Its Time- Study #2

I know... Its a good thing I don't get paid to blog or I would be fired! Anyways today was day one of potty training.. seriously Asher was not taking it seriously.. Don't believe me, well I have attached the photo of him on his potty using the potty bowl as a hat. I came out of the bathroom and used his words "Are you kidding me." I would like to say that he looks like one of my Mexican cowboy tio's however they would not even be caught wearing a hat like this. Plus I don't have any Mexican cowboys in my family, so not sure what side of the family Asher is taking after.

So onto today's topic... As I promised I am sharing my notes from last weekends retreat. Today I am on part 2 or session 2 entitled " It's time to understand God's will." The speaker was Bianca Juarez from Calvary Chapel Montebello. She is also the blogger of "In the name of love" if you don't follow her blog.. Do it! Good stuff seriously... I was so captivated by her enthusiasm and ability to teach the gospel that is so applicable to today that I know I missed alot of the notes. So bare with me..

• God guides us in our decision making, In Ephesians 1 He tells us how He guides
• Its important to know that God has you were you are supposed to be and for a purpose.

" I don't believe in coincidence I believe in Providence"- Bianca

1. Hebrews 1- God directs us in different ways
2. Hebrews 1:2-3 God speaks through His son
3. Psalm 95- God continues to speak to us by His son through His Holy Spirit.

The five P's

1. You have been completely PREPARED to do something great. (EPH 2:10)

2. There is a simple PURPOSE behind everything that you do. ( 1 John 5:3)

3. Sometimes we will experience PAIN. ( Hebrews 12:11)

4. God has provided POWER to do something ( EPH 3:20)

5. Doing something significant will require a PASSION that constantly screams "don't quit". ( Luke 9:62

" The question is not if you will get pain, it is what you will do with that pain. Let your pain have purpose and let us learn from our pain"- Bianca

(I totally love this statement I believe that if we truly adapt this way of thinking our trials and struggles will not be in vain. We will not fall victim to self pity and asking the "why me or why must I go through this." When we know that there is purpose and that we will have growth. You have heard it said " No pain, No gain." I also read on time that Faith is like a muscle, the more you exercise it the stronger it gets. Pain exercises our faith!)

Be Obedient- "People who are blessed in public are obedient in private"- Bianca

Fall at the feet of Jesus

She closed with Luke 9:62- "No one having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Don't look back!

In closing this blog I have to say that I often times finding myself questioning if I am within God's will. It would be so easy if we could ask Him and He could say a simple yes or no. But He didn't create us to be that way. I don't know much and half the time I find that I easily could get out of Gods will if I am not careful. Here is what I do know... When I am in His word, in prayer and fellowship with the Lord I think that I am pretty darn close to it!

I don't worry so much because He will direct my path as long as I allow Him to walk with me on my beaten down road. The cool thing is that He really wants to, He is just waiting for me to ask Him. There are times when I say God are you sure you want to come along on this ride with me. It can get a little boring, hectic or crazy at times and I can imagine Him saying.." Monica, there is no other place I want to be than on this ride with you, because with me it isn't so crazy! Now stop talking, give up the control and let me drive and allow the work to be done."

Who is leading and in your drivers seat for your life? You or God.. If it is you, then I suggest you use your GPS ( GOD PLEASE SHOW me) system.

Praying for Gods will tonight,

Monica