Being the firstborn, I'm stubborn and like to be in control. Making lists, planning events, and filling up a schedule keeps my brain going. But I'm learning that God has different ideas about how life goes.
Psalm 119:133 (KJV) Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
This verse struck me hard this morning. Order "my steps," not "my life plans." He wants to order each step. "Order" means the arrangement or disposition of people or things in relation to each other according to a particular sequence, pattern, or method.
God will "order" each individual step. He has the Master Plan for our lives. There is a Divine arrangement of each step, a Divine method to produce the outcome He has for our life. We won't be able to see the whole plan, but He wants us to allow Him to order each individual step.
How? It goes back to that selfless thing we all (especially the firstborns) struggle with. Submission. We have to submit to Him, die to self, quit allowing our lives to be led by things of this world, iniquities, and completely trust Him. We have to trust that this current step He has ordered is exactly where we should be to facilitate His Master plan, although it seems hard or we can't see the next step.
When we let the things of this world guide our path, we are letting iniquity have dominion over us. We are using that as a guide for our life instead of trusting Him. When we do this, we are lacking in faith and peace. Allowing God to order our every step through His Word increases faith and provides indescribable peace.
John 16:33 (KJV) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
He has overcome the world, those steps ordered by using the world as a guide, will not prosper. It is only when we trust Him and let Him order our steps that we can find peace and good cheer.
So now I pray, that God will order my every step. Lord, show me the very next step that I may walk in it and experience Your peace. You don't have to show me the whole path, because I might try to change or alter it, but just show me where I'm supposed to be right now, and I will trust You.
This is not an easy prayer to pray. And it's definitely not a one time prayer. I have to pray it every single day. Every morning I wake up and my firstborn brain wants to plan and figure things out, and I have shut down those brainwaves and pray that prayer again.
Sometimes I wonder if God gets aggravated at me for trying to do things my way so often, but then I see Him in my children. I'm constantly guiding them, correcting them, helping them stay on the right path. It makes me happy when they are willingly redirected, even if it's the 15th time I've redirected them that day. They are still trying to listen.
God feels the same way about us. He is our heavenly Father. He knows we are not perfect. So let's say you woke up trying to run your own life again today. Redirect yourself to Him. Ask Him to order your steps and not let you be distracted by the iniquities of this world. He will guide you. He's always patiently waiting for us to ask for His help.
If this hard-headed, stubborn firstborn can say, "go ahead, God, and order me around, I'm ready," then you can, too!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Saturday, December 27, 2014
We Win In The End
The lyrics to "In the End," by Natalie Grant speak to me constantly:
The chorus talks about how there will be no crying, no pain, and all our questions will be answered when we get to Heaven.
Revelation 21:4 (KJV) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain; for the former things are passed away.
Right now it seems like you can't catch a break. Life is hard. You're enduring the pain. But, in the end, there will be no more sorrow or pain! That thing that is bothering you will be passed away! Done! Finished!
Revelation 21:6 (KJV) He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
Rev. Wayne Huntley said, "I'm not going to let what He said and what it is be destroyed by what I feel and what I see!"
Stand on His Word. Don't let your feelings and what you see around you diminish your faith in His promises! He is true to His Word!
He promised in Deuteronomy 31:6 That He will never leave us nor forsake us, so press on through these life trials knowing that He is with you. Matthew 10:22 reminds us that we will be hated by all for His name sake, but if we endure to the end, we will be saved!
Being hated is part of the process of endurance! Don't be distracted by hatred! Continue with that "patient endurance" (refer to second blog entitled, "patient endurance"), and you will win in the end!
It doesn't really matter that we don't understand life, because getting to Heaven is the main thing in the end. No matter how much life or the enemy throws at you, Christians win in the end!
To be focused on understanding life means that you not focused on the true purpose of life. We were created to give Him glory (Isaiah 43:7).
So when you find your mind trying to figure things out and you start feeling low, refocus on giving Him glory! After all, that's what we will be doing for all eternity!
And remind yourself: WE WIN IN THE END!
Can't catch a break
You've had your fill of old cliches
Like, "Life is hard, but God is good."
And even though it's true,
It won't stop what you're going through
I wish that I could say it would
But He's outside of what you feel
It might not make sense
But one day it will
The chorus talks about how there will be no crying, no pain, and all our questions will be answered when we get to Heaven.
Revelation 21:4 (KJV) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain; for the former things are passed away.
Right now it seems like you can't catch a break. Life is hard. You're enduring the pain. But, in the end, there will be no more sorrow or pain! That thing that is bothering you will be passed away! Done! Finished!
Revelation 21:6 (KJV) He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
Rev. Wayne Huntley said, "I'm not going to let what He said and what it is be destroyed by what I feel and what I see!"
Stand on His Word. Don't let your feelings and what you see around you diminish your faith in His promises! He is true to His Word!
He promised in Deuteronomy 31:6 That He will never leave us nor forsake us, so press on through these life trials knowing that He is with you. Matthew 10:22 reminds us that we will be hated by all for His name sake, but if we endure to the end, we will be saved!
Being hated is part of the process of endurance! Don't be distracted by hatred! Continue with that "patient endurance" (refer to second blog entitled, "patient endurance"), and you will win in the end!
It doesn't really matter that we don't understand life, because getting to Heaven is the main thing in the end. No matter how much life or the enemy throws at you, Christians win in the end!
To be focused on understanding life means that you not focused on the true purpose of life. We were created to give Him glory (Isaiah 43:7).
So when you find your mind trying to figure things out and you start feeling low, refocus on giving Him glory! After all, that's what we will be doing for all eternity!
And remind yourself: WE WIN IN THE END!
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Merry Christ-loves-us
There's so much more to Christmas than a day off work (unless you're a staff nurse and you have to work anyway) or getting a load of cool stuff from your friends and family (unless your friends and family are on a tight budget and pass out hugs instead). (:
Christmas is so full of traditions that we sometimes get lost in the busy-ness and lose the real meaning. We all know it's about the birth of Jesus, that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about loving others and giving because He loves us and gave to us.
You know John 3:16 (KJV), "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
He didn't just "love" us, He "so loved" us and gave the ultimate gift: everlasting life!
When you genuinely love others you want to give to them.
I've been desperately trying to teach my children that it's so much more fun to give than to receive, but how do you effectively teach a 3 year old and 6 year old that lesson?
I figured it out tonight! My dad took my son over to their next door neighbor's house to give that little boy (a playmate of my son) a tin of popcorn for Christmas. When my son returned, he was beaming and jumping around in excitement.
He exclaimed, "Mason, loved the popcorn so much! He was so happy he was jumping around and yelling to his family about it!" I said, "see how good it feels to give to someone else?" My son said, "yes, mom, I finally get it! I'm so happy because Mason was so happy!" I said, "exactly!"
Although everyone you give to won't respond in such exuberance, you find deep satisfaction in knowing that you blessed someone else. You might not ever know how much someone needed to be shown love through a simple gift, and might not ever know the difference you have made.
However, taking satisfaction in knowing that you are showing love, like Christ showed love, is reward enough. So give. Not just at Christmas, but always, throughout the New Year. Make that a New Year's resolution!
Christmas is so full of traditions that we sometimes get lost in the busy-ness and lose the real meaning. We all know it's about the birth of Jesus, that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about loving others and giving because He loves us and gave to us.
You know John 3:16 (KJV), "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
He didn't just "love" us, He "so loved" us and gave the ultimate gift: everlasting life!
When you genuinely love others you want to give to them.
I've been desperately trying to teach my children that it's so much more fun to give than to receive, but how do you effectively teach a 3 year old and 6 year old that lesson?
I figured it out tonight! My dad took my son over to their next door neighbor's house to give that little boy (a playmate of my son) a tin of popcorn for Christmas. When my son returned, he was beaming and jumping around in excitement.
He exclaimed, "Mason, loved the popcorn so much! He was so happy he was jumping around and yelling to his family about it!" I said, "see how good it feels to give to someone else?" My son said, "yes, mom, I finally get it! I'm so happy because Mason was so happy!" I said, "exactly!"
Although everyone you give to won't respond in such exuberance, you find deep satisfaction in knowing that you blessed someone else. You might not ever know how much someone needed to be shown love through a simple gift, and might not ever know the difference you have made.
However, taking satisfaction in knowing that you are showing love, like Christ showed love, is reward enough. So give. Not just at Christmas, but always, throughout the New Year. Make that a New Year's resolution!
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Heart Aches
The human heart is amazing. It is a collection of cells beating in unison that gives the heart the ability to effectively pump blood throughout the body.
When you place a single myocyte cell of the human heart under a microscope, you can see it beating independently. You can place several cells on the microscope, and as long as the cells are not touching, they beat independently.
However, when the cells are touching, they form interconnected sheets of cells that beat in unison. Gap junctions ensure that the connected cells beat as one. If the cells do not beat in unison, heart arrhythmias occur with complications including, fainting, stroke, heart failure, and sudden death.
The heart of the church is the saints. We are called to beat in unison, or maintain unity in the church:
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV) I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgement.
We should agree with one another, love one another, support one another. This creates a bond of peace. You don't need to know what everyone is going through to support them. You should just see each person as a vital cell and value them as part of the heart of the church.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another
Stir each other up to love and good works, not discord or grumbling.
Sometimes you might walk into church and wonder, "why am I here? I don't fit in. I feel such resistance."
Push through those thoughts and feelings! You are in this heart for a reason! Don't neglect meeting together, as instructed in Hebrews, because of those negative feelings.
The church is not just a hospital for the hurting people that we do not know...it is a hospital for hurting people that are already there! There are hurting people all around us. Maybe your own heart aches. God doesn't just save, He heals, too. We are fighting a spiritual battle right now. Many are injured emotionally, psychologically, or mentally, and you cannot see it. That's why the unity of the church, the hospital, is so important.
A quote from a WWI novel said, "a hospital alone shows what war is." You can really tell how bad the war is by how many injured are in the hospital.
As we fight more spiritual warfare, the number of hurting people is only going to increase. Ignoring the pain doesn't resolve it. We must rise to the occasion and pray in unity together;
1. In the Name of Jesus, we rebuke anything negative that hinders the unity in our church.
2. We pray that You will restore unity, peace, and love for one another.
3. We plead the Blood of Jesus over all the saints and ministry.
So next time you talk to someone who is feeling like they don't fit in or is hurting, don't add to their burden. Remember that just as a hospital isn't filled with well people, a church isn't full of perfect people. As Ephesians says, have humility, patience, and gentleness. Love them. Support them. Be the "gap junction" to ensure that all the cells are beating in unison, and ask them to pray with you these specific prayers for our church.
If we fight together in prayer, He is faithful to hear and answer our prayers!
Being the "gap junction" can prevent heart arrhythmias and complications for you or others. Being a cell in the heart is important. You are important to the heart. Never doubt that!
When you place a single myocyte cell of the human heart under a microscope, you can see it beating independently. You can place several cells on the microscope, and as long as the cells are not touching, they beat independently.
However, when the cells are touching, they form interconnected sheets of cells that beat in unison. Gap junctions ensure that the connected cells beat as one. If the cells do not beat in unison, heart arrhythmias occur with complications including, fainting, stroke, heart failure, and sudden death.
The heart of the church is the saints. We are called to beat in unison, or maintain unity in the church:
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV) I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgement.
We should agree with one another, love one another, support one another. This creates a bond of peace. You don't need to know what everyone is going through to support them. You should just see each person as a vital cell and value them as part of the heart of the church.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another
Stir each other up to love and good works, not discord or grumbling.
Sometimes you might walk into church and wonder, "why am I here? I don't fit in. I feel such resistance."
Push through those thoughts and feelings! You are in this heart for a reason! Don't neglect meeting together, as instructed in Hebrews, because of those negative feelings.
The church is not just a hospital for the hurting people that we do not know...it is a hospital for hurting people that are already there! There are hurting people all around us. Maybe your own heart aches. God doesn't just save, He heals, too. We are fighting a spiritual battle right now. Many are injured emotionally, psychologically, or mentally, and you cannot see it. That's why the unity of the church, the hospital, is so important.
A quote from a WWI novel said, "a hospital alone shows what war is." You can really tell how bad the war is by how many injured are in the hospital.
As we fight more spiritual warfare, the number of hurting people is only going to increase. Ignoring the pain doesn't resolve it. We must rise to the occasion and pray in unity together;
1. In the Name of Jesus, we rebuke anything negative that hinders the unity in our church.
2. We pray that You will restore unity, peace, and love for one another.
3. We plead the Blood of Jesus over all the saints and ministry.
So next time you talk to someone who is feeling like they don't fit in or is hurting, don't add to their burden. Remember that just as a hospital isn't filled with well people, a church isn't full of perfect people. As Ephesians says, have humility, patience, and gentleness. Love them. Support them. Be the "gap junction" to ensure that all the cells are beating in unison, and ask them to pray with you these specific prayers for our church.
If we fight together in prayer, He is faithful to hear and answer our prayers!
Being the "gap junction" can prevent heart arrhythmias and complications for you or others. Being a cell in the heart is important. You are important to the heart. Never doubt that!
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Just Laugh
Laughter stimulates your heart, lungs, muscles and brain. Laughter improves your immune system, decreases pain, soothes tension, and decreases stress (mayoclinic.org).
Have you ever tried to stop laughing because you were in a library or some other quiet place? Have you ever laughed so hard you were crying? It's healthy to laugh!
Fear. Fear of what others think, fear of what might be found, fear of the unknown, fear of the future, fear of death, and many other fears can keep someone from laughing.
There are many verses in the Bible about being strong and not fearful. But the question is how do you get rid of the fear?
Trust God. Psalm 56:3 (ESV) says, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." You have to totally let go of what you are fearing and trust that God will handle it.
It's not really that easy though. You have to seek Him, chase after Him, really want Him to take away your fears. Psalm 34:4 (ESV) says, "I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears."
He will answer you. He doesn't want you to be afraid. He wants you to have joy.
Proverbs 31 describes a woman who respects the Lord. Proverbs 31:25 (NLT) says, "she is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."
So laugh without fear. Don't let fearing the future, or any other fear, rob you of the laughter of today.
Just laugh out loud, literally! You'll feel better! ...and you never know, you might encourage someone else to laugh, too!
Someone Special
I read a quote that said, "Some people are a blessin', and others are a lesson."
At first, I laughed and then I thought about how true that is. Really though, we shouldn't take anyone for granted. There is a purpose behind every interaction with other people. Whether it is to encourage you or teach you something, everyone you meet will influence your life.
The problem comes when you realize that someone is meant to be a lesson and you refuse to absorb the lesson. Or, when someone is trying to bless you and you refuse to accept the blessing.
Those who were put in our lives to teach us a lesson have helped us grow. It might have been a painful growth, but growth is better than death. Those who were put in our lives to bless us should be recognized.
The key is to appreciate others, no matter what their purpose is in your life. Why? Because we are commanded to:
John 13:34 (ESV) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
He said, "just as I have loved you, you are to love one another," reminding us that He loves us although we mess up and are not perfect, so that's how we should love one another. We should realize that others are not perfect and maybe they are one of the lessons we should learn, but we still must love them.
Who you interact with influences who you become.
You must realize that you are constantly being molded by Him, and those influences will either limit or facilitate what He is doing in you. A good friend said, "I'm clay in the Potter's Hands, and I'm constantly being molded by Him." It's so cliche, but it's so true! He is making us into what He wants us to be, and we can either help or hinder the process.
So when you come across someone special, someone who is truly a blessing, treasure them, and tell them how much they mean to you. They might not ever know what a difference they are making in your life!
When you come across those who are a lesson in your life, keep on moving, pray for them, and love them anyway! 1 John 4:19 (ESV) says, "We love because He first loved us."
Saturday, December 13, 2014
After The Miracle
2014 was labeled as "The Year Of The Miracle." Many miracles happened this year. We saw huge revival, people were delivered, lives were changed, babies were born...you know what you have seen this year, and I'm sure you can think of a few miracles.
So my question is, "what happens after the miracle?" What will 2015 bring? In the New Testament, many people experienced miracles. Blind eyes opened, lamed healed, dead people were raised, and many other wonderful things happened. We know that many of those people followed Jesus after their miracle, but we don't know much after that.
In the Old Testament, God performed some amazing miracles. These miracles were supernatural events like creation, the flood, destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the burning bush, and the plagues of Egypt, just to name a few.
The events after these miracles are clear. God did some supernatural miracles to display His power and bring about a new beginning. Those going through these miracles, like Noah and Moses, I'm sure didn't really understand or see the big picture, but they knew God was at work.
Psalm 77:14 (NIV) says, "You are the God who performs miracles, you display your power among the peoples."
This means that 2015, the year after the miracle, is a new beginning through the power of God. A miracle is the evidence of the presence of God. Experiencing or witnessing a miracle means that God is doing something HUGE! It means that God is still working in your life. It means that you have found favor with Him, and He isn't finished with you, yet!
Even if you feel like that miracle wiped you out, like it made you weak, all you need is His grace.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) says, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."
God performs a miracle. It leaves us weak, so that we fully rely on His grace. Then His power can work through us to bring about a new beginning...that's what happens after the miracle!
So my question is, "what happens after the miracle?" What will 2015 bring? In the New Testament, many people experienced miracles. Blind eyes opened, lamed healed, dead people were raised, and many other wonderful things happened. We know that many of those people followed Jesus after their miracle, but we don't know much after that.
In the Old Testament, God performed some amazing miracles. These miracles were supernatural events like creation, the flood, destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the burning bush, and the plagues of Egypt, just to name a few.
The events after these miracles are clear. God did some supernatural miracles to display His power and bring about a new beginning. Those going through these miracles, like Noah and Moses, I'm sure didn't really understand or see the big picture, but they knew God was at work.
Psalm 77:14 (NIV) says, "You are the God who performs miracles, you display your power among the peoples."
This means that 2015, the year after the miracle, is a new beginning through the power of God. A miracle is the evidence of the presence of God. Experiencing or witnessing a miracle means that God is doing something HUGE! It means that God is still working in your life. It means that you have found favor with Him, and He isn't finished with you, yet!
Even if you feel like that miracle wiped you out, like it made you weak, all you need is His grace.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) says, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."
God performs a miracle. It leaves us weak, so that we fully rely on His grace. Then His power can work through us to bring about a new beginning...that's what happens after the miracle!
Friday, December 12, 2014
All Is Well
All is well. No, nothing magical happened since my last blog. All my prayers haven't been answered. A truck load of blessings didn't just show up. I found the true source of peace.
Understanding the source of peace is essential to receiving it. Blessings don't bring peace. If that was the case, all those who are abundantly blessed would be at peace. We all know someone who is very blessed, but is always disgruntled about something.
How many people can you think of that are really going through a trial, yet they have peace? Those are the people you should gravitate towards. They have little or it's all falling apart, yet, they are praising Him anyway. They have found the source of peace.
No matter what this year brought to you or took from you, all is well. All is well because His blood is still flowing. He hasn't let you go. Peace is found in a deep appreciation for salvation.
John 10:28 (ESV) says, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."
My favorite Christmas song this year is, "All Is Well" by Michael W. Smith and Carrie Underwood. It talks about how all is well because our Savior was born. You hear it every year, but really think about it.
Our SAVIOR was born. The One who gives eternal life, and no one will snatch us out of His hand! Not only has He saved my soul, but He has saved me from so many other things and no one and nothing can change that! When I think about it that way, it is overwhelming. He loves me. He loves you!
No matter who or what comes against me, and even though this world may be falling apart, all is well, because my salvation is secure in Him and that brings peace to my mind and soul.
Don't let the busy Christmas season overwhelm you or make you feel lonely, find true peace in knowing your salvation is secure because your Savior was born. All is well.
Understanding the source of peace is essential to receiving it. Blessings don't bring peace. If that was the case, all those who are abundantly blessed would be at peace. We all know someone who is very blessed, but is always disgruntled about something.
How many people can you think of that are really going through a trial, yet they have peace? Those are the people you should gravitate towards. They have little or it's all falling apart, yet, they are praising Him anyway. They have found the source of peace.
No matter what this year brought to you or took from you, all is well. All is well because His blood is still flowing. He hasn't let you go. Peace is found in a deep appreciation for salvation.
John 10:28 (ESV) says, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."
My favorite Christmas song this year is, "All Is Well" by Michael W. Smith and Carrie Underwood. It talks about how all is well because our Savior was born. You hear it every year, but really think about it.
Our SAVIOR was born. The One who gives eternal life, and no one will snatch us out of His hand! Not only has He saved my soul, but He has saved me from so many other things and no one and nothing can change that! When I think about it that way, it is overwhelming. He loves me. He loves you!
No matter who or what comes against me, and even though this world may be falling apart, all is well, because my salvation is secure in Him and that brings peace to my mind and soul.
Don't let the busy Christmas season overwhelm you or make you feel lonely, find true peace in knowing your salvation is secure because your Savior was born. All is well.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
I Hate Lemonade
We've all heard, "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade."
Well, there's a few problems with that. First, you need sugar and water, or you have no lemonade. Second, I hate lemonade. I mean, I'll drink it if there's nothing else to drink, or to be polite to some kid selling it on the street corner, but I don't run out and buy stuff to make lemonade and keep it around. Empty calories.
Then life handed me some lemons. Not one or two, like a truck load. What now? And who wants that much lemonade anyway? At first, I threw a fit. A pure-T fit. Fell in the floor crying, yelling at God, "Why? Why me?" ...and I hate to admit it, but I did this more than once before I actually pulled myself together.
Now, I just want this truck load of lemons gone. Is this "chapter" of my life over, yet? What are you doing anyway, Lord? I pray, and I feel Him moving, but I just don't have a clue how long it will last...sometimes I just want to get off this emotional roller coaster ride!
There's two good things I can see right now: 1. I feel Him. It's sad, but some people cannot feel Him, so I am very thankful for that. 2. Because I feel Him, that means He hasn't given up on me. He's doing something in my life, and it will all come together in the end.
Today I was attempting to take a nap and I sat straight up and realized something...Even Jesus, who was absolutely perfect, wanted His trial to be over!! That one big huge thing He did for us (DYING), He was dreading and wanting it to be over! When He prayed in the garden, just before He was crucified. He prayed two prayers:
In Matthew 26:39 He said, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
Then after He found the disciples sleeping and went back to pray again He said, "O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." Matthew 26:42
So, at first He asks God to get Him out of the situation, then He realized it's inevitable, and says "thy will be done." I really don't think He's just saying "Have Your way, God." I think He's saying thy will be "done," as in "over with", "completed," "finished."
I mean, yes, He is submitting to God's will, but He is saying, "come on, God, since this has to happen, let's get it over with."
You know why I think that? Because what did He say right before He died? "It is finished."
John 19:30 says, "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished:" and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."
I think He was relieved that it was over. Of course He wanted to die for us, but that doesn't mean He enjoyed the process! So, I don't think it's wrong to be upset and frustrated that your trial is "taking forever." I don't think it's wrong to throw a fit and ask God to get it over with and let it be done already. But somehow, we gotta pull it together enough to submit and let Him do it.
At first, I asked Him to spare me from it all, but obviously that's not His will, so now I have to just submit and say, "thy will be done."
Whatever it is that He wants to do with this big truck load of lemons, I gotta let Him do it. ...but that doesn't mean I won't be kneeling here pleading, "LET IT BE DONE ALREADY!"
I like to think that God is making something more than lemonade out of my lemons. He's going to add in some strawberries and ice and make a yummy strawberry-lemonade smoothie! (:
Why settle for lemonade, anyway? That's average, and by now, you should know what I think about average!
Well, there's a few problems with that. First, you need sugar and water, or you have no lemonade. Second, I hate lemonade. I mean, I'll drink it if there's nothing else to drink, or to be polite to some kid selling it on the street corner, but I don't run out and buy stuff to make lemonade and keep it around. Empty calories.
Then life handed me some lemons. Not one or two, like a truck load. What now? And who wants that much lemonade anyway? At first, I threw a fit. A pure-T fit. Fell in the floor crying, yelling at God, "Why? Why me?" ...and I hate to admit it, but I did this more than once before I actually pulled myself together.
Now, I just want this truck load of lemons gone. Is this "chapter" of my life over, yet? What are you doing anyway, Lord? I pray, and I feel Him moving, but I just don't have a clue how long it will last...sometimes I just want to get off this emotional roller coaster ride!
There's two good things I can see right now: 1. I feel Him. It's sad, but some people cannot feel Him, so I am very thankful for that. 2. Because I feel Him, that means He hasn't given up on me. He's doing something in my life, and it will all come together in the end.
Today I was attempting to take a nap and I sat straight up and realized something...Even Jesus, who was absolutely perfect, wanted His trial to be over!! That one big huge thing He did for us (DYING), He was dreading and wanting it to be over! When He prayed in the garden, just before He was crucified. He prayed two prayers:
In Matthew 26:39 He said, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
Then after He found the disciples sleeping and went back to pray again He said, "O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." Matthew 26:42
So, at first He asks God to get Him out of the situation, then He realized it's inevitable, and says "thy will be done." I really don't think He's just saying "Have Your way, God." I think He's saying thy will be "done," as in "over with", "completed," "finished."
I mean, yes, He is submitting to God's will, but He is saying, "come on, God, since this has to happen, let's get it over with."
You know why I think that? Because what did He say right before He died? "It is finished."
John 19:30 says, "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished:" and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."
I think He was relieved that it was over. Of course He wanted to die for us, but that doesn't mean He enjoyed the process! So, I don't think it's wrong to be upset and frustrated that your trial is "taking forever." I don't think it's wrong to throw a fit and ask God to get it over with and let it be done already. But somehow, we gotta pull it together enough to submit and let Him do it.
At first, I asked Him to spare me from it all, but obviously that's not His will, so now I have to just submit and say, "thy will be done."
Whatever it is that He wants to do with this big truck load of lemons, I gotta let Him do it. ...but that doesn't mean I won't be kneeling here pleading, "LET IT BE DONE ALREADY!"
I like to think that God is making something more than lemonade out of my lemons. He's going to add in some strawberries and ice and make a yummy strawberry-lemonade smoothie! (:
Why settle for lemonade, anyway? That's average, and by now, you should know what I think about average!
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
It's Just a Chapter
When you look around and see the negative things going on in your life, remember that it's just a chapter in the book of your life. Your book isn't over. This might be a sad chapter, or a hard chapter, but you won't know if you give up.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)
The steps...you have to keep moving. It says "a good man." That's so wonderful! It doesn't say "perfect" or "rich" or "beautiful." It says "good." You are a child of the King. You are a "good man."
It doesn't say "if" he falls; it says "though he fall"...He knew we would fall. We all make mistakes. We all sin. No sin is greater than another.
My interpretation of that verse: God is leading me and I love following Him. I'm gonna mess up because I'm human, but when I do, that's not the end of my life, because the Lord will yank me up and put me back where I belong!
David was considered a man after God's own heart, and he committed adultery and murdered. But he didn't quit loving God. He acknowledged his sins, was remorseful, and turned away from those sins. Do you know he wrote Psalm 51 in repentance of those sins? He knew he was human and needed God's forgiveness, so he asked and then moved on. Most of his other Psalms were worship Psalms. He worshiped after his fall.
So when you feel like it's over, and you've really messed up, remind yourself that God makes His mercy new every morning. It doesn't matter if other people remember your sins. If you repent and turn from those sins, God if faithful and just to forgive and wipe your slate clean!
Great is His faithfulness! Learn what you can from this chapter of your life. Let God order your steps and write the rest of your book. It's going to be amazing...just look at the Bible! That's His most famous book! He's quite an author! (:
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)
The steps...you have to keep moving. It says "a good man." That's so wonderful! It doesn't say "perfect" or "rich" or "beautiful." It says "good." You are a child of the King. You are a "good man."
It doesn't say "if" he falls; it says "though he fall"...He knew we would fall. We all make mistakes. We all sin. No sin is greater than another.
My interpretation of that verse: God is leading me and I love following Him. I'm gonna mess up because I'm human, but when I do, that's not the end of my life, because the Lord will yank me up and put me back where I belong!
David was considered a man after God's own heart, and he committed adultery and murdered. But he didn't quit loving God. He acknowledged his sins, was remorseful, and turned away from those sins. Do you know he wrote Psalm 51 in repentance of those sins? He knew he was human and needed God's forgiveness, so he asked and then moved on. Most of his other Psalms were worship Psalms. He worshiped after his fall.
So when you feel like it's over, and you've really messed up, remind yourself that God makes His mercy new every morning. It doesn't matter if other people remember your sins. If you repent and turn from those sins, God if faithful and just to forgive and wipe your slate clean!
Great is His faithfulness! Learn what you can from this chapter of your life. Let God order your steps and write the rest of your book. It's going to be amazing...just look at the Bible! That's His most famous book! He's quite an author! (:
Judge Me
Go ahead! I give you permission! Judge me!
Do you know why? Because I am no longer seeking the approval of man. All my life I have wondered if others were talking about me or what someone else thought of me. I even made decisions based on what people would think of me!
I didn't want others to judge me. Then I realized: I can't control what others think, say, or do. Did you know that? I'm sure you knew that, but did you realize that you were concerned with something so uncontrollable?
As a servant of Christ, we are trying to please Him, not man. That was another important point I was totally missing. In the end, who will be judging me? Christ! So why be consumed with pleasing others when it's Him I need to be pleasing? (Ok, this is elementary for many of you, but it hit me hard recently.)
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
Others are going to say and do what they want, whether you were doing what was right or not. If you were doing wrong, they'd judge you, and if you were doing right, they'd judge you. However, if you are focused on pleasing God, what they think fades away.
We are all guilty of judging someone else. Just think about it though, you really did NOT know the whole story. You only know what people wanted you to know. You can't read someone's thoughts or see the emotions of the heart. You really have no idea what "the whole story" is unless it is your story.
Now when my mind wonders if I'm being judged, I just think, "it's ok, they really don't know my whole story." And if I find myself starting to judge someone else, I remind myself that I have no idea how they are feeling or what they are going through.
Many, and I mean MANY people, are rude or hateful because they are hurting. If someone is rude or hateful, don't snap back. Look at them with compassion for their hurting soul and be kind. They are probably losing their own battles or drowning in their own sin. It's easier to judge and blame others, than to allow their own truths to be known. Love them anyway. Pray for them anyway. It takes practice, but you feel much better and it's the right thing to do.
If you hear someone has said things about you that are totally erroneous, pray for them. Pray about the situation and let God handle it. Listen to Proverbs:
Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice. Proverbs 29:26 (ESV)
Seeking the approval of others is useless. The Lord will bring justice. We do not need to go around defending ourselves against false accusers of the brethren.
So I say for you to go ahead and judge me, because I know you don't know my whole story. I know you are flesh and it's easy to wonder what is going on with me. But most importantly, I'm only concerned with what He thinks of me, and I will love others no matter what they say, because He commands us to!
Forgiveness and love. He has given me so much of that lately, all I can do is return it bountifully to all those around me!
Disclaimer: Don't give others permission to judge you unless you really mean it. Some people really think they are exempt from loving others, as Christ does, and will literally judge you. May God forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Do you know why? Because I am no longer seeking the approval of man. All my life I have wondered if others were talking about me or what someone else thought of me. I even made decisions based on what people would think of me!
I didn't want others to judge me. Then I realized: I can't control what others think, say, or do. Did you know that? I'm sure you knew that, but did you realize that you were concerned with something so uncontrollable?
As a servant of Christ, we are trying to please Him, not man. That was another important point I was totally missing. In the end, who will be judging me? Christ! So why be consumed with pleasing others when it's Him I need to be pleasing? (Ok, this is elementary for many of you, but it hit me hard recently.)
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
Others are going to say and do what they want, whether you were doing what was right or not. If you were doing wrong, they'd judge you, and if you were doing right, they'd judge you. However, if you are focused on pleasing God, what they think fades away.
We are all guilty of judging someone else. Just think about it though, you really did NOT know the whole story. You only know what people wanted you to know. You can't read someone's thoughts or see the emotions of the heart. You really have no idea what "the whole story" is unless it is your story.
Now when my mind wonders if I'm being judged, I just think, "it's ok, they really don't know my whole story." And if I find myself starting to judge someone else, I remind myself that I have no idea how they are feeling or what they are going through.
Many, and I mean MANY people, are rude or hateful because they are hurting. If someone is rude or hateful, don't snap back. Look at them with compassion for their hurting soul and be kind. They are probably losing their own battles or drowning in their own sin. It's easier to judge and blame others, than to allow their own truths to be known. Love them anyway. Pray for them anyway. It takes practice, but you feel much better and it's the right thing to do.
If you hear someone has said things about you that are totally erroneous, pray for them. Pray about the situation and let God handle it. Listen to Proverbs:
Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice. Proverbs 29:26 (ESV)
Seeking the approval of others is useless. The Lord will bring justice. We do not need to go around defending ourselves against false accusers of the brethren.
So I say for you to go ahead and judge me, because I know you don't know my whole story. I know you are flesh and it's easy to wonder what is going on with me. But most importantly, I'm only concerned with what He thinks of me, and I will love others no matter what they say, because He commands us to!
Forgiveness and love. He has given me so much of that lately, all I can do is return it bountifully to all those around me!
Disclaimer: Don't give others permission to judge you unless you really mean it. Some people really think they are exempt from loving others, as Christ does, and will literally judge you. May God forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Let It Go
Maybe Disney was on to something with that song, "Let it go." All year our pastor intermittently reminded us to "let it go."
What does that really mean, though?
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 (ESV)
That thing that's really bothering you, give it to Him. You think you have a good way to fix it, but you know what? His way is better. When God fixes things, there are no loose ends. You won't come across any complications later on, and you will be in awe at how well it all came together.
It's hard to let it go. He knows that. That's why He said He will sustain (strengthen/support physically and mentally) you! He knows we want to fix things and make everything work right.
Somehow, it's a daily battle. You wake up wondering about that thing you gave Him yesterday. We are flesh. That's ok. You go wrong when you keep it. Give it back to Him, again. You'll know when He's done.
Sometimes you might feel like it's taking forever for Him to work it all out. You want to give up. Don't! I've heard it's darkest just before dawn. Stand firm and keep the faith.
Ignore what others tell you. Are they God? Nope. They don't know how to fix it like He does. If you're going to let them fix it, you might as well try to fix it yourself, right? Some people really mean well, and they truly love you, but they have no idea what God has for you. You don't have to be rude, just gently remind them that you are trusting God on this.
Rebuke negativity. Say out loud, "I rebuke the negativity that is coming against me in Jesus Name."
The last part of that verse says, "He will never permit the righteous to be moved." So, stay righteous and declare, "I SHALL NOT BE MOVED!"
This is MY church, this is MY family, these are MY kids, these are MY friends that I'm fighting for...I shall not be moved! God put me here. God put me in this place, and I'm going to let Him show me what He's doing. Sometimes completely trusting Him, completely letting it all go, feels like free falling! But I know He will catch me, and I'm going to enjoy the wind on face until He does! (:
So here's my version of what Psalm 55:22 says: Give your mess to God, He'll keep you sane while He's working on it, and it's not going to kill you, if you keep doing what's right, even though you think it will.
Let it go (even if you have to do it daily), and watch God work out your miracle!
What does that really mean, though?
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 (ESV)
That thing that's really bothering you, give it to Him. You think you have a good way to fix it, but you know what? His way is better. When God fixes things, there are no loose ends. You won't come across any complications later on, and you will be in awe at how well it all came together.
It's hard to let it go. He knows that. That's why He said He will sustain (strengthen/support physically and mentally) you! He knows we want to fix things and make everything work right.
Somehow, it's a daily battle. You wake up wondering about that thing you gave Him yesterday. We are flesh. That's ok. You go wrong when you keep it. Give it back to Him, again. You'll know when He's done.
Sometimes you might feel like it's taking forever for Him to work it all out. You want to give up. Don't! I've heard it's darkest just before dawn. Stand firm and keep the faith.
Ignore what others tell you. Are they God? Nope. They don't know how to fix it like He does. If you're going to let them fix it, you might as well try to fix it yourself, right? Some people really mean well, and they truly love you, but they have no idea what God has for you. You don't have to be rude, just gently remind them that you are trusting God on this.
Rebuke negativity. Say out loud, "I rebuke the negativity that is coming against me in Jesus Name."
The last part of that verse says, "He will never permit the righteous to be moved." So, stay righteous and declare, "I SHALL NOT BE MOVED!"
This is MY church, this is MY family, these are MY kids, these are MY friends that I'm fighting for...I shall not be moved! God put me here. God put me in this place, and I'm going to let Him show me what He's doing. Sometimes completely trusting Him, completely letting it all go, feels like free falling! But I know He will catch me, and I'm going to enjoy the wind on face until He does! (:
So here's my version of what Psalm 55:22 says: Give your mess to God, He'll keep you sane while He's working on it, and it's not going to kill you, if you keep doing what's right, even though you think it will.
Let it go (even if you have to do it daily), and watch God work out your miracle!
Burdens
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. Col 4:12 (ESV)
At some point, you feel like you finally got it all together. You are striving to be what He wants you to be, and you are finally doing what is right. Then there is a burden that is put on you. A sense of heaviness. You can't really be completely happy; you feel like something isn't quite right.
Don't give the enemy credit. This is a spiritual burden from God. He has found you righteous enough to place a spiritual burden for someone else on you. It might be someone you know, or it might be someone you don't know. You'll know this is a spiritual burden, because after prayer, it is lifted from you. But, prayer is the only way to relieve this burden.
Colossians refers to "Epaphras," who was a servant of Christ always struggling on the behalf of other believers in his prayers.
Always struggling...it's a constant battle. If you feel this burden, you have to fight. It's your calling to fight on your knees for others. Ephesians talks about how you must pray at all times...making supplication (asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly) for the saints:
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
You can ignore the burden, go on blaming the enemy, or just whisper a little prayer, but if you get on your knees and block out the rest of the world and really intercede for that burden you feel, you can move mountains! (Matthew 21:21-22)
You never know who that person is. It might be your mother, your best friend, your brother, or even your future spouse! So fight! Fight with all your might and never give up! God's doing things you can't see, and He's allowing you to be part of the process!
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Spiritual Surgery
Years of operating room nursing leads one to compare that world to the spiritual world.
Your doctor tells you there's a particular thing making you sick and if you don't have it removed, it will kill you. So what do you do? You schedule surgery to have it removed. Sure, it's a little scary, but you'll be asleep while it's removed, under general anesthesia. The hard part is the recovery.
That thing that was going to kill you was removed while you were sleeping, but you wake up in pain and the healing process feels slow and unbearable. Post-op day 1 (the first day after your surgery), you question your decision to have it removed. Maybe letting that kill me would have been better than this recovery? But, after the first few days, you feel better, and within a few weeks, you forget you ever had surgery.
So God removes something from your life that you thought you would have to deal with forever. At first, it wasn't so bad because you were numb to the removal. He provided His gentle love and mercy to get you through the very worst part.
Then the healing begins. You have to let Him heal you and remake you to be what He wants you to be without that thing in your life.
That part is the recovery after the spiritual surgery. The thing is, it feels so hard initially. You want to question if doing what is right is worth all the struggles. But, after a few days on your knees, it gets easier, and after a few months, you forget you were carrying such a negative thing around.
Push through that negativity and know that the healing is almost complete. Being what He wants you to be isn't the easy thing to do. It's complicated and difficult. Also, unfortunately, it isn't the popular thing to do. A lot of people are still wanting to drive their own car (refer to blog one). (:
Not only do you face the process of healing and changing, but you face the opposition of people who want you to stay mediocre. WHY BE AVERAGE? God has so much more for His children, but we have to chase after Him. We have to want it more than anything else, more than fitting in and being accepted.
Letting God do the surgery, is the part that a lot of people refuse. They are holding on to something that they want. They may or may not know or understand that it is killing them. I'll just tell you, if you let Him do the surgery, He'll help you through the recovery, and then the blessings that follow are innumerable! He provides peace that literally supersedes your understanding of the situation. You feel an overwhelming, deep love that compares to nothing you've ever felt before. And one of my favorite things is that I've found true contentment in this state, although I have no idea where I'm going or how I'm going to get there.
All the pain and struggles, the process of healing, the complications and difficulties of changing, are worth it to rise above the mediocre and chase after what He has for us.
So, why be average? Because it's easy to be average. It's easy to blend in and pretend to be happy. It's easy to fake it like everything is ok. You want easy? Be average. You want blessings? Forget average. Let it go and chase after Him!
Edited by Gabby
Your doctor tells you there's a particular thing making you sick and if you don't have it removed, it will kill you. So what do you do? You schedule surgery to have it removed. Sure, it's a little scary, but you'll be asleep while it's removed, under general anesthesia. The hard part is the recovery.
That thing that was going to kill you was removed while you were sleeping, but you wake up in pain and the healing process feels slow and unbearable. Post-op day 1 (the first day after your surgery), you question your decision to have it removed. Maybe letting that kill me would have been better than this recovery? But, after the first few days, you feel better, and within a few weeks, you forget you ever had surgery.
So God removes something from your life that you thought you would have to deal with forever. At first, it wasn't so bad because you were numb to the removal. He provided His gentle love and mercy to get you through the very worst part.
Then the healing begins. You have to let Him heal you and remake you to be what He wants you to be without that thing in your life.
That part is the recovery after the spiritual surgery. The thing is, it feels so hard initially. You want to question if doing what is right is worth all the struggles. But, after a few days on your knees, it gets easier, and after a few months, you forget you were carrying such a negative thing around.
Push through that negativity and know that the healing is almost complete. Being what He wants you to be isn't the easy thing to do. It's complicated and difficult. Also, unfortunately, it isn't the popular thing to do. A lot of people are still wanting to drive their own car (refer to blog one). (:
Not only do you face the process of healing and changing, but you face the opposition of people who want you to stay mediocre. WHY BE AVERAGE? God has so much more for His children, but we have to chase after Him. We have to want it more than anything else, more than fitting in and being accepted.
Letting God do the surgery, is the part that a lot of people refuse. They are holding on to something that they want. They may or may not know or understand that it is killing them. I'll just tell you, if you let Him do the surgery, He'll help you through the recovery, and then the blessings that follow are innumerable! He provides peace that literally supersedes your understanding of the situation. You feel an overwhelming, deep love that compares to nothing you've ever felt before. And one of my favorite things is that I've found true contentment in this state, although I have no idea where I'm going or how I'm going to get there.
All the pain and struggles, the process of healing, the complications and difficulties of changing, are worth it to rise above the mediocre and chase after what He has for us.
So, why be average? Because it's easy to be average. It's easy to blend in and pretend to be happy. It's easy to fake it like everything is ok. You want easy? Be average. You want blessings? Forget average. Let it go and chase after Him!
Edited by Gabby
Patient Endurance
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. Hebrews 10:36 (NLT)
Patient endurance, huh? I want to do God's will, and I was wondering what I needed now, so this is my answer.
Ok, I'm a runner (or at least I can keep up with some friends who like to run), so I know what endurance is. You can't just quit when you feel out of breath or like you can't push yourself anymore. One of my friends taught me that when you feel like you can't go any longer, if you push through, you'll be able go twice as far. It works! I tried it.
So, I feel like I have endurance, but the patient part is killing me. We live in a fast pace, get-it-now society. Everything is instant. But God hasn't ever been that way, and remember, He doesn't change. We have to get on God's clock, and let Him be God. Let Him work things out in His timing.
Then, I think I figured out how to have patient endurance and I come across these verses:
Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1: 5-8 (NLT)
Of course we want to be productive and useful!
"The more you grow like this" tells me that it's a process. The good news is that patient endurance is just after self-control and next is godliness, with the end result being love for everyone.
Why should we strive to love everyone? First, it's Christ-like and we are Christians. Second, love covers a multitude of sins. Love brings peace and unity. Love gives and not takes. It gives you peace, not takes your peace. It gives you joy, not takes your joy. Love overcomes negativity. Love sees the good in others.
It's great that you have faith, but you have to grow. This is how to grow if you want to be productive and useful. I don't know what God wants me to do or be, but I know I want to be productive and useful, so this intrigued me.
Look closely at those steps. Ever wondered why someone wasn't loving towards others? They skipped something.
The first step is moral excellence, which is pretty common among Christians, but how common is knowledge? Maybe so many lack self-control because they lack knowledge. Knowledge doesn't just come to you. You have to seek it out. Study. Go to college or dig into something you really want to learn more about. Open your mind and see the other points of view. Appreciate the differences in other people. These things bring knowledge.
College also teaches self-control in many ways. I read a quote that said, "Intelligent people are more likely to avoid conflict which explains why some people notice everything, but chose to say nothing." They are exercising self-control!
Exercise that self-control and you come to patient endurance. And do you see what's next? Godliness! When you have godliness, brotherly affection and love follow.
Even if you aren't focused on becoming productive and useful, becoming loving is a great reward. Not only does love create peace, it brings you peace. It's so much more peaceful to love everyone. Next time someone really makes you mad or you remember a good reason that you don't like someone, wipe it out with love. Just be nice when you are expected to be silent. Smile when you could look away. Speak to someone who you'd rather not even see.
Recently, our pastor preached that this is an "add on" process... and your miracle is in the "add on!" If you are stuck at patient endurance, hang in there, keep adding on and your miracle is on the way!
Patient endurance, huh? I want to do God's will, and I was wondering what I needed now, so this is my answer.
Ok, I'm a runner (or at least I can keep up with some friends who like to run), so I know what endurance is. You can't just quit when you feel out of breath or like you can't push yourself anymore. One of my friends taught me that when you feel like you can't go any longer, if you push through, you'll be able go twice as far. It works! I tried it.
So, I feel like I have endurance, but the patient part is killing me. We live in a fast pace, get-it-now society. Everything is instant. But God hasn't ever been that way, and remember, He doesn't change. We have to get on God's clock, and let Him be God. Let Him work things out in His timing.
Then, I think I figured out how to have patient endurance and I come across these verses:
Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1: 5-8 (NLT)
Of course we want to be productive and useful!
"The more you grow like this" tells me that it's a process. The good news is that patient endurance is just after self-control and next is godliness, with the end result being love for everyone.
Why should we strive to love everyone? First, it's Christ-like and we are Christians. Second, love covers a multitude of sins. Love brings peace and unity. Love gives and not takes. It gives you peace, not takes your peace. It gives you joy, not takes your joy. Love overcomes negativity. Love sees the good in others.
It's great that you have faith, but you have to grow. This is how to grow if you want to be productive and useful. I don't know what God wants me to do or be, but I know I want to be productive and useful, so this intrigued me.
Look closely at those steps. Ever wondered why someone wasn't loving towards others? They skipped something.
The first step is moral excellence, which is pretty common among Christians, but how common is knowledge? Maybe so many lack self-control because they lack knowledge. Knowledge doesn't just come to you. You have to seek it out. Study. Go to college or dig into something you really want to learn more about. Open your mind and see the other points of view. Appreciate the differences in other people. These things bring knowledge.
College also teaches self-control in many ways. I read a quote that said, "Intelligent people are more likely to avoid conflict which explains why some people notice everything, but chose to say nothing." They are exercising self-control!
Exercise that self-control and you come to patient endurance. And do you see what's next? Godliness! When you have godliness, brotherly affection and love follow.
Even if you aren't focused on becoming productive and useful, becoming loving is a great reward. Not only does love create peace, it brings you peace. It's so much more peaceful to love everyone. Next time someone really makes you mad or you remember a good reason that you don't like someone, wipe it out with love. Just be nice when you are expected to be silent. Smile when you could look away. Speak to someone who you'd rather not even see.
Recently, our pastor preached that this is an "add on" process... and your miracle is in the "add on!" If you are stuck at patient endurance, hang in there, keep adding on and your miracle is on the way!
Here it is...Blog One!
Today I decided to do what I've been saying that I'm going to do...start a blog.
Why? Because I'm on journey, and when something amazing happens, I want to share it with anyone who wants to read it.
I want God to open the eyes of my heart. What does that mean? It means, I want to know Him deeper, to understand how and what He wants me to do.
This isn't important to many people, but to me, it's HUGE. Until now, I've been driving this car letting God ride in the front seat. I assured Him, "I need You, but I know how to drive, so just stay with me and when I lose control, I'll let You know."
I lost control.
Everything completely fell apart. He said, "you ready for Me to drive now?" I said, "YES!"
Here's the thing, when I was driving, I knew where I was going. Now that He's driving, I have no idea where I'm going. I'm learning to trust Him.
I think I have a great idea, and then I get shot down by someone I respect. I think I figured out the path I'm on, and then we take a sharp curve, and I'm lost. Why? He wants me to trust Him.
Trust.
That was destroyed when I lost it all....so I need Him to open the eyes of my heart, so that I can trust Him.
Why? Because I'm on journey, and when something amazing happens, I want to share it with anyone who wants to read it.
I want God to open the eyes of my heart. What does that mean? It means, I want to know Him deeper, to understand how and what He wants me to do.
This isn't important to many people, but to me, it's HUGE. Until now, I've been driving this car letting God ride in the front seat. I assured Him, "I need You, but I know how to drive, so just stay with me and when I lose control, I'll let You know."
I lost control.
Everything completely fell apart. He said, "you ready for Me to drive now?" I said, "YES!"
Here's the thing, when I was driving, I knew where I was going. Now that He's driving, I have no idea where I'm going. I'm learning to trust Him.
I think I have a great idea, and then I get shot down by someone I respect. I think I figured out the path I'm on, and then we take a sharp curve, and I'm lost. Why? He wants me to trust Him.
Trust.
That was destroyed when I lost it all....so I need Him to open the eyes of my heart, so that I can trust Him.
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