Christian Ebner - Search Me Oh God

Search Me Oh God....Psalm 139: 23-24
" Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything that is in my that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life."



Surrender....it is such a hard concept for most of us. What does it mean to open ourselves up and ask the Lord to truly search our hearts and our souls? It takes courage and a willingness to not only accept the insight God gives but also a committment to making a change in our lives that results in obedience to Him. God, take me on this journey of self examination. Search me, O God, and know my anxious thoughts. Search me, O God, and show me the areas of disobedience in my life. Search me, O God, and help me to see the areas in my life that have become strongholds. Lord, I don't want to be held captive anymore by this world. Instead, I desire freedom in Christ. I desire to know you and to understand your ways. Lord, I want to follow your path for my life and to experience the love and joy that you have for me. I am tired of trying to control my life and failing miserably. I have realized that my self reliance has caused me to experience less of you. It is a sign of my lack of trust and faith in all that you desire to give to your child. Lord, you are my Heavenly Father that seeks to have a relationship with me. I pray that you would begin today to Search me, O God, and point out anything in me that offends you and is keeping me at a distance from experiencing your unfailing love, grace, peace, joy, and comfort.
Love you Lord,
Beth

Psalm 46:10

     Psalm 46:10 encourages us to reflect on what God can do in the face of what we are unable to do. "Be still and know that I am God." Many of you may know that this is my favorite verse. Since I have been off of work and off of "school" for the last 2 weeks, I had a few goals I wanted to accomplish. Catching up on some time with my kids was on top of the list. We have made some good memories with baking, sled riding, playing games and many other things. But one of my goals was to just rest, not only physically but spiritually. I struggle with this ..Jeff would tell you that I never sit still.
   Tonight I was convicted by a quote in a movie. We watched the new Karate Kid movie and there was a quote that stated "being still and doing nothing are not the same thing." It made me think of my favorite verse Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." Being still before the Lord is reflecting on knowing WHO He is and what Has done. Being still does not mean doing nothing. In fact, Christ wants nothing more than for us to reflect on Him and to show gratitude and acknowledgement of who He truly is. He also wants us to trust in Him to be in charge of our lives. I must say that I struggle with each of these things daily....sitting still, reflecting on Him, trusting in Him and showing my gratitude towards Him through prayer and worship. OUCH! How about you? Are you spending enought time sitting still and reflecting on Him and WHO He is?
     I recently read that it is “God’s past” that provides calm for “our future.” So, as we sit still and "reflect" on Him we can find peace  as we face the unknown of the future or even the things that we know we will face in the time ahead. Knowing God is "WHO HE SAYS HE IS" (Beth Moore), not merely intellectually, but practically, spiritually, and emotionally is the key to our peace, strength and understanding.
    "Be still and know that I am God." .....It's time for some reflection as I sit still before Him and look at the past in order to provide calmness for the future. How about you?

A new year. A new beginning. Where are we headed?

Wow, it has been one wild ride for our family this year. It began last spring when we began praying about where God was calling us as a family to attend church.It was a touch decision but God showed us that we needed to move forward and start new. We ended up at Freshwater church in Wadsworth.It has been a new beginning for all of us.The neat thing is that, as we were actually seeking and searching for our place in our new church. Jeff and I were actually being still and trying to hear the voice of God and His direction and guidance for each us including our children.
     Jeff has a passion for leading worship, and being involved in bringing others closer to Christ through worship or even just simple gatherings with other men. He has also blossomed into spreading God's truth to not only teens, but also to the little ones through Sunday day morning worship and learning times.
     Myself, well...let's just say that I am still being quiet before the Lord. Patiently waiting for His push or shove to move me into the path he wants for me. For me, I am still unsettled in my walk with Christ and am not sure of where He wants me but most importanly what it is I need to work on in order to improve my relationship with Him first.
     Our children are growing leaps and bounds before our very own eyes. We pray that they are growing in their walk with Christ and that they would have a heart to desire a deeper relationship with their Heavenly father. We pray for decisions that are Christlike and that each of them would pray before step forward on the path before them. We pray for compassionate hearts for others in this world and that they would be lights for others in their darkness.
     Our faith stands firm in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the foundation he has given us. We pray that this year will bring us blessings and lessons leading  each of us to a fullfillment in the life of Christ. May His joy overflow into our hearts so that we may be a light for other to see.