Are you limiting God?

God has been longsuffering with me. He has been showing me how I limit Him. Limit God? The Israelites limited God, but not me (Psalm 78:41)! Or so I thought. In my previous post I told you about the car and how God told me that I had attempted to limit Him. Well, I have had a God experience and lesson learned since that post. I call it training ground for me.
A week or more ago, I realized that with tuition for the girls school and a couple of not so stable clients that I will be relying on God to make tuition each month, relying on Him in a way that I haven't had to experience since becoming a 'walking' Christian. A few days later, I fell into a conversation with a man from our church in need of my services. We agreed to talk in a month and see if I can meet his business needs. I walked away saying to God, "God thank you for reminding me of your provision". I felt Him come back to me and say "There you go again, limiting me." What? The next thought was Him telling me "Why don't think He is your next client, do you not think I would bless you with such?". Ouch! Ok, it is one thing to know that God can do anything. It is another to believe Him to do something. Hence, my next experience.
Where I live I have to cross a bridge to get to the barrier island I live on, or off for that matter. For three or four nights they were doing construction on the bridge, after the peak of the bridge on each side. So that when you come upon the bridge and peak, the construction is on you and a surprise. Granted the construction signs are up, but you were unaware of the extent of construction till you were on it. Tuesday morning my husband called me before he flew out for New Jersey to warn me be careful on the bridge. I was, but not enough. Coming back that morning after dropping off the girls at a half day camp, I peaked the bridge and had slowed significantly with anticipation of the work. I got to the cut concrete and hit the transition back up and hit hard at 40mph. This new used car is slung low, really low. My husband said 'you'll know when you hit metal'. I drove down to the mail place just down the road, parked, got out and cautiously bent to look under the car. My heart sunk to the pits of my stomach and suddenly I felt sick, as I watched my oil pour out onto the parking lot, producing a rather large puddle of black oil. I had busted the oil pan. The very thing my husband warned me about, I did. I was so frazzled that when I went into the mail place to borrow their phone I couldn't remember anyone's number let alone think of anyone I could call to come get me and help me. I managed to get my letters and package mailed. I went back out to the car, got my purse, locked the car and started to walk down the little embankment to walk home. When I was in the mail place I felt a gentleman, who was also mailing some things, looking at me. Granted, you must realize, I was distraught and my face probably looked ghostly pale in comparison to my natural olive skin enhanced my the summer sun. As I began down the embankment, I felt nudged to go ask that man for ride home. I had noticed that there was a marine sticker on the back window of his large F150 and felt secure enough to ask. I walked up to his window with tears streaming down my face and asked for a favor. 'Sure'. 'Can you take me home please?'. 'Sure'. I got in and proceeded to tell him my predicament. I just busted my oil pan, my girls were at camp in town, my husband was in the air to New Jersey and our second vehicle was sitting at the airport thirty miles from here. He volunteered to take me to the airport and I accepted graciously. He took me by my house to drop off the sausage I picked up at the store on my way home and by the auto shop on the island to drop off the key to the car. And then to the airport. On our ride we talked about my husband and how I dreaded his response to what had happened and we talked about him, a former marine and now a fishing guide. I witnessed to him (a little seed) as we got to the airport as well as I could considering he was angry at God for his buddies being killed in Iraq and him being there to watch. I shared that my husband and I have a small group in our home. A few people seeking to maintain peace in a world with no peace. A small testimony, but testimony nonetheless.
For the rest of the day I wrestled with guilt, not really knowing ...was this my fault or could I have prevented it. After crossing the bridge three more times that day in the SUV I realized the only way to have prevented it was to come to a complete stop to maneuver my way up the bump of a transition. Side note, that morning the signage was "uneven lanes". Somewhere between 2pm and 3pm the signage changed to the large digital signs with flashing caution lights stating "bump ahead, speed advisory 40mph". By that time I had made several phone calls to state that "uneven lanes" was inadequate warning to the damage that could be done to the car. They had received several complaints. As I made my way through these phone calls, it was made known to me that these contractors carry insurance for such as things as this. You mean that I could be compensated for the damages?? So as I went through these phone calls, in my head I thought 'if they just paid for the oil pan, I would be content and grateful'. God came back and said 'there you go again, limiting me'. What?
Ok, ok, ok, I am tired of limiting you. I finished my phone calls. At this point as well, I hadn't eaten all day and I claimed a fast for myself until this was resolved. Into my quiet times I went thinking of what God was saying to me about limiting Him, I meditated on scripture. Much of the scripture in the previous post and some others that God brought to my mind I dwelled on.
Galations 3:5 (AMP) Then does He who supplies you with His marvelous (Holy) Spirit and works powerfully and miraculously among you do so on (the grounds of your doing) what the law demands, or because of your believing in and adhering to and trusting in and relying on the message that you heard?
Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
Finally, and most significantly,
Proverbs 21:1
The kings heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
So, my prayer became, ok God, your word says that I have not because I ask not. Your word says that if we being evil think we can give good gifts to our children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Ok, Lord I am asking. I ask that the damage be limited to the oil pan only. I ask that I find favor in the insurance company eyes and they compensate me fully for the damage done to the car. Ok, Lord, I am asking what I feel is a big hairy audacious pray (Pray Big, Will Davis Jr.), I am asking in your name based on your Word.
Tuesday the claim had been filed.
Wednesday I had a claim number and found the damage limited to the oil pan.
Thursday I found out the damages would be covered by the insurance company and they would get me a rental, which I didn't need and did decline.
Now, I am reminiscing over the past few days and gaping in awe at my Lord at how He put through this test and I believe I came out approved. Oh, my Small Group pastor told me "I can't help but to think that in part, at least, that God is rewarding you for your boldness in sharing Him with two families during this crisis." There was the former marine who graciously took me to the airport and our new neighbors as of Tuesday, my girls invited their son to VBS and I shared a very similar story about my husband and I to them. (They were brought up in the same faiths as my husband and I were, two extremes, they hadn't been to church and I invited them, knowing that my husband and I could completely relate).
So, there you have it. Are you limiting God? Have you asked in faith. I had to muster all the faith I could to believe with mega faith. Doubt creeped in and I had to banish it right away. Doubt is the opposite of faith and the two can not co-exist. Ask God to help you with your unbelief, as I did, and muster all the faith you can to believe Him for His promises not just the fact that you know He can, but that He will.

...you have not because you ask not...

The Lord will not let me rest tonight. Let me see if I can put these thoughts understandably in black and white.
When gas prices originally started rising, my husband and I, trying to be good stewards, sold his V8 truck. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to me at the time, I was being prideful and insisted on another SUV 4X4 (another V6, but not exactly what God was trying get me to). Two SUV V6 4X4s later, God opened my eyes to my pride. I confessed, repented and asked forgiveness from my husband. I confessed, repented and asked forgiveness from God. I knew I had to pay a 'price' so to speak. Now we realized we needed to find something more economical than what we had, not to mention part of the price I was to pay was that that second vehicle now had mechanic integrity issues. In addition to the mechanical issues, I would pay the price of time. When David sinned with Bathesheba, he confessed, repented and was forgiven, but he still lost his son. He still suffered consequences to his disobedience. Ok, my pride didn't make me pay that steep of a price, but pride is sin and there was a consequence to that sin.
Over a year later, we were still looking. We were aiming for a vehicle that would get us at least 10 more mpg than my SUV. Upon looking at a car locally, we stumbled upon (by God's grace) a diesel car. Our eyes were being opened to a possibility of double the mpg than my SUV. WHOA! This one in particular had too many miles, but now my husband went back to the computer and did his research and within a couple of days a new posting appeared within geographical reach for us. We had a mechanic check it out, he 'blessed' it so to speak. We drove up, gave our final inspection and drove away with 45+mpg.
On our return trip home, with a daughter asleep in the back and lost in my thoughts as my husband and I caravaned home, many scripture rolled through my head. I sat down today to write them out to see what God might be trying to say to me.
Let's start with Ephesians 3:20 in the AMP version:
Now to Him who, by (in consequence) the (action of His) power that is at work within us, is able to (carry out His purpose and) do superabundantly, far over and above all that we (dare) ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams)---
the next thought/verse that came to me was Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
then Matthew 7:11
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
then James 1:17
Every good gift and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Now, James 4:2
...you do not have because you do not ask...
Finally,
Matthew 26:39; 26:42; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42
...O Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; never the less, no as I will, but as you will.
My reflective thoughts on what had happened to us with a huge blessing beyond our wildest expectations brings me to wonder....
do I limit God, because I am not bolden enough to ask? Who am I to expect more than 30mpg? Who am I to ask for more? Don't misunderstand, lets make it clear that what we ask has to be in line with God's will and His desires for us. In looking for a more economical vehicle we were exercising His command to be good stewards of what He had given us (Luke 16). My husband and I are Dave Ramsey fans, we live on a budget, we did not buy a new vehicle, we bought a 10 year old vehicle and we did not go into debt over it. Well, to answer the question and share my revelation, I am a daughter to the King of kings and He is my Father who gives good and perfect gifts to His children. I was faithful with little and He gave me much more. (Luke 16:10)

Instruction

Psalm 19:7-8
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandments of the LORD are pure, enlightening the eyes.

So,
His instructions are:
perfect
sure
right
pure
bright
trustworthy
clear

And,
His instructions will:
restore the soul
make wise the simple
revive the soul
bring joy to the heart
give insight to living
convert the soul

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Praise you Lord for your word. For Your word is alive and full of power (making it active, operative, energizing and effective); it is sharper than any two edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and (the immortal) spirit, and of joints and marrow (of the deepest parts of our nature), exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of our heart. Hebrews 4:12 AMP

"Being versus Doing"

An outline of Ephesians from "Sit, Walk, Stand" by Watchman Nee is as follows:
A. Doctrinal (chapters 1-3)
1. Our position in Christ (1:1-3:21)
B. Practical (chapters 4-6)
1. Our life in the world (4:1-6:9)
2. Our attitude to the enemy (6:10-24)

I have listened to sermons by Duane Sheriffwhere he talks of the being versus doing, where we get so caught up in the doing that we forget to be. Watchman Nee breaks down Ephesians and addresses our first position in Christ as "sit". Ephesians 2:6 "and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." In John 15 we are told to abide in Christ and He will abide in us. The Greek word for abide is meno meaning to be in a state that begins and continues, yet may or may not end or stop...in Christ.

I have been known to get caught up in the 'doing' that I forget to 'be' in Christ. I find that when I relax and 'sit' at His feet daily that the 'doing' comes naturally. There is no struggle to find balance, He is my balance. There is no struggle in 'doing', He strengthens me. The key though is to 'sit' and 'abide' in Him. I have found one slip into my natural tendencies to 'do' in my own self sufficiency, my balance is thrown off, I struggle in my own strength, ....I will ultimately fall on my face. A humbling place to be, but on my face nonetheless.

Are you 'being' or 'doing' today? What could you do to change to 'being'? Is it a life-time decision, a lifestyle alteration, a daily modification to get back to the basics? Seek Him for your answer.

Faithfulness

My childhood was not lavished in lessons of money-sense. I was not taught that you pay your bills first then play. I was not taught that if you didn't have it, you didn't spend it. I was not taught budgeting. So as a young adult I learned about debt the hard way. When God brought my husband into my life, little did I realize just how much I would appreciate him and love him for the way he was taught as a child when it came to money matters.

Luke 16:10-12 (AMP)
He who is faithful in a very little (thing) is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little (thing) is dishonest and unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the (case of) unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions) who will entrust you the true riches? And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another (whether God or man), who will give you that which is your own (that is, the true riches)?

I heard it said once, "if you can't be faithful with $10 going into savings how can you expect to be given $100 to go into savings". Poverty mentality, he called it. Good stewardship is another descriptive term.

When our first daughter was born, my husband and I were both working. When I came home with our daughter and looked at this piece of perfect art made by the Master's hands, I suddenly had no desire to go back to work. I expressed my desires to my husband through tear filled eyes. My dearly beloved, said "I don't want you to either, let's figure it out". And we did. We trimmed, cut, eliminated, and went down to bare minimum. Essentially, if it wasn't a necessity, we did away with it. We got rid of extended cable, rid of long distance and purchased a prepaid calling card, minimized our expenses, put ourselves on a budget, and sold the car that had a note and went to a one car family. I put in my notice and I have been home ever since.

Where does the faithful part come in and given much? When I quit my job, we cut our income nearly in half. At that time my husband had been at this company for ten years or so. Within three years of us having our first child, my husband got promoted two times, more than making up for my lost income. This was God's word put into practice and His promises fulfilled.



Resource:
Dave Ramsey

Consistency

I was out of balance the last few weeks of school. Maybe my body was just tired. Maybe my brain was fried. Getting up to meet with God simply got put on the back burner. I kept thinking of Galatians 6:9 "do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not lose heart". Its seems that there are seasons of 'growing weary' and I do 'lose heart'. Those seasons seem to become shorter and less frequent as I grow in my walk with Christ with more understanding and I grower closer in intimacy. I found that when I let meeting with God at our scheduled hour slip by each morning, my life felt like it was floundering at sea at the mercy of any given wind that blew through. Ok, maybe not that dramatic, but life didn't feel as certain (as certain as can be in this very uncertain world) as it did when God was first each morning.
So, what makes balance for me? Remember I am a wife, a mother of two young girls, active in the women's ministry at our church and co-lead a small group with my husband. It can be easy to get out of balance and I did and I do. Back to the original question, what makes balance for me? Consistency. Let's not confuse consistency with complacency. Complacency is going through the motions and not feeling the emotion of devotion.
Consistency in God's word and His presence, consistency in exercise and good eating habits, and consistency in rest and sleep help me to keep my life in balance. You might think of it as a three legged stool. Remove one leg and the stool falls. I find when these three things are the three goals I simply aim for in consistency each day, God takes care of the rest.
I am not saying that just because I meet with God consistently every morning and spend time in His word that now I am perfect and I have all the answers. What that consistency does do though is allows me to be more in-tune with the Holy Spirit and less centered on myself. It allows me to hear God prompt my heart, direct my footsteps, guide me in conversations with my girls and others. It allows me to see where God is leading me being His child in this world and then I naturally fall into His work He is doing instead of seeking to do "good works".
I am not saying that just because I exercise and make good choices in my eating habits that suddenly I have a model's unblemished airbrushed body and that sexual desires pour out of me toward my husband in my unchanged busy schedule. What it does do though is it allows me to feel better about my self, more confident with my husband, as well as with others. It helps me feel more comfortable in my own skin; therefore, allowing me to focus less on me and more on what the Holy Spirit is working within me for my husband, my girls and others.
I am not saying that just because I have consistent rest and sleep that my girls naturally stop arguing and fighting, that the I stop struggling to seize those life teaching moments and that I suddenly can see past the faults of my husband, myself and others. What does happen though is that when I am well rested, consistently, I see the grace available to me, the scales fall off my eyes then I can see that I need that grace as much as the next person and it allows me to extend that grace to my husband, my girls and others more readily.
Now, lets not confuse consistency with perfection. As I mentioned earlier, I still manage to get out of balance here and there. That means I become inconsistent in one area or more on an occasion. Maybe the summer months with its heat and humidity discourage me from getting out for that run or bike ride for a week or more. Winter has known to keep me indoors for a month or more. If I let too many commitments into my schedule or I fall into old habits of staying up late (I am naturally a night owl), I have been known to sleep right on past my meeting time with God. The point in all this is though that I am aware of my imperfections. I recognize that I am not perfect. I stop trying to be the perfect wife, mother, and friend. I go back aiming for consistency. I am reminded of Matthew 6:33 "But seek you first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Our first and foremost priority is Him.
So, would the goal of consistency make a difference in your life? If you stopped looking at the long range goals and simply aimed for consistency on a daily basis, in your quiet time, in the WORD, in exercise, in your breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner choices, could you look back one year, five years, ten years from now and see the goals accomplished that you would have set for yourself anyway. This is what has worked for me, I wonder...would it work for you?

Spring up, O my soul

Streams in the Desert

"Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it" (Num. 21:17).

This was a strange song and a strange well. They had been traveling over the desert's barren sands, no water was in sight and they were famishing with thirst. Then God spake to Moses and said:

"Gather the people together, and I will give them water," and this is how it came.

They gathered in circles on the sands. They took their staves and dug deep down into the burning earth and as they dug, they sang,

"Spring up, O well, sing ye unto it," and lo, there came a gurgling sound, a rush of water and a flowing stream which filled the well and ran along the ground.

When they dug this well in the desert, they touched the stream that was running beneath, and reached the flowing tides that had long been out of sight.

How beautiful the picture given, telling us of the river of blessing that flows all through our lives, and we have only to reach by faith and praise to find our wants supplied in the most barren desert.

How did they reach the waters of this well? It was by praise. They sang upon the sand their song of faith, while with their staff of promise they dug the well.

Our praise will still open fountains in the desert, when murmuring will only bring us judgment, and even prayer may fail to reach the fountains of blessing.

There is nothing that pleases the Lord so much as praise. There is no test of faith so true as the grace of thanksgiving. Are you praising God enough? Are you thanking Him for your actual blessings that are more than can be numbered, and are you daring to praise Him even for those trials which are but blessings in disguise? Have you learned to praise Him in advance for the things that have not yet come? --Selected

"Thou waitest for deliverance!
O soul, thou waitest long!
Believe that now deliverance
Doth wait for thee in song!

"Sigh not until deliverance
Thy fettered feet doth free:
With songs of glad deliverance
God now doth compass thee."