| ||
| ||
|
||
|
|
|
Are You a Microwave or Crock Pot?
In our fast paced society we often want everything done quickly or your boss wants it done yesterday. In your spiritual life are you a Microwave or Crock Pot? I think often we want God to answer our prayers in Microwave fashion. I prayed a specific request today and I want it answered today. If our prayers are not answered quickly, we often wonder, "What is God doing?" We also decide to go it on our own and not wait for God's direction. Often it is difficult to wait on God's timing. When we are in Crock pot mode we pray and rest in the knowledge that God's timing is best. Often, God may have to let several things simmer in our life before he answers our prayer. Many times in my life I have seen God's handiwork after the situation is over. If God had answered my prayer the way I wanted him to, it would not have gone well at all. God knows what is best for us and when it is best for something to happen. I look at Scripture and see God works in Microwave and Crock Pot mode. When Daniel was in the lion's den God worked immediately to shut the mouths of the lions. I have to admit if I was Daniel I would want to know why God didn't act before I got thrown in the lion's den. Daniel being thrown in the lion's den was used to reflect God's glory and power. God also works in Crock Pot mode. Do you remember Joshua and the battle of Jericho? The people of Israel were marching around a wall for 7 days. Don't you imagine they asked God, "Why?" During that time Rahab was getting her family ready to leave Jericho. Could it be that God took seven days of marching around Jericho, to save one woman and her family? Could it be that God took that time for one woman who was faithful to God in spite of her lifestyle, in spite of her whole community being against God to show his glory? Most of the Israelites did not know about Rahab, but God did. In God's perfect timing he rescued the Israelites and Rahab, not in the way the Israelites would have wanted. God gave them victory in the battle in Crock pot mode. So, I ask you are you in Microwave mode or Crock Pot mode in your spiritual life? Please remember God is always in control even when it feels everything is out of control. Trust God's timing and know he only wants what is best for you. © 2004 Kimberly Chastain About the Author Kimberly M. Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian Working Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in helping Christian women make the most of their lives. She is the author of the on-line course, "I Can't Say No" and Pearls of Encouragement for Christian Working Moms, a free e-book. If you suffer from "I Can't Say 'No" Syndrome, visit Kimberly's site today for the details on an exciting email course that's sure to set you free! http://www.christianworkingmom.com/online.htm. The Text Information Box above MUST be included for reprint privileges. You may reprint this
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
The Tess Syndrome There's a lot of talk about angels these days. They're getting some pretty good press. Fool for God The following article is an exploration of the Spring holiday season and its spiritual implications. In it will be a unique perspective with a special emphasis on the importance of owning our dualities for the purpose of transcending them. Just Do It! "It's a big challenge. It's a journey into the unknown. Talk About Purpose What better example than Jesus' life to explain about having a life's purpose? No other example I can think of, can you?From the moment he was born--wait, hold up?BEFORE he was born, His purpose was already established. And so was yours. Releasing the Yoke When the Bible makes reference to a "yoke" it is referring to a heavy piece of wood shaped to fit around the neck and fasten to a pole. It was primarily used to tie oxen together (usually two); the older ox had its yoke and the younger had its yoke. Games to Play With Tarot Cards The lighter side of Tarot deals with games played using this deck of uniquely peculiar cards. These range from the highly complex to those a four-year-old can play. AD33Today: A Search in Modern America We, a group of ordinary people who believe in Jesus Christ, choose to leave behind our modern American lifestyles for one year to seek God's face, presence and love with all our hearts; as one body, praying to be bound together in love and to be led by the Holy Spirit. We will battle the elements of the southern Rocky Mountains as we attempt to simulate the lifestyle of the first century disciples as they were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria because of intense persecution. Going Where Youve Never Gone Before One of the first issues people on the spiritual path have to address is a doctrinal one: Is it wrong to ask questions that I've never asked before? Is asking questions about the truth we've been taught "sinful?" Your answer can have a dramatic effect on your ability to explore who you are and what you believe in without guilt!If anyone has ever told you that the path to spiritual self-awareness (defined in it's simplest terms as "knowing who you are and what you believe in, and letting those beliefs be the driving force in your life") is an easy one, they were being less than honest!Finding your own truth in these times of confusion and change is no small undertaking, and it isn't surprising that many people begin the journey full of hope and enthusiasm, but - as each step becomes even more difficult because it requires even more honestly with yourself and with others - they begin to lose courage. They find a comfortable plateau - a point in their lives where things are better than they used to be - and they decide that staying where they are might not be such a bad option. Gilligan Finds Jesus! One day Gilligan ventures off as usual into the jungle. After a few hours the Skipper knows Gilligan's absent-minded behavior, gets a little worried and goes trotting off looking for him. What is Kundalini? The Kundalini is a pool of energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine and which can be and often is, accessed, allowing the student/victim to use the energy for health, spirituality and creating their life as they were meant to live it.It's my belief that many people have had full or even partial awakenings of their kundalini energy and honestly don't recognize it. Understanding the Gospel of Matthew and Why it Matters - Part 4 Matthew 2:1-12The Visit of the Wise Men1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,2 saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. The Subconscious Mind: A Tool For Success As a Coach and Psychotherapist I have found that the world seems to have lost its way in terms of values. Most individuals are looking for more meaning in their lives, as are businesses looking to capture the spirit of what they do. Sacred Space, Sacred Time We all need space, we all need time to ourselves.In Exodus3:15- Word of God:When the Lord saw that Moses was coming closer, he called him from the middle of the bush and said: "Moses, Moses", he answered, "Yes, here I am"God said, " Do not come any closer. Jesus Birthday: Sacred Children Series - 2 of 3 I had visions of my daughter for about five years before she finally showed up. She turned out exactly like the little girl in my dreams who had haunted me all that time. Creating With Words "In the sixth century of the sixth millennium, the gates of supernal [heavenly] wisdom will be opened, as will the wellsprings of earthly wisdom, preparing the world to be elevated in the seventh millennium." The Zohar (a source text of Kabbalah)TRY SAYING THESE WORDS TO YOURSELF:Depressed, sad, afraid, guilty, alone, weak, fragmented, disconnected, weary, helpless, victimized, threatened, tired, drained, resentful, unappreciated, misunderstood, burdened, angry, hate, hard, not good enough, dreary, stupid, ugly, lonely, impossible, overwhelmed, isolated, too much for me, failure, I can't, danger, panic, it's too hard?How do you feel? And, what happens to your goals when you feel this way? To your energy? To your willingness to take risks? To your belief in yourself and your dreams?It's not such a pretty picture. Spirituality: Impersonating Jed McKenna "No man is a prophet in his own country."That line keeps running through my mind as I sit over lunch with my sister who I haven't seen in several years. Indian Knowledge and Frauds Iktomi:Another and somewhat longer term correspondent of mine is a Lakota Sioux Traditionalist in the adopted family of Fool's Crow or Black Elk. There are many New Age Indian gurus which I have asked her about, including Red Elk. Do You Experience God? Connor, a man in his late 40's, has achieved everything he ever thought he needed to feel happy and secure. He owns a successful business, has a wonderful wife and two children, and a beautiful home. Abiding in the Word How many Christian people do you know who are bearing no fruit? Jesus said, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. Enough Warm-ups, Already! Among those arriving to the stadium early were two old timers: a husband and wife who always attended these events, and who were former runners themselves. In fact, they were world-class champions whose races were the stuff of legends.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
