Who's the Boss?

Six months?! Seriously? I cannot believe it's been that long since I have written here. Can you say "slacker?" There's no way to explain or recap the past six months except to say that God just has wanted me to see how faithful and true He is, and it was a process we had to go through together-just us. And that we did! The pen has still been smoking--just in my journal. I hope when God speaks to you about wanting you to step away, you will listen. Although I fought it for a while, it was the greatest thing I ever did. Stepped away for some time of healing and recharging this winter and spring. When I say "stepped away", I mean dropped everything except what it took to wake up and tend to my family and nourish/recharge my soul spiritually. I wasn't just not writing here. I wasn't teaching in church, directing any type of ministry, singing with worship team, .....I had to as Psalm 46:10 puts it in the Message: " Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at my High God..." This has become a favorite life verse.

I love how God speaks to me and continues to speak to me even as I write what I think He wants me to write, only to find He's still saying something that needs to be put down. It's such a transforming and ongoing process. Even as I type now, I really have no idea just all that God wants me to write. It's a perfect way to just be open to all He wants to do and say as we become simply a vessel. You see, writing (or any other spiritual gift) not only edifies others who might read it, it sharpens, strengthens, and teaches the writer. That's how most spiritual gifts work after all. Encouraging others, but teaching, refining, and strengthening the one sharing the gift. Recently, I have felt the nudge to put the words down again to paper....or computer in this techy world we live in. It is the way God has wired me to let my light shine so that others can praise my Father. That is truly my only desire! I want to be used to help bring others to the Daddy that I know and love. So, here we go.....

I've just started reading and dissecting the book of Colossians .. I found a guide in a new Bible Study magazine (www.biblestudymagazine.com) (which I love by the way! A great tool if you are called to teach or lead small groups) I thought this study would be perfect for a personal quiet time this summer. The scripture that stood out was in Colossians 1:15. It says, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him."

The questions asked were, "How would my life look differently if I fully embraced Christ as the One in charge of my life?" and "How would lives around me be affected if I demonstrated everyday that someone greater than myself has the ability to rule my life and my world?"

Lots to ponder, but I couldn't help think of this great example. Our youth pastor's wife has dropped her very precocious 4 yr old off at our house a couple of times. Her mother has to constantly say, "Now Kennidee, who's the boss?" To which Kennidee says with hand on her hip and every ounce of certainty , "Miss Beth is.....but I'M the boss of Max!" (Max is our dog.) :) You see, we all want to be the boss of something or someone....often ourselves. I chuckled as I thought of that this morning. Am I not the same way sometimes?

So, my answers to the above questions are this: My life would be different in that peace and purpose would reign a whole lot more than fear and questioning. Lord, remind me that YOU are the boss, not anyone else....especially not myself. Keep me on track in this place You have returned me to- for where You want me regardless of what others say or do-especially myself. Thus, here I am writing again. Thank You, Lord!

The other answer was that lives around me might just see what it's like to be a follower of Jesus instead of a leader who just speaks about Him and tries to be His boss. Lord, forgive me of the sin of listening to anyone outside of you and trying to be my own boss. Help me to be a FOLLOWER of You, the only One who has the ability to rule my life and the world-all at the same time! You are the firstborn of all creation, the Owner, the Supreme One! You are the Creator; I am the created. You and only You are the boss of my life! Continue to teach me what it means and looks like for You to live Your life through me.

Oh, and what Kennidee doesn't know is that Max would NEVER allow her to be the boss of him either. I bet God chuckles when we try to do the same. It reminds me of how God finally addresses Job-here's just the first 11 verses-but the beginning of 3 chapters of why God should be our Boss....

Job 38: 1-11(The MSG)

And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:

^2-11 "Why do you confuse the issue?
Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about?
Pull yourself together, Job!
Up on your feet! Stand tall!
I have some questions for you,
and I want some straight answers.
Where were you when I created the earth?
Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that!
Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
and all the angels shouted praise?
And who took charge of the ocean
when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb?
That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds,
and tucked it in safely at night.
Then I made a playpen for it,
a strong playpen so it couldn't run loose,
And said, 'Stay here, this is your place.

Your wild tantrums are confined to this place....'"

and go on and read chapters 39, 40, and 41 while you're at it.

May our answer be that of Job's in chapter 42 (The MSG)...

Job answered God:

"I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything.

Nothing and no one can upset your plans.
You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water,
ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?'
I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me,
made small talk about wonders way over my head.
You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking.
Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.'
I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
I'm sorry—forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise!

I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor."

So, how bout it? Are you trying to be the boss instead of trusting the One who knows all, is over all, and loves you more than anyone? Let Him lead. Be the follower. He's the Boss whether you acknowledge it or not, but your life sure is easier once you do.