Have I Learned my Lesson Yet?

Yesterday was just one of those days. It started out with a young lab technician who couldn't find a vein in my arm deciding to take eight vials of blood out of my hand. It started out ok, but after throwing up and being close to passing out, she decided she could make the five vials she had pulled work just fine. Thus began a day of mishaps...internet issues, ridiculously slow traffic while trying to get to a meeting on time, people not showing up for said meeting, misunderstandings, and car issues. Oh what a day! I think the only thing that made it better was connecting with my husband after work and finding out his day was just as bad. So, Kyle and I hunkered down for the night and had breakfast for dinner...one of my favorites...and hoped nothing else could penetrate our safe bunker for the night.

A lot of my time lately has been focused on what God has been teaching me these past few months, which oddly enough has taken me to a review of my last seven years in Germany. During our Bible study in Jeremiah these last ten months, one of the things that appears over and over is  who Israel/Judah are trusting in. They trust in their land, the temple, their position as "God's chosen people", false gods, and even themselves. This led me to the obvious question, "What am I trusting in- instead of God?"

There are three things that always stress me out (now four, since coming to Germany): car, computer, finances and health. Those four things became quite clear to me as I began to see a pattern emerge during my time here in Germany. Again and again (another repeating theme in Jeremiah) issues with the car, computer, finances and health would pop up. I began to realize that these are four things that I trust in- instead of God. Granted there are always varying degrees of trust, and I have learned my lesson from time to time...but as you can see from my first paragraph about my bad day...those lessons still continue to resurface. Some days are just bad days...but others are a reminder that I am trusting in myself and not God.

So, as God and I grapple with my trust issues...let me pose the question to you, "What are you trusting in instead of God?" If you think about the last several years or months, do you see a pattern where you are grasping for control of your life instead of handing over the reigns to your Creator? The Bible talks about trust quite a bit, but my favorite verses to look at are the Psalms. Here are a few verses to whet your appetite:

Psa 9:10

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psa 31:14

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, "You are my God."

Psa 40:4

How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

Psa 62:8

Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

There are Oh so many more! I hope you will take the time to talk to the Lord about where you are placing your trust. <3 h2="">

Wide Awake

I don't really listen to the radio much, but this morning on the drive to work Kyle and I listened. As I was driving home, I heard the song "Wide Awake" by Katy Perry. I've never been able to listen to Katy Perry without feeling a little sad at who she is and who she used to be. If you don't know, Katy used to be known as Katy Hudson and was sponsored by Focus on the Family. Hard to believe, right? Anyway, it got me to thinking about people in my life who were once followers of Christ, but for whatever reason have walked away from the faith. I wish I could capture the deep sadness this creates in my soul. How could anyone genuinely walk away from the Lord? Did I play a role in their disillusionment? Will they ever return?

As I listened to the words of "Wide Awake", I heard Biblical references to "being born again" and"out of the lion's den" and I just wondered where those words came from for her. Has she "fallen from cloud  nine" and is realizing this life of fame and fortune isn't all it was cracked up to be? Since we don't watch TV here and I manage to avoid most of the online news, I really have no idea where Katy is on anything. However, I do know that anytime I hear about Katy I think about her life growing up and what the Lord may have for her and so many like her.

The last several months I have been studying the book of Jeremiah. One of the major themes is "Turn or Return." It has been fascinating to read and see how the Lord is hurt by Israel's adultery with other gods, but He still longs for them to return. He talks about His anger, but also that more than that He longs for them to return. He has given chance after chance and He STILL wants them to return. There are so many people in our lives who have not blatantly walked away from the faith, but have continued to go to church but have "given up on God" in their hearts. They live with guilt of their sin, but they are still seeking- unwilling to make a decision. He wants them to RETURN!

So, the next time you hear her Katy's music or see her face on TV or a magazine, consider praying for her return to the Lord and for the many others who have turned away. Pray for their eyes to be opened and that they would truly be wide awake.