When he Knocks do I open the door?

Rev 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
I was woke up this morning around 6:30 by my oldest and I could tell she was not willing to go back to bed. She was ready for the day and very persistent about watching a Franklin. I was not ready to start my day, so I gave in and thought I will just go back to bed or sleep on the couch while she watches this show. Getting the show started I felt a nudge to spend some time in the Word. Warm comfy bed vs. hard chair in the kitchen. Well I knew what my flesh wanted but I knew that I needed this time in the Word.
The word lukewarm came to mind the other day as I was meeting with a friend and my words were not matching my faith. I was feeling lukewarm and knew there was a passage on that. As I looked up the passage and knowing that Jesus is not for lukewarm I thought I should dig a little deeper.
Reading in Revelations 3 I noticed the reason for them being lukewarm was because they are relying on their own resources. Focusing on there earthly position,and thinking they are set. Following most of the rules and blending into the world is not God's desire for our lives. We are called to be on fire for Him and look different and that is not the easiest road to take.
Rev 3:15-17 in the message gives me a better picture
15-17"I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless
Stale and stagnant are not words that I want describing mine or my family's life. But how do I stay on fire for Jesus. How do I stay HOT?
Maybe this is not an issue for you and Praise God if it isn't.
I can think of three keys in my own life that help me stay on fire.
* Being connected with other believers
Hebrews 10:23-25NIV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
* Communication with God and asking for his help if I feel like I am starting to slip
1 Peter 5:6-8 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
* Getting my daily bread
Matthew 4:4 NIV
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
It is so key to stay connected to God and other believers so that we don't fall into temptation. These are the three that I thought of and I sure there are more. When I am pressing hard into community with other and seeking God's desires over mine I will not be described as lukewarm. Praise God

Where is he asking you to Be Still?

Psalm 46:10"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Exodus 14:14The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
What a great reminder that our Lord will fight for us. I have seen this in our lives this week and last. We were working on refinancing our house and for whatever reason we missed out on the lower rate before it jumped. So we did some phone calls and talked to a few friend and decided to look at a different bank. With this other bank we will be able to pay our house off faster and our house payment will be about $150 less. When I first got the news that the other paper work didn't get in on time I was so upset. Then within a few hours we were checking out different options. Looking back I think God's hand was at work and he knew we would not be happy with that first bank.
He is fighting for us and he wants what is best for us.
This was a great reminder to Be still in the Big and Small things.

Are you tired?

Matthew 11: 28-30 Message
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Sometimes with the daily responsibilities of being wife and mom I get tired and need rest. I have been more tired, and needing more sleep the last few days. Summer can be a fun and busy time and it can also get us off our normal routine. This is what I am finding. I had certain days in the fall and winter that I would have longer quiet time and writing times. With my daughter home from school it has been challenging to findpockets of time. The girls are going to sleep later and after putting them to bed I want to crash. I am only telling you this because I have found in the past if I am dealing with an issue usually another women is too. My feeling tired and quiet time in His Word usually go hand and hand. I get insight, and strength from His Word, so when that time with Him is lacking I get tired easily.
Today my youngest is taking a nap and oldest is golfing with Papa, and yes my house needs to be picked up but I knew I needed to have time in His Word.
When I looked up this verse I first looked at the NIV and then as I read the Message it really spoke to me today. Jesus wants us to come to Him when we are overwhelmed and tired and he will show us true rest. The rest I receive from Him is not laying on my pillow but it giving me a new strength, and new wisdom that will help thought the day. This verse also talks about walking with Him and working with Him and watching how He does it. The only way I can truly walk with Him is if I am in His Word and listening what he has to say.
This verse was such a great reminder of two important things in my life:
*He wants to spend time with me and you
* He is all about relationship not a religion
I hope you have time today to spend in His rest.

Are you Unforgettable?~Guest Post

Just a simple thought for today...
What are you doing to captivate your husband's thoughts?

I don’t want my husband walking out the door for work and forgetting about me all day, I want to be on his mind. I want him to miss me when he’s gone.

Let’s be unforgettable women!


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