The aim of life

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.~Acts 20:24

“I consider my life worth nothing to me, my only aim is________.”  How would you fill in the blank?  Would it match the fervor of Paul’s love for the Lord; his commitment to the task that God assigned to him?

My response to the blank was found lacking for there are so many times that my aim is to satisfy self.  To seek those comforts that bring me temporary peace.   Things like junk food, me and potato chips saints.  Pray for me.  Or that extra few minutes of sleep.  Seeking ways to do things that are convenient for me.  Sure, I serve if......

Maybe you’ve had similar thoughts or perhaps you have been built up by His word and grace to another level in the Lord ( Acts 20:32). I want that too, that inheritance. That’s where I want to be because my aim is to do His will.  My aim is to answer the call, walking the talk that He places in my spirit.   I want it to be my only aim.  

However, the path to do that is to first deny myself.   “My life is nothing, but life with Christ and for Christ is everything.  I must deny my false thinking that says food will meet emotional gaps.  I must realize that my true comfort is only found in Christ and not the snooze button coupled with my pillow.  I must see that service to others is a gift, a blessing, because I have the opportunity to be used by God.  Yes, that includes car pools, dirty laundry, and creative meals for our families and others.

I want to finish the race and by God’s grace I will because I do not do walk it along.   One step at time, being led by His Spirit I can do all things through Christ whom strengthens me (Philippians 4:13) Isn’t it great that God always shows us the way! When we lean on Him and trust His ways, our paths are directed and made straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

Father, I thank You for showing me that my aim was off and point in a disjointed direction.  Father, may the spread of your love and grace be my only aim.  May I deny myself, taking up my cross daily and follow You(Matthew 16:24). Thank You for your Word, Spirit, and grace. In Jesus name. Amen

Choosing Character over Reputation

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.~Romans 12:9-10

Have you ever been in a situation where you found your foot or perhaps witnessed another put their foot in their proverbial mouth?   Depending upon the context of the situation it can be humorous, but more than likely it can be uncomfortable for all parties involved.

What do you do when that happens?  What do you do when one’s reputation is overshadowing the possible well-intentioned motivation perhaps inappropriate timing?  You remember to lead with love and share grace.  Only God knows the heart and it is not what man says about a person  that counts, it what He, the creator of all humanity , knows about them.

I have been recently challenged by His Word and Spirit to take care of the bride.  The bride being all of my fellow believers; my brothers and sisters who have answered the call of Christ in their hearts.   We believe.  We believe in His death, burial and resurrection done out of love for you and me.

We “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” ( Romans 12:16).  Meaning, we don’t think it couldn’t happen to us or that it has never been us.   We seek peace and reconciliation. We seek Christ and His love in them.   

We remove the shadow of the reputation and choose the better thing.  We seek to remove the “shame” and ought by going to them directly.  His word says, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” ( Matthew 18:15).

Therefore, we don’t judge the foot, but rather help each other, in love, the part we all play.  We pray rather than criticize.   We offer a better path in humility and sincere love; devoted to the growth and the beauty of the bride. 

Father, you know I don’t always do this, but it is my desire because it is your desire.  Lord, let me see in others what You see and honor them in love.  May I extend grace to myself and others, caring about character, Yours, rather than what men think.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Love yourself

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.~Psalm 139:13-14

I generally associate this verse with “girl power”. It’s a motivational boost to look in the mirror and like what I see, rolls, budges, zits and all because I am His child.   I am His creation and His work is flawless.  Transparency, I question my looks all the time. Especially, when a crown in my mouth comes out.   Lol.  But serious, God does marvelous work.   I know this and you need to know this too.

However, today something else in this scripture stood out to me.  “You knit me together in my mother’s womb.”  God didn’t just form my outer man or woman.  He created the me that makes me who I am.  The quirks of my personality.  He created my sensitive heart and compassionate nature.  He also created my fiery spirit and gave me the tools to use them for His glory.

So yes, I praise Him.  I praise Him when I feel beautiful on the outside, but more importantly because He has made me beautiful within by the creative work of His Word made flesh, Jesus.

Hug yourself today.  Give a shout of praise to God and know who you are in Him.

Lord, I thank You for speaking to my heart today and bringing joy to my inner man so that it may shine to the outer.  In Jesus name. Amen

Even in the valleys

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.~Psalm 23:4

I do not recall being afraid of the dark as a little girl, but I do I fondly remember my lamp with a little girl with praying hands at its base.  When we are young, at least for me, darkness was just a physical occurrence.  It was not overwhelming because you knew it could always be dispelled with a flick of a switch.  

However, as we grow and learn more, the darkness becomes shadows that can linger.  The light is there because, as many wise men and woman have shared, a shadow needs light.  Yet, sometimes understanding that the light is present does not make the journey through those dark valleys any less harrowing.

I am a child of God, the true and living King.  And I am in the shadows.  The shadows of depression, anxiety, and disease.  I actually prefer the physical darkness to try to hide away from the heaviness of the dark clouds, but His Word is true-It doesn’t matter where I go- HE IS WITH ME. ( Psalm 139:8)

Perhaps you are walking through a valley experience right now.  Maybe it’s due to the loss of a loved one, marriage woes, single woes, financial difficulties, or just plain disgust with the evils in this world.  If you are there, turn on your lamp, His Word!Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.~Psalm 119:105

Cry out to the our Great Intercessor, Jesus( Romans 8:34).  He is is there with open arms and and open heart.  Listen to the truth that He brings as He soothes your soul and eases your heartache ( Psalm 34:18). Know that you are walking through the valley.  He didn’t say that we would stay there, but walking through to another side.  A side where our table is prepared by Him.  A table where the enemy’s mouth will gape wide open as He sees the goodness of the Lord and His favor all over us.

It seems so hard to wait.  I know it’s hard.   Sometimes I just want to I’m done, but my Father has the final day and He tells me that His goodness and mercy shall follow me all my days and I will dwell in His house forever.  ( see Psalm 23)

So speak life over yourself:

“God, my God, is with me.  I am not alone.  He is my comfort.  The Lord is my protector.  God is good and He is good to me. And in the mighty name of Jesus I will not fear. No weapon formed against me shall prosper.   I will not worry and fret.  I am His and He loves me. “

Father, You are God in every situation and circumstance.   Help us to trust You in the valleys.  Lead us through the shadows and be mindful of your precious light.   I love you Lord.  In Jesus name. Amen 

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