As I was preparing for our Unglued Bible study and heard Psalms 19:14 I was struck with a new thought, well not really new, but one that hit pretty hard in the midst of this 31 day journey. In this Psalm, David says, "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
I listened to Lysa TerKeurst share these words and the reality of it all hit me upside the head...if I can see God, He can see me. And friend, if you're seeking after Him, He can see you too!
Now I don't want this fact to keep you from looking for God because the truth is regardless if you want to see Him or not...He sees you! Honestly, I'm beginning to think I should have named this study 31 days of Experiencing God...as the month unfolds I believe I'll be sharing more than visual sightings of God, but instead I'll be including His whispers to my heart and the Truth from His Word.
As this journey continues I believe this reality - the fact that God and I can see each other, is part of my seeing God today. I know He reminded me of this truth for a reason, especially as I prepare to lead this Bible study.
One that will deal with emotions and experiences I'm not proud of, but ones I pray will change. Others may not know I scream at my children from time to time and they may be oblivious to the fact that I have been known to play the "I'm fine" game, but God knows. He has seen me do it.
Like I said, I know God sees all and knows all, but tonight this verse hit, "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Pleasing in His sight...wow! I think about how I've been pleased when I see Him...friend I know that's not always His reaction when He sees me. How about you?
Really I don't want this post to be a downer, but it's a truth we can't deny - we see Him and He sees us. We know Who we're going to see, but the question for the day - "Who do you want Him to see?"
May the fact that He is watching encourage you today!!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
31 Days of Seeing God - In the Harvest
This morning my husband and I were talking about the harvest...with the drought in Iowa we weren't sure what to expect. He was sharing with me about the beans...some of them weren't over a foot tall, but still the field yielded just about as much as it did last year. He said, "I don't know where they are coming from."
Minutes prior to this conversation I'd done the very thing I wrote about yesterday...I asked God to help me see Him and He did. My husband made that statement but we both know where the beans are coming from...they are coming from the One who created the earth, the One who gives us every breath we take. The One who works in ways we often don't understand.
As I saw God in our harvest, two passages came to mind -
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)
These words apply to our farm - we planted the seed, tilled the soil, picked the rock and pulled the weeds, but God did the growing. Friend, the same is true as we plant seeds of faith. You may feel like you are in a season of drought as you attempt to share Jesus with others, but trust me God is the One in control of the growth that will occur. And even when it seems there will be no fruit to harvest, He can do it...believe me, we are seeing that happen in our fields and I have no doubt the same is taking place in God's spiritual ones!
The other scripture that came to mind was Luke 10:1-3, "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves."
Harvest time is busy on the farm...it's not unusual for my husband to eat 2 of his 3 meals in the combine. Regardless of the conditions, harvesting the crop requires work...physically and spiritually. Friend, He has work for you and me to do...let us set our plans aside and allow Him to send us where He needs us! Perhaps that's across the ocean, maybe it's out in the field, but chances are it's in your backyard. So go now and remember as you do, look for Him...He will make the seeds grow!
Minutes prior to this conversation I'd done the very thing I wrote about yesterday...I asked God to help me see Him and He did. My husband made that statement but we both know where the beans are coming from...they are coming from the One who created the earth, the One who gives us every breath we take. The One who works in ways we often don't understand.
As I saw God in our harvest, two passages came to mind -
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)
These words apply to our farm - we planted the seed, tilled the soil, picked the rock and pulled the weeds, but God did the growing. Friend, the same is true as we plant seeds of faith. You may feel like you are in a season of drought as you attempt to share Jesus with others, but trust me God is the One in control of the growth that will occur. And even when it seems there will be no fruit to harvest, He can do it...believe me, we are seeing that happen in our fields and I have no doubt the same is taking place in God's spiritual ones!
The other scripture that came to mind was Luke 10:1-3, "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves."
Harvest time is busy on the farm...it's not unusual for my husband to eat 2 of his 3 meals in the combine. Regardless of the conditions, harvesting the crop requires work...physically and spiritually. Friend, He has work for you and me to do...let us set our plans aside and allow Him to send us where He needs us! Perhaps that's across the ocean, maybe it's out in the field, but chances are it's in your backyard. So go now and remember as you do, look for Him...He will make the seeds grow!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
31 Days of Seeing God - It Begins with Seeking
It's day two of our journey and already this is going in direction I didn't expect...
Honestly I expected to chronicle a sighting of God, but throughout the day I've been reminded that often I only see what I'm looking for. And friend that is true when it comes to seeing God.
If I, or you, want to see God, we'd better be looking for Him. How do we do that?
Well, if you want to see a friend what do you do? I know what I do...I call them up and ask if we can get together. We can do that with God as well.
Matthew 7:7-8 says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
Today, right now, I encourage you to pause and go to God in prayer. Share with Him your desire to see Him. He will hear your prayer and reveal Himself in ways you never imagined. He did that for me today.
I look forward to our journey together, but remember it all begins by seeking Him because when we do that we will SEE the KING!
My sighting of God today - as my older kids listened to a radio program, I heard God speak to me. The truth that was shared reminded me of His presence and concern for me!
How about you? Are you seeking Him? What do you see Him do today?
Honestly I expected to chronicle a sighting of God, but throughout the day I've been reminded that often I only see what I'm looking for. And friend that is true when it comes to seeing God.
If I, or you, want to see God, we'd better be looking for Him. How do we do that?
Well, if you want to see a friend what do you do? I know what I do...I call them up and ask if we can get together. We can do that with God as well.
Matthew 7:7-8 says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
Today, right now, I encourage you to pause and go to God in prayer. Share with Him your desire to see Him. He will hear your prayer and reveal Himself in ways you never imagined. He did that for me today.
I look forward to our journey together, but remember it all begins by seeking Him because when we do that we will SEE the KING!
My sighting of God today - as my older kids listened to a radio program, I heard God speak to me. The truth that was shared reminded me of His presence and concern for me!
How about you? Are you seeking Him? What do you see Him do today?
Monday, October 1, 2012
31 Days of Seeing God
Have you ever done something for 31 days? If you're a Mom, I know you have...dishes, laundry, diapers! But I'm thinking of something else...have you ever set a goal to do something for 31 days? Perhaps you've wanted to exercise or eat right? Or maybe you wanted to not lose your temper for a month? The options are endless, but personally for the next 31 days on my blog and more importantly in my life I'm on a journey of Seeing God!!
A year ago, I did a series titled 31 days of Who am I? on my blog and the journey was a successful one. As I walked that road there were some twists and turns at times I went in a direction I didn't expect, but as the month came to a close I was blessed by the road I had traveled. I believe this journey will be the same.
Some things I expect as I look ahead: as I seek God I will see Him. When I see Him, I will hear from Him. When I hear from Him, I will get to know Him more. I truly believe my faith will grow. I expect to see Him in familiar ways and in familiar places but also trust there will be some surprises. I hope to include my children on this journey and would love to have them share with you as well. My prayer is my sighting of God will bless you, but more importantly I pray they will encourage you to look for God with more intentionality in your own life as well!!
So for today...
A visual look at seeing God: currently in Iowa the leaves are beautiful and so are my children! Today I'll start simple and share a pic of God as our creator and giver! He has created a beautiful world for us to enjoy and given us loved ones, who may at moments drive us crazy, but in reality bless our lives just by being a part of it!!
Today friend can I encourage you to see God!! Look for Him in the beauty around you or in the smiles of the ones you love! If you have a minute, I'd love to hear where you saw Him today, so leave a comment to share your sighting as well!!
A year ago, I did a series titled 31 days of Who am I? on my blog and the journey was a successful one. As I walked that road there were some twists and turns at times I went in a direction I didn't expect, but as the month came to a close I was blessed by the road I had traveled. I believe this journey will be the same.
Some things I expect as I look ahead: as I seek God I will see Him. When I see Him, I will hear from Him. When I hear from Him, I will get to know Him more. I truly believe my faith will grow. I expect to see Him in familiar ways and in familiar places but also trust there will be some surprises. I hope to include my children on this journey and would love to have them share with you as well. My prayer is my sighting of God will bless you, but more importantly I pray they will encourage you to look for God with more intentionality in your own life as well!!
So for today...
A visual look at seeing God: currently in Iowa the leaves are beautiful and so are my children! Today I'll start simple and share a pic of God as our creator and giver! He has created a beautiful world for us to enjoy and given us loved ones, who may at moments drive us crazy, but in reality bless our lives just by being a part of it!!
Today friend can I encourage you to see God!! Look for Him in the beauty around you or in the smiles of the ones you love! If you have a minute, I'd love to hear where you saw Him today, so leave a comment to share your sighting as well!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Have you ever been noticed?
Have you ever been knee deep in laundry while constantly changing diapers and cleaning up endless messes? I have. Have you ever done the daily monotonous tasks and wonder if it really even makes a difference? Me too. Have you ever been the friend (or parent or spouse) investing in a relationship and wonder if she (or he) even knows the time and energy you devote? Been there too.
Actually, I was there the other day and God brought to mind a story from this summer. Back in July, I attended the Proverbs 31 She Speaks conference and I was blessed by numerous speakers. Every session I attended could have easily been the keynote speech at other conferences, so you might be surprised when I tell you about one of the times God spoke the loudest.
Saturday afternoon, Lysa TerKeurst had a book signing and I'd picked up a copy of UNGLUED for a friend, so thought I'd surprise her with a personal note from Lysa. I didn't realize God had a personal message for me!
I handed Lysa the book and she said, "Hi. I saw you at breakfast, but didn't get a chance to say hello. How are you? How are all your kids?" I answered her questions, but honestly I was surprised. I was thinking, she remembers me? You see, two years ago I was part of a leadership team that invited Lysa to speak at our retreat, but there are countless other women who've done the same thing. I honestly didn't expect her to remember me.
As our conversation came to a close, I found myself replaying her words. Now if this would have happened five years ago, I would have been star struck with the whole situation, but this time that wasn't a big deal. I just saw further evidence that Lysa is the real deal.
Though that is the truth it's not the point of this post...you see as I reflected on the words she shared, God whispered to my heart, "Jill, I see you too." Friend, at that moment I can't explain the peace those words brought to me. I was in a room with 650 other women who love Him, serve Him and want His attention. I'm not sure how your mind works, but at times mine can wonder. Does what I do really matter? Does He even see what I'm doing? This summer in North Carolina God reminded He sees me and my efforts do matter. Friend, I hope and pray you hear Him whispering the same to you!
Perhaps a national speaker has noticed you, but the only ONE who matters sees you right now!! That my friend is a BIG deal because God, our Father, our Creator and our Lord is the real deal!! So whether you are in the midst of hundreds doing what you do or by yourself doing what will all too quickly be undone trust me on this - HE sees and it matters!
Something to think about - How does knowing God sees you affect your thoughts and/or actions?
Actually, I was there the other day and God brought to mind a story from this summer. Back in July, I attended the Proverbs 31 She Speaks conference and I was blessed by numerous speakers. Every session I attended could have easily been the keynote speech at other conferences, so you might be surprised when I tell you about one of the times God spoke the loudest.
Saturday afternoon, Lysa TerKeurst had a book signing and I'd picked up a copy of UNGLUED for a friend, so thought I'd surprise her with a personal note from Lysa. I didn't realize God had a personal message for me!
I handed Lysa the book and she said, "Hi. I saw you at breakfast, but didn't get a chance to say hello. How are you? How are all your kids?" I answered her questions, but honestly I was surprised. I was thinking, she remembers me? You see, two years ago I was part of a leadership team that invited Lysa to speak at our retreat, but there are countless other women who've done the same thing. I honestly didn't expect her to remember me.As our conversation came to a close, I found myself replaying her words. Now if this would have happened five years ago, I would have been star struck with the whole situation, but this time that wasn't a big deal. I just saw further evidence that Lysa is the real deal.
Though that is the truth it's not the point of this post...you see as I reflected on the words she shared, God whispered to my heart, "Jill, I see you too." Friend, at that moment I can't explain the peace those words brought to me. I was in a room with 650 other women who love Him, serve Him and want His attention. I'm not sure how your mind works, but at times mine can wonder. Does what I do really matter? Does He even see what I'm doing? This summer in North Carolina God reminded He sees me and my efforts do matter. Friend, I hope and pray you hear Him whispering the same to you!
Perhaps a national speaker has noticed you, but the only ONE who matters sees you right now!! That my friend is a BIG deal because God, our Father, our Creator and our Lord is the real deal!! So whether you are in the midst of hundreds doing what you do or by yourself doing what will all too quickly be undone trust me on this - HE sees and it matters!
Something to think about - How does knowing God sees you affect your thoughts and/or actions?
Monday, September 10, 2012
A Critical Question
In a recent post, I shared about a time when I asked the question, "Seriously God?" It was during a time of pain and loss, but lately I've been thinking about a time when I uttered these words from a state of disbelief.
Thirteen years ago, I was a second year teacher living my dream...well, that's what it looked like on the outside. I was doing what I set out to do, but I was lonely, empty and depressed. At times it felt my purpose in life was to survive the day, only to wake up and do it again.
That strategy worked until I got to the place where I didn't want to do it again...13 years ago this month, I contemplated ending it all. I had a plan, but thankfully God had a different one.
Had my plan unfolded, I would be in a place of darkness F-O-R-E-V-E-R. You see prior to that Tuesday night in September I was a church go-er, I'd been baptized and I thought I was good enough to get to heaven.
But God, He knew. He knew I was a lost soul in need of a Savior. I was a religious girl who longed for a relationship. He didn't just know about my life, He worked in it. In ways that are too many for this post, but that have brought me to this place. This place of reflecting on "Seriously God?" moments of my life.
"Seriously God, I'm not good enough to get to heaven?" Now that question makes me shake my head, but there was a time when the reality of those words hit. HARD.
Growing up I was the good girl. Granted I made mistakes and wasn't perfect, but certainly my good outweighed the bad. I honestly thought I'd work my way to heaven.
That was until life (God) brought me to my knees, removed the scales from my eyes and helped me see the truth.
Now God didn't put this specific verse in front of my eyes, but He did speak the truth of it to me. No one is good enough to get to heaven, that includes me and you.
For awhile that scared me..."Seriously God, I mean if I'm not good enough, how can I assure myself I won't spend eternity in hell?"
It was then He brought Ephesians 2:8-9 to me; here Paul says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."
God answered my question and invited me to accept the gift He has given. And friend today if these words have left you uttering the same ones, the ones that say, "Seriously God, I'm not good enough to get to heaven?" He wants to say the same to you...He is offering you the free gift of salvation as well!!
How do you receive it you may wonder - again, Paul has the answer, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
This seriously God question is a critical one...I pray you will answer it today!! It will change your life forever and save it for eternity!! If you have any questions, concerns or prayer requests leave a comment or send me an email - jillberan@yahoo.com. If you have a friend who believes what I once did, I encourage you to visit with them today!!
Praying for you in your "Seriously God?" moments!! Would love your prayers as I journey through mine as well!!
Thirteen years ago, I was a second year teacher living my dream...well, that's what it looked like on the outside. I was doing what I set out to do, but I was lonely, empty and depressed. At times it felt my purpose in life was to survive the day, only to wake up and do it again.
That strategy worked until I got to the place where I didn't want to do it again...13 years ago this month, I contemplated ending it all. I had a plan, but thankfully God had a different one.
Had my plan unfolded, I would be in a place of darkness F-O-R-E-V-E-R. You see prior to that Tuesday night in September I was a church go-er, I'd been baptized and I thought I was good enough to get to heaven.
But God, He knew. He knew I was a lost soul in need of a Savior. I was a religious girl who longed for a relationship. He didn't just know about my life, He worked in it. In ways that are too many for this post, but that have brought me to this place. This place of reflecting on "Seriously God?" moments of my life.
"Seriously God, I'm not good enough to get to heaven?" Now that question makes me shake my head, but there was a time when the reality of those words hit. HARD.
Growing up I was the good girl. Granted I made mistakes and wasn't perfect, but certainly my good outweighed the bad. I honestly thought I'd work my way to heaven.
That was until life (God) brought me to my knees, removed the scales from my eyes and helped me see the truth.
“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Romans 3:10-12
For awhile that scared me..."Seriously God, I mean if I'm not good enough, how can I assure myself I won't spend eternity in hell?"
It was then He brought Ephesians 2:8-9 to me; here Paul says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."
God answered my question and invited me to accept the gift He has given. And friend today if these words have left you uttering the same ones, the ones that say, "Seriously God, I'm not good enough to get to heaven?" He wants to say the same to you...He is offering you the free gift of salvation as well!!
How do you receive it you may wonder - again, Paul has the answer, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
This seriously God question is a critical one...I pray you will answer it today!! It will change your life forever and save it for eternity!! If you have any questions, concerns or prayer requests leave a comment or send me an email - jillberan@yahoo.com. If you have a friend who believes what I once did, I encourage you to visit with them today!!
Praying for you in your "Seriously God?" moments!! Would love your prayers as I journey through mine as well!!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
And the winner is...
The winner of Seriously God? - I'm Doing Everything I Know to Do and It's Not Working by Jenny Smith is Brooke S. who left a comment via Facebook! I will be contacting you! Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts!
Pray you are all trusting Him in the seriously God moments of your day!!!
Pray you are all trusting Him in the seriously God moments of your day!!!
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