Glorifying God

A few weeks ago, I called a dear, trusted friend. You know, one of those friends who tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: Why do I need to lose weight? It doesn't bother me. It doesn't bother hubby. Focusing on it seems to take a lot of attention away from other things that seem really important to be focusing on.

Friend: You're deceiving yourself.

Me: Really?

Friend: Yes, you're deceiving yourself. I've got to go, but we need to talk more about this later.

Although we talk every day, we didn't talk about it again....until two days ago, that is, after God answered the question for me.

I was walking down the hall at my office and OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY comes this conversation. (if you really want to call it a conversation)

God: Do you know why I want you to lose weight?

Me: No, Why?

God: To Glorify Me!

O.K. Well, that's simple enough. Not much to argue with there.

So, I text friend the conversation that I just had with God. I think her words back to me were "Love it".

And isn't it interesting that this Scripture really exists...

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Anger

Anger isn't an emotion that I struggle with a lot. However, within the last 24 hours, I've been a strugglin....

So I thought: What does the Bible say about anger?

After reading a lot of commentaries and Scriptures, here is what resonated in me.

You must recognize your anger is not going to accomplish the righteousness of God. You will confess that you have been responding to your own selfish desires and have focused on your own will and life, not on God's will and purpose.

Well, this obviously isn't from the Bible, but it was what I needed to hear!

And God must be trying to tell me something because the Scripture that went with this was Galatians 2:20 (see Wednesday's post).

This one may take a while to absorb.

Ephesians 4:31-32 - Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

BIZ - E

Thursday is my long day at work. So, by default, it's the day that I get up, get going, and never even say "Hi" to God. So today, even in the busyness of Thursday, I'm going to pause for 30 seconds and say this little mantra that I used to say daily.....

God, I surrender this day to you. I am yours to do with what You will.

and then I'm going to take a few deep breaths and let it sink in.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 146:10

Galatians 2:20 is What I Needed To Hear Today....

I woke up struggling. I need to remember to pray for protection over my body and mind before I fall asleep each night. But I'm human, and today I woke up struggling.

I simply said these words. "Ok, God, I'm struggling and I've chosen to hear your voice. What do I need to hear today?"

And then it came.....

Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

All of a sudden, the struggle melted and the tears began.

I LOVE it when God works so clearly!

Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

Anna Gray

If you will look to the right of this post, you will see a picture of a beautiful baby girl named Anna Gray.

Anna Gray is our next granddaughter.

She is currently living in an orphanage in Eastern Europe.

Please feel free to read about her at www.ephesians15.blogspot.com

Please feel free to support her adoption through prayer and/or donation. It's expensive to bring these little ones home.

Below is a picture of the rest of this awesome family....with a place just waiting for Anna Gray.

May the Lord give you increase, you and your children. Psalm 115:14

The Flesh, The World, The Demonic, OH MY!

I just finished reading a book called The Adversary: The Christian Versus Demon Activity by Mark Bubeck. It opened my eyes to a lot of things that I have either taken for granted or have been blinded too. On one hand, it's so simple; on the other hand, so very complicated.

In a nutshell, it says this: The Word of God recognizes that we face three unique enemies which seek to defeat the spiritual life of believers. These are the flesh, the world, and the demonic. It is ESSENTIAL that we know how each of these enemies seeks to turn us aside from our purchased possession and position of victory in Christ.

This concept makes so much sense to me. My mind, for whatever reason, has been set up to think of God and Satan ONLY. Understanding that the flesh and the world are also significant has brought awareness. Bubeck says that we should NEVER underestimate the terrible strength of our flesh in hindering and destroying the spiritual life and the holy life God desires us to live. The problem with the "world" is that it provides an atmosphere which promotes the extension of our flesh nature.

We each fight different flesh issues. For me, understanding these dynamics gives me tools to better fight mine.

In another good book, Tempted and Tried by Russell Moore, Moore reminds me that I will be tempted with consumption, security, and status. I will be tempted to provide for myself, to protect myself, and to exalt myself; and at the core of these three is a common impulse - to cast off the fatherhood of God.

And then, there's this ONE line....this one little line that is PROFOUND!

We overcome temptation the same way Jesus did, by trusting in our Father and hearing his voice!

So for me, today, that is my task....to trust in the Father and hear His voice.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus....

I just deleted about 50 posts. Partly because I want to be in denial that I have circled the same wagon over and over and over. Partly because I don't want them to be the focus of my life anymore. Whatever the reason, I felt the need to get rid of them.

I have clearly heard from God that the issues I struggle with will ONLY be resoled by living under the authority of the Holy Spirit and no other way!

A wise person once told me....

Some people deal with their issues and then experience their spiritual journey. Others need to experience their spiritual journey and then their issues will be dealt with.

I'm clear about the path that is mine. God isn't going to allow it any.other.way.....and at the end of the day, I'm thankful for that!

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. Psalm 62:1