12th
Ask for More
A wise woman once told me the benefits of venting.
I feel I’m forcing it.
I feel it’s something I can work at though.
I’m leery, but willing to try.
This seems like the way almost anything is rationalized: Not because of intellect, but emotion or relationships.
Regardless, I’m effort-ing.
God has been stretching me a lot lately. Uncovering aspects of my life only He truly understands. One of those is my arrogance, which is where this all started.
(aside) - a parable
It began with a book and a bit of advice. She said, “Instead of reading 10 books at once, stop reading all the books you are now pick up a new one and read it exclusively.” Simply ridiculous, I replied. Why would I want to add more to the stack?
A man attended a church of many with his mother. Upon the end of service attempted approaching various persons about the building. All seemingly preoccupied, when a light shines on a certain bookshelf: illuminating a certain book: “Practicing of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence. Bland looking, enticing, none-the-less I recall the Maidens mad-lib and make in impulse buy.
A man, working in a monotonous environment justifies not paying attention by his subconscious arrogance. “I don’t need to hear this because _____” = arrogance. Out of respect you do need to hear it.
The book, about calling to God in every endeavor, had a monotony of its own in the form of an overall theme: suffering is strengthening. Thriving on incessant prayer the monk went about his business washing dishes, simply thankful.
The job, endured upon the principal, and the counsel of a certain Maiden Fair, not for long. But long enough.
A week or so after being fired of his own arrogance, God made the most of the ill circumstances and aligned a friendship, attributed to, once again the Maiden. The friendship formed an opportunity to travel to Missouri. A state that sounded … well, it was somewhere. On a whim we went, Maiden attended too.
James 4:17 It is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. - Under the role of obedience a mentor, heeding the Lords beck and call, appeared from the fog of the Ozark hills and called to man and Maiden, “The Lord is looking for people to speak out, and what they say could spare a nation.” He spoke of the importance of spiritual gifts: his being dream interpretation… Something only spoke of in the “metaphors” about the Bible…. right?
Wrong
Gifts of the spirit, something rarely spoke of, now enlightened.
Wow.
Mr. Mentor spoke of approaching fellow pastors regarding gifts of spirit:
Mentor-“Do you have anyone who perform healings?
Comrade- “No”
Mentor - “How about prophesize?”
Comrade- “No”
Mentor - “How about dream interpretation?”
Comrade- “Well, No, but we have 5 guitarists, 3 drummers, and 7 singers!”
It’s funny where the focus is.
Spiritual gifts are not sought.
James 4:2 You have not because you ask not.
We believe in the Good Book supposedly, but approach it with a buffet bar attitude, picking and choosing parts which fit our fancy. If ignorance is your plea that’s fine with me but: “To whom much is given much is required.” Consider this a gift. Now what’s your excuse?
Ask for more!
