God is Always Speaking!
Do you find yourself juggling too many commitments, too many
expectations, and too many roles? Last weekend I spent time with
a good friend on Saturday, stayed up till nearly midnight
completing my teaching notes for a class on Sunday, fell into
bed and got up six hours later.
On Sunday I went to our 8.30 a.m. church service, taught a
class on Spiritual Disciplines at 10.30, tore out of there at
noon, rushed to the store to get snacks and a quick lunch, and
got home in time to sweep the kitchen floor, tidy up and welcome
my writing group at l.30 p.m. They left just before five p.m. at
which point our home group members started arriving. And I was
supposed to lead the study. What a crazy day!
The ironic part is that I taught that morning on SLOWING
DOWN!
In spite of knowing about keeping a sane pace of life,
sometimes we forget to assess the use of our time more
realistically! I learned that lesson, once again. Later that
night, when I fell into bed exhausted, I could only mumble,
“Thank you, Lord, for providing all I needed today—but help me not
to do this again!”
It’s good to know that God picks us up, speaks to us so
we wise up, and points us in the right direction.
I read and reflected on Haggai a few days ago, and because
reading the Minor Prophets isn’t exactly on everyone’s top
priority list, I decided to share some of my thoughts and
prayers in this month’s Espresso for the Soul. Perhaps
they will help you respond to God as you hear Him speaking to
you.
Love in Christ,
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What Is God
Like?
by Poppy Smith
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The book of Haggai is only two chapters long but
contains some important truths about God that we need to know.
Try and slow down enough to grab your Bible and read it!
God is always speaking, and one of the reasons for slowing
down (apart from avoiding high stress levels and
susceptibility to getting sick), is so we can hear what He is
saying to us.
A little background: God spoke to Haggai 2500 years
ago! The Israelites had been living in Persia after being
captured by the Babylonians and carried off into exile.
Finally, Cyrus, king of Persia, said they could go back to
Jerusalem, settle down, and rebuild the temple. But what
happened? They rebuilt their own houses and left God’s
house, the temple, neglected and in ruins. Notice what God
does:
God speaks: Ch.1. God is not blind. He sees what is
going on. His people are caught up in taking care of their own
well-being and not concerned about honoring Him. So He
speaks a word of correction: “Give careful thought to your
ways” (v.5,7). After they responded rightly, God then
speaks a word of encouragement, “I am with you, declares
the Lord” (v.13).
Prayer response: Lord, you see my priorities. Show me if
I am putting my interests ahead of yours. Thank you for
reminding me to give careful thought to my ways.
God stirs: It is God’s Spirit that stirs us up to
obey Him, seek Him, and serve Him. Stirred up, the people
began to work on the house of the Lord (v.13-15).
Prayer response: Lord, stir my spirit today to want to
do the work you have given me.
God strengthens: He sees the thoughts of the people
and knows that those who remembered what the temple used to
look like were discouraged. He understands, exhorting them to
“Be strong. Be strong and work for I am with you” (v.4).
Thought: Do I compare past blessings and experiences of
God with where I am today? What is He promising me for this
day? Will I turn from looking back and apply myself to today’s
tasks, believing He will give me the strength I need?
God sustains: Wanting them to constantly be aware of
His presence and His power to help them in all the
difficulties they faced, both then and in the future, God
encourages yet again. He says, “My Spirit remains among you.
Do not fear” (v.5).
Thought: How conscious am I that God’s Spirit remains
with me in every situation? When I’m frazzled and frustrated,
frightened or facing difficulties, where do I find strength
and confidence? By getting my focus off my circumstances and
on to God’s promised presence and power.
God seals: God declares to his servant Zerubbabel,
that He has chosen him (Ch.2:23). We are also sealed by God:
“He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his
Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to
come (2 Cor. 1:22).
Prayer response: Thank you, Lord, for the incredible,
mid-blowing truth that you have set me apart and placed your
seal of ownership on me! How amazing, how wonderful, how good
You are!
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New Grandson!
I had two great surprises
today! I have a new, beautiful grandson who was born a few
hours ago. He weighed almost as much as his daddy: 9lbs 2oz.
Everyone is doing fine. Naturally, I’m flooded with memories
of what it’s like to give birth—and very grateful those days
are over!
Catch An Informative
Video
My second surprise was
looking at a friend’s website (Vonda Skelton, author, speaker,
writing coach), and finding a video of me being interviewed
about my recently re-launched book, I’m Too Young to be
This Old.
In the interview I talk
about why midlife is such a crucial stage of life, being the
platform for all that lies ahead. With life-spans stretching
over eighty and ninety years, anyone over forty needs to DREAM
and expand her horizons to make the most of the future! Listen
to the video and find out what DREAM stands for—then put it
into practice.
Spiritual Development opportunity: You can gain
personal insights by following along with
my twice weekly blog
where I share information from my teaching course on
Spiritual Disciplines for the Not So Disciplined! Sign up to receive these posts
automatically:
www.poppysmith.blogspot.com |
Spiritual
Direction/Support/
Coaching: Looking for a confidential, regular
opportunity
to explore your relationship with God, be encouraged, loved
and prayed for? I currently meet with women in the Portland
area but also do phone appointments if you live elsewhere.
Contact me if you would like to discuss this: (503)
367-1374. |
Upcoming
Events:
Next month I hope to have a video of my recent TV interview
on Overcoming Regrets that took place here in Portland on
Channel 21. For those of you in the Portland/Vancouver/Salem
area I’m told the airing dates are: Wed. October 14 and 21 at
10.30 p.m. Also on Sunday, Oct.1l/18 at 9.30 p.m.
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Speaking
in 2010. I am currently taking bookings for next year and
2011. |
Speaking in Salem: November 20—Salem First Baptist
Hong Kong: Outreach lunch, Friday Feb.5, 2010
Salem Heights Women’s Retreat, March 5-7, 2010
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Ask Questions - Get Answers from Poppy:
I'm asked questions about faith, life application of Biblical principles and spiritual growth everywhere I speak.
Now, for my online friends, I'd like to give you the same opportunity to ask questions.
I'll answer your questions and share comments in coming issues of "Thrive". Just
contact me and let me know what you'd like to know more about...all at the click of your mouse! |
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