I'm back if but for a fleeting moment again. I so miss everyone and I know the busyness of my life has cost me losing blog followers. The women's ministry and youth ministry God has me involved in has been on fire and so my time has been wrapped up in that. I know we are right where God wants us because satan has been attacking so much and so hard (do I dare mention my 15 y.o. dauther peirced her lip when she has been told "NO!"?). BRING IT ON!!
This past weekend I kidnapped my husband and took him to a remote cabin a few hours from our house for his birthday. When I asked him what he wanted for his special day his exact words were "you and quietness". Well, he got it! The beautiful cabins were one room studio's with kitchenettes and showers. No TV!! No Computer!! We had almost too much quietness but it was such a rich time for us physically, mentally, and spiritually. We have decided we need to do this at least 4 times a year.
God recently showed me this great verse that I have chosen to be my memory verse for this week with The Beth Moore Siesta Scripture Memory Team bloggers. I have all these verses surrounding this one marked and highlighted but last week this verse really stuck out to me and has not left my thoughts...
2 Timothy 2:21 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
So if anyone purifies himself from these things, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
So if anyone purifies himself from these things, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Read the Amplified version...
So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.
What the verses are referencing to be purified from can be found here but it is primarily talking about our words, words that hurt, words that are arrogant and foolish. Cutting words. Fighting words. Then it cautions us against our "youthful passions", maybe put another way, our strongholds, addictions, shortcomings. OUCH.
This is what I know... this purification process, this aim for holy living doesn't come easy or without cost. BUT, it has now become what I crave. It has become my addiction, my focus. Holy living, usable for the Master!
So I pray...
Lord, make me a instrument for your use, set apart, holy. Prepared me for Your work, Your will, Your use. Holy God, purify my life, my mind, my heart, my thoughts, my words. I am Your maidservant. Humbly I seek You, reverently I worship You.
5 comments:
I'm so glad that you and Joe had time away (it is Joe isn't it?). Billy and I need to do this more ... a time of silence and being together to renew and cleanse ourselves of the outside sources that compete for our time and attention. Like you, I desire holiness; I sense it happening in me at a different level these days. The closer we get to Jesus, the pickier I believe he is!
Love you, Pam. Don't worry about your readers. We're still here, but I think the summer has sapped some energy from the blogosphere. I've noticed it over at my place too! No matter; just keep to it.
peace~elaine
I heard something one day on a christian radio station that said to always remember....we are only the messenger not the message. I try to remember that everyday!!!
wonderful post...good for you, getting away. This blogging world is so strange...making connections with people all over the country....it can be very encouraging but I dare say that for most of us it is not the first, second or even third calling on our lives. Freedom to flow..we must walk in freedom..not bound up trying to do what seems to be the thing to do....
Great words Pamela!! Glad you had some time away! i just returned from She Speaks, can I say amazing?? Wow, talk about the presence and voice of God! Truly amazing!!
Also wanted to pass on we're working on Rise and Shine and promo of it. I didn't know if you were aware but we changed the blog button and if you want to do the same go to the blog and that should work. If not let me know and I could send you the link. Thanks!! Sure pray I'll be able to meet you there, Blessings, Jill
Very nice. I am glad you and your husband got to spend some quality time together and I know what you mean about being away from blogging over the past couple months I have spent most of my time doing other things, outside things mostly. Blogging is taking on new meaning for me and it takes the back seat often. I miss reading and believe it will pick up again once the weather changes again:) I have not forgotten you and I want to thank you for popping over to my place now and again. I love your heart for God and the things of God. You continue to bless me with your heart that seeks to please him above all else.
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