely or sick that we’ll be more venerable to his deceit. He patiently waits for us to let down our guard. God’s Word tells us to “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Satan loves to create doubt regarding God’s love for us. He did the same with Eve. This is what he told her, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every three of the garden’?” He simply twisted the truth and got her to question God’s goodness and character. We must be careful to not fall for the same trick. God may have given you a personal promise or verse to cling to regarding your mate. You may be waiting for God to do something special in your family, job situation, or with your children. Don’t let the father of lies trick you into believing his falsehoods. He wants to destroy your trust in God and your confidence in Who He is.

We know from I John 2:16, “that all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father, but is of the world.” Satan is the ruler of this age and our present physical world, and has been influencing the practice of sin since the beginning - starting with Eve. We must watch for signs of discontentment and jealousy as we evaluate our circumstances. We must focus on God’s sovereignty and His wisdom. We cannot lean unto our own understanding in matters pertaining to the fairness of life. We must believe God and believe in His Word, and leave the results in His hands.   I John 5:4-5 says this: "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

You may come to a point in your marriage when you were sure you heard from God about something, and then you didn’t see any evidence of God working it out. Your waiting has turned into years, not months... Now you're not sure you heard from God.  You can be tempted to take matters into your own hands - at your own peril of course.  We must surrender our desires and plans to be denied, changed, or granted as God sees fit. He is Sovereign. If through a broken heart He can bring His purposes to fruition, then thank Him for breaking your heart!

I was tempted to contemplate divorce not long after my conversion to Christ, but God plainly spoke to my spirit that it was not an option for me. God promised me a new husband with the “same man”! I Corinthians 7:14, 16 tells us, “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy… For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?”

 Temptation is around every turn, and in every decision. You must stay strong and focused on Jesus. Use His Word to diffuse them all.  As Jesus said, “It is written…” So be it! Amen!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
http://www.Godmissionpossible.com 

If You "Play God", You Just Might Get What You Want...

Hope for an unequally-yoked spouse: Jesus is Calling… Part 2 – Heed the Call

This is a continuation from my previous post - Jesus is Calling... Part 1 - Hear the Call.  This week I focus on what to do once you've heard the call.

God has a plan for each of us. There are as many different types of callings as there are people, but two things are common: God’s timing and God’s choosing. If your spouse is unsaved, you can begin praying now for them to have ears to heed the call.

Romans 11:29 says this: “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Once you hear the call and heed the call – it cannot be taken away from you. So be it!

There are many examples in Scripture of those who heeded the call of God on their lives:

Go to Judges 6 and take a look at a young man named Gideon.  The Lord Himself, (the Angel of the Lord) sat down under a tree and appeared to Gideon saying, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Gideon was a little indignant when he said that many bad things had happened to Israel, and no one saw miracles take place like they did back in the good old days. But now they were impoverished because of the Midianites. The Lord said to Gideon, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” After a little bit of tug-o-war and skepticism, Gideon finally surrendered to his call.

In Acts, Paul (or Saul as he was known) encountered Jesus in a far different manner. One could say he was “knocked off his high horse” for Jesus, literally! Saul was blinded and given a hard question to ponder: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” After the Lord told him Who He was, he fell down trembling and asked Him what he should do. The Lord gave him specific instructions, and later told Ananias (of Saul), “…for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings… For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Now that was a call that he wouldn’t soon forget!

Jesus Himself calls out to us many times and in many ways. A vivid picture of this is in the book of Revelation, when in Chapter 3 Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” This call is personal and private. You must answer the door in order to see Him face to face.

In Matthew 20:16 Jesus is teaching on the parable of the laborers. He said, “Many are called, but few chosen.” The whole of the matter is this: Will you heed the call of Jesus? Don’t expect it to come in a certain manner, but always be ready to answer. Your calling might be the very thing that brings someone else into the eternal family of God.

Finally, Peter tells us to be sure of our calling: “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.”



“There comes the call of God in our lives also. The call of God can never be stated explicitly; it is implicit. The call of God is like the call of the sea, no one hears it but the one who has the nature of the sea in him…God is working out His purposes.” (Oswald Chambers - My Utmost for His Highest)

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com  

Hope for an unequally-yoked spouse: Jesus is Calling… Part 2 – Heed the Call

Hope for an unequally-yoked spouse: Jesus is Calling… Part 2 – Hear the Call

What exactly is a call?  You might have a phone call, or a call to dinner, or how about a bad call during a ball game? Then there’s a call to action. Here we’re talking about a call that requires obedience. You might say “it’s a calling”. If your spouse is unsaved, you can begin praying now for them to have ears to hear the call.

In Matthew Chapter 11 Jesus is teaching the multitudes concerning John the Baptist. He states in verse 15, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Within the message to the church at Pergamos in the book of Revelation, verse 17 says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” The Holy Spirit speaks to those whose ears are attentive!


God has a plan for each of us. There are as many different types of callings as there are people, but two things are common: God’s timing and God’s choosing.

Here are some examples of the characteristics that identify one’s calling:

Take Abraham, for instance. He was instructed by God to take a giant leap of faith – one that included a perpetual blessing. God told him to, “Get out of your country, from your kindred and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1) That’s pretty vague in nature, but adventurous, nonetheless. Abram, (renamed Abraham by God later on) heeded the call that God placed on his life. You can rightly say it was “his destiny” in the LORD.

Now jump ahead to I Samuel 3 and we’ll look at another call from God. Samuel was an answer to prayer, and a gift of faith by his mother. A few years after his birth, she dedicated him to God and left him with Eli the priest in Shiloh. One evening the LORD Himself called Samuel’s name. Little Samuel answered, “Here I am!” After running to Eli each of (3) times, and being told to go back to bed, Eli finally perceived that God was indeed calling Samuel to service for the Lord. The famous line, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” was the young boy’s eager response. His call was a tender Word spoken by God.

One of my favorite examples is Jonah. God didn’t mince words with him. Chapter 1 of Jonah states, “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” It doesn’t sound much like an invitation, but rather an assignment. That call to Jonah was God specific and God direct. After spending (3) nights in a hotel room full of seaweed and whale juices, he followed God’s directive. Jonah complied with God’s call, but only after much complaining. God then used a plant, a worm, and the wind to teach him a lesson in compassion. His calling became his worst nightmare until he surrendered completely. Nonetheless, it was a call to serve.

Now, fast-forward to Matthew 4. After John the Baptist had been put in prison, Jesus left Nazareth and dwelt in Capernaum, near the sea in Galilee. As He was walking, He saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew, who were fishermen. Chapter 1 of John tells us that Andrew, after hearing Jesus speak, began following Him. Jesus said to him (and the others) “What do you seek?”, and later, “Come and see.” Andrew immediately found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah.” Jesus simply asked Andrew a question, and then bid him to “come”. That was his call.


“There comes the call of God in our lives also. The call of God can never be stated explicitly; it is implicit. The call of God is like the call of the sea, no one hears it but the one who has the nature of the sea in him…God is working out His purposes.”  (Oswald Chambers - My Utmost for His Highest)

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
http://www.Godmissionpossible.com  

Hope for an unequally-yoked spouse: Jesus is Calling… Part 2 – Hear the Call

Is There A Hole In Your Bucket?

It’s the hottest part of the day – not a cloud in the sky.  She waits until the others head back to their homes before wandering outside. With a large water pot on her head, she quickly makes her way down the dusty road as it winds through the maze of shops and residences to the outskirts of town.

Jacob’s Well was in the vicinity of Sychar, and had an elaborate stone-face wall encircling it. Many generations of shepherds, travelers and townspeople had frequented this famous landmark for its life-giving commodity. Innumerable herds of sheep, goats and camels drank from its life-giving spring generation after generation.

Jesus of Nazareth was traveling back to Galilee, but He had reason to go through Samaria. The Apostle John in chapter 4 of his gospel tells us that He was weary from His journey, and sat down by the well. When a local woman began to draw out water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” The woman reacted in a rather predictable manner as she stated, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” John tells us that Jews did not have dealings or conversations with Samaritans, especially women.

It is Jesus’ answer that still speaks to our hearts today: “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” That “gift” is still available to all who ask. Nothing has changed in over 2000 years. His gift of forgiveness of sins, redemption, reconciliation, and eternal life is what He offered to the Samaritan woman then, and He offers the same to each of us today: a thirst quenching drink for a lost parched soul.

His reply to her rather condescending remarks about Him not having a bucket or pot to draw from makes it clear that she had no clue who was talking with her. This was Jehovah God, the One who made a Holy Covenant with Abram, Isaac and Jacob. Here in front of her stood the Creator of the heavens and earth – the very One who gathered together the waters and formed the seas. Jesus said to those who followed him, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38.

The woman looked at Him, and looked deep within herself. She said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”  You see, her bucket had holes in it. She couldn’t bear the thought of returning to that well over and over again without the hope of discovering something new. She was weary of the same old lies and disappointment. She was desperate for a real change in her life. She was sick and tired of dragging around a leaky old bucket.

Don’t we often do the same thing?  We go down to the same old well when no one is watching. We venture out while the “heat” of disappointment and disillusionment is beating down on us.  We avoid pain and confrontation. No one really understands our plight. We’re living a lie, and have gotten really good at covering up the truth. Things have to change one of these days, doesn’t it? 

All the while, what we’re really looking for is something refreshing and thirst-quenching. Jesus is waiting there for us. He meets us at the Well of Life and offers us a fountain of Living Water, drawn from the depths of His Spirit.

This is the first stanza of the hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing  (Robert Robinson)

Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing,

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;

Streams of mercy never ceasing,

Call for songs of loudest praise:

Teach me some melodious sonnet,

Sung by flaming tongues above;

Praise the mount – O fix me on it,

Mount of God’s unchanging love.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com 

Is There A Hole In Your Bucket?