Small Stuff

Years ago, a book called Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff was recommended to me. I immediately didn’t like the title. First, I’m a personality that believes everything matters. Secondly, the One and Only God does not ignore the ‘small staff’.

God’s story is full of the ‘small stuff’. God used the cry of a baby to start the process of freeing the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 2:1-10). David was just a little boy when he put the small stone in the sling and killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17). One boy’s lunch of 5 loaves and 2 fish fed 5000 men plus their families with 12 baskets left over (John 6). A rope kept the spies sent by Joshua into Jerico from being captured; consequently, that rope kept Rahab and her family safe from the invading Israelite army (Joshua 2 and 6:22-26). Paul was let down in a basket (Acts 9:23-25).

Never consider the small things worthless. God is exalted in both the small and the big stuff. He was able to create the universe with a word. 10 Commandments govern all His people. A tiny mustard seed becomes a ‘tree’ that can grow to 20 ft.

God cares about every small and large part of our lives. We need only trust Him!

Listen

Are you listening?

The sentence Jesus spoke most often was, “He who has ears, let him hear.” He said it 7 different times in different situations in the Gospels. In the Revelation, He says it 7 more times. Each time I read it I think of Jesus taking my chin and saying ‘listen to Me’!

My mom used to do that and it meant to listen and look at me. It meant this is important and I want you to hear exactly what I’m saying. Jesus was (is) doing the very same thing.

How do we do that? How do we hear His voice amidst the noise all around us?

Henry Blackaby, in his study, Experiencing God, gives us 5 easy to remember ways to tune in to his voice. We can hear Him through His Word, prayer, worship, other Christians, and in the world around us through nature and all of life’s situations.

We have to purposely listen for Him in everything we see, hear, and experience. We must focus totally on Him. He is speaking right now. Listen!

Abba, Father, open my ears, eyes, and mind to the sound of Your voice. I am listening!

Breath of God

I AM who I AM Y H W H

When Moses asked God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:13-15) what His name was this is how God responded – Y H W H

As Christians, we have replaced the blank letters with vowels making it YaHWeH. That’s OK if we have to have a word but what if it isn’t meant to be a word at all?

Jewish Rabbis believe these letters to be like the sounds of breathing. Could it be that from these sounds God wants us to understand His constant presence?

From the time an infant inhales that first breath until their final breath… Y H W H

When God spoke the world into order, could the sound have been simply His breath… Y H W H

When God breathed life into Adam… Y H W H

God breathed His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)… Y H W H

God’s presence is made known in every person every moment of every day by simply breathing. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Believer, an atheist, a child… It doesn’t matter what color your skin is, what language you speak, what your job is… You are a living, breathing child of God.

Breathe on me breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love as Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.

Trust God

Are you trying to do it all yourself? Stop it!

God is in control.

Trust Him!

Let Him do His job.

He can and He will!

Abba, Father, forgive us for not turning to You with all of our issues and problems. Keep us mindful that You can do anything. Help us rely on You.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Waiting

It can be extremely difficult to wait. Whether it be for an appointment, for water to heat, for a special event… Even more to wait on an answer from our LORD.

However, He WILL answer. It can be yes, no, or wait on My timing.

He WANTS to answer. We need to be good listeners. He has a variety of ways to answer. He may choose His Word, His people, the circumstances around us, during times of worship…

Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

He is listening!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie