Denying SELF

"UMBRELLA OF PROTECTION"

When our pastor is about to say something that he believes might cause people to get angry or upset (or better yet, convicted!) he often asks for the "umbrella of protection". So, before you read any further, I too am claiming the umbrella of protection. What is on my heart today is what is convicting my soul. It feels like little toothpicks being poked into my heart over and over...not a big knife, not a sword, just small little pokes all day long, throughout the entire day...

so...

before you read any further, know that these words are just the words of MY HEART today, MY SOUL today, MY CONVICTIONS today...

if God happens to make them YOUR HEART, YOUR SOUL, YOUR CONVICTIONS, then so be it..

if not, then...

UMBRELLA OF PROTECTION!

Denying Self....all day long I have been thinking these two simple words...DENYING SELF...

My "muffin top" over my jeans.

The man with the large belly buying a BBQ sandwich meal and a Pepsi at the stand at Hy-Vee.

Teaching my children to give their "left-over" or "discarded" toys to the orphans while buying new ones for themselves.

Refusing to sell an item in my basement because I "might" use it one day. 

My overflowing closets, garage and basement.

Over and over today, I was reminded at how little I actually do deny my self. I have been blessed beyond belief. I have more in one room of my home than some do in their entire time on earth, and yet, over and over I refuse to deny self. 

The Bible has some harsh words on this topic,

"You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter."

James 5:5

OUCH...

Umbrella of Protection...

Dear Lord, thank you today for opening my eyes to the true blessings I have. Thank you for convicting my spirit and not letting the little poking go away today. Lord, help me to live for YOU and to deny myself!!!