To become a follower to Darlene's blog, click on the "follow" tab at the very bottom of the screen.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

I Am Here - Again

Joel Osteen quoted a parishioner who said, "I'm in pain, but I'm still here." I thought of what God had shown me about Abraham. When God called him to sacrifice his son, Abraham said, "Here I am." Sometimes that's all we can give--and it's enough.

This week I took the step I should have weeks ago. I haven't had a regular quiet time for quite awhile. Mostly because I have a hard time figuring out a way to carry my Bible in my weak hands.

I use Bible gateway all the time for Bible study, and I've noticed they have a reading plan on the website.  The computer, of course! I spend hours here. Now to see if there is an online prayer journal; there are, of course. I started using prayerity.com.

Forgive me, Father, for not looking earlier; and thank You for meeting me there.  "Here I am."

God has shown me so much in a few short days, much of it specific to writers.

Good ol' Jeremiah. I'm so glad I'm not in his shoes. This week, I read where he confronted God, not once, but twice. The first time he asked:

You are right, O God, and you set things right.
    I can’t argue with that. But I do have some questions:
Why do bad people have it so good?. . .

Meanwhile, you know me inside and out.
    You don’t let me get by with a thing!

Jeremiah 12:1-4, MSG

God's answer was, as usual when asked "why?", a non-answer:
So, Jeremiah, if you’re worn out in this footrace with men,
    what makes you think you can race against horses?
And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm,
    what’s going to happen when troubles break loose
        like the Jordan in flood?

Jeremiah 12:5-6 MSG

If you think you have it bad now, it's going to get worse.

Later, Jeremiah made a bold statement:
You’re nothing, God, but a mirage,
    a lovely oasis in the distance—and then nothing!

Jeremiah 15:18 MSG

This time God's answer is more direct:
Take back those words, and I’ll take you back.
    Then you’ll stand tall before me.
Use words truly and well. Don’t stoop to cheap whining.
    Then, but only then, you’ll speak for me.
Let your words change them.
    Don’t change your words to suit them.

Jeremiah 15:19-21 MSG

I want to speak for God, so I'd better pay attention!

I'm thankful for God's word--powerful, alive, sharper than a double-edged sword.

**Last week's winner was Cindy Regnier. All comments on this post as well as the one on my new book covers qualifies for a chance to win one of my books. There must be at least five comments for the contest to be valid. Also to be valid, please answer this question: Have you ever asked God a question?**

4 comments:

Dana Wilkerson Spille said...

God always corrects those He loves in a way He only can .For the last days God keeps telling me to shut my mouth and hold my peace to stand and stand still and watch Him move.These are sometimes hard things for me to do but I know if I don't I will mess up the plan He has for my life .The enemy would love for me to say or do something to mess it up. God has brought me to far and I have come way far to stop doing all God has said ,Love you blogs keep them coming .I do enjoy them plus I am learning from them .Blessings my sweet friend. Dana " Girl "

Patty Wysong said...

This is a passage I keep coming back to and studying. It makes me cringe every single time.

I love what you pointed out about Abraham...thank you.

Hugs!!

Darlene Franklin said...

Patty, you cringe? I know. It leaves me feeling that way too. That's usually God's answer to why. Not cringing, specifically, but. . .I know more than you do. You wouldn't understand if I told you.

Patty Wysong said...

I am so very, very glad He knows more than I do and that I don't and wouldn't understand. It comforts me...why would I want to trust a god I could understand or felt I knew more than he did. *shiver* I'm learning to back out of the way and let Him do His work, and learning to keep my mouth shut too. Duct tape helps. ;-)