I had an encounter with God one month ago that I thought I would share with you. Before I do, let me once again say that I cannot do what I am about to tell you if you don't stand with me financially to help me do what God has called me to do. The testimony this week from Kenya is another indicator that the work being done through PurposeQuest is important and making a difference. You can give through my website or by sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882. But now, let me tell you about my encounter.
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I recently finished teaching a Saturday morning undergraduate class on the Book of Psalms. It was the next to the last class and I opened my book bag only to realize that I had left one of my textbooks at home on my desk - or so I thought (I later found it tucked in the bottom of the bag). Then I had an idea. There is a seminary library right above me and I wondered if my missing text was in the library's collection. I looked it up in the computer book catalog and, sure enough, the book was there! I walked upstairs to find it and noticed there were four or five shelves of commentaries on the Psalms.
It was then that I think I heard the voice of God, or at least had this thought: "I want you to study the psalms and be as familiar with them as you are with Proverbs." I was deeply impacted by what I think I heard and stayed there among the book shelves taking it all in.
I walked downstairs and told my class what had just happened. After class I downloaded several commentaries about the psalms. Since that Saturday morning, I have started my day by writing my daily devotional that this year is interestingly enough focused on the psalms. After I write, I am working my way through one of the textbooks, taking careful notes of what I learn and see. Oftentimes I read through my textbooks too quickly without taking the time to read all the biblical references. This time I am taking my time.
My most interesting insight so far is that the Book of Psalms and the Book of Revelation have a similar theme, which is that the righteous must suffer but God is still on the throne. In reality, I have identified 34 thematic consistencies between those two books. Here are a few of them:
- The righteous will suffer.
- The righteous cry out to God in prayer for help and vindication.
- Victory of God's people is assured.
- Both books focus on a king and His people.
- Evil is portrayed in both books on a grand scale.
- The wicked are confident and seem to have the upper hand.
I could list more but that's not the point of this post. The point is that I had to accept in faith that God had spoken to me, that He had directed my thoughts. Then I had to tell others. After that I had to take steps to insure that I would follow through. I had to write down "psalms" on my daily to-do list, and do it every day. I am keeping notes of what I see and learn and now I am sharing some of that with you.
What do you think God is saying to you? Do you really believe that He can guide your thoughts or are you fearful that someone, perhaps the devil, is trying to play a trick on you? Do you diligently follow through on your impressions? All those things and more and important if you are going to be a person of purpose or simply obedient to the Lord on a daily basis.
I am not sure what I will do with what I am learning, but right now that's not the point. The point is that I believe God has directed me and I must follow through. If He directed me to those library shelves, He can lead me beyond them to the landing place for my work. Until He does, I plan on being in the book of Psalms for quite some time. Thanks for reading and have a blessed week.
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KENYA UPDATE: I just posted an exciting update and testimony from Kenya. Please take the time to read it and then donate generously to our work there. You can give through my website or by sending a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882.
LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST: I am speaking at the last Duquesne University Leadership Breakfast this Tuesday, May 12 from 7:30 to 10:00 AM. My topic is Unlocking the Power of Your Creative Edge: Staying Inspired!. You can find more information or register at the University website.
PURPOSE SEMINAR: I am hosting my next free purpose seminar on Saturday, May 16 from noon to 4:30 PM on the North Side at Allegheny Center Alliance Church. You do need to register even though it's free, so please email me to let me know you are coming.
#STANKOISMS: My latest book, #stankoisms: Wisdom for the Twitter Age is now available in paper or ebook format.
ANOTHER BOOK: I released another book this past week for which I served as the editor as well as being a contributing author. Leadership Essentials is now available in Kindle or paper format.
ONE MORE BOOK: I am releasing another book this Tuesday at my creativity workshop entitled Unlocking the Power of Your Creativity. You can purchase it now in paper or ebook format.
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