Still working through the book of Ruth

Funny how this short little book has given me the most desire to truly study it. I may have to start doing shorter quiet times after all... I do love spending time with God, it is sweeter than any time. It is always my hope for everyone and my prayer that they/we know God and have a true relationship with God, our Creator and the One who loves us most. I don't say this from a place of comfort, I don't say this without being aware of the suffering and hard life of injustice and warfare that people, my own brothers and sisters, human beings come from. However, I have faith and I have hope that for each one of us, there is a place of rest found in God, through Jesus Christ. This morning I have on my heart the word: "Ask", just "Ask." Last summer, while counseling at a Christian camp for 11-13 year olds, I and everyone else was challenged by a minister who had, I'm sure, read through the Bible at least once a year every year of his life as a Christian to ASK for that which we want and do not have. I have always wanted a hunger for the Word of God. Therefore, I asked. I ask for what I want and do not have. I do not fear failure in these areas because I know I can always ask for more. More grace to walk well in this life, more hunger for the Word of God. I think the only thing I've ever not been able to get is more time to get all of it :). So, I have learned and am learning to use my time most wisely. There is still a lot to learn, but after asking for so much, and receiving so much from God, I want to steward it as best as possible. After having received all this, I can testify that these gifts from God, such as a hunger for his Word and his presence (though I can readily admit that I do not hunger for it all the time, though I wish to), these things are the sweetest and brightest parts of my own life. I treasure and cherish this relationship I have with God. Though my flesh is so weak, so often, it is this relationship that makes the relationships that I have been given here on earth so bright-- The best relationships I have are made sweeter, more pure, more trustworthy, and full of joy because of my relationship with God that pours into me and out to them... and the relationships that I have that I do not enjoy quite as much- though I hope that they will eventually be restored and made continually joyful- are peppered with these spots of brightness, light, hope, and joy (all good things).

My prayer this morning is a song- One Pure And Holy Passion

Give me one pure and holy passion. Give me one magnificent obsession. Give me one glorious ambition for my life: to know and follow hard after you. To know and follow hard after you. To grow as your disciple in your truth. This world is empty, pale, and poor compared to knowing you, my Lord. Lead me on, and I will run after you.

And because I am watching her on TV right now- a great devotional for today: http://www.joycemeyer.org/Articles/Devotional.aspx