Different, Better…

Song: Running Back To You – originally by Commissioned, sung by Leandria Johnson on 2010 season of BET’s Sunday Best (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixlkaNwHF6U)
Open Arms – Yolanda Adams (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVVqPE70YH4)

Scriptures:
Acts 3:18-20 (New International Version)
18But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. 19Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

Acts 3:25-26 (New International Version)
25And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' 26When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

Romans 5 (New International Version)
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

1 John 1:1-9 (New International Version)
The Word of Life
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our joy complete.
Walking in the light
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.


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I am so grateful for the way that God does such different, better things for me through the things I think I’m choosing to do.

I was thinking about this year’s season of the show “Sunday Best” on BET (which I’ve watched on the internet since I don’t have cable.) I was on the computer, typing up some thoughts I had for a blog entry (another one, that I’ll have to finish another day), and I thought about and wanted to hear the “original song” that was sung on the last show by the winner, Leandria Johnson, after the results were announced. I went to youtube instead of the BET website so I could more easily hear just that one song. Not seeing it listed, I just intended to play another video first while I typed, where Leandria sang the Commissioned song, Running Back To You…and I’m playing it still, and writing this for the blog.

The first time I heard this song was when a young man sang it a few years ago at the church I was attending during an “illustrated sermon.” Having some idea of a few of the things going on with this young man at the time, I was moved by the song, praying that the words were real for him, that he was indeed "running back" to God.

Now, God, through this song, is drawing me so much closer to Himself, creating more of a desire in me for Him, to be closer and closer. I must admit that the anointing that is on the young woman who is singing the song, and on the song itself really connects with my spirit…

"You love me still, and I know this is real"

Thank You, God, for Your love, Your mercy that draws us, draws me, then accepts us, accepts me. Thank You for Your sacrifice that makes us, makes me personally accepted into the Beloved. Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to receive such love from You, that I would even want to give it back to You, to share it with You. Thank You … thank You…thank You…

Ephesians 3 (New International Version)
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

... and my journey with Him continues ...

To Reiterate…

Song: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

Scriptures: Matthew 4 (New International Version)
Jesus Begins to Preach
12When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
17From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
The Calling of the First Disciples
18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20At once they left their nets and followed him.
21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Jesus Heals the Sick
23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. 25Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

1 Peter 1:17-25 (New Century Version)
17 You pray to God and call him Father, and he judges each person's work equally. So while you are here on earth, you should live with respect for God.18 You know that in the past you were living in a worthless way, a way passed down from the people who lived before you. But you were saved from that useless life. You were bought, not with something that ruins like gold or silver,19 but with the precious blood of Christ, who was like a pure and perfect lamb.20 Christ was chosen before the world was made, but he was shown to the world in these last times for your sake.21 Through Christ you believe in God, who raised Christ from the dead and gave him glory. So your faith and your hope are in God.
22 Now that your obedience to the truth has purified your souls, you can have true love for your Christian brothers and sisters. So love each other deeply with all your heart. 23 You have been born again, and this new life did not come from something that dies, but from something that cannot die. You were born again through God's living message that continues forever.24 The Scripture says, "All people are like the grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass dies and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord will live forever." — Isaiah 40:6–8 And this is the word that was preached to you.

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Okay – God really wants to make sure I get a clear understanding of His Father’s Day lesson for me. In His lovingkindness and His tender mercy, He has repeated the lesson from yesterday on today.

At church yesterday, much of the sermon concerned Jesus’ call to His disciples to,”Follow Me.” Matthew 4:18-23 was a foundational text. Today, one of my devotionals (Hope for Each Day: Words of Wisdom and Faith by Billy Graham) said, in part:

Discipleship is always costly. No, it may not cost us our lives. But it will cost us. It will cost us our plans, our wills, our selfish desires. Jesus’ standard has not changed: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24, NKJV) Instead of controlling our lives, we turn them over to Christ as Lord.

Someone has said, “Salvation is free but not cheap.” It cost Jesus His life, and it will cost us as well. But could anything be greater? Could anything be more fulfilling?

Follow Christ, and at life’s end you will be able to say, “No regrets.”

Hmmm – follow – looked up the word in Matthew 16:24 on http://www.blueletterbible.org/, checked out the concordance option:

Part of Speech: verb
Outline of Biblical Usage:
1) to follow one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him
2) to join one as a disciple, become or be his disciple
a) side with his party

Root Word (Etymology)
From ἄλφα (G1) (as a particle of union) and keleuthos (a road)

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
1
Strong's Number: g190
Greek: akoloutheo Transliteration: akoloutheō
Pronunciation: ä-ko-lü-the'-ō
Follow, Follow After:
to be an akolouthos, "a follower," or "companion" (from the prefix a, here expressing "union, likeness," and keleuthos, "a way;" hence, "one going in the same way"), is used
(a) frequently in the literal sense, e.g., Mat 4:25;
(b) metaphorically, of "discipleship," e.g., Mar 8:34; 9:38; 10:21. It is used 77 times in the Gospels, of "following" Christ, and only once otherwise, Mar 14:13.

Matthew 7:13-14 (New International Version)
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Luke 13:22-30 (New International Version)
The Narrow Door
22Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"
He said to them, 24"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'
26"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.'
27"But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'
28"There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."

John 14:6 (New International Version)
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

So, to follow Jesus means to join Him to serve as attendant, accompany Him, be His companion, in union with Him, siding and agreeing with Him.

Amos 3:3 (King James Version)
3Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

And, to follow Jesus through voluntary obedience as a disciple in order to go His way – the narrow way that leads to life - to come as a result to reflect His likeness.

Philippians 2:5-11 (King James Version)
5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (New International Version)
17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the
Spirit.

Hebrews 5:7-9 (New International Version)
7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

The song says, “No turning back.”

Only, Lord, by Your Presence, Your power, Your Spirit can I stay on track, not turn back, and have no regrets. Thank You for Your help, for keeping me.

... and my journey with Him continues ...

Father’s Day 2010

Songs: Knees to the Earth - Watermark
Running Back to You - Commissioned
Scriptures:
3 John 1:4 (NIV)I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Luke 12:47-49 (NKJV)
47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
James 4:17 (NKJV)Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
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Psalm 19:13 (NKJV)Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

I must admit that I didn’t want to go to church today. Sometimes I just think, “What’s the point?” But I know the point is worship, is obedience, is sacrifice, is surrender of my will (my wants, my plans, what I think, what I feel) to God’s will. Even so, I had just about talked myself out of going because I had put off getting ready for so long that I was going to be late. That’s when I remembered that it was Father’s Day. Before I could even marshal my thoughts to argue about the church being crowded, I heard the words from Watermark’s Knees to the Earth, “How can I bless Your heart?” I knew that going to church, not staying in bed, was the answer to that question.

Then, it was the whole “what am I going to wear?” dilemma, although I thought I knew what I was supposed to wear. But that outfit was wrinkled (since I had not gotten up in time to iron it), and since I was running later and later, I decided to wear something else. Of course, when I got out to the car I saw that the issues with the “something else’ outfit were worse than with the outfit I thought I should have been wearing, wrinkles and all.

Matthew 6:19-20[ Treasures in Heaven ] "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Again, because I was running late, I drove off in the direction of the church, going two blocks before I acknowledged that I was in disobedience and went back home to change.

Proverbs 19:21Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

I finally got to church, and the sermon was around Jesus’ call to follow Him. I can’t do that if I don’t / won’t obey. And if I don’t obey Him, I don’t really love Him like I would like to think that I do.

Psalm 14:1 (NKJV)
–To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.

[Taking out the italicized words “There is” in that verse (which, to my understanding, were added by translators), leaves it saying, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘No God.’ ” Disobedience is a sign of a foolish heart.
Song: Foolish Heart – Steve Perry (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-A8MSEB9rg&feature=related)
…“Don’t be wrong anymore.”]

Proverbs 10:1[ Proverbs of Solomon ] The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. Proverbs 15:20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Proverbs 17:21To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool. Proverbs 23:24The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.

1 John 3 (King James Version)
1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God...
18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Hebrews 10 (King James Version)
1For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
2For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
3But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21And having an high priest over the house of God;
22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Romans 6:14(NKJV)For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

... and my journey with Him continues ...

Singing to Him

Songs: Our God – Chris Tomlin
Knees to the Earth – Watermark

Scriptures: (NIV)
Isaiah 8:10Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us.
Romans 8:31-39 31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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I am really glad the Scriptures encourage us to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord for He is good” – making mention of and putting the focus on the goodness of the Lord, and not what we sound like. When we are told to “sing a new song” or to “sing praises to His Name” it is because of Who God is, because of His character, His nature, His attributes, His holiness, and not because of our skill, talent or ability (or lack thereof.) I have really been convicted and blessed by the boldness of some who sing joyfully with abandon to God, regardless of what may they sound like to anyone else– because after all, they are singing to God and not to or for anyone else. I am so thankful that worship is not just about how well someone can sing, and that we are free to worship our God in many ways to bless His heart.

I don’t think I’ve been in a church choir since I was a child. Even singing in the church congregation these days, I find lately that the words I sing change from what everyone else is singing. I think it’s God, because I don’t think fast enough to change the words and still have what I’m singing be in time with the music. Usually the words are changed such that instead of singing words about God, I’m singing to Him.

The latest example that has been coming up a lot is Our God by Chris Tomlin. The part of the lyrics (the chorus and “the bridge”) that are:

Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer
Awesome in power
Our God, Our God

And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?

I find myself singing - and, since it’s God-ward, in a sense praying (in song), affirming -

God, You are greater
God, You are stronger
God, You are higher than any other
God, You are Healer
Awesome in power
O God, Our God

And if You God are for us, then none could ever stop us...
And since You God are with us, then none can stand against!

Hallelujah for the victory we have in Christ Jesus!!!

2 Corinthians 2:14(New American Standard Bible) But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (Amplified Bible)
57But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].

... and my journey with Him continues ...

A Tithe Of All

Song: He Wants It All – forever Jones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3lyJkYnkzo)

Scriptures:
Genesis 14:17-20 (New King James Version)
17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him.
Abram and Melchizedek
18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;
20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
And he gave him a tithe of all.

Mark 12:41-44 (King James Version)
41And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
42And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
43And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
44For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Luke 21:1-4 (King James Version)
1And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
2And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
3And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
4For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
[ penury:
1) deficiency, that which is lacking
2) in reference to property and resources, poverty, want, destitution]

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Seemingly random things have been occurring over several days which, taken together, prepare me for / to pay attention to whatever I believe the Lord is saying:

- Heard that Christian musical group forever Jones was going to be interviewed on the radio; after that announcement, the radio station played their song, “He Wants It All”
- In a Christian bookstore, hearing some people talking about / looking for the CD from forever Jones
- The next day, hearing on the radio that the CD was to be released
- While in a Bible study class (on a Tuesday) referencing the healing of Naaman in 2 Kings 5, a woman in the class began speaking of tithing (though I don’t now remember the context)
- On the way home from the class, thinking about something else, interrupted in hearing: “…a tithe of all”
- Found this in Genesis 14:20 (NKJV)
- Reminder of 100% tithe lesson (blog from 2009.12.07 – That’s Not Your Testimony) when started rationalizing to myself that God was not saying what it looked like He might be saying, using other translations which said “a tenth of everything” (not “a tithe of all”)
- Lesson on the widow’s mite assigned that next day
- Email message the day of that assignment entitled: Tithe Habitually

So, I’m wondering exactly what God wants all of – no, even as I write this, I realize that I’m not really wondering that at all. I believe He wants all of everything, given as a gift, a sacrifice of love, not of duty or obligation. Guess I’m just not sure what that will look like in my life right now. (I do know that I probably should have been up writing this at 3 something this morning instead of almost 3 something in the afternoon – still struggling with that waking up / getting up thing, especially since it was so cool then … having to battle that lust of the flesh! Sorry, God.)

In the Bible study class I’ve been attending, we’ve been talking some about people (“unnamed heroes”) who do the unexpected, and my thoughts have been about how God does the unexpected. I think often of verses from Isaiah 55:

Isaiah 55:6-13 (New International Version)
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."

Lord, I ask You to forgive me, to please help me. Too often You know that my obedience is not immediate, not complete. And You know that my surrender to Your will in all things, at all times, is not what it should be. Help me forsake my way, my thoughts, and let that mind be in me that was in Christ Jesus. Thank You for Your goodness that has drawn me to repentance, for the convicting power of Your Spirit and of Your Word, for Your faithfulness and Your promise in Your
Word to forgive me my sins and to purify me from all unrighteousness, all sin by the blood of Jesus. Thank You for Your patience, Your love, Your truth, Your tender mercy and grace towards me that continues.

Psalm 19:13Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Romans 6:14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

... and my journey with Him continues ...