Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!
As You’re aware Lord, over the last few weeks my Scripture reading time has been spent wading through the Old Testament books of Kings and Chronicles. I won’t pull any punches Father, they can be some onerous books to read, but without a doubt they’re chock-full of Your wisdom nonetheless. This morning, as I was nearing the end of 2nd Chronicles the thought crossed my mind:
“Wow… They just didn’t learn very quickly, did they.”
It really wasn’t meant to be disrespectful or nearly as sarcastic as it came out, but reading about king after king that “…did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord”, and by doing so led their people down paths of destruction and pain, I was struck by the fact that even with all they knew to be true, they still turned away from Your path.
“You do that now and again yourself…” You whispered.
Double Ouch!!
Yes Father… yes I do…
While I may not erect idols and temples to other gods, I certainly have allowed my focus and desires to shift away from You, and to cling to earthly things.
I sometimes allow my pride to overwhelm me and try to rely on my own strength to “fix” things, instead of humbling my heart and following Your lead.
Although my Walk with You has grown ever closer, there are still times that the concerns of the world get their hooks in my heart, and Your voice becomes drowned out in the turmoil.
While I very much try to look towards others with Your love in my heart, there have certainly been more than a few cases where I’ve allowed negative feelings to get the better of me, and not treated people as Jesus’ example directed us.
I guess I don’t learn very quickly Father…
Thankfully, You haven’t given up on me. 🙂
It’s convicting to read through those pages and see reflections of our own behaviors Father, but if that realization helps guide us closer to You, then we’re truly bringing Your Word into our hearts.
Heavenly Father,
I lift my praises Lord, for the lessons and messages You bring us through Scripture, and for the guidance we receive through Your Holy Spirit. For although the truths we uncover may be convicting, uncomfortable or even painful, if in the end they draw us closer to Your will, it’s a path we need to follow all the same.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.
~Phather Phil
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Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
I am a slow learner myself… but ever so grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and for the way He never tires of showing me mercy, handing me grace and loving me through it all. Love our Lord! Great post Phil! Blessings!
I’ve always drawn such encouragement (in a backhanded kind of way)from the stories of the children of Israel. Especially in light of Romans 10:21, “But concerning Israel God says, ‘All day long I held out my hands to welcome a disobedient and rebellious people.'” That verse paints such a loving word picture of God reaching out to all of us. Thanks for the reminder, Phil!
Blessings!
Pam
It’s so easy to read God’s Word and point fingers. I’m reading through the Gospels right now – Jesus told the disciples several times that He would be betrayed, beaten, and killed. He also told them that He would see them again, yet the disciples were surprised, confused, and even doubted when it all happened as He said. And we do the same thing; guess we are all slow learners. Great post, Phil!
I agree, ouch. There are times I am a slow learner as well. Praise God, He never gives up on me. Great encouragement Phil.
Ouch! You are speaking truth 🙂
Phil,
I felt a big ouch reading this. I do sometimes let my mind get occupied with worldly things, and I am slow learner too, and although I have learned a lot in this short journey of mine, I am grateful for His mercy, that is ever so patient, and extends His grace.
Blessings to you Phil.
Kings and Chronicles aren’t nearly as onerous as Deuteronomy – recommended reading for insomnia 😉
I haven’t been as often in the blogosphere lately because I’ve been deathly ill. Last week was the pits. This week, not great, but better. God is saying, “Time out. Collect your thoughts and center on ME. “ And I’m trying. Pray for me to make time to sit and reflect more fully, day by day, night by night.
AGREED! “It’s convicting to read through those pages and see reflections of our own behaviors Father, but if that realization helps guide us closer to You, then we’re truly bringing Your Word into our hearts.”
Conviction always makes us run to Him! I thank him for conviction, even if it is a lesson that I have to repeat a few time!
Great reflection today!
Another slow learner here who tries to fix things on her own. Ouch.
You always make me pause and think…and that is a good thing!
joy and blessings,
Alida