God's rest

There is this place in life where there can be tremendous peace despite whatever circumstances and situations are going on. I think it is what the writer of Hebrews is talking about when he talks about entering God's rest. I think this is the way life was meant to be lived. I think it too often takes things getting so out of control in our life that we have to have God take over. So we throw it all into His hands finally. It seems that while we think we have a chance at controlling everything we will. Meanwhile, things continually get more and more out of control. And it isn't until we let it go, and put into God's hands AND LEAVE IT THERE that the issue starts to be resolved. I remember hearing a pastor say the key was to praise God for how he is taking care of the situation every time a thought comes up about the situation (of course, pray for it too). That really does work. And life becomes more peaceful. We do what we can and praise God for how He will work out what we can't. I think entering God's rest would have to be impossible without applying what Jesus said in John 15 about abiding.

What happens all too often is that we expect to see God's miraculous power, lots of answers to prayer, etc. but we are living without abiding in God. For God to be working in that situation would be to violate what He said in John 15, "Apart from Me you can do nothing." Instead of seeking after the fruit (answered prayer, prosperity, etc.), I think it would be wiser to seek after the giver of those things. And then as we "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 (if I recall correctly)

Wild at Heart

is what I am reading. It is REALLY good. Boundaries, even though you are a good book, I'll have to get back to you later.

Excellent quote, "Truth be told, most of us are faking our way through life. We pick only those battles we are sure to win, only those adventures we are sure to handle, and only those beauties we are sure to rescue."

For the most part that couldn't be more true with me (hopefully, in the past). I think there is something wonderful that happens when I'm in a spot where I am over my head. Where if God doesn't show up, I'm in BIG trouble. And that is adventure. I wonder if he says that later on in his book. Don't spoil it for me, though.

He goes on to talk about how guys are posers (we pretend to know all about everything even when we are clueless on the particular topic). I certainly used to always be that way. However, I found that that was the sure way to stay dumb. If you risk looking clueless and ask questions, that's how you will learn. I used to be far too proud to ever ask much questions. I wouldn't want to be disrespected by others thinking that I was clueless. But it really is all about pride. Each day there is a choice to act like I have it all figured out and lose what knowledge I do have by forgetting it and not learn much of anything else (if I have it all figured out what is the point in learning from others?) or to ask questions, and try to learn what I can. Oh, a person can still learn while they are proud and acting like a poser, but its a trickle instead of a river. The choice is mine to make.

I find it interesting how people who are rich try to pretend that they aren't but those that aren't try to pretend that they are.

So what do you do?

after you listened to someone talk who is hurting? If I have been down that path before I like to tell what helped for me. After all they are my friend, and I deeply care. So why hold the medicine and not give it to them? But what if they don't think what I said is right? Than they choose to not share about this anymore because they feel they no longer can with me. Grrr. But I am their friend. I deeply care about them. I want to know their struggles, upps and downs, because I do care. I do want to listen. That's why I listened to them the first time. But now they no longer feel that they can share with me, because they rejected the advice that I gave. So should I quit telling people what helped me when I was in a similar situation (or even brainstorm with them possible ideas for answers?). I don't think that is loving at all. I wouldn't want any friend to do that. If a friend is only there for sympathy but never to actually help (when they have the help) it isn't that nice.

If I had a flat tire I would rather you help me change it rather than give me sympathy or listen to me tell about it. Oh why, oh why, do relationships have to be like this? I don't ever want friends to not feel they can not share and they have to put on a happy face. But the joy of listening is to help fix the problem, right (at least to a guy it is)? This kind of stuff can be frustrating in relationships.

There was a time that God probably felt this way with me. Hopefully, not anymore.

The Wait is Over

I think I have listened to this song at least 50 times in the last 2 days. Normally, I don't overplay a song that badly, but this is really a good song. So I'm going to have to recommend it. Go to http://www.disciplerocks.com You can download it from their website.

Boundaries

I have been reading Boundaries, by Cloud and Townsend. It is quite good. I was currently reading about how it is crucial to allow people to fail or receive the consequences of their actions. It is not good for kids if the parents are constantly rescuers or enablers. People need to reap what they sow.

So this got me thinking about prayer. There are MANY times that we as Christians pray for people to be rescued from their consequences. Than we get mad at God when it doesn't happen. Quite sad.