Hebrews 12:5-7 And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you His children? He said, "My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those He loves,and He punishes those He accepts as His children." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined?
Why do we receive discipline? God's purpose is to train us in personal holiness.
Hebrews 12:10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in His holiness.
God's discipline is corrective not punitive and to teach us the way of holiness, godliness.
1 Timothy 4:8 Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.
Take God's correction seriously.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.
To avoid divine discipline: Pursue God wholeheartedly. Study the Scriptures. Apply them to our lives. Find godly people who will hold us accountable for our actions.
1 Corinthians 11:28 That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking from the cup.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christi is among you, it means you have failed the test. (added by me)
Practice Spiritual examination.
1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong thing.
Confess our sins to the Lord God, this tells God we agree with Him, that His way is right and what I'm doing is wrong.
1 Timothy 6:11 But you, Timothy, belong to God; so run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
Repent, humble our self quickly, admit our wrong behavior.
From me:
Discipline is no fun. Who wants to be corrected? To be told they are wrong and suffer consequences for their actions? Hebrews 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Other versions of the Word puts it as "producing a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." And that is the payoff. I love when I do the right thing, and I just have that peace and joy that comes from knowing I followed the way of Jesus. God is so good to us....He knows that sin and rebellion, in the end, bring us nothing but heartache and sorrow. Even in the smallest of things, our hearts become disquieted inside. So He teaches us, disciplines us, patiently, lovingly. What a good Father we have.
Thank You Lord for loving us enough to correct us, to teach us and lead us in the paths of holiness. Thank You for Your patience and tenacity in dealing with us ofttimes troublesome beings. I am so grateful that You never let go of of Your children!!
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Wow--Growth
I just glanced over to the "About Me" section of this blog. And the first line is "After spending too much time saying things like, 'God, You just don't care....' I realized that I don't say that all that often any more. How cool is that!! I don't always like the path God leads me on. I don't understand and a lot of time it hurts and frustrates, getting through the day leaves me drained. Other times the Lord shines brightly on my hours, I am uplifted and steady. (A normal, mixed human existence I guess) But I know God is there, and most of the time I remember He cares and loves me. GROWTH!! Yaay!!
This is especially encouraging and I thank the Lord for pointing it out. I see so little progress in certain areas and I get discouraged. I love how our Father enheartens us at just the right time. Giving us that much needed shot in the arm, boosting our spirits. Growth. I know I need to see this. I need to see that my battling, especially within myself, is not in vain...but I am on the right road with the Lord. And we are moving forward.
It's funny, I wasn't really sure what I would be writing today. I have had a few things over the last week that I have been touched by, and then I thought about sharing from Mom's journal.. But the Lord had another plan. He guided my eyes to see one sentence on this page. And then led me in a whole different direction, and uplifted my heart at the same time.
Thank You Lord for helping me to grow. I pray that those who read this are growing in their lives too. Lord, mature Your children that we may glorify You.
This is especially encouraging and I thank the Lord for pointing it out. I see so little progress in certain areas and I get discouraged. I love how our Father enheartens us at just the right time. Giving us that much needed shot in the arm, boosting our spirits. Growth. I know I need to see this. I need to see that my battling, especially within myself, is not in vain...but I am on the right road with the Lord. And we are moving forward.
It's funny, I wasn't really sure what I would be writing today. I have had a few things over the last week that I have been touched by, and then I thought about sharing from Mom's journal.. But the Lord had another plan. He guided my eyes to see one sentence on this page. And then led me in a whole different direction, and uplifted my heart at the same time.
Thank You Lord for helping me to grow. I pray that those who read this are growing in their lives too. Lord, mature Your children that we may glorify You.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
More Music, More Comfort
I've chronicled my struggles here these last couple of weeks (more like a year or so)....I am still holding on to the Lord. That is one of the greatest gifts He has given me, my ability to continue putting one foot in front of the other not matter how bumpy the road or steep the climb. I may sit down a while, throw a bit of a fit, even go backwards or stray off the path, but then I get back up and on, and take His hand again and move forward. I am forever grateful for this character trait He has created in me. It's sometimes the only thing I have going for me !! LOL
The reason for this blog, the why behind it was to show His touch on my life and to open people up to see those times in their own lives when God breaks through in a special way. Many times for me He has done this in songs....just the right song at just the right time. I know I am not alone in this, finding comfort, encouragement and soothing peace in music created by the Lord, through wonderful Christian artists. It is why I take such pleasure in sharing the songs that lift me up here. Yesterday the Lord sent another one my way and I share it with you now, My hope is that it is just the right song at just the right time for just the right person. And that person is you.
Praying today, that we just allow ourselves to be held by the Lord. I can't fix things Lord, small or big, I rely on You...help us all to let go of the control we so desperately cling to and submit to Your plan and leading. I know I don't always see where we are going Lord. I don't always like the trail we are on...it's hard, and there is disappointment and challenge along the way. I know am I to speak peace to the things that hurt, the things that are difficult and trust Your design. Help me, and our readers to do that Lord. I bless Your name today precious Lord. Hold us Lord. In Jesus most mighty and loving name.
The reason for this blog, the why behind it was to show His touch on my life and to open people up to see those times in their own lives when God breaks through in a special way. Many times for me He has done this in songs....just the right song at just the right time. I know I am not alone in this, finding comfort, encouragement and soothing peace in music created by the Lord, through wonderful Christian artists. It is why I take such pleasure in sharing the songs that lift me up here. Yesterday the Lord sent another one my way and I share it with you now, My hope is that it is just the right song at just the right time for just the right person. And that person is you.
Praying today, that we just allow ourselves to be held by the Lord. I can't fix things Lord, small or big, I rely on You...help us all to let go of the control we so desperately cling to and submit to Your plan and leading. I know I don't always see where we are going Lord. I don't always like the trail we are on...it's hard, and there is disappointment and challenge along the way. I know am I to speak peace to the things that hurt, the things that are difficult and trust Your design. Help me, and our readers to do that Lord. I bless Your name today precious Lord. Hold us Lord. In Jesus most mighty and loving name.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Hunger
Last week was a rough week at work. Remember how I was talking about the little irritations, well it continued on for the next few days....and I cannot go for long riding on that bumpy road before I fall off the edge of a cliff!! And fall I did. I went slightly ballistic at work. My temper got the better of me. I hate unfairness, and I hate inefficiency. So couple them together and mix in tiredness and a general down mood....well it's a recipe for nothing good to say the least. And nothing good came out of my mouth that day.
I want so badly to be a good witness for the Lord. To live a life of peace and love and just shining His light to those around me. I want others to be drawn to Him. I get so frustrated because I fall so short, so often, of this ideal. This last time, I became so disappointed in myself, so discouraged of ever changing....still am to a certain extent, almost like giving up....but still holding on, if that makes sense. I hold to the Lord, yet have pretty much given up on myself, and maybe that's where I'm supposed to be...I don't know. But through all of this, the Lord remains faithful. And I am forever grateful for that.
As I mulled this over the next day, my failure, my hopelessness I looked at my phone where I have an app that gives the verse of the day. LOL...God is so good, as always. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled. That is what my loving heavenly Father sent to me. A promise.
I went to do my devotional for the day and the sentence :Look to me continually for help, comfort and companionship." stuck out to me. I spoke to the Lord, "Where is this? Why do I so often stand outside your arms of comfort? Why do I feel, as usual, like an outsider looking in on this Christian life of Your love and peace? But then I realized God did send His comfort and His answer in the verse of the day. My God visit. He also led me up to Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
I struggle with anger. I struggle with my mouth. But the Lord sees my heart. And as I drove to church on Sunday knowing how much I want to honor Him and to shine for Him, I felt Him say to me...."This is the you I see." He is not looking at the failure and the faults, the Christian who feels more like a hypocrite because they mess up most of the time. He's looking at the child who wants to please Him. And His love shone down on me. What a beautiful series of God visits.
I honestly don't know if I will ever get better. But I am going to trust and hold onto the promise given me....God will see it through. I am not giving up, I am holding on. Jesus is my hope and my salvation.
Lord, help. I know I am not the only struggler here....and I pray for all of us, those of us for who this ideal of Christian life seems out of reach. Lift us up Lord. Thank You for standing by us. Let us not forget that. Let us not let go of You and please get our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances and focus them solely on the One who saves us. You. Thank You for Your comfort and care.
I want so badly to be a good witness for the Lord. To live a life of peace and love and just shining His light to those around me. I want others to be drawn to Him. I get so frustrated because I fall so short, so often, of this ideal. This last time, I became so disappointed in myself, so discouraged of ever changing....still am to a certain extent, almost like giving up....but still holding on, if that makes sense. I hold to the Lord, yet have pretty much given up on myself, and maybe that's where I'm supposed to be...I don't know. But through all of this, the Lord remains faithful. And I am forever grateful for that.
As I mulled this over the next day, my failure, my hopelessness I looked at my phone where I have an app that gives the verse of the day. LOL...God is so good, as always. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled. That is what my loving heavenly Father sent to me. A promise.
I went to do my devotional for the day and the sentence :Look to me continually for help, comfort and companionship." stuck out to me. I spoke to the Lord, "Where is this? Why do I so often stand outside your arms of comfort? Why do I feel, as usual, like an outsider looking in on this Christian life of Your love and peace? But then I realized God did send His comfort and His answer in the verse of the day. My God visit. He also led me up to Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
I struggle with anger. I struggle with my mouth. But the Lord sees my heart. And as I drove to church on Sunday knowing how much I want to honor Him and to shine for Him, I felt Him say to me...."This is the you I see." He is not looking at the failure and the faults, the Christian who feels more like a hypocrite because they mess up most of the time. He's looking at the child who wants to please Him. And His love shone down on me. What a beautiful series of God visits.
I honestly don't know if I will ever get better. But I am going to trust and hold onto the promise given me....God will see it through. I am not giving up, I am holding on. Jesus is my hope and my salvation.
Lord, help. I know I am not the only struggler here....and I pray for all of us, those of us for who this ideal of Christian life seems out of reach. Lift us up Lord. Thank You for standing by us. Let us not forget that. Let us not let go of You and please get our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances and focus them solely on the One who saves us. You. Thank You for Your comfort and care.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Depressed, From Mom
Despondent, empty, lonely. An emotional state. Despondency. To cast gloom upon. To sadden. A pit.
Lamentations 3:23, 27 Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day.... And it is good for the young to submit to the yoke of His discipline.
Submit to God's yoke means to willingly come under God's discipline and learn what He wants to teach us.
Proverbs 18:14 The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear it if the spirit is crushed?
A broken spirit is one's person-hood which has been crushed by life's difficulties.
John 11:4 But when Jesus heard about it He said, "Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God. I, the Son of God will receive glory from this."
This sickness (depression) is not unto death but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.
Silently reflect on what God wants. Humbly repent. Self control is needed in adversity. Confident patience, depending on the Divine Teacher to bring about loving lessons in our life.
Depressed? Read Job. Need Encouragement? Read Psalm 121
Psalm 121
I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, He who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord Himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go both now and forever.
From me.
Depression seems to be a part of life from time to time. Some people battle it daily. I was one of those people. It is really a sad and sometimes debilitating sickness. I know we all get sad sometimes and holding onto the Lord is the best thing we can do....Some need medical help, as I did because it is a physical condition. But God is in the healing. Always Him. Thankfully I am out of that stage of my life, through the Lord's grace. But I know many still struggle just to get out of bed in the morning...I pray that the Lord's hand would be upon You. I pray if there is something that needs to be done, or to be changed, or if help is needed, that you will find the answer. God is always for us, even when we are in the pit. When things seem the darkest, the blackest...let us focus our eyes on the Cross, it is there we find love and healing.
Lamentations 3:23, 27 Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day.... And it is good for the young to submit to the yoke of His discipline.
Submit to God's yoke means to willingly come under God's discipline and learn what He wants to teach us.
Proverbs 18:14 The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear it if the spirit is crushed?
A broken spirit is one's person-hood which has been crushed by life's difficulties.
John 11:4 But when Jesus heard about it He said, "Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God. I, the Son of God will receive glory from this."
This sickness (depression) is not unto death but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.
Silently reflect on what God wants. Humbly repent. Self control is needed in adversity. Confident patience, depending on the Divine Teacher to bring about loving lessons in our life.
Depressed? Read Job. Need Encouragement? Read Psalm 121
Psalm 121
I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, He who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord Himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go both now and forever.
From me.
Depression seems to be a part of life from time to time. Some people battle it daily. I was one of those people. It is really a sad and sometimes debilitating sickness. I know we all get sad sometimes and holding onto the Lord is the best thing we can do....Some need medical help, as I did because it is a physical condition. But God is in the healing. Always Him. Thankfully I am out of that stage of my life, through the Lord's grace. But I know many still struggle just to get out of bed in the morning...I pray that the Lord's hand would be upon You. I pray if there is something that needs to be done, or to be changed, or if help is needed, that you will find the answer. God is always for us, even when we are in the pit. When things seem the darkest, the blackest...let us focus our eyes on the Cross, it is there we find love and healing.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Jesus Says
Wow. That was all I could say a few days ago when I read October 9's devotional in "Jesus Calling." Wow. God hit the bulls eye (again). He went right to the heart of me, brought comfort and correction...all at the same time in a way only He can.
Last week I had been praying about my seemingly unquenchable desire for complaining. I hate it. I mumble and murmur to myself, to the Lord. I rattle on to others, joining in the gripe fest at work.....I'm sick of myself!!!! I'm tired of hearing myself....I can't imagine what the Lord thinks! Or can I?
So a few days after I prayed over this (and am still praying), I read the devotional. And I was floored!! It started like this, "You have been on a long, uphill journey and your energy is almost spent. Though you have faltered at times, you have not let go of My hand. I am pleased with your desire to stay close to Me." Ok, sounds great. Very encouraging and oh so welcomed by my heart. I feel that speaks of my days, my trek though this life quite accurately. I've always considered myself a struggler; persevering and not giving up no matter how difficult or how many times I screw up-- thankfully, it's the way God made me.
But then the next portion....hmmmmm, well here comes the correction (well deserved to be sure). "There is one thing that displeases Me: your tendency to complain." Well, all I can say is "AGREED." It displeases me too Lord!! But oh how the Lord works it all together. Do you see it? I had just prayed about this horrible inclination of mine....grumbling and moaning about the little things, the big things, all things.....It's something I so want to rid my life of. And knowing that the Lord heard my prayer, knowing it is His desire as well....I know He is pleased with Me in this wanting to end this almost addiction like habit in my life.
And I know that this is the beginning of the end, a prayer that will be answered. I am on my way to becoming a thanker rather than a grumbler!! Yaaaay. What a cool God visit.!! Only the Lord could get us excited about correction!
Philippians 2:14-15 In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.
Last week I had been praying about my seemingly unquenchable desire for complaining. I hate it. I mumble and murmur to myself, to the Lord. I rattle on to others, joining in the gripe fest at work.....I'm sick of myself!!!! I'm tired of hearing myself....I can't imagine what the Lord thinks! Or can I?
So a few days after I prayed over this (and am still praying), I read the devotional. And I was floored!! It started like this, "You have been on a long, uphill journey and your energy is almost spent. Though you have faltered at times, you have not let go of My hand. I am pleased with your desire to stay close to Me." Ok, sounds great. Very encouraging and oh so welcomed by my heart. I feel that speaks of my days, my trek though this life quite accurately. I've always considered myself a struggler; persevering and not giving up no matter how difficult or how many times I screw up-- thankfully, it's the way God made me.
But then the next portion....hmmmmm, well here comes the correction (well deserved to be sure). "There is one thing that displeases Me: your tendency to complain." Well, all I can say is "AGREED." It displeases me too Lord!! But oh how the Lord works it all together. Do you see it? I had just prayed about this horrible inclination of mine....grumbling and moaning about the little things, the big things, all things.....It's something I so want to rid my life of. And knowing that the Lord heard my prayer, knowing it is His desire as well....I know He is pleased with Me in this wanting to end this almost addiction like habit in my life.
And I know that this is the beginning of the end, a prayer that will be answered. I am on my way to becoming a thanker rather than a grumbler!! Yaaaay. What a cool God visit.!! Only the Lord could get us excited about correction!
Philippians 2:14-15 In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
God is for Me, and You
It's been one of those weeks. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Nothing major mind you, but just a series of little annoyances that seemed to pile up into a mountain. I'm not really sure whether or not the days were especially rife with little irritations or if it was just my perception, but the whole of it was that I was not exactly enjoying myself. I think I have more tiny cuts and nicks on my hands this week than I've had in a year. I've stubbed things, dropped things, spilled things, many, many things....Paper cuts, bad hair days, containers that wouldn't open with out a chainsaw or blowtorch or some kind of "garage" tool. Dropping pallets at work, (something I very rarely do...this time I did 2 in one night), oh and running over my toe in work....which wouldn't have been quite as bad had I taken time that day to change into my work shoes instead of a pair of nylon sneakers.....Tuesday night I had a speaking engagement for Voice of the Martyrs, I needed to leave work by 9 pm and I wanted time to change and clean up....of course everything came in at the last possible minute causing me to rush and hurry. And then of course, I realize I had forgotten to stop for gas and then I missed the turn off for the facility I was going to....on and on and on LOL. I laugh now, but I have not been filled with giggles this week. We've been doing that Genesis study and talking about how Jacob wrestled with God, asking for a blessing. I feel like I've been wrestling with God, begging for some relief from the crazy mountain of minutia, the avalanche of annoyances. Asking for His blessing and blaming Him at the same time. At one point I finally asked why He hated me so much...that's how sad and abandoned I felt.
So as I drove home from the Voice of the Martyrs engagement at 4 am the Lord finally came through in the form of songs....letting me know He was with me, for me and loving me....even as I struggled through the week and felt anything but cared for. My blessing came.
God is so good. So loving. So thoughtful. He is so cool and awesome. I had such a crummy week, such a struggling week, and I definitely was not the sweetest daughter He could have, and yet He still wraps me in His embrace and comfort. But I had to hang on through the week, through the rough patches. I wish I had done better in my attitude, but I am learning and growing and God is for me!
Thank You Lord, for being on our side. Help us to remember that, even when it seems everything, from big to little is against us. You are never against us. Thank You for reminding me of that again.
So as I drove home from the Voice of the Martyrs engagement at 4 am the Lord finally came through in the form of songs....letting me know He was with me, for me and loving me....even as I struggled through the week and felt anything but cared for. My blessing came.
Thank You Lord, for being on our side. Help us to remember that, even when it seems everything, from big to little is against us. You are never against us. Thank You for reminding me of that again.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Love For Nothing
A few days ago I was sitting here finishing up my prayer and study time with the Lord. My oldest cat Spotty had just jumped up on the bed, as he always does. He comes over purring and fully expecting to be welcomed and loved. There is no doubt on his part that I will embrace him as he walks over to where I am.
We've been studying Genesis in Sunday morning Bible Study. We have been roaming around in the lives of Jacob and Esau in recent weeks. As we go through their story we see that before Jacob and Esau were even born, born they did anything good or bad, helpful or harmful...before they took their first breath, Jacob would be the one blessed. He would be the one to embrace the Lord, and be embraced by Him.
So how are these two incidents related you ask? Simple. There is nothing we have to do to be loved by the Lord. There is nothing we can do to earn His mercy and all encompassing, eternal love. I know sometimes I forget this. Especially in the last few days. As Spot just jumps right up and expects my welcoming lap, so we too are accepted and cherished when we come to our Father. My cat doesn't have to do a thing (as a cat he really doesn't even think about it or care to do anything!) In the case of Jacob, the Lord chose Him before he made any choices one way or the other. In fact, we see Jacob making some pretty goofy decisions. And yet the Lord chooses him to bless and through him to bring the Messianic line.
Our job in all this? To accept His limitless love and salvation. To welcome His warm embrace.
Romans 9:16 So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.
Ephesians 2:8-9 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
And here comes Spot!!
Lord, thank You that we don't have to earn Your love, You acceptance or Your blessing. I know for myself, I am utterly undeserving. I get so frustrated sometimes when things don't go my way....and I blame You. Thank You for loving me anyway. For welcoming me back into You everlasting arms even after I push You away in anger. You are so good to me.
We've been studying Genesis in Sunday morning Bible Study. We have been roaming around in the lives of Jacob and Esau in recent weeks. As we go through their story we see that before Jacob and Esau were even born, born they did anything good or bad, helpful or harmful...before they took their first breath, Jacob would be the one blessed. He would be the one to embrace the Lord, and be embraced by Him.
So how are these two incidents related you ask? Simple. There is nothing we have to do to be loved by the Lord. There is nothing we can do to earn His mercy and all encompassing, eternal love. I know sometimes I forget this. Especially in the last few days. As Spot just jumps right up and expects my welcoming lap, so we too are accepted and cherished when we come to our Father. My cat doesn't have to do a thing (as a cat he really doesn't even think about it or care to do anything!) In the case of Jacob, the Lord chose Him before he made any choices one way or the other. In fact, we see Jacob making some pretty goofy decisions. And yet the Lord chooses him to bless and through him to bring the Messianic line.
Our job in all this? To accept His limitless love and salvation. To welcome His warm embrace.
Romans 9:16 So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.
Ephesians 2:8-9 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
And here comes Spot!!
Lord, thank You that we don't have to earn Your love, You acceptance or Your blessing. I know for myself, I am utterly undeserving. I get so frustrated sometimes when things don't go my way....and I blame You. Thank You for loving me anyway. For welcoming me back into You everlasting arms even after I push You away in anger. You are so good to me.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Thoughts
I've been listening to my Joyce Meyer podcast on my runs....as usual. "How Your Mind Affects the World Around You" was the topic. Joyce speaks on thinking right on purpose. Making a point to intentionally set up right thinking. She gives the example of setting up one's mind in the morning with godly thinking. Purposely thinking things like, "I will be kind today because the fruit of the Spirit is kindness," or "I know God is with me, therefore I will not fear." Positive, deliberate, concrete thoughts.
So many times I find myself going down the twisty-turny roads of anger, annoyance and resentment. Thoughts like, "if they think I'm going to .....", or "that person is doing....." And stomping down the path of offense I go. And as my thoughts wander, so my behavior and words start to mirror the landscape of my mind.
Well, like I said I have been listening to this podcast and endeavoring to put it into practice. I do it when I wake up, I try to remember during the day, as I'm driving, before I go into work....My big "thinking road" I try to stay on is the love chapter in 1 Corinthians 13. That kind of covers it all. Some other purpose thoughts I direct my mind to are, "I will not get frustrated over little things.," "I will not overeat," "I will not be critical, judgmental or complaining."
Last night at work the Lord stopped in to visit during break. I was kind of feeling like my attitude was a little rough around the edges. But He showed me that I was having success as well with my thinking. Quite a few times during the night, I heard the "Love Chapter" of 1 Corinthians ring through my head. And that was victory!! My behavior may not have been where I wanted it to be, but it was a start. It all begins with the thinking. What joy is mine knowing that I am learning. And what a wonderful God to point it out to me, to celebrate the victory with me. How awesome is He. Our Father looks at the seemingly smallest of things we get right, and magnifies and rejoices of them. And He wants us to join in!!
Lord, thank You for who You are. You are the one who celebrates our victories and remembers our sin not more. Lord, continue to help us grow in lining up our thoughts with You.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable , and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wind out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.
Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you iinto a new person by changing the way your think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.
So many times I find myself going down the twisty-turny roads of anger, annoyance and resentment. Thoughts like, "if they think I'm going to .....", or "that person is doing....." And stomping down the path of offense I go. And as my thoughts wander, so my behavior and words start to mirror the landscape of my mind.
Well, like I said I have been listening to this podcast and endeavoring to put it into practice. I do it when I wake up, I try to remember during the day, as I'm driving, before I go into work....My big "thinking road" I try to stay on is the love chapter in 1 Corinthians 13. That kind of covers it all. Some other purpose thoughts I direct my mind to are, "I will not get frustrated over little things.," "I will not overeat," "I will not be critical, judgmental or complaining."
Last night at work the Lord stopped in to visit during break. I was kind of feeling like my attitude was a little rough around the edges. But He showed me that I was having success as well with my thinking. Quite a few times during the night, I heard the "Love Chapter" of 1 Corinthians ring through my head. And that was victory!! My behavior may not have been where I wanted it to be, but it was a start. It all begins with the thinking. What joy is mine knowing that I am learning. And what a wonderful God to point it out to me, to celebrate the victory with me. How awesome is He. Our Father looks at the seemingly smallest of things we get right, and magnifies and rejoices of them. And He wants us to join in!!
Lord, thank You for who You are. You are the one who celebrates our victories and remembers our sin not more. Lord, continue to help us grow in lining up our thoughts with You.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable , and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wind out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.
Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you iinto a new person by changing the way your think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.
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