Now God Has Given...

This morning I read this verse...which will not leave me:

"Now God had given the chief of staff respect and affection for Daniel."

In two weeks, I return to school...and this is now my prayer:

"Now God has given Mrs. Gillmore __________ and ___________ for {insert student's name/insert friend's name].

You know Daniel's story: Living in captivity, Daniel, a chosen one of God, his path cleared by this Babylonian official...because God...Only God...gave...used others to guide Daniel's way. (Here you might read Daniel 1:8 and watch how "God gave" is repeated...)

Would you pray with me?

Now God has given ([Your Name] _______________ and ________________ for [the person God plants in your path or places on your heart].

Today, I am thankful for His Word.

Where to Begin?

Today finds me at home...alone...with time to think and reflect...with much heavy on my heart.  You, too?

This week, in my Bible read I have been in Isaiah...the final 15 chapters or so...where the Lord seems to have much grief...and hope...  Yes, hope.  Sweet...

This summer finds me spending more time online as much of our professional time is now geared to online learning.

This final quarter of 2019-2020 found us ending our school year as never before, with our church closing for several weeks.

This year finds me shaking my head much in wonder, in question, in disgust, in amazement, in just a swirl of emotions.  Yet.  Right there in the midst of the storm, His Peace intercedes.  What a blessing.

What kind of battle are we fighting?  A friend said to me, "This is more than a virual battle.  This is a battle with the enemy who knows his days are numbered."

True.

My verses for July have been Nehemiah 1: 6, 11.

"...let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.

"Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

Here, Nehemiah, burdened for the people, prayed to the God who hears and responds and confessed the sins of the people.  I have found myself praying this same prayer.  Please, Lord. I have found myself praying much, for I know how this story ends.

Through these months, though, I have helped lead two Bible studies online, joined a few other online studies, and re-started my Making Choices Bible Study as our state opened up more.  He wants us in His Word.  Yes, Lord.  Nehemiah went about the business for the Lord, and that is what we are to do.  Not worry.  Pray.  Listen.  Wait.  Then, act when He says move.  Or remain still.  Just doing His Will.

I hope this finds you healthy and safe and resting in Him.  Blessings!

 

Time to Restore!

Time to restore...so much...in my life in 2020...one of which is this blog.  Yay!

My One Word for 2020 is just that...restore.  Such an interesting word for me.  As I began to meditate on this word, my focus scripture for 2020 instantly came to me...Nehemiah 6:3.

"so I sent messengers to them with this reply: "I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?"

Remember what Nehemiah was accomplishing in this scripture?  Yes...rebuilding the wall.  What a job!  Therefore, while the end resort of restoration sounds sweet...I see where much work fall in between now and the accomplishment!

Another part of this scripture on which I hope to focus is to keep my eye on the goal of the day, the week, the month and not to be so easily sidetracked.  This past week, I have accomplished a bit of "deep" cleaning here at home.  I could have accomplished so much more had I not been so distracted as I moved from room to room!  Squirrel!  On this, I hope to work!

Have you chosen a word?  Please share!