No, I'm Not Perfect... I'm Just Always Right.

How often to do you ask God if you are wrong?

I'm not talking about whether you are in sin or not. I'm talking about an attitude of the heart. When you are obeying what God has called you to do for a season, is your heart in the right season as well? I ask this because we are always asking God what we should do: How often do we ask Him what we should feel, or how we should act? Trust me when I say I am stepping on my own toes on this one as well.

Recently, I was in a situation where no matter what I told someone, they believed it was a totally different scenario. They believed what they wanted to believe I was saying, no matter what angle I came at it. Why? It most likely was easier for them to accept, but I can't really say for sure. They assumed something that wasn't true so that they didn't have to deal with a bigger issue. It's not just me either- others have confided the same.

So how do we make sure we don't fall into this trap? I think the first step is prayer. David says to the Lord in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way." We must ask God to reveal it to us. Remember: That's the point of needing to be searched- we don't realize it's there.

The next thing is to practice humility. The best way I've found to do this is by serving others- FIRST. This isn't easy, but when we are serving others in righteousness, we seldom have time for self-serving righteousness.  As Christians, we often need to pray for the Spirit to keep us righteous on the inside as well as the out (Matthew 23:28). It would be so easy to become like the religious leaders in Jesus' time if we did not humble ourselves before the Lord and before others often (Matthew 23:13-33).

Please take some time today to listen to the Spirit's guidance as you ask God to search your heart for any offensive way. Ask His forgiveness and then make it right-eous again.

I Know Why...

This is a beautiful illustration of a way God may have worked during Creation. Even though I do not believe in all of it, I love watching this and praising Him the whole time!

Watch till the very end's statement...

Big Bang Theory

"He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done form beginning to end."
Ecclesiastes 3:11

An Underlined Day

Some days there is just so much going on physically, spiritually, and/or emotionally that there is just no sorting it out. Those are "Underlined Days".

What are you suppose to do?

1.   Get out the Bible you use most often, or find one that you use to use a lot, but haven't since you got the new version.
2.   Open it to where the binding is the weakest.
3.   Start looking for the verses you have underlined or specially marked in the past and read only those.
4.   As you read, see if you can remember why it was marked. What did God have to say to you then?
5.   If a verse reminds you of troubled times past, praise God for His faithfulness in bringing you through. If it brings to mind happier moments, ask Him to comfort you now and rekindle the joy of your salvation even in troubled times.
6.   If you have no clue as to why you marked it, thank Him that His Word is alive. It never changes, but it often comes like a fresh wave. (Don't be sad it's low tide now, just get prepared for high tide later!)

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for my Bible and a good, sharp pencil...

Crowns

Yesterday I had to go to the dentist and get a crown. Well, actually, I was given a temporary one until the real one comes in. The worst part was all the drilling and even getting to the tooth; of course it was one of the ones in the very back. There's nothing quite like lying there with two sets of hands prying open your jaw while your head vibrates from drilling and at the same time having to breath in the burnt bone smell coming from your own mouth.

I don't like going to the dentist.

Later on as I reflected on the fact that I could actually will myself to be still and let strangers do that to me, a thought came to mind: Being a Christian who is living life fully for God is not easy either. Not only do we come up against resistance from the world, but we also have a God  who loves us enough to discipline us (Hebrews 12:5-8). And what will we recieve for enduring this life as His servants?
The crown of life.


"Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12


I only have my temporary right now in that area as well - His Promise - but one day I will meet my Savior face to face and He will give me my permanent one.

How Are These Verses Good?

I haven't been feeling very well since late Sunday night, so I'd just like to leave you with one of my favorite sets of verses. The odd thing is, I'm not really sure why they are some of my favorite or why they encourage me so.

What do you think?

"For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases.


...But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgement, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil."
Ecclesiastes 1:18, 12:12-14