Galactic Center of Milky Way Rises over Texas Star Party from William Castleman on Vimeo.

Just a reminder of the majesty of God.

“19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. ²⁰ For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature.” — Romans 1:19-20

Have a great weekend.

Recently I was reading in Genesis and came across a verse that really connected with me:

28 They replied, “We can plainly see that the Lord is with you. So we want to enter into a sworn treaty with you. Let’s make a covenant. Genesis 26:28

When I read it, it sort of stopped me in my tracks.  What a thing to say.  What a thing to have someone say about you.  But it got me thinking . . . would people say this about me?  Does my life show that the Lord is plainly with me?  It is obvious to others?

Here’s the deal, I can’t answer that question.  I can only strive to live a life that demonstrates God’s love, his patience, and his blessing to others.  I can only live in obedience, faithfully trying to please him.  After that, it’s up to God to do the rest.

But it is a good reminder.  What do others see when they look at your life?  Can they “plainly see” that God has his hand on your life?  If not, what needs to change?  

This morning I started reading through the Book of Acts and wanted to share some of what God revealed to me during our time together.  These notes are taken directly from my prayer journal:

• The disciples prayed a lot while waiting on God.  (1:14).  God I ask you to grow my commitment to prayer.  Teach me how to pray in such a way that pleases you and grows your kingdom.
• God I beg you to allow me to be apart of your Spirit moving again in this way (2:4)
• Even then, some mocked the movement of the Holy Spirit.  Lord let that never be me.  (2:13)
• It just occurred to me that Peter is contextualizing the Gospel.  He is talking to Jews so he is showing them, in their own scriptures and language, how Jesus is the Christ (2:17-35).  Lord, teach me how to do this here in Myrtle Beach. 
• God chose to move and Peter was available.  Lord make us available to your leading.
• The church took care of each other, they were generous and selfless.  (2:45)
• Their church enjoyed “the goodwill of all the people.” (2:47) Lord may that be true of Wellspring.

I’ve been reading through 1 Samuel lately and God is really rocking my world with some incredible leadership lessons.  I’ve been surprised by how many lessons can be learned from the life of King Saul.  Today I am going to share directly from my journal some of what God has been teaching me specifically through the life of King Saul:

• The spirit came upon Saul and he was told to do whatever he thought best.  When God is at the center of our lives, our thoughts can be his thoughts and we can trust our gut, our instincts, etc. (10:6-7)
• Why was Saul hiding?  He knew what he was called to do and had seen many signs from God.  It’s amazing how little trust/faith we actually put in God (10:22)
• Even though Saul had been told that the Lord’s spirit was upon him and that “he could do whatever he thought was best” (10:7), “doing what he thought best” did not include ignoring scripture or the guidance of others or his spiritual authorities (Samuel).  He was disqualified for doing something that he “thought was best.”  Father, please don’t let that be me (13:8-14)
• So the truth comes out . . . Saul disobeyed God because he listened to the people, the ones that clearly had not heard from God.  They just did what they thought was most logical and made the most sense.  How often, that is exactly what God DOES NOT want us to do. (15:24)
• Saul blew it because he worried more about other’s opinions than God’s opinion. (13:10-12, 15:24-25)