On Being Reminded

Our family practice is to gather each morning, Monday through Friday, at 7 am for family devotions - a time where we read a portion of scripture, ask some questions, and take some time to pray with and for each other.

This morning was no different. Our story for today came from 2 Chronicles 20, a portion of the Old Testament that chronicles the story of God leading His people Israel. In the story there is a king by the name of Jehoshaphat. He was a strong king who loved God and encouraged his people to serve God also.

One day Jehoshaphat realizes that three other armies had joined together to take him and his army out. Because of this threat the people of Israel came together to seek the Lord. They fasted and prayed looking to God for the answer. God answered them and spoke to them through a guy named Jahaziel - where did they come up with these names? Any ways -- the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jazz.

The first thing Jehoshaphat did was praise God for the victory that was coming later. Then a choir was formed to march before the army and sing. Can you picture this large army marching onto the field of battle led by a choir. Imagine if you will a scene from "Braveheart" and the warriors are led by a choir -- not the macho image that you would think strike terror.

God fought the battle for Israel that day. As they march and are led by people singing the praises of God, God confuses the armies and they ambush one another and destroy each other. When Israel confronts their enemies, they have been uterly destroyed, and for the next three days they take spoils, and on the fourth they bless God and return home with great joy.

I am reminded this morning that when the enemy looms large, it is a good thing to pray and seek God's guidance. I am reminded that God still speaks to His people through His Spirit. I am reminded that we need to live and act in faith. I am reminded that God is the one who will fight for us. I am reminded that praise is a wonderful weapon. I am reminded that the victory and spoils are ours. I am reminded to worship and celebrate the victories.

What threat or battle are you facing today? Are you going to spend some time praying and seeking God's wisdom and direction? Are you going to live as a victor by faith before the fact? Will you spend time today praising God? What enemy is He going to defeat for you today?

I needed to be reminded today, maybe you did too.

Slacking!

"I was busy and I just couldn't find the time" That's my story and I'm sticking to it! The last time I posted to my blog was almost a month ago. Time certainly does fly, and it's easy to become distracted.

One of our core values at RFMC is this thing called honesty -- which is sometimes very hard to deal with -- and if I am completely honest, I do know why I haven't written. I would like to confess that so much has been going on with me and my world that I not sure I even know how to communicate in any effective way all the wonderful and miraculous things God is doing, and that would be true, but it is not the whole truth.

The whole truth is that I would rather rest and relax than write. Writing is a difficult task for this very verbal person, and to sit and write is not something I enjoy. So rather than take the hard road, I have opted for the easier road. I've been slacking!

Well this morning it changes, and I will once again try to hone my writing skills and share with others this wonderful journey that God has blessed me with.

What difficult thing are you avoiding? What step or steps can you take today to put forth just a little extra effort?

Relax. You can start right after that cup of coffee, but start!