What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice- Updated

This was originally written in 2010 in the midst of the Lenten season.  Thought it was worth updating today, as we prepare for the beginning of Lent tomorrow, which is Ash Wednesday.
I also included some pictures taken yesterday evening, of the beauty of God's creation in our neighborhood, which always gives me moments to reflect on the Lord and His plans for my life, and what He is asking me to do for Him...


I Samuel 15:22  
"Has the Lord as great delight in 
burnt offerings and sacrifices, 
as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, 
and to heed than the fat of rams."

(Our Sand Hill Crane Couple are still faithfully walking together-perhaps preparing a nest?)


I woke up this morning with Lent on my mind. We have in the recent past become members of a church that does observe Lent, and we will be participating in our first Ash Wednesday service tomorrow. I am looking forward to this time of worship and soul-searching as I prepare my heart to hear God's voice during this holy season.

 Participation in Lent has always been something for me that is a personal decision for each individual to decide.  If you normally do make a decision to participate in the idea of making some personal sacrifices during this season, how does it usually go for you?  Do  you find it difficult to maintain your convictions?  What happens in your mind if you "fall off the wagon" so to speak, and give in to the temptation to do whatever it was you said you wouldn't do?  Do you get back up and start all over again? Or do you just give up altogether and decide this just wasn't a good idea for you?


My approach to Lent is that it is not so much about making a "sacrifice", as it is about moving forward in the right direction, a new beginning; a clear resolve to obey rather than sacrifice.  Writing a daily journal is one way God has directed my steps during this season of Lent in the past.   It has been a way that  I believe God has directed me to obey Him and trust Him to open new windows of opportunity as a result.  Writing something new every day is a real challenge for me, but it is also an opportunity for me to stop and listen to what God is saying to my heart, and also what He wants me to share with you.  Trust me, it has been a real lesson in obedience and self-discipline!  (This is what I wrote in the past...and now for this year, 2019, I am going to challenge myself to do this again, Lord willing and time permitting...)

Reflection of the clouds on the water...
'The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders;
the Lord is over many waters
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
The voice of the Lord is full of majesty"
Psalm 29:3-4

So, how about you?  What new sacrifices or challenges are you dealing with?  Are you finding it difficult to stay on the course? From what source do you draw strength and energy to keep moving forward? 

Let me share with you my secret...this is what "works" for me.  Perhaps it will help you as well:


  1. "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!  (Philippians 4:4)
  2. Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. (Philippians 4:5)
  3. Be anxious for nothing, (Philippians 4:6a)
  4. But in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6b)
  5. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."     (Philippians 4:7)
  6. "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Is it easy to "rejoice always" and "be anxious for nothing"?  Absolutely NOT!  It is Christ alone Who gives me the strength and energy I need to accomplish whatever task I fear or dread.  Without Christ living in me, I am powerless.  In my own strength, I fail miserably. He is my Power Source.

The question for today is this: Are you plugged in to the true "Power Source"?  If not, would you like to be? All you have to do is ask! He's much closer than you think!


"Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones,
give unto the Lord glory and strength.
Give unto the Lord the glory 
due to His name;
Worship the Lord in the
beauty of holiness."
Psalm 29:1-2

8 comments:

  1. Amen Sister! As with every fast or it should bring us to a new place not just away from something but towards Christ. I have, in the past, celebrated the Lenten season as God was doing some new things in my life and not that He isn't now but my church does a first of the year Daniel Fast and I wasn't where I wanted to be when they finished so I "went on". These type of "celebrations" are a stepping stone and I thoroughly enjoyed you sharing your heart with us about this.

    There are times I have done this and because I was going in on "my own strength" it was a battle to remain faithful. However, during these times of almost giving up if I back up and recognize Him, I can bring an offering of praise at the finish line, as was the case this last time. Thank you again for your transparency!
    Blessings-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes,, an offering of praise, even in the midst of the struggle...keeps us going when we don't know which way to turn. Where would we be without our Power Source, Jesus Christ? This is why we need to stay tuned in and close to His side. I'm in the midst of a battle right now...thanking the Lord for His strength to carry me through. Thank you for your words of encouragement.

      Delete
  2. Hi Pam! I think this year I am doing much the same that you did in 2010 (wow, you've been blogging a long time!). I want to get on the right track with prayer and taking care of myself. I have to respect the gift of faith and my body that he gave me. I hope to make it a joy, not a drudge.

    I love the phrase "return to me" because I know every year I appreciate the call to think and decide how I have gotten far from the Lord. It makes me happy to try again. I think it makes God happy too.
    Blessings to you this Lenten Season,
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
  3. So love your heart! And for Lent, I think of Romans 12:11 - Never be lacking in zeal-keeping my spiritual fervor, serving the Lord! I want to add, not take away for Lent...like add more of the fruits He wants to flourish in me by His grace...cultivating fruit for Lent, yessiree! Working on our RJD post, and tweeking it all up! You are an inspiration! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  4. "Without Christ living in me, I am powerless. In my own strength, I fail miserably. He is my Power Source."

    Amen! Amen to that.

    I have not traditionally celebrated Lent. I like how you described it here. Obedience.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lent offers such a unique opportunity for us to consciously draw closer to God, I can't help but treasure the season. And if something happens to throw me off course with what I'm taking on/giving up, I run to Jesus in prayer, asking Him to give me the strength and resolve I need to keep moving on the right track.
    Wonderful reflection, Pamela, and gorgeous photos, too!
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  6. God desires our hearts, our obedience--He desires all of us. Ultimately it's about being drawn ever closer to the heart of the Lord. It's not about rituals (sacrifices) but about obeying what God directs us to do. I've learned that in my own power I can't live a Christian life all that well. HOWEVER, through the baptism of the Holy Spirit--I'm empowered to live a Christian life--"the Power Source" which "powers" me through each day, living for Jesus!

    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Pam: I enjoy the challenge of fasting something for Lent. One year, I fasted Facebook, another year, I gave up my electronic tablet. Our former church didn't formally observe Lent. When we received a new pastor one year, we, as a church, chose to give up something. I gave up television. I always love the Ash Wednesday service, however, this year I am unable to attend due to my being ill. I kept the worship folder from last year. I plan on spending time studying it this Lenten season. I love your source list of scriptures. Peace and blessings.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting here today. I would love for you to sign my guestbook and let me know you stopped by. I always enjoy reading your comments and words of encouragement! May you be blessed as you go on your way. Please come back and visit again soon.