Shannon Chapman

Not this time...

 

Well today it happened again.  I became super stressed and felt like this dark cloud was over me all day.  It's so hard for me to process days like today.  The last few weeks things seemed to be going a lot  better.  Then out of no where I have a day like today.  So, what to do...

Well, I made a decision tonight to do what I have been doing the past few weeks--starting my days off with time with God.  Not really asking Him to decrease my work load but to help me and guide me as I work.  Yes to be honest when I look at my calendar I am a little overwhelmed but I believe that God can lead me to use my time more effective.  Also, I think He can lead me to be more strategic as I work--meaning knowing what do when and what not to do.  

So this time I am not giving into the enemies thoughts of pressure.  My heart will smile, my eyes will radiate the joy of the king.  Nope not this time...I am not giving in.  My entire household is sound asleep but I felt the need just to be with God tonight to listen and to quiet my spirit before him.  So, to all of us...when feelings rise up within us that cause us to want to retreat to our past my we raise our sails and catch the wind of God's spirit and allow His strength to guide us.

Just Saying...

When our desire for righteousness exceeds our desire for a relationship with God, the result is a counterfeit faith.

In the desert

In my message today out of no where the concept of going through a desert came out of my mouth.  The concept was that many times life feels like we are going through a desert--you know where life seems dry and lonely.  It is in that moment that you have two options...1 go back to where you started 2. keep pushing through the hard times and reach the destination that God has for you.

I am discovering that the desert can be a place to hear God's voice.  Also, it's a place to ask yourself if you really believe the promises that God tells us in His word.  My encouragement to you and me is to keep putting one foot in front of the other and don't give up.  The reward that is waiting will be worth it!  

 

Divided Aim

A divided aim leads to distraction, weakness, and disappointment!  This was a quote I read in a book today during some time I spent with God.  Then I was reminded of David in the bible.  He says, this in Ps. 27:4, One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.  

David had this amazing ability to chose something far greater than honor, wealth, position, or power.  He had made up his mind that there was one thing he wanted above all.  Above every pleasure and adventure that would come with leading a nation he clearly states that his greatest reward would be found in God. 

This is where I am at right now...well this is where I am trying to get.  That above all in my life my greatest reward would be God.  I want to be a man who is committed to pursuing God all the day of my life.  I am just an average guy who longs to be with the God of the universe!  

Encouraging Word

Today a friend in the UK gave this verse to me...those through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. heb.6:13

That confirmed so many things on this journey I am on right now.  What I am hearing God say right now is Shannon don't lose faith in what you know I have promised you.  Yes Shannon the time is not right now but have patience because the time is coming.  WOW those words are so encouraging!!

Undetermined

Over the last few weeks things have just seemed off to me.  It is like everything I have been doing has been the right thing but at the exact same time it felt so undetermined.  So, I am committed to two things on this journey that I am on right now... 1. God 2. His heart.

If I know one-thing for sure it is my joy in life must come for a true heart felt passion for God.  Last night Mande and I talked for hours.  It felt so good just get all of my thoughts out there even if they were not right.  Having a true partner in life is absolutely a blessing. 

I think this morning I am blown away at the fact that God knows me, loves me, and desires me.  Not sure why but just knowing that today gives me hope and peace.  Living undermined is not where I want to be, but constantly pursing the heart of my heavenly Father.

Thoughts as of now

God uses the dry times in our life to grow us but most importantly to bring us back to our acknowledgment of total dependency on Him!

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Today I am starting a personal journey leading up to Easter.  I will share here on my blog what I am going to do, not to put a spotlight on me but for us as a community to grow together.  I have a peace today that I have not felt in a while... and I am starting to hear His voice already this morning. 

The next 35 days are going to be amazing I can feel it.  So, let me ask you how desperate are you to hear God?