Sometimes God puts things on my heart and he won’t leave me alone about it until I put it down on paper. Most of the times when I start to write a new blog I have no idea where it’s going or where it came from. The words just start flowing out of me and somehow I just know when to stop. Now I am not saying my blogs are wonderful by any means, but I do know the words that I am saying are from the Holy Spirit, so they are good and with pure intentions. Like this blog for instance, I was on my way home from bible study tonight when I could just feel Him nudging me to go home and write, when I really wanted to go to sleep. I had no intentions of writing today and to be honest I actually dread it. It’s not easy putting thoughts out there for everyone to read all over the internet with a view counter and like button next to every post; it puts the pressure on. Never the less I try to stay obedient.
With that being said, God is teaching me to be a “yes” person, no matter how crazy something may seem. I’ve learned the hard way that when God is telling you to do something it is easier to say yes and to walk in faith, than to hesitate, question his calling, and let the opportunity pass you by. Through this, He is teaching me restraint, discipline, and faith. I have realized that the more I listen to His voice and obey his commands, the louder His voice becomes and the easier it is to hear Him. So even though I am not Catholic I have decided to give up something for lent that I feel He has been asking me to give up for a while now. I have decided to give up myself; anything that puts my desires before God’s is off limits. So in no particular order this is a list of some of the things that I am giving up:
Extra sleep- I try to sleep as late as possible every morning with still allowing myself enough time to pull myself together and look like a normal human being for work at 7am. I hit the snooze once the alarm goes off for 15 minutes, then I lay there until I have no time left. No more of that! I am now waking up earlier and giving that time to God.
Facebook-after I wake up I usually browse through Facebook while lying in the bed. Not anymore! Whenever I would normally get on Facebook, I am going to spend that time reading and mediating on God’s word.
Secular music-to be honest most of the time my radio is on a Christian station, but there are times that it’s not. I have noticed that when I listen to things that aren’t so great it affects my attitude (what goes in brings forth what comes out) so yeah, there’s that.
And last, but certainly not least, Chic-fil-a- okay this really doesn’t hinder my relationship with God, but anyone who knows me, knows that chic-fil-a and I need a time out. I eat there at least 4 times a week….seriously.
So I am not sure why God is calling me to give up these things or why he is asking me to write this post, but I do know that I want to follow Him, no matter what that may look like. Maybe this is preparation for the world race, maybe it’s for accountability, who knows, but whatever God is calling you to do, I hope you act on it as well!
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25 34-40.
