You offer sheep and cattle as sacrifices to me, but I have turned away and refuse to be found. (Hosea 5:6 CEV)
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The silences of God. Im reading Blackaby and thats what he calls it. He said that when he was going through one of those times, it wasnt because of sin but the first thing he did was go through his sin checklist to make sure. To be honest, this pricked my heart. Ive always had the view that when God seems far away it is because He is stirring in me a desire to draw close to Him. As true as that may be, at times I seem to overlook the reason why there might be that distance. As obvious as it may look to an objective observer, I often just dont get it. Perhaps God isnt speaking to me because Im not listening to or obeying what He has already said. Im going to start my own mental checklist here. These are my toes Im stepping on, feel free to add any of your own as you read so that your toes dont come away unscathed
God said anyone who has unjustified anger is guilty of murder in his heart. Have I kept the right attitude towards my boss, my coworkers, and my customers?
He said anyone who has looked at a woman with impropriety has committed adultery in his heart. Have my wandering eyes made me an adulterer?
God said true religion is to look after widows and orphans in their distress. Have I been speaking out for and giving my time and money to help the poor and destitute in the world? Has my lifestyle as one of the 13% richest people in the world living in the richest (or at least most indulgent) country caused me to become apathetic?
God has called me to pray for the leaders He has placed in authority. Even if I am praying for them, am I also verbally cursing them with my prophesies of doom and gloom? Or, on the flip side, am I doing the same by laughing at and mocking him on his way out the door? What does James say about blessing and cursing from the same tongue?
God says the wicked man borrows and does not repay. Gulp. Am I living the like the typical American in this regard?
I could go on and on and on, but even with these five I am already guilty five times over. God forgive me. Forgive me for my apathy, my pride, my attitude, and the multitude of other ways I have not been obedient to Your voice. Help me not to just bring my sacrifices to You but to bring my lifestyle as well. Help me to become obedient to You. Through my own effort it will never happen.
good checklist...I mean, sometimes there just isn't a reason at all, and sometimes, even if we're in the depths of sin, He still speaks...so it's not a forumla by any means, but at the same time, you're not going to go wrong keeping your heart in check and your attitude repentant are you?
