Standing Room Only

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

I awoke to a beam of light coming through the blinds. Rolling over I look at the clock reading 7:45 am. Late morning slumber and now the pounding of feet upstairs tells me some kiddos are going to want to eat. I jump out of the bed, freshen up somewhat and off to the kitchen for the morning aroma of breakfast to fill the house. As I walk to the kitchen, I see the five loads of laundry that need to be folded, papers strewn all over the counter, carpet needing to be vacuumed, dishes in the sink and my daughter’s over sized kick balls rolling into the den. Laughter follows and I am brought back to the present moment of cooking breakfast.

Did you catch what happened in those few seconds on my journey from the bedroom to the kitchen? Distracted by all that was in front of me, I lost sight of my goal of making breakfast. My mind was taken aside as it began making a list of all that will have to be done and by what time. Stress started streaming over me but fortunately, the laughter of my two girls called me to just being present with them while making breakfast. After everyone ate, I grabbed my bible, notebooks and bolted to my deck, my platform before Jesus. Finding the worship list, on the phone, music began to fill the backyard as God drew my heart to Him. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” God promises us in Jeremiah 29:13.

While studying scripture the other day, a word jumped out at me from a commentary; it was the word CAPACITY.  I have come to enjoy looking up the definitions of words.  I also go to the thesaurus and look up other words that relate. As I took notes a picture began to form in my mind. It began with a big room and I was standing in the front.  Next, looking within the walls, I saw a room filled with laundry, lunches, bible study books, hammers, saws, TV shows, grocery list, my kids, schedules, my husband and many other things I do. Lastly, in the back, where there remained standing room only, was Jesus. He was standing, up against the wall looking at me. His eyes melted me. Looking over the room, I realized I left Him standing room only. My room was filled with things from my life, that are not bad, but took precedence over God. The capacity of my heart was filled with things of this world first, not of God. I heard Jesus’ loving voice say, “Mindy, if you would put me first, right next to you I can fill your room to capacity with greater things. I can give strength for the day, peace for unforeseen circumstances, love that overflows and joy that lasts through the deepest pain.”

Maybe you are reading these words and you can relate. As you look up, even now, you see Jesus standing in the back of your room. Hopefully you are not feeling condemned but moved to stop and sit with Jesus.  Let Jesus fill your heart with all of Him. Jesus tells in Matthew 6:33 to seek His Kingdom first and His righteousness and all these things will be given to us. Make God your first priority so He can fill you with His Kingdom and righteousness. Give God the first seat and watch how He will fill your room to capacity with more than you could ever envision.

May God fill you your room to capacity with His blessings beyond your imagination.

The Tongue: Restores or Ruins

On a Saturday afternoon, while the girls played soccer, I became frustrated watching them lose. My opinion was half the girls on the team did not care about the game. Afterwards, I was talking with another woman and asked her some questions about the coach. She replied very patiently, “He is my husband”. UGHHH… in that moment conviction flooded over me. The ugliness in my heart was steering my tongue’s words. I was very thankful my words did not go beyond questions and God shut my mouth instantly for my heart had other things to say.

God was very gracious to give me a warning before anything else flowed from my lips. I believe that is because recently, I started asking God to really close my mouth from JUST talking. I do have a habit of sharing my opinions, at times that probably should stay far away from any conversation. Maybe you have felt this way and ask, “HOW AM I EVER GOING TO CHANGE?” Holding my tongue is so hard.

So often I have justified my venting saying “Well, I have to vent, that is part of getting it off my chest and out of my mind”. The problem with the statement is I have found NO place in the bible where God says to spew it on someone else. The verse I did find caused me to be convicted about my tongue. Proverbs 10:19 says, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise”. Sadly, I fall into the category of “when words are many”.

Please know, this is not a bragging or God forgives me or whatever attitude. I am truly convicted and wrestling with this as I walk through this process of getting out of the habit of being a fool “Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin”, Proverbs 10:14 says. I want to be known as a wise woman. Not just for knowing scripture, but for living it out in my actions. I want to be known as a woman after God’s heart that He will be evident in and through my words and actions.

I am not perfect. Scripture tells me I am not good and never will be. BUT, (this is big so pay attention!), because, Jesus died on the cross for me; a new opportunity was in front of me. He chased after me and because of His love for me, I chose him, to walk with Him and live for Him. With this choice, came a new life and one that is eternal. An overnight change does not occur. For the rest of my days on earth, Jesus will be moving in my heart and helping me to become more like Him. It is NOT in my power, but HIS that this will happen. In Galatians 5:22. Paul shares a big truth “BUT the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control”. It does not say the fruit of Mindy. I, natural Mindy, CAN NOT and WILL NOT be able to change. ONLY God can transform this human heart and tongue into one that is loving, gentle, patient, good and kind.

The challenge is for me to be before Him daily and read His word. Psalm 119:1-3 “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep your statues and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways”. For me to be blameless and wise I must be before God, in His word, learning what is says. I want to become discerning and more aware of what flows from my tongue. The journey ahead is a long one. Will you join me on this road? Will you link arms with me so we can encourage one another as Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12-17 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

I want to be someone who brings healing, not wounds; restores not ruins; lifts up instead of tearing down and that will only come from God above. Father above, guard my mouth today as I go into this world. Help me to be sensitive to your voice that I will hear you before speaking a word. Fill me with your Spirit that I will be an encourager to others. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer. I love you, your child.