I'm Snarky And I Know It!

For whatever reason there are times when some of us have snarky attitudes. The days when just about everything we say has an edge to it.

We must run to the Lord as soon as we become aware of feeling spiritually dry, directionless and discontented lest we become cynical and hard hearted. *

But when we come to the Lord, He welcomes us with open arms. Jesus knows what it's like to be in the wilderness. He was led by the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. *

*Lev. 5:5 NLT “When you become aware of your guilt in any of these ways, you must confess your sin.

*I John 1:9 If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

*Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

You Don't Have To Let The Thorn Have You!

Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

The apostle Paul had and affliction. He had a thorn in his side. He had to deal with that thorn and he did so with God's grace. As far as we can tell he didn't complain about it. He knew he had the thorn but he didn't let the thorn have him. (II Corinthians 12:7-9)

It is hard sometimes, especially when we are in pain, be it physical or emotional to not let the pain have us. Many people in have had injuries that have left them disabled. The doctors have said, " You will never walk again."And some of them don't. They let those maladies have them.

Then there are people like Joni Eareckson Tada who had a diving accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down. She struggled physically, emotionally and spiritually. But she trusted in the Lord and has done many things to glorify him.  www.joniearecksontadastory.com 

Most afflictions are probably not that severe. Many people have problems that they let define them.  I have bi-polar disorder but most people, unless they've known me for many years would never know that. That's my thorn. I have it, but it by the grace of God... it doesn't have me!

My Gift Is.... Whatever

Our God is a god of decency and of order.* He has set our churches with definite gifts. For instance how could we have a growing and orderly congregation without pastors and teachers. Certainly people in those roles know what their gifting is.

Where we begin to get into trouble is seeking what our gift or calling is. I am reminded of a song by Steven Curtis Chapman titled, "Whatever"*. We may think we are qualified to operate in a certain area, but the only way to be used by Jesus is by doing whatever He says.

Remember we do not do the works of God so that we can be seen by men, but we do those things so that men may see.

*Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,  And lean not on your own understanding; 

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

*Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

Whatever

I made a list wrote down from A to Z
All the ways I thought that you could best use me
Told all my strengths and my abilities
I formed a plan it seemed to make good sense
I laid it out for you so sure you'd be convinced
I made my case presented my defense
But then I read the letter that you sent me
It said that all you really want from me is just

Whatever whatever you say
Whatever I will obey
Whatever lord have your way
'Cause you are my god whatever

So strike a match set fire to the list
Of all my good intentions all my preconceived ideas
I want to do your will no matter what it is
Give me faith to follow where you lead me
Oh lord give me the courage and the strength to do

I am not my own
I am yours and yours alone
You have bought me with your blood
Lord to you and you alone do I belong
And so whatever

Divide and Conquer

One of the tricks in Satan's bag is the divide and conquer plan.  It's very simple and quite effective. It may start out as something very silly. Such as what recently happened to a friend of mine.  She was trying to get ready for an event and hubby had used all the hot water washing the car! Yes it was irritating, but not worth the blast of emotion just before hosting a party!*

Fortunately the ploy was recognized, apologies were accepted and all went well. It could have turned out so differently.  Satan's plot could have spoiled the whole day and stole the joy from a family gathering! The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy. But greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.*





Prayer: Father please help us to recognize the subtle plots of Satan. Let us be quick to apologize and banish him from our joy by the power of Jesus' Name.

 

*Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

*I John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Danger! Critical Spirit Ahead!

I am constantly reminded that  critical thoughts lead to critical words and cause dissension in relationships.*


*Proverbs 15:1 A soft word turns a way wrath but harsh words stir up anger.

*Psalms 34:13-14 Keep your tongue from evil,  And your lips from speaking deceit.  Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

*Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers,  For they shall be called sons of God.

Prayer:  Lord let us be quick to surrender critical thoughts to You. Teach us to seek peace and pursue it!

Hindsight 20/20 - The Sacrifice of Praise

 

It is easy to praise the Lord during a time of peace and prosperity, it takes a sacrifice to praise when times are hard. Praise and thanksgiving are an expression of our faith. We do not know the outcome, but oh how our vision gets clear on the other side of that trial!  Hindsight is 20/20!


 


*Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
*II Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
*Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;