Recently there has been a common theme going on in my life. I just finished a bible study with some ladies from our church and the last week was so good for me. The study is called HE SPEAKS TO ME – PREPARING TO HEAR FROM GOD by Priscilla Shirer (daughter to Dr. Tony Evans) and it was very good.
The last week was entitled a Servant Spirit and it was about submitting to God.
Day #1 Submissive to the Lord’s Assignment – basically what has God created you to do. He has a purpose for your life.
Day #2 Submissive to the Lord’s Challenges – “In this world we will have trouble. But take courage. I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. We must change our perspectives on the challenges that come to us in our life. God says we wil develop perserverance through trials. God also says that his glory will be revealed some how in our suffering.
Day #3 Submissive to the Lord’s Desires – “Delight yourself in the LORD; and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4.
Day #4 Submissive to the Lord’s Authority – Safety, freedom, and enjoyment come when we live within the bounds of authority God has placed on our lives.
Day #5 Submissive to the Lord’s Timing – We musn’t attempt to rush God. To rush spoils the very reason God initially desired the event for us and cheats us of the joy that comes when we experience God’s will. His plans are perfect without our input or interference.
Today I also finished my book 90 minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. This man was in a terrible car crash in 1989 and was dead for 90 minutes. They declared him dead upon arrival and a pastor that was in the traffic jam b/c of the accident felt God asking him to pray for this man even though he was told he was dead. He describes the 90 minutes he spent in heaven, but most of the book is dedicated to his recovery and numerous trials that he went through b/c of his accident. I thought of him after I did my lesson this week when I did the lesson about being submissive to the Lord’s challenges. He clearly became submissive to God’s challenges throughout his recovery. He was also able to look back and see how God was using his challenges for him to love on other people around him. It made me think … what is God using in my life so that I can relate to people?
I highly recommend this book. Whether you believe that he did really go to heaven or not, the book is still a great story about someone’s determination, and recovery from a terrible car accident.
I am praying that I too can be submissive to God’s timing in my life, his challenges in my life and his authority in my life.
dreamingBIGdreams.net 