July 31, 2025 – Decision-making
I made the mistake, when I sat down in my sunroom to read and write this morning, of googling about how to revive the aloe plant that was sitting on the floor in my line of sight. I quickly got sucked into the weight loss videos that popped up – first was the pink salt phenomenon and then one that offered a really simple plan that took two hours to deliver and wasn’t so simple in the end. If the person had just let me get started and then over time offered all these other options, I would probably have continued to trust the plan. But when clicking “No thanks” only landed me on another sales screen, I began to question why such a successful product would have a “limited supply” and why I could only get that price on that screen right then when I knew (from experience) that a few screens or emails down the road they would likely offer me another deal. Why do salespeople think they need to trick consumers? I finally broke free of the endless loop of sales pitches, decided to cancel my order, and settled in for my (delayed) time with God.
JA – “I transcend time. Past, present, and future all are alike to Me. This is why I can answer before you even call out to Me.” This is such a calming reassurance that our outcomes aren’t thwarted by slow or missing prayers or by distracting sales pitches. “…sometimes My answer is ‘No’ or ‘Not yet.’ At other times your prayers are answered in ways you cannot see.” When we are looking for answers and directions from God, it is important to be willing to recognize the different ways He answers.
Max – “Before Jesus stills the storms, He comes to us in the midst of our storms.” (Based on John 6:16-18.) Yes, indeed, sometimes the answer is in the storm.
Before I started writing this morning, I was thinking about how many things were going on this last year that I was asking God about that He answered through the devotions and Bible readings; and, I lamented not starting to blog sooner so that others could possibly see and learn from what I experienced. I do believe He will keep speaking to and guiding me and using me in whatever ways benefit others; so, I guess I am grateful that I’m not in a season like that right now of aggressively petitioning Him for direction. This is a more restful time, for the most part, sort of a grace time maybe of healing from seeing Daddy through this going-home season. Certainly, things are going on around me that I have to decide about and handle, but nothing like what was on my plate this last year. Thank You God for being with and guiding me through everything and for the quieter time now – and for my patient, loving husband who has been part of it all.
Prevail 212 – “[Habukkuk] never demanded an answer from God; instead, he appealed to Him for one. What if we all did the same?” As I’ve said, it’s just so interesting to me how certain themes weave themselves through this unrelated pile of devotion books. “Look and listen for God to address the times we’re in. Share what He reveals with those who will listen.” Blog! I’m trying Lord. I’m trusting You to guide and speak through me especially when my thoughts get a little jumbled and I have trouble transferring them to the blog. You are bigger than my missteps. “Grant me opportunities to help others so that they may hear and be saved. Amen”
Utmost – “There should be nothing slovenly, whether it be in the way we eat and drink, or in the way we worship God….He never tires of bringing us to the one point until we learn the lesson….the one thing that is not entirely right….Whatever it is, God will point it out with persistence until we are entirely His.” I’m listening. Help me hear You and learn the lessons sooner than later.
I just got the text I’ve been waiting for from my daughter, Carrie, about her ankle surgery. It will be August 26. Lord, help me with the planning and arranging I need to do in order to get there and help her. Did I say things are quiet right now?
JC – “Trust Me in the depths of your being…. the swirl of events going on all around you…. Quiet your mind in My Presence…. Peace be with you.” Thank You Lord for readying me for what is next.
Haha, ok God – I get it with the title of this next devotion in Power Thoughts addressing what I mentioned at the beginning of the blog today – “Overcoming the Wandering Mind.” At times our pastor has talked about his time with God in order to give people ideas about how to structure their own time with Him. He says he puts his phone away and doesn’t check email. Does he not have ADD? I can’t get through my time with God without a few SQUIRRELS running across my radar. And, really, if I don’t catch and deal with them, I’ll keep thinking about them even if my phone and computer are in another room. I suppose I could stop briefly and make a note to check things later, but I’ve begun spending so much time on my devotions that it would put many daily issues off ‘til too late. Umm – the answer that comes to mind? Start earlier and don’t waste time watching a two-hour sales pitch!
Power – Ecclesiastes 5:1 – “Keep your foot [give your mind to what you are doing] when you go [as Jacob to sacred Bethel] to the house of God.” Joyce uses this verse initially to warn us about the enemy distracting us in church trying to convince us that we can’t focus, but she also applies it beyond church. “…the truth is you just need to discipline your mind…. Forming a new habit takes time, effort, and a lot of help from God, but it can be done….” So, hmm. I’ve tried to be pretty disciplined in devoting time daily to God these last few or more years recognizing this as precious time rather than as an obligation, but what about my distractable mind? Maybe sometimes the distractions fuel my conversations with God (is that just an excuse to keep my phone nearby), but other times I need to allow the corrections He’s trying to show me (put the distractions and my phone aside and just be with Him). Thank You for continuing to patiently mold me and make me, Lord! I don’t want to miss hearing from You.
Streams – “When you are unsure which course to take, totally submit your own judgment to that of the Spirit of God, asking Him to shut every door except the right one….God often guides us through our circumstances” which “are not haphazard results of chance but are God opening up the way we should walk….If you go to God for guidance, He will guide you.” I have found that to be so true especially these last years of dedicated time in the mornings with Him…and in learning to continue the conversation throughout the day.
(Note: A little while after Carrie let me know about her ankle surgery, I got a call from my orthopedic office. Since the nurse wanted to schedule a consult with the doctor and not PT, I guessed that I should probably pick a time when Don could go with me and I also guessed that the nurse couldn’t give me any indication of the MRI findings. Nope. And no appointments in the afternoon or on Fri so I’ll have to wait ’til Mon at 10:45am. I need some distractions, Lord, so my mind doesn’t wander – haha!)
