Saturday, August 3, 2013

Obsession

Today the Lord spoke to me. I was reading the book: Face to Face with God by Bill Johnson. I began to feel His warm presence descend upon me, like butter melting on a stack of hotcakes. 

I closed my eyes and put the book down. I focused on God and pushed all other mental and emotional distractions away. I felt such a peace that soft releasing tears were gently falling from my face. I stayed there for a while but didn't want to scare my dad in the other room if I gave in and went too deep. So I allowed myself to marinate there in His presence and take in what I could.  I thought about all of the books I have read over the summer.... Oddly. Then I heard God whisper to me: 

There is much to obsess in, but obsess in Me. 

So if you know me, you might see me as a person who is caught up with many things. We all get caught up in things: video games, book series, events, volunteering, drugs, Facebook, people, organizations to name a few. 

He has been moving my own personal distractions away. I've been trying to figure out why there are still two stacks of schoolbooks on my dresser that are untouched. School begins in two weeks. I've been troubled by my lack of desire to plan, plan, plan. It's not that I haven't thought about it. It's not that I won't do a good job as a teacher next year, but I won't be obsessed  with my career; I am determined to be a Christ follower and be up obsessed  with following Jesus first and foremost! 

I've been feeling weird about the untouched stack on my dresser for a while now. I've been trying to understand what was happening to me. Did I lose my passion for teaching? No!  Did it a higher place or priority in my life? Yes! I now understand what has happened since I have been bathing and soaking in God presence, reading His word and other resources  since January. 

He has given me such a strong desire for more of Him. I've considered that my passion for Christ has trumped all other desires and passions I have had. 

My son often lovingly teases me about my increased "Jesus time" at church and home. Since he got home from the Army, I think he sees how different I am. Sometimes people tease me about my "Jesus friends" aka super friends! Well , I love that term super friends! My super friends are supernatural in Christ. They are obsessed with being Christ followers. They're crazy, they seem to have received the same download from God: There is much to obsess in; but obsess in me. 

Is God speaking to you through this entry? Read Psalm 23 for more insight. The Lord should be the main focus of the Christ follower. 

Food for thought! 
http://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?d=O&utm_expid=13466113-7.gxSc2r6FTcGKXIx6trdFNQ.1&search=Psalm%2023&version=MSG&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fmobile.biblegateway.com%2F

Ileana (Illy) Reich sent from my iPhone 

Song- Your Love (c) 2011 Ileana Reich

Title : Your Love


Verse One:
I’m running to my hiding place safe and secure
I reaching to my Savior’s arms, I trust and endure
Now I’m ready to climb the mountains
Now I’m ready to swim the deep seas,
Yes, I’m ready to face the giants
Because your love gives me peace

Chorus One:
Your love gives me peace
It’s your love that gives me peace
Stand and see the Salvation of God See the victory
Stand and see His mighty hand Covering you and me


Verse Two:
I’m coming to my secret place darkness has to flee
I’m standing in the holy place, Jesus calms my fears
Now I ‘m ready to walk in purpose
Now I’m ready to shout the victory
Yes I’m ready to face the giants
Because your love sets me free

Chorus Two:
Your love sets me free
It’s your love that sets me free
Stand and see the Salvation of God
See the victory
Stand and see His mighty hand touching you and me
© Ileana Reich 2011



Song- Nothing Too Great or Small (C) Ileana Reich

Verse 1
Bring your pain, bring your stains
Give them all to Jesus
Bring your cares, bring your doubts
Give them all to Jesus
Lay them down
He receives them all
Nothing is too great or too small
So bring them now

Chorus:
He healed the leper, made the blind to see
He walked on water and set the captives free
All things are possible to Him who believes
So bring them now

Verse 2
Bring your tears, bring your joy
Give them all to Jesus
Bring your praise, bring your gifts
Give them all to Jesus
Lay them down
He receives them all
Nothing is too great or too small
So bring them now

Chorus:
He healed the leper, made the blind to see
He walked on water and set the captives free
All things are possible to Him who believes
So bring them now.

(C) Ileana Reich 2011