catching up

I have not been able to blog a lot lately, though I have such a desire to.  So, I figured while I have a few minutes that I could share with you a little bit on what God has been teaching me lately.  My goodness, He has been teaching me to trust, be faithful, love, obey, stretch (my faith), and rely on Him for everything.  Recently, I have come into a situation with money, living on my own and all, that requires me to sell my possessions.  It's quite funny because I have had Ginny Owens' song stuck in my head. "If You Want Me To".  I truly believe this is for a reason. 

Jesus did call His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him.  He asked them to leave everything behind in order to follow in God's footsteps.  Okay, well, I never really thought I would have to actually leave EVERYTHING behind to do this.  But, I am.  In the past, I thought giving up DVDs was bad.... but sitting here thinking about it, I'm not upset about any of it.  God is teaching me so much about the fact that only He matters.  That He is our constant.  That He is our provider.  I am richer than I realize.  Even giving things away or selling these items still makes me richer than a lot of those who do not have a personal relationship with Him.  I could literally have nothing and have everything I need.  I had been praying a lot lately that God would show me what all of that means.  I now have come to that point.  I am very much humbled by this.  I don't have words to convey how much my heart beats for Him.  So in order to know more about my God, He is asking me to give everything up, literally.  I whole heartedly believe that He wants me to see that He is my all.  He is my provider if I let Him be.  I just need to let Him be God.  I have not done this lately.  I apologize to all of you for that.  Not because I "feel bad" about it.... but because He asks me to ask you for forgiveness.  I have led people astray and misguided them... even if I unintentionally did this.  Living my life out for God and living it so people get to know Him better is what I'm supposed to do.  I am not doing this holding on to everything I own.  I am not telling you this for sympathy, I'm telling you this in hopes and prayers that when God calls you to do something for Him, that you are able to do so.  That you trust Him enough to let go.  I am always working on this. 

Please pray for those who are called into God's work.  Pray for those that are asked to lead by His Word and live by it.  Pray for those who see those obeying God that they will one day be able to take up their cross and leave everything and follow Him.  Praise the Lord for the opportunities that He gives us to show the world who He truly is!