Parallels

Have you ever seen a parallel which reflected an analogy of your relationship with Christ? As a parent, you may see an example of your relationship to Christ through an experience with your child. As an employee, you may see the quality of your service to Christ by your professional conduct in your workplace. As a husband or wife, you may see your role as a bride to Christ in your marriage relationship.

This morning as I began to pray, I found myself asking God if there was anything I needed to hear…those of you with pets know the excitement they exhibit when they first see or hear your voice. I don’t know if God was licking His chops at the open door I’d given Him but He did have something to share with me.

I remained quiet while the Lord revealed that I’ve often listened but I have at times not heard Him. My instinct was to protest and to offer clarification; those of you with children or parents probably get this immediately. Anyway, I wanted to interrupt but I no longer had the floor. As the politicians say here in our nation’s capitol, I yielded the floor to my esteemed Creator on High.

I remained silent.

I wanted to hear everything I’d previously missed.

God showed me how I held a place in my life that was mine, all mine and no one got through that door; access was restricted.

Could I have listened to God’s direction and not heard one word? What kind of Christian is that? Am I guilty of rejecting instruction, direction and counsel?

When God finished, I saw my guilt with Him and others. I confessed my area of independence, expressing my desire that I DO want to always hear Him, obey Him, serve Him and please Him with my life.

I cannot imagine life without Christ but I’ve been willing to carry on with the status quo and reserve a place just for me. I realize that as much as I love to talk, I need to allow the grace of the Lord to show me how to hear; not just Him but others as well.

I wish I could share something insightful today but this is all I have and it was a necessary confession.

"O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly;
My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water." (^{Psalms 63:1})

I praise you Lord for your merciful grace showered in my life today. I bathe in it today and experience a freedom and cleansing only you can give. Thank you for loving me so kindly and forgiving me for my arrogance.

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On a side note, I want to express my thanks to some bloggers who have been an encouragement to me (particularly this week when I looked at the man in the mirror).

I started to include a disclaimer that said, "There are other bloggers whom I express my appreciation in personal comments; please don't look unkindly towards me for not listing you today." -- But as people who love and trust Christ is this really necessary?

Back to my thanks:I would be negligent if I didn’t share with this community that these bloggers have a heart for Jesus Christ that seeks to please Him and hear Him. As I've said, "they encourage and inspire me be be a better Christian":

DC Alisa Lloyd Dean Kim Jane Elizabeth Merana Sharon Sarah Tiffany Teresa

A Promise Keeper Faith Imagined Solid Rock or Sinking Sand? Glory to God Family, Money and Stuff Days of Our Lives 100th Lamb Quiet Ministries The Power of One Writing Tea with Tiffany Triumphant Victorious Reminders

If you haven’t visited these blogs, I would encourage you to check them out. Mention MTJ and you’ll receive…well, you don’t get any gift for mentioning me but tell them I asked you to visit anyway.