Looking forward to hearing jimmy's sermon on this topic. It is so cool that all the way down here in Gatlinburg, TN I will be able to download the sermon off of our website at oldfortchurch.com. Agreements according to john E. are these subtle decisions that we allow our hearts to make that actually block our ability to hear from God. They are biases, personal thoughts, and usually powerless thinking that circumvent the real faithful work God wants to do in us. What agreements have you made in your heart?
One agreement that I struggle with at times is that tomorrow is going to be better than today. In other words I find myself not living in the moment but looking ahead to "better" days. Even while on vacation i find myself having trouble enjoying the moment and wishing for something in the future to be here. part of my agreement I sense is to be able to find satisfaction and joy in the moment. This vacation has helped me to become aware of some of the work God still wants to do in my heart. Today we drove up into the Smokey Mountain national fores on a scenic loop that you drive in your car. This look is in the middle of nowhere and there are no business or anything like that. Just a one way narrow road that twists and turns through the mountains. It is beautiful and one of my favorite spots in the Smokey's. Well today as we entered this trail I discovered that I only had a qr. tank of gas left. Not the best of situations. In the middle of nowhere...no chance to get gas...and I am running low. I was starting to let the worry bother my experience and our families experience. I started to worry and hope this moment away to the time I was in front of a gas pump with a full tank. I was missing the beauty of the moment.
At one point we pulled over near a waterfall where the kids were going to play in the water for awhile. I was still worrying about the gas when the kids spotted a swarm of butterflies on the ground in front of us. For the next few minuted the kids interacted with them and were able to touch them and hold them. Erin got pictures of this...it was simple amazing! God provided and suddenly I found myself realizing how foolish I was to wish this stuff away. moments later all the kids and my folks were wading through the mountain stream and just having a blast. the babies loved it and i started jumping from boulder to boulder trying to cross the stream. I felt like a kid myself. I had all but forgotten about my worries and God reminded me that the moment was what he created for us. I experienced another valuable lesson today and in the process was filled with another joyful moment. God's joy for my life is my goal this week and I am feeling a new source of strength in this. After all scripture tells us that the joy of the Lord is my strength. What a joyful day! thanks God. How about you? What great moments are you wishing away and not even realizing what beautiful things god is giving you. Don't buy into the agreements, don't live in the assumptions of your heart but live in to the guarantee of god's love and joy.
Walking Together,
Your Dreaming Pastor
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