Saturday, April 26, 2008

Are You Starving?


Time between Keith and I has been really sweet lately. I want to thank those of you who have been praying for us. One of the things that I have always desired is to be able to talk about the things of God with my husband. That sounds like something that should easily take place-but it has not because of the difference in our walks. And I have learned to be very careful how
much I share concerning what I am learning. I would never want him to think that I am trying to be his teacher -although in the past he probably thought that when I gushed with excitement over something I was learning.

So this past week when Keith shared this devotional with me from Charles Stanley--we had a nice little discussion. It was sweet. God is moving.

We even had a situation where we had a little disagreement about Julia. I was hurt by somethings said-but I did not react in an ugly way. Keith left for work and I was surprised and hour later when he called to clarify what he had said. He apologized. Something big in our relationship that has just begun to change in the last year or so.

He came home for lunch and after he ate he said, "I think satan got really mad today". Of course I thought something bad had happened. He went on to explain that when he called me back and straightened things out that satan was not happy. He was glad he had called.
It was just a sweet moment.

The following is part of the devotional that Keith shared with me.

For believers to obey the Lord, daily meditation upon Scripture is essential. But, some Christians try to live the will of God while opening the Bible only at church. This practice is similar to playing in a basketball game without attending any practices. It results in a lot of errors and frustration.

The Bible's purpose is to shine a light on God's true nature. It teaches believers His principles and commands. This equips them to make decisions that are pleasing to Him. (Dr. Charles Stanley?) I once skipped reading God's Word for a week so that I would know what non-meditating believers experience. Even in so short a time, I got "rusty". My thinking was clouded. My attitude suffered. I could feel my heart growing cool to God.

Now the thing that got me was the fact the Charles Stanley did not know what people experienced that did not read their Bible and meditate on it.
Did you catch that?
He actually skipped a week just so that he would know what I have been experiencing lately.!!!!!!
Can you imagine living that way all the time? So close to God.
Maybe some of you do---that is awesome.
I have been there before-but lately things have been dry.
Now, everyday I read scripture in something and read about God.
But my time in the word has been scarce. :0
I need to do a reversal of what Charles Stanley did to remind myself of
what I have been missing.
So I can pretty much guarantee that my thinking is clouded, my attitude
is suffering and my heart must be growing cold.
We will be doing about this immediately.

13 comments:

Halfmoon Girl said...

Great post! It is not always easy for husbands and wives to be close spiritually. I think that men can feel intimidated leading their women in that area. Great devotional. So true- keeping the Word in the forefront everyday makes a huge difference! I am going to go read mine now!

luvmy4sons said...

I love the experience with you described with your hubby. It is so neat to stop and realize how far you've come. It was encouraging to read of your story. Hubby and I have learned so much together in our relationship over the years. Charles Stanley is an amazing guy! Great stuff!

Denise said...

So happy to read this post sis, God is working. I love you.

Anonymous said...

Sweet post Sharon, You both are growing. We all are a work in progress yes? Blessings,
Deb

MelanieJoy said...

Oh, Sharon, that's great...
I so enjoyed hearing this.
Love you....

Denise said...

The process of growth to us is so slow.. but to the Father God is something that causes Him great joy.. We place too much emphasis on time... and where the Father lives there is no time... He does not have us on a schedule ... He just loves us and teaches us and speaks to us and brings people into our lives that changes us... What a wonderful growth in your relationship with your DH... and although you might see yourself in a "dry" spell, it could be that the Father sees you in your quiet heart and He is passing by your way in the quietness of your obedience..... Always remember He looks upon your heart.. not the outward neglect of doing something that we think will please Him or bring Him closer... But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. Deu 30:14 He is nigh thee...

We have a tendency to regard what the Father think in the same way as we we judge our lives... and nothing is farther from the truth....... He is just so in love with us... and the newness of your relationship with your DH causes the Father to rejoice over you with singing....

Love you lots and I will send you email in the morning... I have found a great new web site where we can enroll on line in a small bible study and it is all free.. You will even get a certificate when you finish if you like... I have started mine but have not logged into the first lesson yet... It is all at your own speed...

but I need to head to bed now but wanted to stop and encourage you in the Lord...

SunnySusan said...

Sharon~~big hugs, girl

I am glad your Dh and you are growing together spiritually...I love when my Dh shares with me something he has read and he is such a reader...

Sadness again in our house...we had to put our big dog down today....I am asking God when does this trial end????

Praying for you my friend

Anonymous said...

What do you mean "things have been dry" "time in the word has been scarce". GASP! SHOCK! PISHAW! COUGH, SPUTTER, SPUT! HACK! hahahahah Would it comfort you to know that you're not alone? Granted you may have guessed but I feel the same way lately. I'm reading it but not near as much as I need to. Let's both get to work on that, okay? Let's start today!

Mimi's Toes said...

Great Post again! I know I need to be in the word more. That is probably why I have been feeling cloudy and out of sorts. Thank you for helping me realize that without God and his word, our road is not a smooth one to travel on. I need to treat it like the food I eat...we all need nourishment.

She Rose Up said...

Well, phooey! I wrote a big long comment and lovlerly blogger ate it! ;)

So happy for you & DH! You sound just ike me and mine in this regard! God is soo good, isn't he? He truly DOES give us the desires of our hearts, if we just don't give up!

And those guys, well, they are just the cats meow! :)

xoxo,
Maria

concerned parent said...

I cherish the two times when two become one and share and learn especially when it is a couple Satan tries so hard to make this difficult for us. Keeping us busy with nonsense.

concerned parent said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
concerned parent said...

The deleted one was me sorry a little trouble today.