Hi girlfriends!
This past week I have been pondering all that Scripture is teaching us in applying Its wisdom in the everyday places of our lives. The Word of God IS all sufficient. It gives us everything we need for life and godliness. And, it IS relevant! But sometimes I struggle with trying to connect the dots; to allow the Holy Spirit to build the bridge from Its wisdom into my heart in daily life. I think I’m trying too hard because “I can’t see the forest for the trees!”
And that’s the point. My legalistic background says, do this, do that, don’t do this, don’t do that! Following Christ is not a check list, but a relationship. Following Christ is a daily heart choice. It is the conviction that as we are certain of God’s Word and Christ’s love, we will begin to be free to follow Him with our whole heart.
I was sharing at our Bible study that I don’t like messy. But I AM messy. I am a sinner. But IN my messiness, I can make wise choices in the midst of my fears, foolishness, and feelings.
What do my fears look like? Fear of failing, fear of what others think of me, fear of the unknown, fear of missing God’s best, fear of saying the wrong thing, fear of whether I should speak…or not.
Foolishness. Hmmm. I am certain I have blind spots in this area. But for the grace of God, I would be a foolish wreck! God has been growing me through the years with my foolishness.Still, there are times when I speak before thinking; when I am duped by Satan’s lies; when I negatively react instead of prayerfully respond; when I think I can do life in my own strength.
Feelings. Wow, they go all over the place at times. Feelings are something God gives me. They have their proper place because they are part of who I am. Not a pretty picture though, when I allow my feelings to dictate my behavior and choices– which then affects my relationships, including my relationship with Jesus. And it is not just sad, mad, bad stuff going on. It manifests in a behavior of MY entitlement,MY justifications, MY own way and MY self pity; with a party of one.
So, reader, you may ask why I am sharing my ugly, messy tendencies? Three reasons: First, if you can relate to them, I want you to know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. If you can’t relate to them, you have other struggles. SO you are not alone.You are a sinner, just like me! Your new self, though redeemed, is still fallen. There is tension within us until we are with Jesus. Second, the way of wisdom is an ongoing process. In order to practice and grow in this, we need to be AWARE of where we may be listening to the Word of God but not doing it; not practicing wisdom in our daily living. Third, we don’t have to stay there. In fact, God commands us not to! (James 1:22) We can learn from our messiness, and grow in wisdom through this process. But we must also help each other to move forward. How
do we do it? Choose-One prayer at a time. One scripture at a time. One life group at a time. One sermon at a time. Choosing to journey with God and one another in humility and love. It is not from the perspective of a checklist but of a daily surrendering, “I love Jesus because He first loved me” and “I am certain of God’s ways are the only way” heart choice! In this we will love God more and more. We will begin to know God better. And wisdom in Him will slowly grow and mature in us! We will know a hope and the same power which God raised Christ from the dead!
So let’s spur one another on in the freedom of following Christ with our whole heart-one choice at a time! I will be praying Paul’s prayer written below over you all this week. Love, Kathy xo
Ephesians 1:15-23 (NIV)
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Like this:
Like Loading...