My 5 Year Plan

The excerpts below are from Jesus Calling, one of my now favorite books. I've been on travel this past week and I hadn't taken my devotional with me like I probably should have. I typically leave it at work and so I usually go through the weekend without reading Saturday or Sunday passages...perhaps it's time to buy a second book...but I digress. It's been a while since I read it and my Bible and I can feel the effects spiritually. I came in this morning fully intending to read today's passage and I ended up reading the past few days as well. These are the ones that spoke to me this morning.

Jan 30

Worship ME only. Whatever occupies your mind the most becomes your god. Worries, if indulged, develop into idols. Anxiety gains a life of its own, parasitically infesting your mind. Break free from this bondage by affirming your trust in Me and refreshing yourself in My Presence. What goes on in your mind is invisible, undetectable to other people. But I read your thoughts continually, searching for evidence of trust in Me. I rejoice when you mind turns toward Me. Guard your thoughts diligently; good thought-choices will keep you close to Me.

Psalm 112:7, I Cor 13:11

Feb 1

Follow Me one step at time. That is all I require of you. In fact, that is the only way to move through this space/time world. You see a huge mountain looming, and you start wondering how you're going to scale those heights. Meanwhile, because you're not looking where you're going, you stumble on the easy path where I am leading you now. As I help you get back on your feet, you tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead. But you don't know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. Out path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains. There may an easier way up the mountain than is visible in the distance. If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb. I will even give My angels charge over you, to preserve you in all your ways. Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My presence. Walk by Faith, not by sight, trusting in Me to open the way before you.

Psalm 18:29, Psalm 91:11-12 (AMP), 2 Cor 5:7 (NJKV)

Feb 4

Bring Me your weakness, and receive My Peace. Accept yourself and your circumstances just as they are, remembering that I am sovereign over everything. Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning. Instead, let thankfulness and trust be your guides through this day; they will keep you close to me. As you live in the radiance of My Presence, My Peace shines upon you. You will cease to notice how weak or strong you feel, because you will be focusing on Me. The best way to get through this day is step by step with Me. Continue this intimate journey, trusting that the path you are following is headed for heaven.

Ps 29:11, Num 6: 24-26, Ps 13:5

I love the part that goes Bring Me Your Weakness. BAM. There's another reading that talks about giving up this clenched fisted, controlled life and releasing it, bowing our heads to God's will.

It brings to mind the lyrics to Reliant K's song Never Underestimate My Jesus:

"I throw up my hands

oh the impossibilities

Frustrated and tired

Where do I go from here?

Now I'm searchin' for

The confidence I lost so willingly

Overcoming these obstacles

Is overcoming my fears

I think I can't

I think I can't

but I think you can

I think you can

gather my insufficiencies (and insecurities) and

place them in your hands

I've been seeing/hearing "Be Still" again. I know I definitely fell off that band wagon. Last week was probably one of the most stressful ones I've had in a long time. It was mostly my fault for letting my new schedule get to me. Why it's so hard to trust Jesus with these things in life I don't know. I was lying in bed last night and I saw to my right a journal I started in 2006. A few entries here and there but most of them were written by a sad, lonely 18-19 year old. I marvel at how far God has brought me. Looking back then I could have never imagined that He would get me this far. That thought gives me inexplicable peace and hope. So when people ask me what my 5-year plan is, I can most assuredly say that in 5 years, I want to be thanking God even more for the things He has brought me to and through. I want to know Him more but most importantly I want to enjoy this expeience of walking with Him.