LONG OBEDIENCE IN THE SAME DIRECTION

Good morning

I'm so interested in how this will all work out for me. Since at least 2019 and particularly since 2022, I have been working on leaving South Africa for Europe. I did originally believe that I would be able to emigrate to the UK but, as that proved fruitless, I started to investigate countries in Europe.

Portugal fascinated me from the start and I began in-depth research into moving to Portugal. I go into this more in my Thursday Blogs. Suffice to say, once I made up my mind, I sought God's favour for the move. The Lord miraculously provided us with the most wonderful accommodation in Portugal, a blessing for which we are more than grateful.

With this 'nod' from God, preparations began. It's been a much longer process than we ever thought. Not that there were any insurmountable obstacles - just timing to move forward. During all these long months, I have not wavered in my gratitude for God's favour on the move. I have also tried to remain as positive as I possibly could. Sometimes this was exacting and I have to admit to faltering in my vision for the future.

Alwyn's video from last night was exactly what I needed at a time when I began to doubt. This morning's Bible reading was firm confirmation of the message.

When I seek God's direction, I spend some time in quiet solitude and then open my Bible. Where my eyes first fall gives me my cues. This morning was no different. Wednesdays are days for me to showcase one of my poems and, after I'd chosen which one to feature, I took it to God for His affirmation. The verses I was given were: Acts 7: 1-4.

ACTS 7: 1-4

1 Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken:The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

I pray that I am able to continue in "Long obedience in the same direction" to move to a tiny peaceful village which is filled with Christian Portuguese people.

My poem for today touches on keeping thoughts and actions positive. A fitting combination.

INCONSEQUENTIAL

That thought you thought this morning
When you first climbed out of bed
Will define your actions all day long
Think wisely

For every thought
There is a route
Which will surely
Manifest in your lifetime

Amazing how you think
That what you did
Was inconsequential
With no impact on your day

Think again

For every action
Creates a reaction
With a like
Or greater impact

Keep thoughts and actions worthy
Knowing how or why
Before you look, frown, smile, or snarl
Think again

Every deed
Every task
Works to destroy or
To reveal your God-given dream