Releasing the Tight Grip

Beginning my married life as a Marine’s wife, I had no problem with packing up my home and children and moving where the orders would take us. I was excited about the new adventure that awaited us.

Plus, it meant my house was guaranteed to be cleaned top to bottom every three years. Clutter was no problem. It was gone!

However, now that I was becoming more mature and sophisticated. I was finding more and more that I didn’t like letting go of stuff…. I am not talking about my overcrowded closet that needs purging, either. I am talking about wanting what God has for me but not wanting to let go of some of the good, even the things that aren’t so good.

 It was easy to purge the stuff I didn’t want; the stuff that made me feel safe was a different story.

From childhood, I learned to build up walls that made me feel safe. It took me awhile to realize I had been hauling those walls and many other things around for years.

The Lord was telling me it was time to do some demolition. Those walls needed to come down.

 Reasons I wanted to keep holding on:

It brought me comfort.

It is not easy to go outside the comfort zones that I had put in place

Could I really trust God?

I would be vulnerable. 

It exposed to others that I didn’t know what I was doing. Yikes!

It turns out that those very walls that were keeping me safe were actually causing me to be in a bondage of fear.

And once those walls were down, the cleaning of the inside was in full force. The true work was able to begin.

 I am continually being made into a new creation.

Ok, my sister, what are you holding on to?  It might be a funky thought pattern that doesn’t line up with God’s word. It might be replacing the negative voices in your head with the solid truth. It might be dying to self, so the radiant fullness of Christ can be made alive in your life. It might be tearing down that wall.

Lord, help us!

As I begin to release that tight grip, it causes me to grow and trust little more and more. I am continuously put in a place where I have to trust God with everything I can’t see.

I am confident that He sees the big picture.  And even though it might not be an easy road, the journey is still worth it. I’m where I am supposed to be. 

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” Phil. 1:6 

 Link ups:  Live Free Thursdsay with Suzie Eller and 3-D Lessons for Life

Headed Straight to the Heart

It almost didn’t even come to a complete surprise to me when my husband muttered out the question I’ve heard and have said a thousand times before….”How do you take the things you know to be truth from the mind to the heart?”

The only thing I could think of at the moment was we get all twisted up. The voices in our head become louder than truth. Circumstances become towering mountains and block our view. We need to get to a place of stillness in our souls, where everything is unmovable and knowing is one thing but believing is life changing:

Nevertheless, I still get all twisted up. I wish I could say I got it all figured out. I start looking for answers and solutions in the wrong places. I start to believe achievement is accomplished apart from God. Or, maybe I start to believe I need to have it all figured it before He could ever love me. Maybe I began to feel like I need to pursue happiness, but happiness is only an imaginary line in the sand that moves forward the minute you think you have reached it.

 “ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Rom. 12:1

Renewing my mind by the power of the Holy Spirit is what it’s going to take. I have to turn my thought process around and stop believing the lie and turn to the truth. And this is not based on how I am feeling. Sometimes I have to look truth straight in the face and say, “I believe it!”

 For example, I’m not feeling happy right now, but I know my joy is complete in Christ. I don’t feel like God loves me, but I know God loved me so much He sent His son to die for me. I feel like a complete failure, but I know Christ will finish the work He has started in me. I feel like I can’t do anything right, but I know through Christ I can do all things.

Did you know nothing pleases Satan more than to get you in a stuck place where you have no hope or any peace? It’s because when you are stuck you have little to no effectiveness. You become a dweller, a person who hovers over the same spot in life having no impact. I don’t want to live that way, and I don’t believe you do either. The good news is God loves you right where you are. He wants to use every part of your life for His glory. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Join me in standing upon the truth. If we fall, sisters, we will just get back up, rub the dust off, and keep on standing, believing with all of our heart.

 I am linked up at Live Free Thursdsay with Suzie Eller. Come check it out!

Confident, Who Me? (revisted)

Looking back over my life, I would never describe myself as a woman with confidence. However, as the years have gone by the Lord has taken me through various trails and victories, my confidence has increased and is increasing immensely. Along the way (and depending on the day:), I had to realize  my confidence wasn’t based off the things I do. It was solely based off my relationship with Jesus and who He is in my life.

Here is what Dictionary.com has to say about the word confident: 1. Having strong belief or full assurance; sure: confident of fulfillment. 2. Sure of oneself; having no uncertainty about one’s own abilities, correctness, successfulness. 3. Excessively bold; presumptuous. Did you catch that?

“Having no uncertainty about one’s own ability.”

Personally, I’ve had plenty of uncertainties about my own abilities, and this often led to struggles with my self-confidence; furthermore, In the midst of all those uncertainties, I would forget to turn to God for direction and strength; instead I would let the lies of this world shape who I wanted to be. Let’s take a look at what the world describes as a confident woman:

She pushes her way through life with her head erected high not letting anything, so it seems, get in her way. She appears to have it all together. Everything on her life’s list seems to be checked off. She seems fulfilled. The outer appearance is in check, especially when comparing herself to other women. She is bold and presumptuous, even at the expense of other people’s feelings. She doesn’t need to summit to anyone because she is her own person and has a mind of her own (I wanted to be this woman).

Now let’s look at the confident woman of God. She too has her head held high, but not because she thinks she’s all that, but because she knows the One true giver of all things. She is clothed in the splendor of her Lord. She doesn’t have to judge others because she knows from what she has been forgiven. She is busy going about the work that has been given to her. She knows where her source of energy comes from. She can willingly submit to the authority around her because she knows God is the ultimate authority in her life. She can lay her head down each night knowing she has served well, loved well, and given all to the glory of the Lord (I want to be this woman).

Believe me when I say… It is a battle. Also, I can say with confidence, I am a work in progress, as I am sure we all are. However, let us all pursue God in a way that we too will be able to stand with our heads held high. And not because of any great accomplishments we have done, but because of who Christ is in our lives. May we have full assurance that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). As we grow in this true confidence, may others begin to see women who are radiating the reflection of God’s glory.

For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.  Prov. 3:26

In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.
 Prov. 14:26
     

A Whole lot of Perspectives…

 Let me just jump right in this…..If I could share with you the degree of stuff that I have been set free from, you would probably be disgusted, or amazed to the point of rejoicing. Through God’s grace and the blood of Jesus , I have been set free from much. That is why I can’t walk around with my christian-measuring stick and beat others over the head with it. I can’t say who is deserving of God’s grace and who is not. I wasn’t deserving, but Jesus chose to die for me anyway. Once Jesus gets a hold of a life, He will change it.

With all that said, I do believe without a doubt that…“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” I can’t change it. I can’t throw out the parts I don’t like. If I so choose, all I can do is ignore it.

Lord, help me with walk with the same love You have shown me…

I love hearing stories of just ordinary people, who have been touched by the hand of God. Here is something written by a lovely gal on my  “A Mother’s Faith” group on Facebook. This is Melissa Allen’s perspective: (Thank you for letting me share your story, Melissa)

Ok look, I don’t judge people. I never have. I make decisions about you based on how you treat me. If your nice to me I’m nice to you. If you show me love I will give it right back. I have more empathy than most. I don’t care who you marry as long as you are happy and you treat each other well. Love is a beautiful thing. Yes, I am a Christian. I haven’t always been. When I hadn’t found the Lord yet, I was still a good person but something was missing. There was a hole in me that I tried to fill with all kinds of things. But nothing ever fit until I found Jesus. It has changed my family in immeasurable ways. Things that I never thought possible have happened. So, tell me why is it that people judge me? Assume that they know what I think or how I feel based on the fact that I love Jesus. If you want to know what I think ask me.
Yes, there are some things in the bible you might not want to hear. There are some things in the bible I don’t like to hear! Because it reminds me that I’m not perfect. It’s called conviction. It’s what keeps me humble and honest with myself. Without it I would go around thinking I had it all together. That I don’t need Jesus and I would be right back where I was 5 years ago. Trust me, nobody wants that! I’m happier within myself than I have ever been. I no longer carry guilt or shame around in a back pack. But it’s not my intention or job to convict you.
So, in a time where we as a Nation are being more respectful of other people’s feelings and rights. Where everything is ok and a man that 6 months ago was being ripped to shreds in the media is now a hero and being celebrated and loved in the media because she is living her truth, am I made to feel like it’s not ok to live my truth? To celebrate the fact that I love Jesus! I can’t talk about it because it might make someone uncomfortable. I can’t share my story with you because you might feel like I’m trying to make you go to church or I’m preaching to you. Trust me, I don’t want to make anyone do anything they don’t want to. I don’t want to preach to you. If I tell you about how my life has changed and how happy I am it’s because it’s true and I want to share my experience with you. I want you to have the love and joy that I have found. Nothing more. I have no hidden agenda. I’m not looking down on you or judging you because you don’t go to church. I’m just sharing something really cool that happened to me. Yet I’m made to feel as though it’s not ok. I’m not allowed to share my love of Jesus because I might make someone feel uncomfortable. Or people will label me and assume they know what I think about certain topics just because I go to church.
So, in a time where we as a Nation are being more respectful of people’s feelings and rights shouldn’t I get the same benefits?
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

Change of Plans

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope..Jer. 29:11

Are you ok with your plans being interrupted? How would you handle your child getting sick the night before a big event you’ve been planning for months? What if your car won’t start the minute you need to rush off somewhere? Or, it can be something bigger  like you’ve had your life all mapped out…the career, the husband, the children. But then you have a chronic illness that is affecting your life in ways that you never dreamed of. Maybe you never expected to be divorced and a single mom. Maybe you just thought this season of life would be easier.

I wish I could sit here and tell you I have this area mastered. I wish I could say I walk in stride with every twist and turn. I wish I could be more like Abraham when He found out He was to pack all He had and move the land of Canaan (Gen. 12:1-5). I tend to relate more to the disciples when their teacher, messiah, and leader had been killed on the cross. This wasn’t part of their plan. They were confused.

However, God had a plan.

I remember being stationed in Beaufort, SC. My husband had received orders for us to move to Virginia City. I was so excited at the thought of staying on the East Coast. I would be within driving distance of my extended family. We would still be living by the ocean. I had every detail of this move already mapped out in my mind. Then, one day the news came hard….change of plans we were moving out West. And mind you, not by the coast, either. We were moving to the mountains of Coleville, Ca. I think I grieved on the couch for a week, or two.

You see, I was familiar with this part of the country. I was raised about 50 miles from that area. I met my husband in that area. However, I left a lot of brokenness and pain in that area. We as a couple left a lot of broken, fragmented pieces in that area. I did not want to go back.

I am glad my God sees the big picture.

Well, it has been 14 years since we made the move back to the West. And guess what? I survived! Big things have taken place in my life and the life of my family simply because we were right where we needed to be.

Here and now as I sit, I wish, again, I could say I don’t get upset with the change of plans. I still tend to get my hopes set so high that when life is interrupted I have to take a bit to regain my focus. I wish I could say I have it all figured out. But the good news is I don’t have to have it all figured out. Maybe that is the problem? I need to release the grip of control over every situation and be more open to what my God may be doing and accomplishing in every twist and turn in my life.

My friends, what is your response when life interruptions take place? Have you come to a place where you believe that God is in control of every aspect of your life and through the blood of Christ you have been given a new life? Every detail of our lives is being used to transform us into what He would have us to be. Some things that happen in our lives don’t make much sense in our limited thinking. And the truth is, we would try to avoid the pain and heartache that life can bring, if we had a choice. However, the very pain we would avoid is used to bring about the greatest healing in our lives. God is working in the midst. Trust Him to do the work.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Prov. 3:5-6

My Daily Dose

I have been guilty on many occasions of trying to bring “tomorrows” worries into my “today”. Can anyone relate? However, I was struck hard when I read the story in Exodus. You know the one where Moses, by God’s power, delivered his people from their bondage. (Exodus 16: 1-36) 

But wait! Listen to this!

Now, they were entering into a new kind of bondage: They felt like they were lacking…they were hungry for what they had back in Egypt. They had that feeling like the one where you feel like you’re missing out on something. However, God through His grace (I don’t think I would have had that much patience:) provided them with some food called manna. They could gather only what was need, and it says there was no lack.

No lack, huh? Do I feel as if things are lacking in my life? You know there is so much to worry about on a daily bases…college tuition, price of gas, a broken government, my only daughter leaving for college next year, hardship and pain of those around me. And if I were being honest, I would include the need to control everything and every circumstance around me. As a matter of fact, I am sure I could easily fill this page up with all my worries and woes. (I’m sure you have your own list).

But is this how I am called to live life?

Like the people group of long ago, I can thank God for my daily dose of manna. I can believe that He supplies all my needs (Phil. 4:19). I can trust that He already knows the future; moreover, He is already there.

However, also like the people group of long ago, I am forgetful when it comes to walking with trust and thankfulness. I start to complain and worry. I am so grateful that my God in heaven is so faithful and never gives up on me. And that Jesus died for those such as me with a short-term memory.

The truth is……we all have been given everything that pertains to this life (2 Peter 1:3). We can stand firm and rooted in Christ. Why worry about tomorrow for we don’t know what tomorrow will bring? If we continue to focus on the uncertainties of tomorrow, we will miss the joy that is available for us today.

One day at a time…

“And they lacked nothing….”

When bad things happen

I can’t sit here and say that I totally understand why bad things happen- national disasters, illness, death, heartache and pain. However I do seek to know my God…And I know He loves me with an everlasting love. I KNOW He is in control of all things, and He works all things out for the good.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

I live in a broken, fallen world. However, does that mean I cannot walk in the victory that Christ has already secured for me? Of course I can! I can choose to let the circumstances have work in my life. Even though my body is getting old, and my earth is groaning with birth pains. God is still active alive and working in the midst.

For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:22-23

I can walk in the fact that the Spirit intercedes on my behalf. That reassurance lets me know it’s ok to fall sometimes. It’s ok if I don’t do things perfectly. It lets me know that if and when I do fall, I can get back up each and every time. I can walk one step at a time. Some days I will feel like taking giant leaps, and then other days I will walk each step minute by minute.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26

I can walk in authenticity…letting others in. I don’t have to put on a mask and fake like everything is ok. I found the definition of the greek word “hypocrite”..hypokrites, which means- play for actor stage player where mask to hide their true self. Exposure is no fun; however, true genuine work and healing can take place when there is realness. Infact, others that have walk the same journey can be of great comfort.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Cor. 1:3-4

I can continue on a journey of a transformed life. I can also know that I can find my resting place in Christ, a place where only He can minister to me. Sometimes, the simple question is, do I continue down the same path that leads to destruction, or do I run to the one who knows me like no other and let Him begin His healing work in me?

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28

Like I mentioned in the beginning, I don’t totally have this all figured out. Recently, I had to walk through the final days of my step-dad, who was like a father to me. As almost two months have gone by, I am still walking through the process of it all. I am learning that it is just that… a process. The follow things I wrote were just that …me processing. I pray that if anyone else is going through a season of grief that this will point you in the direction of Christ and His love for you. I pray for you to take comfort in the simple fact that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the end. (Phil. 1:6) And, please seek help if need be. There are trusted friends, mentors, counselors that I am sure would love to walk this journey with you. If you let me know, I would love to be praying for you. There is power in prayer!

I found great comfort in this verse: 

For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:1

Heavy Weight (Revisted)

I am so grateful for the work Christ has done in my life. If you would have told me 20 yrs ago that I could be set free from all that was weighing me down, I would have told you  straight to your face…”You, are crazy!” But now I am here to say…”There is freedom in Christ!” It took a long time for me to understand this. And,  since I am a work in process, it will take my life’s journey to understand more.

Amen!

I wrote these blog posts almost 3years ago. Since my reader base has grown since then, I wanted to throw them out there again. It brought me to tears as I reread the posts myself, because it reminded me of how so undeserving I am of God’s grace. But through His love and mercy, He chooses to lavish it on me anyway.

I live because Christ lives in me! I live because Christ intercedes for me! I live because Christ is for me!

Please click on each link below:
 Heavy Weight pt. 1, Heavy Weight pt. 2, Heavy Weight pt. 3

Who We Are…

Thank you Tony Robinson from Well Watered Woman for posting this awhile back. These truths are still having a big impact on my life……

My sisters, as you read over this list, what truths do you need to carry into 2014?

<!–[if !mso]>st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } <![endif]–>The Word of God Says in Jesus Christ…

I am faithful (Ephesians 1:1)

I am God’s child (John 1:12)

I have been justified (Romans 5:1)

I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)

I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20)

I am a member of Christ’s Body (1 Corinthians 12:27)

I am assured all things work together for good (Romans 8:28)

I have been established, anointed and sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

I am confident that God will perfect the work He has begun in me (Philippians 1:6)

I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20)

I am hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3)

I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)

I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18)

I am blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)

I am chosen before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4, 11)

I am holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4)

I am adopted as his child (Ephesians 1:5)

I am given God’s glorious grace lavishly and without restriction (Ephesians 1:5,8)

I am in Him (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:30)

I have redemption (Ephesians 1:8)

I am forgiven (Ephesians 1:8; Colossians 1:14)

I have purpose (Ephesians 1:9 & 3:11)

I have hope (Ephesians 1:12)

I am included (Ephesians 1:13)

I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)

I am a saint (Ephesians 1:18)

I am salt and light of the earth (Matfthew 5:13-14)

I have been chosen and God desires me to bear fruit (John 15:1,5)

I am a personal witness of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8)

I am God’s coworker (2 Corinthians 6:1)

I am a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5)

I am raised up with Christ (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6)

I have been shown the incomparable riches of God’s grace(Ephesians 2:7)

God has expressed His kindness to me (Ephesians 2:7)

I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

I have been brought near to God through Christ’s blood(Ephesians 2:13)

I have peace (Ephesians 2:14)

I have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18)

I am a member of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19)

I am secure (Ephesians 2:20)

I am a holy temple (Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 6:19)

I am a dwelling for the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:22)

I share in the promise of Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6)

God’s power works through me (Ephesians 3:7)

I can approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)

I know there is a purpose for my sufferings (Ephesians 3:13)

I can grasp how wide, long, high and deep Christ’s love is(Ephesians 3:18)

I am completed by God (Ephesians 3:19)

I can bring glory to God (Ephesians 3:21)

I have been called (Ephesians 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:9)

I can be humble, gentle, patient and lovingly tolerant of others(Ephesians 4:2)

I can mature spiritually (Ephesians 4:15)

I can be certain of God’s truths and the lifestyle which He has called me to (Ephesians 4:17)

I can have a new attitude and a new lifestyle (Ephesians 4:21-32)

I can be kind and compassionate to others (Ephesians 4:32)

I can forgive others (Ephesians 4:32)

I am a light to others, and can exhibit goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:8-9)

I can understand what God’s will is (Ephesians 5:17)

I can give thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:20)

I don’t have to always have my own agenda (Ephesians 5:21)

I can honor God through marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33)

I can parent my children with composure (Ephesians 6:4)

I can be strong (Ephesians 6:10)

I have God’s power (Ephesians 6:10)

I can stand firm in the day of evil (Ephesians 6:13)

I am dead to sin (Romans 1:12)

I am not alone (Hebrews 13:5)

I am growing (Colossians 2:7)

I am His disciple (John 13:15)

I am prayed for by Jesus Christ (John 17:20-23)

I am united with other believers (John 17:20-23)

I am not in want (Philippians 4:19)

I possess the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16)

I am promised eternal life (John 6:47)

I am promised a full life (John 10:10)

I am victorious (I John 5:4)

My heart and mind is protected with God’s peace (Philippians 4:7)

I am chosen and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12)

I am blameless (I Corinthians 1:8)

I am set free (Romans 8:2; John 8:32)

I am crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)

I am a light in the world (Matthew 5:14)

I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)

I am the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)

I am safe (I John 5:18)

I am part of God’s kingdom (Revelation 1:6)

I am healed from sin (I Peter 2:24)

I am no longer condemned (Romans 8:1, 2)

I am not helpless (Philippians 4:13)

I am overcoming (I John 4:4)

I am persevering (Philippians 3:14)

I am protected (John 10:28)

I am born again (I Peter 1:23)

I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am delivered (Colossians 1:13)

I am redeemed from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13)

I am qualified to share in His inheritance (Colossians 1:12)

I am victorious (1 Corinthians 15

Contently Sipping Umbrella Drinks

I had to ask myself, “Am I becoming complacent?” You see, I am reading a book called Anything by Jennie Allen, and I came across something that touched a nerve. Or maybe it reawakened a nerve that had become a little sloth.

Here are bits of what Jennie Allen wrote:
It felt as I had been laying out, drinking something fruity with an umbrella in it on some beautiful cruise ship moving across the ocean. When I looked around, all the other people were having a nice time by the pool or walking on the deck with their friends. But in the course of our beautiful day, the captain came over the loudspeaker, panicking, yelling to everyone, “This ship is sinking! Head for the rescue boats!”
So naturally I threw down my drink and started running for the boats, but quickly realized I was the only one. Everyone else seemed oblivious, just continuing their lovely vacation. It didn’t sit well with me, but I didn’t know what to do…I looked around, and everything did look rather pleasant and safe. So I went back to my drink and magazine thinking maybe I had imagined it.
But this feeling stayed in by gut: Something is not right…I think this ship is going down, and everyone’s losing it, because they are just sitting here acting lovely. But I keep sipping my drink with an umbrella in it, lest they all think I’d gone crazy, running for the rescue boats on a perfectly lovely day…

 You see, from the minute I was saved, I believed I was called into a new life. I didn’t want to live in bondage. If Christ said He had set me free, then I was free. If Christ said I could live the abundant life in Him, then I wanted the abundant life. I wanted to be different, living out God’s purpose for me. I wanted to raise a generation of children who were different. I wanted my marriage to be different. I guess you could say I didn’t want to be ok with what was considered “normal”.

However, it seems recently that life is beginning to catch up with me….the daily ins and outs; it is beginning to all feel very mundane. Am I becoming numb to the things around me? I find myself not wanting to go over and beyond, extending myself pass the place where it just feels comfortable. 

Romans 12:1-2 tells me that my life is suppose to be a living sacrifice, which means I can give it all to Him. My whole life!… “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, it this too much to ask? Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” (The Book)

Do I want to live a life where I have to sacrifice something…..time, energy, pride, money, goals?

It is so easy to let complacency set in. The world shouts sit back and relax and kick your feet up…enjoy the ride. I think God is awaking something in me. Maybe He is awakening something in you, too-revival maybe. We can go to a higher place with Jesus. We each can be a bright shining light in the midst dark world. And when we find ourselves in the place of complacency, we can trust that Jesus is the restorer, redeemer, healer of our souls.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:11-13.

“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:32-33

~Each and every little sacrifice we choose to make daily can have God-sized results in God’s kingdom.~