Give Them What They Want

Scripture: "Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do." (1 Samuel 8:9)

Observation: Israel wanted a king for the wrong reasons and God allowed it to happen.

Application: Prayer usually involves asking God for something. But what are the right things to ask for and what are the wrong things? Israel got the king they asked for, but they rejected God in the process. Yet God gave them what they wanted. I suppose the message is, "Be careful what you wish for because it might bite you in the end." I'm not entirely sure; I'm a bit confused.

Prayer: Lord, the verse jumped out at me, but I'm not sure I understand it completely. Do You answer a "wrong prayer request" to provide a lesson? Or is there no such thing because Your will is always done? I hope I get some clarification. Amen.

Random Thoughts

ON PREGNANCY:

• I've had a pretty easy pregnancy thus far. Does that mean I will have a difficult labor?
  
• Jenny McCarthy's book, Belly Laughs, is an easy short read and relatable.
  
• I didn't think I would still need feminine products, but lo and behold, pantiliners are still necessary.
  
• Holy crap! Babies are close to two feet long when they come out! (Thanks for that revelation Janny!)
• My belly button is still an innie, just not as deep. Go figure. I thought all innies turned into outies.
• Luckily, my feet haven't gotten bigger. Not yet anyway. Knock on wood...
• Old Navy has cute, inexpensive maternity clothes. But the sizes run big. I was a XS / S pre-pregnancy, so I bought S during the pregnancy. Most of them are still big on me, even this late into my pregnancy.
• Kicking doesn't hurt nearly as much as slow, stretching movements. He is really strong now as we're nearing the finish line!
  

ON LIFE:

• Why are there tennis balls on walkers?
• I wish I had a super tight knit group of girl friends that I saw multiple times a week, a la Friends and Sex and the City. My best friends live in Austin, Texas! The girl friends that I do see more than once a week are the gals from work. And I do love them, but we see each other at work and don't hang out in the evenings as much.
• Why does the Canadian government condone barbarically killing baby seals? It's cruel and inhumane, especially they are killing these adorable creatures for only their fur. I'm banning Canadian products until they stop being so gosh darn mean! I was able to watch the first five seconds of this video until I saw a mean guy bashing a baby seal with a club and I had to shut it off. It's just too sad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf5tNXpUtkY

Freedom

Scripture: "Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Observation: Due to sin, I should be punished to death and separate from God. But because of Jesus, I have been given grace and freedom from this punishment.

Application: Jesus gave up His life for me and my freedom. That shouldn't be taken lightly. However, it's so easy to take all of this for granted. Especially considering that there are some Christians out there that could be killed in their countries for worshiping God. I have it so easy compared to them.

Prayer: Lord, You paid for my freedom with Your own life-- tortured to no end and sacrificed it all. Please help me to remember that on a daily basis, not just around Easter. I can worship You freely, without condemnation or fear for my life. Others do not have it so easy. While others are forced to worship You in private, I can do so from rooftops. That is something I should take advantage of. In this regard, You have provided freedom to me in two ways. Thank you! I am so blessed. Amen.