Challenged.....

Challenged.....

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV

Last week we were challenged to fast...or at least look into it as a discipline .....

This week we were challenged to examine which kind of soil we are at this time for accepting the seed, the Word, from the Sower, God....

Obedience is challenging in itself...it may not be fun to do...it may be difficult...but, it brings blessing....just as reading the Word may not be easy...but if we let it permeate our souls, judging our thoughts and attitudes, we grow....and we may have to change....

For some, change is great and for others, it is challenging to say the least....there seems to be seasons when everything is change and at other times, there is rest from change...

I remember a year when the theme was "flexibility"...it was one of the most challenging years of my life....but it was just the preparation for the next year which       demanded more that flexibility....challenging me to my very inner most strength and beyond into God's strength ....into that joints and marrow of the Word....the willingness to let Him dwell deeply.....

Challenged everyday to live in that obedience ....to garner words of wisdom ....to be the best soil...to examine....to listen....to share....to love...to encourage...to exhibit the fruit...the wrench out the sin that so easily entwines......to flee from the wiles of evil.....yes, I am challenged...sometimes softly, tenderly and other times, vigorously....

Thank YOU for the challenges, even when I don't like them...the searching of my being to clear out the debris that is dishonoring to You....


Job 9:19 If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty! And if it is a matter of justice, who can challenge him?

Judges 8:1b...... And they challenged him vigorously.

2 Kings 14:8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, with the challenge: “Come, let us face each other in battle.”