If everybody would just do things my way, life would be perfect. Right? It’s my way or the highway–or so I thought. I get stuff done in my time, my way, and with my best interest by figuring out just when is my time–when now doesn’t seem to be working, what is my way–when all paths seem foggy, and what is my best interest–when I can’t see the future.

With all the clamor, noise, and jockeying for stuff, I easily lose my bearings. The center of who I am and the focus of what I’m about becomes distorted. Discouragement lurks in the shadows to claim all that I am. When things aren’t working out my way or in my time or even in my best interests, maybe I’ve lost the meaning of the word “my” and to whom it refers.

In Old Testament times, Moses experienced times like these and God sent him into the wilderness to be with the sheep. The clamor of Egypt, gone. The noise of people, diminished. The stuff related to position, eradicated. One day Moses went even further into the wilderness. “He led the flock far into the wilderness” (Ex. 3:1). Silence. Hoof step. Occasional bleat. His mind quiet, focused on one thing—find grazing land.

In the quietness, God called. Maybe Moses’ thoughts weren’t as stilled as they needed to be. God used a spectacular display to catch his attention and speak to him—a burning bush that wouldn’t burn up. In amazement, Moses heard God say what his time, his way, and his best interest was. It wasn’t about Moses at all. It was about God’s plan, God’s time, way and glory.

How often I get wrapped up in thinking my life is about me. Like Moses, if I take time to quiet myself in the presence of God, I learn his plan, his way, and his time. It’s then that I can sync my life with his grand purpose for me, for others, and for God’s glory.

The word “my” refers to God, not me. He knows better than I about time, ways, and what’s best.

Now, where can I find some quiet sheep-grazing land?

iGETitLIFE 21 Day Challenge

Tired of your spiritual status quo? Desire a little something more spiritually–maybe more from your relationship with God? Take the iGETitLIFE challenge and connect with a community of those taking the challenge.

The 21 day challenge comes from the idea that it takes about 21 days to create a habit. Since we want more spiritually, I suggest intentionally seeking God for 15 to 20 minutes a day five to six days a week for at least 21 days. Consider this a test, a challenge, to see if you’re closer to what you imagine you want spiritually.

I outlined some steps to take this challenge in the printed booklet iGETitLIFE with Purpose. It isn’t magic, nor will it alone bring about your desire, but it will show you easy, attainable ideas to help you achieve the spiritual insight and depth you desire.

The ideas and steps laid out in iGETitLIFE with Purpose have helped me and I’ve shared it with countless others. Many have found fulfillment by following these simple suggestions.

I can send you a personal copy of what has benefited me and many others. Click here if interested.

This post is open for comments meant to encourage each other, share a word of inspiration you have received, and ask others taking this journey for assistance in overcoming obstacles to your success in seeking God. Share your experiences with the 21 day challenge. Your experience may change another’s life.

Let’s be open and honest without pointing righteous fingers. I will moderate comments because spammers make life difficult. Mean spirited, or off-color comments will not be allowed. My commitment to you is to offer an encouraging place where God seekers become God finders, where life’s hardships become shared praises, and where the common become extraordinary.

If you’ve taken the challenge, Let us know how it’s going. What has been rough? Where were the tough spots? How did you deal with the obstacles? What has been successful? Who else has been affected by your taking the challenge?

If we met at an event where you began this challenge, either for the first time or as a renewed effort, I want to hear from you. How’s it going?
 

Suffering~God’s Purpose for Me

I don’t wanna!! I don’t like it. Why does it have to hurt and disturb the core of my being? I must accept it. The following is from my devotional this morning:

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. (Ps. 138:8)

There is a divine mystery in suffering, one that has a strange and supernatural power and has never been completely understood by human reason. No one has ever developed a deep level of spirituality or holiness without experiencing a great deal of suffering. When a person who suffers reaches a point where he can be calm and carefree, inwardly smiling at his own suffering, and no longer asking God to be delivered from it, then the suffering has accomplished its blessed ministry, perseverance has “finish[ed] its work” (James 1:4), and the pain of the Crucifixion has begun to weave itself into a crown.

It is in this experience of complete suffering that the Holy Spirit works many miraculous things deep within our soul. In this condition, our entire being lies perfectly still under the hand of God; every power and ability of the mind, will, and heart are at last submissive; a quietness of eternity settles into the entire soul; and finally, the mouth becomes quiet, having only a few words to say, and stops crying out the words Christ quoted on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps. 22:1).

At this point the person stops imagining castles in the sky, and pursuing foolish ideas, and his reasoning becomes calm and relaxed, with all choices removed, because the only choice has now become the purpose of God. Also, his emotions are weaned away from other people and things, becoming deadened so that nothing can hurt, offend, hinder, or get in his way. He can now let the circumstances be what they may, and continue to seek only God and His will, with the calm assurance that He is causing everything in the universe, whether good or bad, past or present, to work “for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28).

Oh, the blessings of absolute submission to Christ! What a blessing to lose our own strength, wisdom, plans, and desires and to be where every ounce of our being becomes like a peaceful Sea of Galilee under the omnipotent feet of Jesus!

From Streams in the Desert

Come Lord Jesus, into our storm and calm us.

 Momma Mia! GraceMark Girl Style

I laughed so hard my face muscles hurt and my stomach felt like I had done three sets of 25 sit-ups. Oh my goodness, what a great time we had. The GraceMark Girls even let me pose with them in a picture.

I’ve been told I must, but I haven’t seen Momma Mia!, the movie. After this past weekend’s lip-sync/karaoke version, I’m trying to work it into my schedule. The “girls” from GraceMark and community and I had gathered together at a retreat for inspiration, encouragement and seeking God. We were challenged to believe God, trust his love, and pursue our God-given dreams in spite of the difficulties and fears. God is faithful and he will accomplish all he set out to do in and through us. We got more than we went for. God brought one from amongst them into his saving grace and personal relationship with himself. We all rejoiced over this one coming into the kingdom. Pray with me for these sisters and friends, for God to continue to work in them.

Blessings,

Robin

Wow, I read an incredible writing this morning. It inspired me and directed my busyness. Read and enjoy . . .

Straining and striving does not accomplish the work God gives us to do. Only God Himself, who always works without stress and strain and who never overworks, can do the work He assigns to His children. When we restfully trust Him to do it, the work will be completed and will be done well. And the way to let Him do His work through us is to so fully abide in Christ by faith that He fills us to overflowing. . . .  

There is no straining effort in an overflowing life, and it is quietly irresistible. It is the normal life of omnipotent and ceaseless accomplishment into which Christ invites each of us to enter—today and always. From Sunday School Times as written in Stream of the Desert, September 3.

Maybe the title should be Overworked vs. Overflowing. May we all obtain balance, purpose, and passion in fully abiding in Jesus!

Live well and hear “Well done.”

Robin

Finding God in Sequels, Unknowns, & Promises (Acts 1:1-5)

We’re left hanging at the end of the book and hooked before the first paragraph of the sequel. We have no idea how it all will pan out, but the author does. The author can be trusted to write out the middle as well as complete the perfect end. Luke is believed to be the man who wrote Acts. His first phrase alludes to a previous writing making Acts his sequel.

The sequel was written to Theophilus, a relatively unknown person. The fact is Luke mentions him here and in the first words of his previous book (Luke 1:3), but nowhere else is this man mentioned by Luke or anyone else in the Bible. It appears that he is a nobody. His name means ‘friend of God’ or ‘lover of God’ so Theophilus is no nobody to God. God knows no nobodies. All are somebody in his thinking. Even when nobody knows who we are, God knows us.

Luke’s given title to Theophilus as ‘most honorable’ in Luke 1:3 lends an assumption that he may have been a benefactor of Luke’s. In Dicken’s Great Expectations, Pip’s benefactor believed in Pip’s abilities, and supported him financially to help him accomplish great expectations. Theophilus may have supported Luke in numerous ways. Indeed, he was no nobody!

 According to these words in Acts, the first book was written to tell about all that Jesus began. Luke states that Jesus began to do and to teach, including instructions given through the Holy Spirit. The sequel was written because Jesus wasn’t through. He had only begun. The story wasn’t over and still isn’t. Some remains to be revealed. After God raised Jesus from the dead, he walked the earth for 40 days—the number of days for completion used often in scripture—proving himself alive and continued teaching his followers about the Kingdom of God. What Jesus began, he is continuing to do through the Holy Spirit. We are part of the sequel.

To play our part in the sequel, believers are given a promise. This is no lover’s “flowers, chocolates, and promises we don’t intend to keep.” You get more than a “You have my word on it.” or a signature on the dotted line. This promise is not only based upon character, but person as well. A person with outstanding character can still fail keeping a promise due to lack of ability, but God’s person has all the ability and character to fully keep his promise. We are promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, a gift that allows Jesus to continue his sequel in and through believers.

Jesus used a word picture to help us understand this promise. He said my cousin John baptized you with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. To baptize means to immerse. I like to think of this as covered, permeated with, nearly smothered with. Just as what would happen if I was held under water ‘til I thought I was going to die. The Spirit should permeate the believer to the degree that self is denied as Jesus taught in Luke 9:23. “He must deny himself and take up his cross…” Cousin John also said, “He (Jesus) must become greater, I must become less.” (John 3:30) The gifted promise is the opportunity and ability to live dead to selfishness and alive to a higher purpose, God’s purpose.

Much more is found in Acts 1:1-5. Please make comments and share your insights and questions concerning this week’s thoughts.

1.       If Jesus began a work in you, please teach us how you allow the Author to continue writing the sequel in your life through the Holy Spirit and prove himself alive?

2.       Who are the ‘unknowns’ God has used in your life? Are you a nobody with a big impact in another’s life? I had Mrs. Darden, who loved me enough to faithfully teach a bunch of silly and ornery girls in Bible class.

3.       Share some practical ways to live a life that counts, to be immersed by the Spirit of God, and dead to selfishness?

Hello,

You are invited to join us on a journey seeking God through the book of Acts. It is God’s story about initiating the church age, forming the first church and his dealings with the religious and non-religious. We will examine Acts verse-by-verse with intentions to seek God and discover a relevant relationship with Him. Through uncovered truths and encouraged application of those truths, my prayer is that we spiritually experience God, and not only gain head knowledge about God.

The repeated request for my notes and wish for interaction prompted the establishment of this community discussion on a blog where you may read and make comments on the insights of others on a weekly stop. Join us to be both encouraged and to encourage others. You can subscribe to the RSS feed and it will prompt you of the new posted discussion. The link is www.RobinBryce.com/blog. The blog discussion will open after each Sunday. Check it out and invite your friends whether religious or non-religious.

I look forward to journeying with you into a deeper relationship with God, watching God work, and changing our lives.

Blessings,

Robin

PS – I may need to work out some glitches in the blog world in the beginning of this effort; therefore, I ask for your patience, please. If you have ideas or thoughts related to this, please leave a comment on the post.

I’ve got tell you about my God. This is what happens when sickness keeps me from my regular speaking about the greatness of my God. I type it and get it out this way. It is too great to keep inside and must come out some way or another.

My God, He is the Prince of Peace. He came to bring peace, not as the world gives. His peace is unexplainably different. It surpasses comprehension and makes little sense. It is outside of our realm or other worldly. Yet, He came to bring His peace to us in our world.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 records the Christmas angels heralding peace and good will. The angels spoke of the coming of Jesus Christ into our world and of the good news and good will for the people of our world.

But we’ve been around the block enough times to know world peace isn’t here, nor is it just around the corner. Strife and struggles permeate our lives to the point of breaking us. Problems with families, neighbors, and war. Issues with health, wealth, and loved one’s death. Peace in this turmoil? How can it be? The world offers a peace that is absent of dissention, opposition and affliction. If one can catch a moment of the world’s peace, it is a rare and fleeting chance. Life is tough and full of rocky, hard places.

So how can God’s peace have been given but not realized? God has given us peace, but we must accept it, seek it and find it personally for ourselves. In order to realize this other-world kind of peace in the midst of life’s hardships, we must believe the good news of the glad tidings with an invincible faith. A faith that seeks Jesus with everything we have, giving ourselves over to the passion of finding more of Him in every moment of living breath. When we apprehend our Lord as truly ours, we attain the invincible faith that maintains the divine kind of peace no matter what our circumstances may be. This is the kind of faith the saints of old had when horrible tortures of lions, burnings, and atrocities took their lives as God’s peace kept their faith. The same faith and peace Cassie Bernall showed when facing a gunman in Colorado.

The world’s peace is a vapor, but God’s peace has staying power. It is ours for the seeking, ours for the having, ours for the sharing. That is the good news. God came to bring us peace, and we can own it. No one can take it away from us. Peace in my heart. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

My God rules!