Roles.

Still working on my father/ daughter devotional, due soon. Came across this passage, which was especially convicting and compelling in the Message translation. Lord, you know what You're talking about through this servant writer. And boy do I ever aspire to reach these statutes.

1 Timothy 2:9-10
“Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray—not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it.” (The Message)

Devotional/ Devotion

"Out of necessity I became a 'translator', daily standing on the border between two worlds, getting the language of the Bible that God uses to create and save us, heal us and bless us, judge and rule over us, into the language of the Today (struggle between in but not of- John 15) that we use gossip and tell stories, give directions and do business, sing songs and talk to our children." Eugene H. Peterson, about the beginnings of writing his devotional The Message: Solo.

As I'm writing a father/daughter devotional for Antioch families, this struck me as a fresh conviction. Thanks Father, as you stuck this directly in my own devotional life to affect the work you're allowing happen through me. Pretty cool line-up you had in store there....

This quote, along with some daily devos I've been chewing on myself for the past few weeks, are provoking my heart and mind to ask questions of reason, for this project and my spiritual habits:

- Definition of 'Devotional' to the language world of Today:

Selections from Webster.... hehe

adj.

Of, relating to, expressive of, or used in devotion, especially of a religious nature.

n. A piece of music or writing about or pertaining to devotion; Of or pertaining to devotion or worship. A short religious service.

-Definition in the language world of the Bible:

“Remember, LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” --Of Hezekiah
2 Kings 20:2-4

“And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you..."

1 Chronicles 28:8-10

Just a couple of excerpts, from the records of men who reaped a bold harvest from faithfulness- linked to devotion... But straightforward in reminding one of the purpose of devotion, devotionals (outlets to practice and express our devotion in a language of Bible) and the attitude in which we pursue the outcome of relationship with Christ. Devotion is a crucial element, including the act of a faith-driven life, and the heart behind one who chases it relentlessly.

As Oswald C. labeled his devotional work and I can identify with more now than ever before- I surrender this writing process and outcome to be my utmost for His highest. Your will be done, Father.

Provisions. Prayer. and Solitude.

I'm completely astounded at what God's done this summer. And what He's going to do with complete faithfulness this fall.

...Got a job. Back at Joann fabrics September 1st :)

Went in because I wanted to "cover my bases" for all job opps. possible. The manager, who was conveniently working at the front, remembered me from a resume I turned in mid-April, and hired me on the spot. "Oh, it's you! We need to meet sometime this week to fill out your paperwork. How does starting in the beginning of September sound?" Needless to say, a heavy sigh of relief escaped my chest, which I didn't know had welled up to such an amount. I was trusting that God would provide, but WOW, what a provision. One of many.

...Plugged into the college group- Sunday nights and Tuesday night girls' bible studies. The group is small, possibly going to grow as fall makes its way around... But I love it. The people are there with purpose; Bend is not known for being a college-town (even though it has amazing potential to be one, someday...), and the nights are held far north of town. These people want to be here, to be growing, nurtured, and in fellowship, whether over pizza or deep conversations. This Sunday, it was both. It feels natural and familiar to be there; this is something I wasn't expecting in such fullness, or right away. But He's granted it, to my absolute awe.

And all I have to say about these things is hallelujah. Over and over, every day.

"I could climb a mountain
Swim the ocean
Or do anything
But it's when you hold me
That I start unfolding
And all I can say is

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah" Bethany Dillon, 'Hallelujah'

I'm truly bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy. And it's astoundingly beautiful.