Ping Pong Words with God

June 5, 2015
Friday

Dear Readers,

It's another glorious day in North Central Texas. I just love sitting on the patio and reading in the early morning hours. Every now and then, I could hear Mrs. Cardinal peeping and I looked up to watch her flit about and guard her nest. Maybe I am easily entertained but I seem to find joy in the simple things of life.

Since I was without a car for several months, I learned to entertain myself within the confines of my house and cottage. I did manage to get lots done as well as recuperate from a back surgery. I am rarely bored.

I think that the Lord was teaching me patience, don't you? Being an A-type lady, patience isn't one of my best virtues. I am a git-er-done NOW person!

What is surprising me is that with all the rain we had in May, I am seeing cracks in my back yard grassy area. There used to be a stream coming down towards the house every time it rained hard; however, since I've put in the gardens and mulched well, that has solved that issue. Thank goodness!

Today, I was reading in the Psalms. When I lived at Hope's Door in 2002, I would pray and God would direct me towards certain Psalms and, amazingly enough, He would answer me as I talked to Him. I used The Promise Bible at that time and like to go back and read how God lifted, sustained, and directed my steps to a new beginning. I found victory there SO today as I was reading in my Daily Walk Bible, it took me back in time. (In a good way)

Have you ever stood in the Customer Service line and listened to the conversations between the cashier and customer? I was in Walmart a couple nights ago and, I must say, I almost burst out in laughter, the conversation got so bizarre. The customer had obviously used and broken an appliance and was saying that it was broken when she got it. I peeked around to see a toaster oven caked in grease and food particles. The cashier's face started to get red, the customer got belligerent and the manager was called. After a (sort of private) conversation between manager and cashier, the customer got her money back. The line behind me was growing, people were impatient, and, I think, the customer (although in the wrong) won. Sad, huh?

Where am I going with this? Do you ever play ping-pong with words in addressing God in prayer? Does the word "but" enter the conversation. Well, I did _________ BUT ___________. We bargain, we fuss, we demand our own way, and by golly we want God to do something about it. I can see Him now up there in Heaven, sitting on his throne, and rolling his eyes.

I was reading Psalms 19-36 today and had a hard time stopping at chapter 36. Did you know that what terrifies you controls you? Thing about that for awhile. Are you like me and when God reveals himself do you bargain ~ do you play ping pong in prayer? I have to remember that He is my teacher and will instruct me how to accomplish what He has asked me to do; He is the judge that will acquit me if I am innocent; He is my salvation granting me eternal life; He is my rock that I have always depending on to steady me; He brings me joy and I worship Him in all His glory; and, He is my uplifter when I am down and out.

As I read, I was highlighting verses that meant something to me. Why? Because I find truth in the Bible. To be completely honest, there was a time in my life when I avoided reading the Bible because I felt guilty and didn't want to be convicted. I had my own justifications. All of a sudden one day, I let go and was His. God has a big eraser once we confess ~ "It is a broken spirit you want ~ remorse and penitence. A broken heart and contrite heart Oh God you will not ignore."~ Psalm 51

The Good News: Once I was broken, God began to put me back together to sing his praises. I was cleansed by the blood of Christ Jesus to be white as snow. Isn't that wonderful??

"Learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land..." ~Isaiah 1:17-19

I'm so glad you joined me today. I prayed for all of you this morning. I prayed for those of you who are being bombarded by Satan (like Job was) and suffering mentally, spiritually, and physically. I prayed for those of you who are battling illnesses that are slowly working their way through your bodies; I prayed for those of you who have been in a state of depression or sadness ~ maybe your relationship isn't what you wish it was. I asked God to bless your lives in a way that you could understand that He is there for you. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are about to embark on another campaign for the best man/woman for President of the United States. Father God in Heaven, I ask that you move mightily so that our country can become strong once again. Rise up a person of good character, strong moral values, a great leader who could bring our country together once again, and, most of all, a person after your own heart. In the holy name of Jesus I pray... Amen and Amen!

Miss Dottie

PS  JI Packer, Christian Theologian, said: "Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God's holiness and sovereignty, acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours."

Yep, it's true. Hey, y'all, let's talk soon!!