Extreme Joy

Extreme Joy

Friday, June 4, 2010

Downloading

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Heb. 10:22).

I am a writer. I finally admit the obvious. I have submitted articles and devotions, I have had some devotionals accepted, and I recently received word that I will have my first article published in "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Mother's Devotional" due out this October. It is a new and exciting journey I am on right now – reading, learning, writing, re-writing, submitting, and waiting. I have prepared myself for most of these things, however the one thing I didn’t plan on was thoughts and ideas downloading into my mind and heart at all times of the day (and night.)

Since I work at a computer most of the day and am very familiar with downloading. I know I always have an option – click to download now or click to download later. Now if I can find a way to click download later in my mind and heart. But would I really use it? No way, I can’t wait to see what the Lord is going to download next. I am anxious to receive the truths He wants to reveal about Himself, the mysteries He wants to explain, or the promises He wants to point out. I want to be reminded of the conversations I recently heard, a real-life drama I witnessed, or a humorous situation I experienced so I can share with others how God is immersed in our lives if we will only take notice.

In downloading, God not only downloads thoughts, ideas, or truths, mysteries, and promises, He downloads information about who He is, what He did for us, and what He has planned for us. He downloads the love He has as a Father, the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, and the power that is available to us through the Holy Spirit. He downloads correction, rebukes, instructions, along with guidance and direction.

God is always downloading into our hearts, but to receive these downloads we must first have our computers on – our hearts have to be open to Him and be willing to listen and receive what He is whispering to us. Then you have an option to save or not. This is something that is in our control. If we allow Him to download into our hearts, are we willing to SAVE what we receive? It may not always be what we want to hear, but it will always be for our good.

The differences between Father God’s downloads and computer downloads is simple – no mass downloads. His downloads are designed uniquely for each of us, sent only to us, and has a special name on it. We don’t know the name yet, but one day we will. “ I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it” (Rev. 2:17).

9 comments:

  1. Love your blog title - "Extreme Joy". Enjoyed the post, too. The computer analogy works well with many spiritual correlations! Nice job, Beth. God's blessings on your writing.

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  2. Congratulations, Beth! Great job! I'm so thrilled to see how God is using you to bless others. :-)

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  3. Loe your blog! It really reflects who you are and your post was spot on. I'm so blessed to be part of your tribe!

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  4. Wow Beth! What a great post! I can't wait to read more as I follow your blog! :) And, I love the background you chose! Very nicely done!

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  5. Awesome, Beth! Don't we all want Extreme Joy? I'll be following - I can't wait to see what God downloads for you to share with us!

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  6. Thanks for you encouraging words. Glad to have you come along side of me as we walk this journey out together. God DOES want us to have joy in our lives!

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  7. Beth! I'm excited that you have a blog now. Thanks for sharing what God is teaching you; it encouraged my heart. Looking forward to your future posts :)

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  8. Beth, Your words are so inspirational and encouraging! The comparison with Extreme Joy and the computer downloads is so REAL!! You just have such a UNIQUE way of sharing these thoughts! I just cannot wait to see what God needs to share with ME THROUGH YOU next!!

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  9. Thank you Charity and Janice. Glad to have you along for the "ride."

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