Thursday, December 18, 2008

Out of Order

Recently, I began to feel pretty flat spiritually. Okay, really flat. With little inspiration to write, to read or even to pray, it was all I could do to keep from sinking into depression. When the Lord led me to search my soul about it, an unsuspecting thought surfaced.

No, THAT is not the problem. Next thought, Lord.

No matter how much I tried to deny it, the Holy Spirit kept bringing the same subject up in my heart and mind--through devotions I would read, sermons I would hear, songs that left a thick lump in my throat, and through conversations with my friends and family.

You haven’t been putting Me first.

That’s the thought that kept coming. I asked Him to show me what I was doing out of order, and He began the process of revealing it to me. I feel led to share one moment in particular with you...


I would love for you to read the rest at the Internet Cafe today by clicking here: Out of Order at the Cafe This is very new and close to my heart, so I hope it ministers to you in some way...




In the Key of HE,

15 friends shared a comment:

Anonymous said...

That is exactly me. Thank you for sharing your experience... I've been trying to cut back on my 5yo son's computer time. He told me, "But Mom, you're always on the computer." And I was reproved that that's his vision of me, not that I'm reading my Bible or spending time with him.

Denise said...

Such a precious post sweet friend. I love you.

LisaShaw said...

I will hop over and read...

Our spirits have a wonderful way of reminding us when we are missing time with the presence of the LORD and when we are no longer putting Him first but every thing/one else. Bless you dear and enjoy the LORD.

Unknown said...

Love this post! Ahhh the Lord has used you in a mighty way to gently give me a little kick in the pants :)
Thanks for sharing! I felt something has been missing lately and a bit empty rushing around this time of year. Your reminded me exactly what was missing. My priorities got a bit out of whack.
God bless!

Janet Benlien Reeves said...

I've experienced this, too! Our attention is so easily drawn away between cups of coffee, it seems. Thank you for the reminder to be vigilant.

Yvonne Blake said...

Ouch!!! I did that myself just the other day and had the same reaction. It was so "wrong" for my laptop to be on top of my Bible.

I know that my Bible time is lacking too. I'm wanting to memorize more Scripture. I'm thinking of a chapter in John...a verse/week...maybe chapter 16, "vine and branches". Want to do join me? It works best with a partner.

thanks for this post and your honesty...love you, Lalee!

Vonnie

Terri Tiffany said...

I understand. So often all of us do that in our busy world.But God gives us these gently reminders and I am so thankful He does--like your post today!

Kerri said...

beautiful! I was feeling this way, too...and captured the thought on my blog the other day. I remembered Sara Grove's song "how is it between us?" and KNEW what the problem was...not enough time between the Lord and I. Spending a bit of time this morning as I have the day off from teaching (too much snow here in the Pacific NW!) and enjoying my second cup of coffee!

lynnmosher said...

Oh, my! Thank you for being transparent enough to share this part of your life with everyone. I know the Lord is blessing this. I've been in a similar place also and, as Lady Lynn said, the Lord has given me a kick in the pants! May you experience a new blessing of His presence.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Please send me the link...I'm too stupid to figure it out on my own. I clicked on the picture but can't find you there...only something about recipes, and you know I'm not into recipes right now! Thanks.

~elaine

LAURIE said...

LauraLee:
Wow! What a powerful word today. The images you shared really brought it home. How many times we put other things on top of our daily Word...whether it is the laptop, or paperwork, or a cup of coffee or fill in the blank! God desires us to make time for Him and make Him priority in our lives. Thanks for sharing - this was awesome! -Blessings, Laurie

the voice of melody said...

Great post! It's a situation so many of us fall into. Thanks for the reminder that He belongs at the top of our priority list.

Many sweet blessings!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Thanks for sending me the link! A great post, and the visual is too perfect to go with the point. You've challenged me to examine my "idols" that I have so carelessly stacked atop the Word of God instead of letting it breathe its witness as the only deserving worship of my heart.

peace~elaine

Catrina Bradley said...

You spoke volumes to me, dear friend. I've been convicted of the same thing, but have been ignoring that voice telling me. Thank you for pouring out your heart. I hadn't connected the neglecting of my time with God to my fall into depression - thanks for the slap in the head.

Josh said...

Wow. This seems all too familiar to me. I can't even count how many times I have buried my Bible underneath a stack of other books or was so anxious to check my computer that I didn't bother to really spend some time doing an in-depth study.

I'm so glad that you shared with us your struggle and how you figured out the root of the problem (by listening to God's voice). We all need to take time to listen to God and not deny it when we are not making Him our top priority. I have found myself strengthened lately by taking more time to pray and study the scriptures.