Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Room for a Bible on My Desk


Just cleaned my desk last night. This morning I had my devotional time and set my Bible aside, two Bibles, actually, stacked to my left. And then I thought there was probably a better place for them, a place I could put them off the surface of my desk so I can work. Hold that thought.

I’ve read a couple things lately that have me thinking. As a Christian writer, this post really spoke to me. Agent Karen Ball discusses including God in story and how old television series used to do just that, and it came across as genuine. We’ve lost that in our culture.

Then, during my devotional time this morning I read Isaiah chapter 1. There’s a clear call to repentance in Isaiah’s opening chapter. A call for a nation of individuals to come back to the Truth, to dive into the Word, to repent of ungodly deeds. A reminder that God honor obedience above sacrifice and that He longs to wash us clean from our sins. He is a forgiving God who delights to forgive.

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,
“ Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword”;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

There was a time when I didn’t make the Bible a priority in my day. I didn’t read and pray. Thankfully, that’s not the case now. There’s a new grace, a new determination to keep God first in my day.

A new place for the Bible on the “desk” of my life.

Is there room for God’s Word in your day? In your life? Maybe it’s time to clear away the clutter, even the things we think are necessities and make room for the Word in our lives. The Word of God can and will change us if we let it.

It’s time to let it.

I’m making room for the Bible on my desk. How about you?

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Women of Faith, Part Two


Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God? 
(from Romans 11:33 MSG)

That was the scripture for this year’s Women of Faith gathering: Over the Top. My friend and I had a great time worshiping, hearing the teachings, enjoying each other’s company. 

Others have shared their WofF experiences with me, but I still didn’t know exactly what to expect. I’d never attended a Women of Faith gathering before. What a delight to go and pal around with a buddy in the welcoming atmosphere. 

I’d heard of Patsy Clairmont, but never heard her speak before. She’s a hoot! Loved seeing Lisa Welchel and Selah in person. The music was great! Mandissa is so talented, as was the worship team that traveled with the women. You wouldn’t expect to see a male speaker at a Women of Faith gathering, but after listening to the wisdom of Andy Andrews, I know why they included him. 

One of the highlights for me was listening to Sandi Patty sing. She really impressed me twenty years ago. As a vocalist, I was so impressed by her soprano range. So, seeing her in person for the first time, was delightful. 

If you haven’t gone to a Women of Faith gathering, I highly recommend it. God will meet you there and speak directly to you. My friend and I were nodding as we listened because God specifically met each of us. We laughed and cried (especially in regards to the child sponsorships). A great weekend!