Confession

 The eighth chapter of the book, The Pilgrim Heart by Darryl Tippens is about ‘confessing’.  We all are sinners, yet sometimes we only look to the obvious/blatant “bad” sins.  There are of course a varying degree of sin….yet it is sin whether we see them as little/small or big ones. God hates all sin, but loves the sinner and desires us to commit wholly to Him.  The chapter  brings out that a pilgrim heart is a confessional heart, a heart that faces, accepts, and tells the truth…..the whole truth, no ‘little white lies’-- whatever those are believed to be?   Unfortunately, in today’s culture, speaking truth is often defined as being intolerant and judgmental. We must speak and live  truth with compassionate love to be at peace as much as possible (Romans 12:18).  We all have hurt someone and been hurt.  The Bible is filled with scriptures referencing confessing our sin (James 5:16, 1 John 1:8-9, Psalm 32:3-5, etc.).  Doing nothing or being silent can be sinful….that is one of my flaws.  I have used the fact that I am more introverted than outgoing.  Thus, I often say/do nothing, ignore, dismiss, avoid.  Czeslaw Milosz quoted the following:  “In a room where people unanimously maintain a conspiracy of silence, one word of truth sounds like a pistol shot”.  Us introverts don’t have to say a lot, but speak firmly, boldly, and truthfully with compassion.  What are your confessions that you are holding on to?  Take them to God in prayer, share them with a trusted friend. If you are looking for a challenging read to help you daily live the life God wants/expects, this is a gut check type book that should transform your heart. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Bring It

 Oftentimes, we look to things of this world for answers, fulfillment, happiness, etc. God’s word shows us a different venue.  Matthew 14:18 Jesus tells the disciples to bring Him the five loaves and two fish that were available to feed a multitude of people present to hear/see Jesus.   Jesus took these and gave thanks….God provided for this need.   While we don’t always understand and get answers/results we want, God promises the faithful He will take care of us.  On this earth and in our temporary human bodies, there will be struggles, pain, hurts, and disappointments.  Living a faithful life will allow us to proclaim victory when our earthly time is finished. God created us and is all knowing and powerful, so keep in mind the following:  

When I am overwhelmed: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."

When I am angry: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."

When I am hurting: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."

When I am confused: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."  

When you don’t know/are in doubt:  "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."   

Bring it to God, ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7-8)...trust Him.  Bring everything to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).  Remember, just as a loving parent at times says no to a child because we know what is best for them, God may at times tell us no, or perhaps not now.  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO