Yesterday I had the wonderful privilege of attending a "Girls Night Out" event in the afternoon. I had not planned on going. Daily hospital visits are still my schedule, but the opportunity presented itself and after much indecision and coaxing I decided to go. What a blessing!
My sister and her best friend and I drove to the event, about an hour west of here.
Shannon Ethridge was the key-note speaker. She is the author of the "Every Woman's Battle" series as well as the "Completely His" book and Bible studies. What a delightful and godly woman.
She shared about the intimacy we can have with Christ. Intimacy. "In-to-me-see". The Bridgegroom and bride relationship. She also spoke of hindrances to that love connection.
She asked, "What is your addiction? What does God need to prune out of your life to make room for more of Him?"
If you read my other devotional blog, today I shared that answer. God must be my One and only love. He is proposing. "Will you marry Me?" He alone wants to be my first love.
Father, I need You to reignite that flame. I need the fire in my heart to burn with such fervor that no other dream, desire or affection supercedes my love for You. Surrendered moments to 'feel good' are only temporary and fleeting.
Lord, I desperately need You. I long to love You more. You have been wooing me back to You. I have felt Your gentle nudge. I sense You calling. I have been missing the privilege of Your presence. I have been reading Your book, but missing the companionship of the Author. Lord, sweep me off my feet. I hear Your voice asking again, "Joy, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes Lord."
"I do."
18 comments:
I 'fell in love' with Jesus while at university. With a broken heart, I had begun searching Scripture and thereupon foud the 'man' of my dreams, more than I ever hoped for. Good thing I found 'true satisfying love' before I met my hubby, or else I would have expected that perfect love from him.
Since then of course, many 'idols' have competed for my attention, and He, the faithful One has continued to pursue me.
How wonderful is our God, our Bridegroom. May you be drenched in His love and tender caring for you.
By the way, I was offered tickets for that event, but just did not feel like going..good thing, though...that crazy weather! But so glad you went and was ministered to.
Love, Sita
What a wonderful prayer! Amen!
I am so glad you had the opportunity to get away for awhile. I cannot think of anyone who deserves a break more than you!
Praying...
Beth
Great pics, Joy..you're such an elegant lady inside and out..
So glad for your time away yesterday; I know that you were blessed. Thanks for giving me a peek into the day's events. I'll head over to your other blog for more.
peace~elaine
Sounds like this afternoon out was refreshing in the Lord indeed! So glad you decided to go! And I love your outfit!
Enjoy the afterglow of His goodness all day!
When crises hit, it is so easy to become consumed in the moment and let our relationship with the Lord cool. We are frantic and hurried and we wonder why? I've been there more times than I care to admit.
I'm so glad you had such a refreshing time on Saturday.
Leah
So happy you decided to go and that the 3 of you had a great time in Him!
Joy,
What a true JOY you are to so many! Thanks for always being transparent and ready to share yourself with us. I cherish you.
Love you bunches,
Luann
Woo, Baby, you look tres chic! Truly, Joy, you look beautiful. No wonder Jesus wants to marry you!
Are you and your sister twins? You have to be.
I'm so jealous that you heard Shannon Ethridge. I have that book and it's awesome.
So glad you were able to step away from life's drama for a while and just enjoy a little girl time.
So glad you got out. God blessed you and, in the midst of your HIS WAIT ROOM, He gave you a message to strengthen you!
I am so glad that y'all had this wonderful opportunity! I have yet to read her books! I loved the "in-to-me-see!" Thank you for sharing that. Much to ponder over!
Love you bunches!
Susan
BTW--You look Gooooood!! Love that darlin' outfit!!
Joy, I have GOD-skin as I read your post because just this morning I wrote about Him being our One and Only.
Love to you and I'm so thankful that you had a breath of fresh air over the weekend with a change of pace.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
I'm glad you were able to get out for a fun event. Your haircut and outfit are just adorable!
Wow, I love that--into-me-see...what a powerful word play.
Have a blessed week.
Don't you just love that....how you have indecision, hesitate to go somewhere and He blesses your socks off.
And may you say, you look mighty snazzy. I love the long dress coat and scarf...very nice.
Cuuuuute! I need that time away too...wedding planning and other things can so easily get me away from the into~me~see. Love that!
Loved this!
Lord, I do too!
Yes and amen.
Joy,
I nominated you for the Golden Heart Award. Check out my blog for more information.
Love you,
Cheri
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