When I wrote about "Working Through Trials In Your Life" back on July 3rd I had NO IDEA what was just around the corner, or just how painful life could be. There is a definite difference between physical and emotional pain. The amazing thing is just how emotional pain affects you physically.
When the trial hit me it was completely unexpected. I was taken totally unaware and felt as though my heart and soul were being ripped out of my chest. My initial reaction was to curl up in a ball on the floor and sob uncontrollably. I NEVER thought I could grieve so fully and completely over something. But I did and it hurt and my emotional state seemed to dictate to my physical that it was going to give out. Fortunately I had a doctor that was helpful and when I contacted him with the news and asked for help for my physically crashing body, he knew just what to give me - a little something to cover the shock of the situation along with a little something for the grieving that would inevitably ensue. What a wise man he was. His words a soothing balm, as the words of so many well-meaning precious family members and close friends.
When major trials first hit - it's hard to know HOW you will react. One never knows until they're in the throes of the challenge, then they begin to slowly but surely discover just what they're truly made of. I was "jelly," shaken to the core of my being. I was ashamed of my reaction. But more than that I was saddened by what seemed to me a lack of faith. As the days wore on I thought I should be getting over it...I should be back on my feet...I should be able to work...I should be able to focus - but several days later, I still couldn't shake it.
BUT GOD...that has been my mainstay this entire time. The fact that HE would not hold it against me. The fact that HE would not punish me for my lack of faith. BUT GOD loves us, no matter what! He will never leave us or forsake us. His mercy is new every morning, His grace is sufficient. What a truly mighty God we serve, that even in the midst of my sorrow HE provided joy. I don't know that I'll ever look at those TWO WORDS the same again. For I claim them in all circumstances now...BUT GOD...
His people said this...BUT GOD... His people acted this way...BUT GOD... in all his goodness and mercy had other plans for His children and drew them to Himself that they might live and have an abundant life! SO we're walking through some major trials. SO our hearts are hurting and we don't know what to do or say. BUT GOD knows all, sees all and is in ALL! And so I sit here, knowing that there is truly nothing I can do about the situation, about the pain, about the future except leave it in God's hands! There's no "buts" about it!!!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
A CALL TO HOLY LIVING
Purity is all about living a sanctified life. Sanctification means to be "set apart," to live a holy life definitely sets a person apart. I think one of the most interesting reactions I have received while sharing my thoughts on purity would have to be the idea that you only need to "remain pure" until you're married. My response was simply this, the enemy of our souls would love to see us fall or soil our Christian testimony. He is not going to give up on us once we're married. He will do everything he can to tempt us to stray from our husband, to be discontent, to be complacent and hurl us head long into an adulterous relationship. Purity most definitely does NOT end with marriage. It just takes on a whole new level of commitment. It requires we foster a thriving relationship with God, one that strengthens our marriage and love for our spouse. That's why the call to Holy Living is so important!
In 1 Peter 1:13-15 it is very specific "So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now, you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who CHOSE you is holy."
Further on in 1 Peter 2 it says, "So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy and all unkind speech...you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God." (1 Peter 2:1 & 5)
First of all, it is GOD who is building us into his spiritual temple, not ourselves. Secondly if I am a spiritual temple then I must treat that temple with the respect and dignity that reflects God. This means good stewardship from what I allow my mind to take in (i.e. TV, movies, books I read, magazines, etc.) to how I train, feed, care for my body, and most especially how I care for my spiritual life. It talks about offering spiritual SACRIFICES that please God. This pretty much tells me it's not going to be easy but then I also need to consider just how willing I am to make the effort and the sacrifice. Humanly speaking we are not prone towards sacrifice. We're too selfish. Sacrifice is something we can only accomplish through Him. "Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory." (1 Peter 1:21) Better yet, let's look at 1 Peter 2:21-25 "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps.
He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.
He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.
BY HIS WOUNDS YOU ARE HEALED.
Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls."
His sacrifice calls us to Him, enables us to be forgiven and live a holy life, so why wouldn't we want to live it that way? For me it is summed up in one word...LAZY. I would rather sleep in than spend time with God. I would prefer to pinterest or facebook rather than take time to pour His Word into my heart and mind.
Transformation...holy living...sacrificial love don't come at the drop of a hat. They come with concentrated, intentional effort. What can we do to live holy lives? Maybe for the next 28 days we could search God's Word for direction and post scriptures on the Sanctified Sisterhood FB site that talk about and encourage us to Holy Living? It has been said it takes 28 days to create a habit. So let's work together and create a habit of Holy Living!!!
In 1 Peter 1:13-15 it is very specific "So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now, you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who CHOSE you is holy."
Further on in 1 Peter 2 it says, "So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy and all unkind speech...you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God." (1 Peter 2:1 & 5)
First of all, it is GOD who is building us into his spiritual temple, not ourselves. Secondly if I am a spiritual temple then I must treat that temple with the respect and dignity that reflects God. This means good stewardship from what I allow my mind to take in (i.e. TV, movies, books I read, magazines, etc.) to how I train, feed, care for my body, and most especially how I care for my spiritual life. It talks about offering spiritual SACRIFICES that please God. This pretty much tells me it's not going to be easy but then I also need to consider just how willing I am to make the effort and the sacrifice. Humanly speaking we are not prone towards sacrifice. We're too selfish. Sacrifice is something we can only accomplish through Him. "Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory." (1 Peter 1:21) Better yet, let's look at 1 Peter 2:21-25 "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps.
He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.
He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.
BY HIS WOUNDS YOU ARE HEALED.
Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls."
His sacrifice calls us to Him, enables us to be forgiven and live a holy life, so why wouldn't we want to live it that way? For me it is summed up in one word...LAZY. I would rather sleep in than spend time with God. I would prefer to pinterest or facebook rather than take time to pour His Word into my heart and mind.
Transformation...holy living...sacrificial love don't come at the drop of a hat. They come with concentrated, intentional effort. What can we do to live holy lives? Maybe for the next 28 days we could search God's Word for direction and post scriptures on the Sanctified Sisterhood FB site that talk about and encourage us to Holy Living? It has been said it takes 28 days to create a habit. So let's work together and create a habit of Holy Living!!!
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