God Is Our Resource

These little guys are a learning tool for my ladies. When you shake these cute creatures, they light up and blink for about 30 seconds. The lesson I am trying to convey is that Christ-followers should shine best under pressure. Resourcefulness is something I had to learn being a military spouse. I am proud to tell you I once put my dining room table together with a butter knife. When you have no idea which box has the tools you learn to improvise. I can honestly say, now, I kind of enjoy using objects unconventionally. To me, it keeps life interesting. It also created in me an innovative spirit that does not take roadblocks easily. I have this inner voice that says, “I know there is a way. I just can’t see it.” Which then leads me to seek God intently. The dollar tree toy was God’s idea given to me while I was shopping.

“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much” Luke 16:10. Right now, we are witnessing faith followers debate all kinds of COVID-19 issues publicly. I was even sent an article yesterday and asked if I agreed. Here is a part of my answer. “I actually think that seeking God is lost. Not asking God to bless your plan but asking God what to do next. I can see a scenario where they asked God, and He said, “Close the doors,” or He said, “Open yours.” I think we assume God’s plan is across the board and applicable to all. Personally, I feel some people are comfortable, and they are not willing to become uncomfortable. Prosperity teaching and cotton candy preachers have spoiled us. They are the prophets of old crying “peace” while God was destroying the land. People refuse to look at God’s complete character. What looks like a curse could be God’s blessing hidden inside. God wants us loyal, strong, bold, and with an in-tune ear. I have kind of walked away from debates because I feel each church, like in Revelations, either has some explaining to do or praising to do.”
It is called a personal relationship for a reason. Each one of us must make our own decisions and then accept the consequences. When people come to me for advice, they often start their sentences the same. “Other than prayer, what do you think I should do?” Please explain to me why we think the person next to us; that fragile human that breathes just like us knows God’s plan without asking Him. God’s people can become incredibly resourceful and innovative if we start asking the One that created us. Just a recommendation, but you decide for yourself. But also, be prepared. Resourcefulness may mean there is no air conditioning, heat, toilet, running water, or even good weather. Are you willing?

Comments

Authority Given By God

The other day, God reminded me of a story. When I was teaching in the old mission building, my classroom was the library. I loved the big tables that we could join together as we discussed God’s word. Then I had to move over to the men’s side of the building and teach in one of the classrooms. It was your standard room with conference tables. At the time, I felt the setup cold as I was way upfront from the ladies “teaching.” My director permitted me to join the tables together to make it more intimate. Since I was having trouble with my legs, she told me I could leave the tables joined together for the guys to put the room back together. She forgot to tell the guys. One day, a man came storming into my classroom and yelled at me. “You will put those tables back,” he demanded. I looked up and slowly said, “No.” He screamed again, “Yes, you will.” I again replied, “No, and if you have a problem with that answer, you can talk with my supervisor.” The look on his fa...

Questions about Fasting Part One

Was fasting a foretelling of repentance and dying to self? Everything in the Old Testament Jewish faith was the "first to establish the second," meaning the religious acts were a foretelling to set up the death and resurrection of Christ. The practice of circumcision is not a sacred act anymore, nor is sacrifice. Why? Because in the New Covenant through Jesus, circumcision is now of the heart and not the flesh. The book of Romans reminds us that every religious act of the flesh has been replaced by living under grace through faith. So why are we continuing the practice of fasting for repentance or sorrow? Is that not an act of flesh? Do we not believe that if we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us? Why do you have to starve yourself to get God to move or hear Him? Don't we believe that He has heard us if we ask according to His will? Do you think God is motivated more by our acts of humility or our acts of faith? Does He not kn...

Fast Part Two

I have been mulling over the part fasting should be playing in the age of grace. For two weeks, I have questioned my friends about why they fast. Most of my friends said the same thing: to get close to God or hear God. My friends are kind and allow me to challenge their thought processes or debate them concerning their answers. Yesterday at church, God finally brought a complete response to me about fasting. Imagine yourself on a date or having an intimate dinner with someone, and they took out their phone and started scrolling. What if you were talking to a friend and they walked away from you to do something else? How would you feel if someone you loved screened their calls and refused to pick up the phone to talk with you? All three of those scenarios are how we treat God. God looks at the relationship with His people as a marriage. There is not one marriage that can survive without intimacy or that special closeness withheld for only one. When we read ve...

L. Kathleen Cline

Search This Blog