Attention Please

Have you ever gone to great lengths to get someones attention for something that was very important?


There once was a man who God had very very BIG plans for. But he couldn't quite see past his own agenda to the great things God had in store for him, so he continued on his own path, doing as he saw fit and wreaking havoc along the way, but happy with his progress. 

One day, God decided that enough was enough and it was time to get down to business. So, the Almighty got this man's attention in a way only the God of the Universe can. He struck him blind (after knocking him on his back side with a loud voice from the heavens.) I would dare say that would get any one's attention and it worked in this situation quite well. 


After letting him wallow a bit, think about his situation and ponder what he would do for a bit, God sent someone to the man to give him back his sight. The guy chosen for the job was a bit hesitant, with good reason, because the blind man had quite a reputation for being not very nice. But God reassured the messenger with these words: "Don't argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to non-Jews and kings and Jews. And now I'm about to show him what he's in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job." Acts 9:15 (msg)


So the messenger went on his way, the blind man recovered his sight and needless to say God had his full attention. 


Some of you may already know this is the story of Saul (later re-named Paul). Perhaps one of the greatest men in the Bible. You can read more of the story in the book of Acts starting in chapter 7. 


As I read this story again, the thought struck me -  How many times has God had to go to such great lengths to get my attention to do what He has planned for my life? What He has in store for me can never be compared with the meager existence I carve out for myself day to day. God sees so much bigger than my small frame of reference. His plans for my life, to be used up for Him and His purposes are infinitely better than anything I could even imagine. 


If God gave you breath this morning, which I'm assuming He did since you are reading this. Then He has a purpose and a plan just for you today, and every day after this that you wake up. What does He have to do to get your attention? How low does He have to let you sink before you realize he has a plan for your life and He just needs you to give yourself to Him? How far off course does He have to let you travel before you realize you are lost and need His help to find your way back home?


Let today be the day. Don't wait for the drastic measures to come. Tell Him even now that you are His and will do His will for your life today. I promise, though it may not always be easy - it will be the best adventure you could ever have with the greatest reward at the end.


If you not sure quite how to do that, message me on Facebook (facebook.com/jantouchberry). I would love to be the messenger God uses to bring real sight to you today.

Intimidating

So I was talking to a friend the other day who is very new to faith. She had just bought a Bible for the first time and I asked if she had read it yet.I was so excited for her to dig in and to begin exploring and learning.  Her reply was one that took me a little off guard. She said "Not yet. It's a bit intimidating." This was not what I was expecting to hear.


Usually when I get something new, I want to unwrap it and use it right away. The excitement usually gets the best of me. However, as I thought about her statement it hit me and my response was this, "The Word of God should intimidate everyone. if it doesn't there is something wrong with you."


The more I thought about that conversation, the more truth rang in my heart about it and convicted me. If I look at the Bible as more than one of the books on my shelf or the thing I read in the morning each day and instead truly look at it as the inspired word of the God of the universe - man that rocks me a bit. 


I have so easily looked past the first word that appears on the front of many that I own: "Holy". I have read the words inside it many times and let it touch my heart and change my life, but can I honestly say that when I pick it up I think of it as something more than familiar? I think for me, and probably many of you, it has become to familiar. An old friend of sorts that we go to take comfort in and learn from, both honorable and desirable things. But it should intimidate us as well. 


The words in it are the words that God himself chose to share with us to mold and shape us in to who He created us to be. The words have the power to literally change lives. 


God spoke. 


To me.


To you.


GOD SPOKE!


And we have those words at our finger tips. Amazing? Yes. Intimidating? Heck YES! And it took a simple phrase from someone who is at this point exploring what it means to have a relationship with Jesus to remind me of that.  


I am thankful for the reminder and the glimpse of God's words through the eyes of one seeking. It changed me.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12