Please Join Us
Today has been an exciting day for us! Faith Lifts is now 5 Minutes for Faith and can be found on it’s own domain at www.5MinutesforFaith.com!
Please excuse the dust over there as we are still getting settled in and cozy. There are plenty of ways for you to link up and we are even starting a brand new blogroll for the new site.
Soon, this link will direct you automatically to the new site, but until then, we hope that you will update your links and subscribe at 5 Minutes for Faith!
Praying that you are all blessed!!!
Are You Listening?
If you’re a parent, you know how frustrating it can be when your kids don’t listen to you. Asking for something to get done two, three and even four times can be aggravating and discouraging. And even if you’re not a parent, it can be just as discouraging when a spouse or a friend doesn’t listen to what you’re saying.
It doesn’t feel good to be ignored.
But how often do we do that very thing to God?
How often do we ignore Him and what He asks us to do?
The other day I was reading Hebrews, chapter 3 and I came across this verse:
“Today listen to what he says. Do not be stubborn as in the past…” v.8
As I kept reading, just a little further down the page, there it was again…
“Today listen to what he says. Do not be stubborn as in the past…” v.15
And, still further down, this time in chapter 4…
“Today listen to what he says. Do not be stubborn.” v.7
I couldn’t help but wonder if God was trying to get my attention. And it made me think…how well do I listen to Him? Am I being stubborn in a particular area of my life?
How often do I “hear” what God wants of me, yet still do something different? How often do I go about my plans without stopping to think about Him first?
That reminder from Hebrews inspired me to truly pay more attention to what God may be asking of me, each day. Because I dont’ want to miss His plans for me. And I don’t want to miss that nudge from Him–that tug at my heart about something He wants me to do. I want to listen to it. And even though I know God’s love is unconditional, in the same way I’m proud and happy when my kids listen to me, I want to make my Heavenly Father proud and happy, too.
What about you?
Are you listening today?
When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned
Sometimes, life just happens. No matter how well we have planned, hoped and prayed, it just seems to keep moving in a direction that we do NOT want or expect.
I often feel overwhelmed by my life. Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband and children dearly. When it comes down to it and I get very honest though, there are certain parts that are making life difficult at the moment. I know I’m not alone.
Thankfully I understand that God knows the ultimate plan for my life. My plan … well, my plan is anything but perfect. My plan is mortal and fallible. My plan will get me nowhere.
For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT)
So the time has come to throw my plan out the window and instead turn to Him each and every day for direction. I’m tired of trying to be in control and figure it all out. I’m amazed at how freeing that very statement makes me feel.
Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. - Galatians 1:4
His plan is so amazing, just look at what it has done for all of us so far.
From here, I welcome you to join me on a journey with a new plan … the one that leads to freedom through Christ. As a mom, it is challenging to find time each day to spend alone with God. I’ll be the first to admit that although quiet time and journaling has historically been a part of each day for me, I’ve slacked off lately.
So, I’ll be focusing more on finding that quiet time to spend with Him. Being quiet and still before Him and listening for His “still small voice”.
For me, I find the most inspiration through journaling as I read the scripture, stay quiet and even as I pray. Find what works for you, and stick with it. Little by little, if you stop for just a few minutes to notice, you’ll see that your life, and most of all your attitude and perspective, are being changed!
