Abiding in my Daily Decisions

Stopping to ask God, "Should I go down this path?" is not a strange question to most Christians.   I often ask myself this many times a year or even in a month, but how often to I stop to ask it every day?  This is the question the author of my little 'abiding' devotional posed for today. 

Yes, I am very devout in asking for God's guidance on the big things.  Wanting to abide in Him and His will for those things that will affect a long period of time or even the rest of my life.  But do I stop to ask His will for even the little things?  Is my general, 'Guide me in my day today, Lord.  Help me follow your will," type of prayer every morning cover enough for stopping to ask Him before making a daily decision?

For example, this morning I decided to make a quick trip up to Lincoln to do a little shopping.  Totally an unnecessary move, but I didn't have anything else pressing on my schedule (shock and awe, I know), so it was a whim I decided to go with. 

However, I knew it was going to be quick since I had to be back in time to pick up my middle daughter from preschool.  Had I really stopped to pray about it and ask God, I am not sure I would have gone.  It was just a 'lets find some cute fall clothes' type of trip because I got an email that one of my favorite kids' clothing stores was having a sale and I had a coupon for that store as well.  But, I was rushed, I didn't get to really enjoy my time and I got short with  my youngest when she wasn't cooperating when it was time to go.

Yep, not the greatest of decisions on my part.  Like I said, I probably should have thought to pray about it when the idea popped into my head.  But, honestly, I didn't and don't often stop to think, "What does God have to say about this quick little trip that will only affect my morning?" 

So, I am thankful for this little snippet of reading I had this afternoon to remind me that, yes, God wants me to follow in His will even in the little things as simple as a quick shopping trip. 

What else have I been missing?  It will be an adventure to find out.  I am going to try hard to remember to pray, and stop to wait (one of the big keys to seeking God's guidance) for where I believe He is leading me?

Do you have any good tips on remembering to do this and how you hear His 'answer'?

Changing it up, again.

Well, I got a good start in Hebrews, and I do plan to continue in there, but I also just started a little devotional book with my wonderful friend and mentor.  So, I may be changing it up depending on which I decide to blog on that day.

Yesterday, I didn't blog, but I really enjoyed what I read in my devotional book "Becoming a Woman Who Walks with God" by Cynthia Heald.  It is all on abiding in Christ... don't worry I looked up 'abide' in the dictionary.  It means to remain or stay with.

What a calling.  Remain with Christ.  If we all just remained in Him all day everyday.  Kept Him at the forefront of our thoughts, decisions, reactions and deeds each and everyday, how would that change our lives.  So often, 'abide' is another one of those 'Biblical' words that you just skip over.  One of those that you are supposed to know about, but never really stop to think much about how it really effects your life. 

Not so surprisingly, the first day devotion was titled "The Security of Abiding".   So true.  If you stay with Christ always, He provides security.  Life Insurance, if you please.  :)  She gave a great analogy of abiding in that a vine has to be attached to the branch to stay alive.  If it just exists next to the branch but not totally attached, it will gain nothing and will die.  Oh, how true this is.  We can go to church, do good things, live a good life, be next to all that great stuff, but if our lives aren't completely connected to it, if our hearts aren't totally sold out to Christ, completely attached to Him?  Toast.  Makes you stop and think, doesn't it?

Where are you abiding in Christ?  Next to Him?  Snuggled up close?  or Completely attached gaining all the wisdom, knowledge and nutrients needed to gain the everlasting 'life insurance'?

Today's devotion totally hit home after a couple of weeks ago totally feeling that funk.  "Choosing to Abide".  It starts with the story of Mary and Martha. Yep the one where Martha is working, feeling unhelped and unappreciated and Mary is sitting with Jesus, soaking it all in.

I am a Martha, definitely not Martha Stewart (who I think was appropriately named btw), but a doer.  I am all about hosting and entertaining and all that fun stuff.  But I will admit, my attitude can totally be like hers as well.  "Why isn't anyone helping me?"  "I hope they appreciate all the work I went through for this."  Rather than easily preparing for my guests and enjoying their company.  Oh, how I would have hated to be that way if I had been given the opportunity to be the hostess of Jesus. 

But I am given the chance every day, to host Him in my heart.  To host a small amount of my day for just Him and me.  To enjoy His company.  But, oh so often, I get busy.  Too many things on my "To Do" list and the quiet time with Him gets pushed to the side.  This chapter is such a great reminder to not "eat haphazardly from His table and only give Him the leftovers" but to make Him the main course guest of honor each and every day. 

I leave you with this quote she included for the day.  ""Mary has chosen which is better...." He brings His point gently home.  Fellowship with Him is a matter of priorities.  And a matter of choice.  It is the better part of the meal life has to offer.  In fact, it is the main course."  Ken Gire