So many different thoughts were running through my mind today and I so much wanted to blog about them all.
I should've written them down.
But I didn't.
So, I will meander about, rambling and hopefully something good comes from it.
Gifts
I believe what the Bible says in Ephesians 4:11, "He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ." (The Message)
I have taken several Spiritual Gift Inventories and I always get similar answers. I guess that means they are true! One of them is Words of Wisdom and the other the gift of Discernment. These two come in handy so often! And at the same time, they can be so difficult!
Let me explain myself here. It's really hard to know what a person NEEDS to hear and to then actually TELL them.
On facebook tonight, I wanted to type a particular status regarding this. But as I typed, I realized the aftermath that could ensue and didn't post it. I feel like I missed the ball. So, instead of just putting it on FB I decided that I would blog about it now.
Here it goes!
I can't help but believe that God's heart is completely breaking over the things that people, people who say they love Him, post on their statuses.
Why do some of you feel the need to post things that are in no way glorifying Him? Why do you insist on listening to things that are not bringing you closer to Him?
Teenagers- oh, Lord help me here. Teenagers, why do you feel the need to air ALL of your dirty laundry and thoughts for the whole world to see? Why do you feel it's okay to go to church on Sunday or Wednesday and then every other day post statuses that use words that are vulgar, racist, hurtful or worse?! I am honestly too embarrassed and ashamed to write some of the words that students who attend my youth have put in their status updates.
I. Just. Don't. Get. It.
What does God have to do to get the attention of your heart? What will it take for you to become sold out for Jesus? What, in this world, is so worth giving up a life in Christ to have?
These questions are not rhetorical. I would love to hear answers.
Our Pastor's motto is "What got you here, won't get you there." Do you know what that means? The actions you have taken and the words you have spoken that lead you to where you are at in your life are not going to be the same as the actions and words needed to take you to the next level...out of despair, bitterness, anger and hurt. These things can only be escaped by turning your heart truly and completely to the One who is able to walk you THROUGH the hardships of this life. You won't ever be immune to the flaming arrows of the enemy, but when you are walking with Christ, you have an armor ready for you to wear so that you do not be come defeated but realize you have overcome!
You are more than a conqueror!
Want life? Give yours up. Let God take your life. He gives a new one! One that never ends and is filled with peace in the midst of storms. Love in the midst of pain. Healing in the midst of sickness. Joy in the midst of sorrow. Life where there is death.
Is it easy to walk the narrow path that God has laid out for you? No. Will there be obstacles? Of course! But God's Word assures us that He walks with us and stands with us in the good and bad times.
He loves you so much. Please, do Him a favor, love Him with more than just lip service.
I love the old saying, "Dying for me was the most He could do. Living for Him is the least I can do."
So where do you stand? He brings freedom. He brings peace. He brings joy. He brings hope, love, grace, favor, strength and the best is the His mercy is new every morning!
Please don't turn from Him. He is calling you to His side. He is reaching out with nail scarred hands. Grab a hold to those hands and hold on tight! I promise you, you won't regret it. Go ahead and just give Him a try. I double dog dare you.
It clearly says in the Bible in James 3:3-12:
ReplyDelete3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
How can we let those things come out of our mouths and on your hands if you really love God? If you have a true relationship with Jesus, then Jesus should reflect out of you....