Okay, let's see if this blog works on our new website. I am going to interrupt the "book review for a few days to share some of the miracles of the last 40 days.
No matter what you're going through, you have to keep your eyes on where you're going to.... keep looking for God in every situation you face because he is bigger than anything you are going through!
Forty days ago I went to the emergency room thinking they would give me antibiotics for the infection in my left foot & send me home.
I had no idea it would be the most intimate 40 days with my Savior of my entire life! I'm not sure where to start except the night they took me to the operating room for "gaseous gangrene" surgery in my left foot.
Betty called the kids to inform them of the situation. We each prayed and agreed on Gods word for healing and wisdom for the surgical team.
When I came out of recovery the surgeon informed us they had to leave the wound open to attempt to get the infection out, but a lot of dead tissue was removed. The next morning after surgery I woke at 5am and turned ESPN Sports talk show on the TV to see if the Dallas Mavericks had won the night before. Instantly I heard the Lord say, "whats that sports show going to do for you?" CLICK! I turned it off and laid there thinking about what the Lord had just said to me. I reached for my bible to read Proverbs 4th chapter. Again,the Lord spoke and said, "worship me." So I reached for my ipod with my favorite worship songs and again, He said, "no, just worship me." I said, "Father, that's what I'm trying to do, read the word, saturate myself with worship songs, I don't understand what you want." he said, "Let's spend time alone together, just sit at my feet, you and me. All that other is necessary and good but no substitute for the intimacy I want alone with you." I was taken back that I may have substituted things for time alone with Him. Don't take me wrong, the Word is our refuge, the Word is our fortress. worshipping God in song brings intimacy and His presence amongst us. But have I missed God's best for me daily and moment to moment by a routine or ritual that makes me "feel" like I'm close to Him. I broke and wept as I laid there in the hospital bed. I asked God to "teach me how to worship Him. Teach me whatever I need to be taught Lord." He said, "How do you feel when your children run to you and want to sit in your lap and be held by your strong arms? How does it make you feel when your grandchildren do the same thkng? That's all I desire, the same thing, run to me, FIRST. Let me assure you. I originated that intimacy you feel with your little ones." I said, Yes Lord!
That morning began 40 days of intimacy that I pray, by the grace of God never ends.
it's amazing each morning how habits and routines can distract us from making Him first when our eyes open each day. Matthew 6:33 gave me a new revelation, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."
Every day, while I laid in that hospital bed, I would wake up at various times during the night, look at the clock to see how much longer I had to sleep. The Lord would say, "you want to sleep some more or spend time with me?" I would think, "but God, I need my rest." He would remind me in Proverbs of the ant, to not be a sluggard, a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands...." He is more than capable and willing to give me whatever strength I need during the day. Besides, I was in the hospital, what else did I have to do with all the time I now had? Sleep a little spend time with Him, take a nap, study His word, rest in Him, surround myself with praise and worship. What a life, maybe thats the norm, the standard for us?
I can't reach for my Blackberry first thing in the morning to check emails. I can't check the sports scores for my favorite teams in Dallas. I can't pick up my favorite book and read it first. There are lot's of little things each morning that I find myself starting to do before I sit at His feet to receive the intimacy He has for me and that He desires from me. I have His promise that if I will seek HIM first, then my day will be filled with His provision. God is faithful, never changing, never failing, the same yesterday, today and forever. His mercies are new, EVERY MORNING. Great is HIS faithfulnes!
"Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place." I Chronicles16:27
Lord, may your grace be the greatest strength in my life,
Jack
Recent Comments