Thursday, September 4, 2008

iTrain30

Reading for
Day 4 September 4

Phil. 2:12-30
Psalm 4:1-8
Prov. 1:20-23

Small things jump out at me today. In Psalm I read the last verse that says, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, Make me dwell in safety.” This week I had occasion to tell the stories of living through coupe tats, with soldiers firing and tanks in the streets of Manila. The questions of safety and “would we be ok tonight as we sleep?” were very real. There is a very real peace that comes with understanding that God alone keeps us safe. And He is a God I know and a God who knows and cares for me. What a relief to actively lean on God and admit the obvious – “God is in control and I am not”.

I also read in Proverbs how I need to turn at wisdom’s rebuke. I need to remember that I don’t know everything and that my perspective is naturally faulty. The next verse is a great promise, “I will pour out my spirit on you, I will make my words known to you.” Listening to God is the best skill we can develop and a most important discipline. Listening is not something we do easily. Active listening is hard work.

Lastly, when Philippians talks about how it is God who works in me to “will” and “do” His good pleasure. I open myself up to hear from God today and to allow Him to put help me desire the right things and then do them.

My goal is to listen today.

Reading for
Day 5 September 5


Phil. 3:1-11
Psalm 5:1-12
Prov. 1:24-28

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I also like Ps. 4:6 that says (NLT) "Who will show us better times? Let the smile of Your face shine on us, Lord." In this election year, I think it is very important to remember to keep our hope in the Lord, and not all of it in men. It is He who meets our needs and give us a blessed life.
LauraD

Hillenblog said...

Pastor:
This has been especially encouraging and uplifting today, to remind me that He is in control...and my perspective is faulty. I appreciate this word today.
Thanks...

Anonymous said...

Pastor:
Thanks for doing this. I just came home for lunch, leftovers from Doe's Eat Place and a Dr. Pepper. They were great but as Ps 4:7 says: You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I'll read daily. Scott B

Anonymous said...

Ps 4:4 Commune with your own heart...and be still. So effective. David

Anonymous said...

"God is at work in me!" WOW just nice to think about it. I am reading at school today. A public high school!! I am so thankful to teach where I am allowed to do this. Thank you Lord. J

Unknown said...

Another reminder that He is in control, he loves me tenderly and wants me to know him. I need to be still and know he is God, especially through the times where life is just going crazy!:)

Thank you Pastor Eddie!

Rachel Cerasani

Malorie said...

What a comfort to know God is working in me, giving me the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. What an awesome God we have! No matter what situation He never leaves us helpless. We can rest easily knowing that He is in control.

Libby said...

I wish to shine like stars in the sky among the warped and crooked generation.

Kathy said...

Everyone keep writing! I love "listening" to your words.

hillenblogshappywife said...

after what feels like a sleepless night last night, how wonderful to be reminded that He makes me able to lay down in peace and sleep. Proverbs 3:24 ends with "you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet." These of course are the result of believing and knowing He is in control, and also seeking His wisdom and knowledge. Help me Lord, i am so weak. Help me to listen to you--and then follow thru.

Eddie Lyons said...

I want to echo what Kathy said. I love reading everyone's comments. Thanks for writing.

Pastor Eddie

Bionic Man said...

read day 5,
thanks for challenging us to do this
-miles

Malorie said...

I want the kind of faith that Paul describes. I want to walk so closely with Christ that all else fades in comparison. I want my relationship with Jesus to be so strong that I never fail to listen when He's calling me or advising me. By faith and relying on the Holy Spirit to direct me, I know I can avoid the pitfalls described in Proverbs 24-28. Thank you, Lord, for always providing a way for us, if we just listen to you and trust.

Anonymous said...

I found it interesting that in Psalm 4 the Lord is the 'lifter up of my head', and in Psalm 5, the prayer for protection is prayed looking up.

Mick