September 2013 - Page 2 of 6 - Daily Thoughts about God

by Gail Rodgers

In the noise and commotion of life it’s easy to miss the still small voice within us. It is easy for our awareness of God to diminish in our busy schedules. It’s easy to lose our observant eye and ear as we rush from one thing to the next! It is wise to stop and ask, “Am I growing or eroding in who I am becoming?”

A wise woman grows in becoming vigilant…

A vigilant woman is watchful and alert. She is observant… with an eye to the future and is on guard for danger or pitfalls.

A vigilant woman pays attention to the little things in her life and in her relationships. She is careful with her money knowing that the little things can add up to be big things. She is alert to the subtle slip in important relationships. She takes the time to mend the small tears in the relationships around her, knowing this will make them stronger in the future.

A vigilant woman is wise in tending her marriage. Wherever she can she seeks to sow seeds of approval, appreciation, affection and attention in this most important of human relationships.

“Be very careful, then, how you walk… not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

As you walk through this day ask God to help you be observant to His still small voice nudging you. When you are attentive in your relationship with God He will help you grow to become more aware and vigilant in your life and relationships.

Prayer & reflection

Father God, I want to be a wise woman. I know I am not always as careful as I should be in how I walk and how I tend my relationships. Help me to be on guard against the slow erosion that can happen in relationships when I become too busy. Help me to see how my hurried life distracts from some of the most important tasks I have in building for the future. Remind me to make the most of the opportunities I have each day to build into the relationships with those I love. The days are evil, Lord… there is much to pull us away from each other and from You. Help me to be wise. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me to be watchful and alert as I guard my heart and my home. In the strong name of Jesus I pray, amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/09/27/gr_how-to-be-vigilant/

by Mike Woodard

“Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong — then guide me on the road to eternal life” Psalm 139:23-24 (The Message).

My little two-year-old grandson and I were hiking on a trail along the coast. This 8-kilometer hike was a combination of easy and difficult stretches, with one portion of it being described dangerous.

I was a vigilant coach. I would pick my grandson up and lift him over difficult sections. Each time his response was, “My do it.” He was determined to walk on his own! And then for a split second, I glanced behind me. When I turned back to look at him, my heart missed a beat!

My small apprentice slipped, and was holding onto a tree root while dangling over a 5-meter rocky drop to the ocean. I quickly I lifted him back to safety. Not realizing the danger he just faced, he simply said, “Thanks, Papa.”

At times we all act like a two-year old towards God. Just as a two-year-old shouldn’t hike on his own, we also were never intended to go through life alone. We are invited to journey with God. David’s prayer in Psalms 139 motivates me to move from self-reliance to God dependence.

How do you allow the Spirit to work in your life when you are tempted to do things your way?

Lord, I know that sometimes I want to let go of Your hand and do everything on my own. Sometimes my independence can turn into stubbornness. I pray that I would always be aware of times when I am intentionally distancing myself away from You. I pray for the humility to come to You and allow You to work powerfully in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Action Step: Pick a childhood activity that you used to do with a parent, a grandparent, or a close family member. Whether it’s baking, mowing the lawn, or using technology, allow them to help you in ways that they used to do, even though you do not need their help anymore. In prayer, thank God for the people in your life that have helped you become the person that you are today.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/09/23/mw_the-danger-of-self-reliance/

How to be Vigilant

“My Do It!” – The Danger of Self-Reliance

Month: <span>September 2013</span>

How to be Vigilant

“My Do It!” – The Danger of Self-Reliance