Thursday, September 2, 2010

Stepping Stones: Relationship Prerequisites: Receptivity and Attentiveness



Transformational Thought

As a kid, I was not a big reader, hated it actually. But I loved comic books, and they were so good back in the 50’s – 70’s. I always fantasized about writing a comic book series, but not only was poor reader, I couldn’t draw.

Writing a book is hard…trying to figure out the overall message, the setting, characters, twists, plot, how deep to go. So many decisions and details to keep track of and integrate.
That’s a lot of pressure and responsibility!

If you trust in God, then you should believe that He write, actually prepares, each day for you with the most tender concern and attention to detail. Scripture is loaded with examples of how important we are to God and parts of the great script He has written especially for us.

Just being an actor in the story is so much easier…give me the script, let me absorb it, get into character, and act out my part. So when you wake in the morning, don’t take the role of author, with all the headaches and stress that come with that job, by trying to fill up the blank page of your day. Instead, be on the lookout for what our supreme Author has drawn up for your day and life. What an illusion it is when people think they can live independently from God…do it on our own, be in charge of and write our own story.

Try to live responsively…meaning responding to what God has planned for you. Living responsively is a matter of aligning yourself with the ultimate realty. God’s sovereignty, power, control, autonomy, authority over the universe.

Today, show yourself your belief in God being the true author of your story. When you are feeling some pressure and uncertain how to write the next scene of your life, STOP! Then respond to His script. Look for what He has written and is trying to communicate through the story He wrote specifically for you in His word. This shows you really believe He loves you, is sovereign, and is true to His promises. Your choice, you be the author, or let God be the author.

Prayer
Dear Father, You are the creator; You are the initiator of my very life. This is how I want to live my life – discovering what You are doing and responding to the opportunities You place before me. I know by Your Word that this is the most joyful and productive way to live. You know, Lord, that there is a part of me that likes to be in control…call the shots. Please teach me, Lord, the art of living responsively. I thank You for Your sovereignty. Teach me to understand and believe that Your sovereignty over every aspect of my life increases my security. I know responding to You requires concentration, however this world is rigged to distract me from You. Protect me, Lord, form all forms of distraction that hampers my ability to keep a constant look-out for You. I pray with confidence in the name of the Author of my salvation, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 1:3

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5