SATURDAY STROLL

Welcome to "SATURDAY STROLL!"

In these posts I will be interacting with Scripture – making it a conversational walk of faith.

Sometimes we'll be talking with Jesus, sometimes God will be talking to us.

There might even be *guest appearances* by some of our beloved characters from the Bible!

So put on your walking shoes – you know we can all use the exercise!

SOME TIMELY ADVICE FROM GOD - especially when He's called us to do something:

I urge you to warn those who are lazy.

Oh, Lord, that would be me, Mrs. Queen Procrastinator. I've been stalling on doing something - something You've asked me to do. I feel quite convicted right now.

Encourage those who are timid.

Lord, that is also me. I'm really nervous about this new venture you're calling me to - it really feels out of my comfort zone. I'm scared.

Take tender care of those who are weak.

Really, Lord? It's OK for me be gentle with myself? Because You know how weak I am. And You know how hard I am on myself.

Be patient with everyone.

Oh, Lord - thank You for giving me permission to be patient with myself. It amazes me that You are often more patient with me than I am with myself.

I am calling you to always try to do good to all people.

Yes, Lord. That is the reason for Your call, isn't it? For the benefit of other people - to tell them about Your very Good News. This is why You want me to speak.

Yes, and My Good News gives you reason to always be joyful.

Oh yes, Your Good News is the best news ever. Lord, forgive me for allowing this world to steal my joy. How can I hold on to it?

Never stop praying.

Unceasing prayer - the antidote to the painful struggles and doubts and challenges of this life. Sometimes I just get so overwhelmed by it all.

I know, but be thankful in all circumstances.

All of them, Lord? Because some of them are so very hard.

Yes, for this is My will for you because you belong to Christ Jesus.

Is it Your will for me to be joyful in all circumstances - or are the circumstances Your will?

Both, dear child, both come from My hand.

Oh, it's a hard lesson, Lord. Sometimes I want to give up. I just can't do it on my own.

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.

No, Lord! Don't let me do that. Please let Your Holy Spirit work in me. Let me have His wisdom and guidance. I don't want to take one step out of Your purposes for me.

Then, test everything that is said.

Hold on to what is good.

And stay away from every kind of evil.

Yes, Lord, in Your Spirit's strength, I will go forward in obedience. I will not lean on my own understanding - I will trust in You. I will believe that You will direct my paths.

Now I will make you holy in every way, and keep your whole spirit and body blameless until My Son comes again.

I will make this happen - I, the One who has called you, am faithful.

You are the only One who is faithful, Lord. The only One I can depend on. The only One who can give me the desire and the power to do Your will. Give me the strength to move forward into Your purposes.

Now go get 'em, Sharon! I'm right beside You!

(Selections from 1 Thessalonians 5)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"