Failing

I fail miserably.  Time after time, I do the wrong thing.  Often, I act without examining what God would have me do.  Sometimes, I get that internal nudge and ignore it.  I fail the higher calling and I fail my family, friends and neighbors.  I feel very lacking in authenticity as a follower for Christ because of my failures.

Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)

²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

²³ They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”

And, even when I get up and don't know how to move forward or what precisely is expected of me, I can wait.  I can wait for the right God opportunity to heal the wounds of my afflictions in God's timing, when hearts are properly softened.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

²⁶ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

I'm sorry that my lack of obedience and my fear of confrontation leads me to lost opportunities and broken relationships.  But, God will work it to good despite my failure.  Again my favorite verse:

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

God will work it for good.  

Lastly, Paul addresses Timothy regarding the wrong motives of peoples hearts. We must flee from foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction and pursue God's calling.

1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NIV)

¹¹ But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

So, I trudge on, despite my failures, to serve Him well, were He gives me opportunities.  And, hope to proceed in obedience to Godly callings.  Then, I ask for His help for me to accomplish His work with a joyful heart.

Lord, I ask you today, to soften our hearts and help us to proceed in love.  Help us not to be lovers of  carnal things; but, lovers of You first and then the people that You put in our lives.  Help me to act in obedience when You command me to do Your will.  Please pour out your love and compassion on those who hate and soften their hearts.  Thank you for your forgiveness and love.  Amen

A 25 Step Plan

I love this so much!  25 for Sanity Manifesto

I wanted to pick a favorite to write about.  But, every single of the 25 inspiring assertions has great value.

I, do, kinda, especially like the stepping on the snake before breakfast idea.  Conquering one thing before you allow yourself any seeds of doubt will surely empower you.

Hope you like it too!

Amazing Things

Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”  Joshua 3:5

con·se·crate  [kon-si-kreyt] 1. to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity

I have started a study that is going through the bible.  We are in the book of Joshua.  The overriding theme that God is speaking to me is holiness.  I'm confident that the word, consecrate, is not popular in today's world, and not even in today's churches.  

But, when I wonder why God might not be working things in my life, this scripture speaks to me.  If I live my life closer to purity, God will be able to do more "amazing things".  

Praying blessings to anyone who reads this.  Please leave any specific prayer requests and I will commit it to 30 days of prayer. 

The Good Life

Job 20:22

While they are enjoying the good life, trouble will catch up with them. Terrible suffering will come on them.

When I looked at my new Scraproom kit, I was looking at the colors and embellishments to direct my creativity.  However, I got stuck on the words that came with some of the products, "The Good Life".

What is "The Good Life"? Searching scripture, I found Job 20:22 above.  Job is my favorite patriarch as he pulled me through my debates with God, and myself, over the issues of pain with a perfect God.  I mean, I already knew that God blessed me with a second chance at life.  I, even, knew that he had His purposes. (Romans 8:28)  I just could not understand the ongoing pain.  And, God said "Enough" through Job.  In God's perfect plan, (the God who created the universe and everything in it), I rest.  I cannot fathom why some things are as they are,...I mean...I cannot grasp the intricacies of all His purposes,...the Great I Am. (Please read Job if you want to understand exactly what I am saying.)  I believe that it is all for good; but, not on the surface good.  It is a deep, satisfied, joyful good....that surpasses understanding.

“I know the plans I have for you,” announces the Lord. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come. Jeremiah 29:10-12

But, I trust and I rest, (in my pain at times), knowing our God who has plans to prosper me.  For this is where an eternal perspective changes things.  I know that the future holds no pain, no tears....

Which brings me back to "The Good Life" as a title for a scrapbook page or sentiments on a card.  I won't be able to pull that together.   God keeps me in a place that knows that the Good Life is yet to come.  He loves me more than "enough" to keep me coming back to Him until that day that has been entrusted unto me, (and you too, who earnestly believe). 

2 Timothy 1:12

and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.

God bless you.

When God Speaks.....

....it's not usually what I want to hear but what I need to hear.

I cannot seem to slow myself down about all the things I want to be doing with this New Year.  But, God directed me to Proverbs 12:11 today:

Proverbs 12:11 (NIRV) Anyone who farms his land will have plenty of food. But a person who chases dreams has no sense.

....must get back to my household chores.  :)

To Him Who Does Immeasurably More

Ephesians 3:20

New International Version (NIV)

²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,

I have a word for 2013.  It is "Enough".  You see, I have a terrible weakness.  It is a weakness of focusing on lack.  It is a weakness sometimes called perfectionism.  It is a weakness that leaves me never satisfied,....really satisfied.  I could spend endless hours discussing the reasons why I am this way going back to early childhood, society and the way that I am wired.  But, if I am to try to see myself as God sees me, I see someone who limits God.  Thus, it is an area that I need to improve my thinking.  So, my spiritual self adjusts this one word to three,..."He is Enough"

Do you have a word for 2013?

God Bless!