~ "Listening for God..."

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. (Ps 46:4)

In reading over the notes I take on Sunday mornings, I came across a sermon on Mephibosheth (2 Sam 9). There are three places a Christian is: In the valley, on the mountain or at the river. Our strength lies at the river. That is where Jesus is! It is at the river we decide what is important to us. Do we want to be all that we can be for God, or do we want to be busy in the world? Are we willing to tell Satan that we will "fight the good fight" of faith?

Doing what is "Godly" is probably one of the hardest things we will ever do in this life. Changing who we once were into who we are now took time and patience - only we don't see it as we go. It's not until something from our past reminds us of the lies we lived before we were HIS, do we see our own growth in the spirit. Summoning the courage and strength each day to do what is right and what is good - especially when Satan sets out to torment you and reclaim your heart. Don't be deceived by him. He is a liar and has been from the beginning. He wants only to separate you from God. He will use any and everything available to attack you - your family, your children, your loneliness, your mounting expenses and your insecurities. He wants all that we can have (in human terms, that is). His successes come from our failures. He has built an army and his weapons are greed, immorality and hatred. Do not let yourselves be taken prisoner to his lies. Even though life on this planet is hard, and cold sometimes, there is joy when you follow Christ. There is a peace that flows through you at the most difficult time and Jesus never leaves your side. I was reminded recently that although "I talk...God listens" - if I don't read his word, I can't hear his voice!

Today, all the "matters" of life surround me, but all THAT matters is that my King is with me! He expects me to go with him - no excuses!

(taken in part from a Sermon given by Pastor Charles Brooks 8/1/10)


(photo by Susan Beaver)