Wisdom From Job

Bible study focused on the book of Job this week and I was reminded of the times I doubt God, His plan or do not trust His judgement. My lack of faith and trust, seems ridiculous when God reminds job of who he is, almost rhetorically, in response to Job's complaint/ questioning of his trial.
"The Lord said to Job: "Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!" The Job answered the Lord: "I am unworthy- how can I repay you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer- twice, but I will say no more." Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm: "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his? Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty. Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low, look at every proud man and humble him, crush the wicked where they stand. Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave. Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you.
...
"Then Job replied to the Lord: "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You ask, Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge? Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me. My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore i despise myself and repent in the dust and ashes."

How many times have I questioned if God really knows all, sees all, and has an active roll in all things? And how many times do I give my opinion of how things "should be done"?
I should be at the very least grateful for life- which is given, to me, only by grace and mercy of the God. He is way beyond my understanding. Yeah, I really can not tell God a single thing that He does not already know. He is active and present in every second, causing the sun to rise and fall, and still he is concerned with me - this blows my mind. But may I never forget how BIG God is.

Wisdom From A Friend

Hey Beth! Well, I was pondering your question about career choice on my drive to Bend- here are my thoughts. A career and a calling are not the same thing. I believe God may place a calling on your life that will be fulfilled no matter what career you find yourself in. Careers may change- and no matter what you find yourself doing as a job to support yourself, you're calling remains. Not that you should choose a career simply for money- it should reflect your giftings and interests. But I think as long as we're attentive to God's voice (and obedient) and open to the opportunities he brings our way- our lives will reflect His purposes. I think we sometimes put too much pressure and stress on what career we strap ourselves into- just because we make a wrong career choice (if there is such a thing) doesn't mean our calling is stripped from us. In all- your calling may not be the same as your career and I think it's important to explore what they both mean. That is my long winded answer. lol

Amnesia

I feel as if my brain can take no more. The last couple of weeks I have been learning new medical imaging modalities (CT, MRI, CIT)- their procedures and software, Iceaxemen staff and students- their names and individual talents, the history of Christian ministry, and recalling skills in rock climbing. I know this is all good for training my short and long term memory. It is just terribly embarrassing to have to ask someone there name over and over again. I know that transition/ challenging my brain/ new information all will help keep my mind active. I just need more time to process and read about current events! I know I need to do more reading when I can not think of synonyms for words and am barely able to form coherent sentences.
The good things lately have been my success in the various modalities, not killing Matt while remembering my climbing skills, going out with girlfriends, family meals and running/ being out in the sunshine.
Side note on my running: My left lower leg has been going numb around mile four the last couple of long runs I have been on. Pray that this doesn't continue, especially if I am to run in a half marathon this coming June.
Thank you God for the sunshine!

God's Global Purpose (Class #2)

This quote from the inside of a hut in Africa:
I AM A PART OF THE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTED TO DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES.

• I have the Holy Spirt's power; the dye has already been cast. I've stepped over the line.
• I'm out of the comfort zone.
• The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
• I won't look back, let up, slow down, or back away.
• My past is redeemed, my present makes sense and my future is secure.
• I'm finished and done with low living and sight walking and small planning and smooth knees and colorless dreams and tame visions and mundane talking and chintzy giving and dwarfed goals.

I AM A PART OF THE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTED TO DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES.

• I no longer need popularity.
• I don't have to be right.
• I don't have to be first.
• I don't have to be tops.
• I don't have to be recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.
• I now live in His presence.
• I live by faith.
• I live by patience.
• I live by prayer and I labor in power.

I AM A PART OF THE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTED TO DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES.

• My face is set. My gaze is fast My goal is heaven.
• My road is narrow. My way is rough. My companions are few. But my Guide is reliable and my mission is clear.
• I cannot be bought or compromised or detoured or lured away.
• I cannot be turned back or diluted.
• I will not be delayed.
• I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, or hesitate in the presence of the adversary, or negotiate at the table of my enemy.

I AM A PART OF THE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTED TO DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES.

• I will not ponder at the pool of popularity of meander in the maze called mediocrity.
• I won't give up,
• Or shut up,
• Or let up,
• Or burn up,
• Until I've preached up,
• Prayed up,
• Paid up,
• Stored up,
• And stayed for the cause of Christ.

I AM A PART OF THE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTED TO DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES.

• I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
• I must go until He comes, give until I drop.
• I must preach until all know and work until God stops.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me because I'VE DEDICATED MY LIFE TO BEING A PART OF THE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTED TO DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES.

Prompting to Purity

Starting to understand the meaning of the word sanctification and realizing that I want to be holy for my God that is holy.
Has my culture cultivated a biting tongue and stinging wit within myself, or is it merely my own personal inclination?
My tendency for perverse speech and aggressive behavior, I have finally become disgusted by. I realize now it comes across as lame and uneducated, even as a shock factor, defense mechanism or culturally learned habit. Yes, it is a part of me, but a part now that I want to be separated from.
In this, I also do not want to be of the position to look down on persons that use this language to describe their world. I just personally, want to not be hurtful with my quick wit. However, I do not mean to have a mind that is disengaged from the daily goings on or be not able to debate. I just want to make more than a conscious decision to have kind speech and thought.
God I know that you have prompted this thought. Continue your work in me. Because only by your working within me will I be able to reflect this change to purity.

Significance

Searching for significance, wait!
In church, I was told that significance is found in doing what God has designed you to do, told you to do; Not going out and making a name for yourself. So what is it that God has said to me? As a disciple, I am told to go and make disciples of all nations, to love, to give to the needed, and walk humbly. Am I being this person? Or has Bethany decided that waiting on the Lord takes too much time, and made a name for herself? Speak Lord. What do you want me to do for my life?!
Listening to JJ Heller "Your hands."