How Persistent am I?

Our persistence is often in direct proportion to how much we want something. A child who see a plate of freshly baked cookies will persist in asking for one until he gets one or gets in trouble for asking one too many times. A guy intrigued by a beautiful young lady will continue to ask her out until she says yes. A mom whose baby is sick will persist until she is able to find a cure or why her baby is sick. Isaiah was persistent. He loved Israel and wanted her to be right with God. Isaiah says in chapter 62:1,

"Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch."

Then in verses 6 and 7 he says,

"O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord. Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work until he makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth."

Has God put a city, a country, or even a people group on your heart? I live in Central Asia and my heart goes out for those here who are blind to the truth and walk in darkness. Is my prayer persistent? No. Would I like it to be? Yes!! As I read through Isaiah I am finding so many passages that can be prayed for the countries of where each of us live. My goal is each day pray for the country where I currently live. Hopefully as time goes on I can be as persistent as Isaiah. His persistance was in direct proportion to his heart for his people.

It is so easy to think that things won't get better and to forget what God can do. But maybe as people of God we can join our prayers together and give God no rest until he completes his work as Isaiah suggests. And not only Isaiah but Paul in Eph 6:18 says,

"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for people everywhere."

There are many things we can not do about what is going on in this world but there is always one things we can do and that is to pray. Pray and watch to see what God will do.

Dear God, Thank you that you want us to pray and that you hear our prayers. I pray for the country where I live now that they can see you and the truth. I pray for the US that our nation will turn back to you that we will repent and once again follow your ways. May I not neglect to be persistent in my prayers for people everywhere. In Jesus name, Amen

Spending

When we see the word spending, we automatically think of shopping or something to do with money. Today I have been thinking of another type of spending- the spending of ourselves. In the last few weeks, I have been praying and thinking about how I would be spending my time next year. Both of my children will be in school full time so it would just be me at home during the day. An opportunity arose for me to teach 5th grade math and PE at a small country type school near where we live. It would be a few hours each morning and even though I have always taught high school, it would fit my skill set. It would also give me plenty of time at home to do things I like to do and keep on top of the household tasks. Then out of the blue, I was offered another opportunity to teach two sections of high school math at the international school. I would actually even have W. in one of the classes. My mind thought that would be fun but... But would I have time to keep up at home? But would I have any time to myself? But could I keep up with work and family? After discussing it with my DH, I said yes. I said yes because there is a need, I am qualified to meet that need, and I do love teaching high school math. It is not official I still have to go through the reference stage and be officially accepted but I have a peace about my decision. It will require some organization on my part and maybe giving up some of my me time but it is very doable with God's guidance and help.

Today I was reading in Isaiah 58. Verses 10-11 say "And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be a well-watered garden, whose waters never fail." This is my prayer. That I can spend myself in this place. I may not be spending myself directly for those who are hungry and oppressed but I will be helping others who are by teaching their children. I will also have the opportunity at the International School to teach local children who may someday be the leaders of this nation and be able to make a difference in what goes on here. If I will follow, God will guide me and satisfy my needs in this sun-scorched place and strengthen my frame. So next year, when I get discouraged that I have gotten myself in too deep, remind me of these verses and that God is faithful.

Dear God, Too many times I save too much of myself for me. Help me to spend myself for you and your work which includes my family and friends. May I follow your guidance and realize that you will meet my needs and strengthen me when I am weak. It is only in you that I am strong. Thank you for all you do for me each and every day. Amen

A Fun Surprise

My friend over at Cool Beans is spreading sunshine around through the Sunshine Award. My blog was one of the blogs listed for the award. I always enjoy taking a peek at different blogs so you may enjoy going to Cool Beans and seeing what other blogs she enjoys.

The Sunshine Award is given to those blogs that inspire and show creativity and positivity. Rules for accepting are as follows.

1. Put the logo within your blog or post.

2. Pass the award onto 10 fellow bloggers.

3. Link the nominees within your post.

4. Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on the blog.

5. Share the love and link to the person who you received this award from.

Here are some blogs that I have enjoyed reading.

1. A King is Enthralled with You

2. 3 Continents Creates 1 Family

3. Lysa Terkeurst

4. The Krul Family

5. Pajama Mama

6. Just Call Me Jamin

7. Cambodia Border Ministry

8. Guilt Free Homeschooling

I don't have 10 at this point but I will add more as I find others that I enjoy.