Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 Fear Last night, Yellow Car Boy and I sat down to watch one of our very favorite baking shows. Each episode, someone gets "let go". This particular episode brought forth a lot of emotions in the contestants. There were many tears for the one who had to leave. As I watched, I began to wonder what things I get more emotional about that aren't necessarily God honoring, than things of my Savior. (I can see some people rolling their eyes already turned off by that thought. And in rolls the "everything isn't about Jesus", {that thought in itself is concerning dear child of God, because it is} but just hear me out. I'm not saying we can't get emotional about things, but for real some people get more upset over the loss of a football game than the fact there are lost souls- ok really don't let me lose you there, I graduated from an SEC college- stay with me.) Yesterday was also an emotional day for me as I've allowed myself to slip into a period of issues with self image. This is something I've battled, overcome, battled, overcome, battled, etc. This morning I woke up and saw news headlines about a burning building in London where six people died, and a shooting in Virginia with several congressmen. My heart broke. The divide in our country, in our world, is burdening. Sometimes I want to be a ostrich and stick my head in the sand and move on. Sometimes I'm incredibly fearful- like I don't want to go outside because what if something like that happens where I am. (I realize both cases are extreme, and I can see my dad now, if he's reading this. He's frustrated in multiple aspects whether it be news source choices or being fearful.) Distractions How do the tears on a cooking show and self image wrap into all of this? In this world where there are so, so many things we can put our eyes on, do we have them on Jesus? There are so many things we care about, and rightfully so! But where is our passion? What do we spend our time and money doing? I don't at all think God would have us to sit in a dark room reading the Bible only to attend outings at your local church. He did, after all, tell us to go to the world and share His Gospel. But throughout His Word we see the importance of prayer, digging into His Word, and fasting. The word Christian means Christ like- so be like Christ. When our eyes are elsewhere, this can be hard to do. For instance, I am a people pleaser. I get lots of joy out of things being peaceful and making others happy. We all know you cannot make everyone happy in most cases. Praise God, He has helped me a lot in this area. I used to, and sometimes still do, labor and pour myself into keeping people happy. And if I'm not pouring myself into it, I fret- FRET- over it. Silly, I know. I am surrounded with some amazing people from all walks of life. It's interesting how Christians are called to be a part of THE church (the body of Christ) and yet we all have different opinions and interpretations. I know people who have strict standards with music, clothing, media in general, etc., and I know people who are a little more lax in this. And you know what, praise God for different people, because different people are able to reach different people. (Let me add that I firmly believe our beliefs and standards should be based upon God's Word. So that whole we're all sinners and grace is a beautiful thing, so grace is a ticket to sin idea would be false. Grace IS a beautiful thing, but it is NOT something to be abused.) All that said to say, I worry that for some people, my standards aren't high enough, and for some they think I'm a Bible thumper and holier than thou. The good news is, that I don't rightfully know people have those opinions. I assume things from time to time, and boy does Satan know how to use the dynamite of assumption. But, if people do have those thoughts, I remind myself that God is the One I will answer to, so their opinions don't have a lot of weight in the grand scheme of life. I don't say that to justify sin or promote self righteousness. I say it to denote both. If that makes sense at all. My point being y'all I worry about petty things and again take my eyes off Jesus. I have gone to church so wrapped up over someone not being ok with my clothes that I didn't hear the sermon. I've shared a Biblical truth with someone and worried so badly that I offended them, that I began to question if I did that right thing. But you know, the cross was offensive, and everyone didn't/doesn't love Jesus- sadly so. (Which reminds me of the importance of Christians coming together for the cause of Christ. There are things we may disagree on, hence all the denominations, but y'all the ultimate goal is to bring lost souls to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to disciple them in the the truth filled Word of God.) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; 2 Timothy 3:16 Every Word of God is pure; He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Proverbs 30: 5 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Psalm 12:6 So shall My words be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 All that said to say, if you're unsure about an issue of life, I would encourage you to turn to the Word of God. Hiding His Word in our hearts is a sure way to keep our eyes on Him. Eyes off/on Jesus Now clearly there are things in this life we will do and experience that don't point straight to Jesus and there will be things that are definitely "Christ focused". For instance, going to the grocery store vs. going to church. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:23 While going to the grocery store doesn't seem very "Christ focused", it can/should be. Let me give you a scenario. I'm in a hurry, and I need to grab something quickly at the grocery store. I walk down aisle 16 which happens to have all of the items that I need. There in the middle of the floor lays a child kicking and screaming. The items I need are blocked by someone in an electric scooter/cart thing. I finally get my items and reach the checkout area. Of course, there are two lanes open (while I could insert a joke here, I'm not speaking of a particular store here... some of you will get that in a minute), and both lines are forever long. I finally get checked out, but my bladder is literally about to bust. I rush to the bathroom, aaannnnddd it's being cleaned. I make a mad dash to my car, and there is road work going on, and again I'm becoming later and later. I finally arrive at church. I'm late, and I'm cranky and frantic. I can put my eyes on my need to hurry, or I can put them on Jesus. I could look with utter judgment at the screaming child and mother, or I could offer her words of encouragement, a prayer, or even simply smile. I could be annoyed and huff and puff at the person on the electric scooter/cart thing, or I can offer assistance with reaching the items on the upper shelves. I could make a ranting post (guilty) on social media about the lack of cashiers, or I can count it a blessing that just maybe God has me waiting with a purpose or maybe just to practice the patience He has so graciously bestowed upon me. I can let the unavailable bathroom infuriate me, or I can count it a blessing that they actually clean them. I can honk my horn, throw my hands up, etc., or just be thankful for paved roads and the fact people have jobs and that maybe it will help the economy (ok I realize that's a stretch, but really). I can arrive to church and be frustrated with a foul attitude, or I can be thankful I made it and greet that visitor with a smile. I know, I know some of that seems ridiculous and maybe it doesn't, but truthfully. Eyes off and eyes on Jesus make a big difference. And as His child, we represent Him everywhere we go. Changing Gears But that's not what this post is about, so let me change gears here. (Clutch engaged.) Y'all, this world is scary. It is. But praise God, we have a BRIGHT light. We have the Word of God, and as a child of God, we have Jesus Christ within us, and that is something to celebrate! I can get so distracted. I fret over people's opinion of weight gain, an untidy house, and what I said. I toss and turn and lock my doors with all of the recent incidents in the UK and the divide that seems to be getting wider in our country. The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turneth it withersoever He will. Proverbs 21:1 As I watched the footage of the shooting in Virginia, I started singing "Turn Your eyes Upon Jesus". For many years this has been one of my very favorite hymns. It is so, so comforting to know that I can do that. What a mighty God I serve that brings peace that passeth all understanding. Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more flory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Hebrews 3:1-6 I'm so glad Christ was so faithful to His followers. I will be very honest, if there's ever been anything I've struggled with, I struggle in the area of fear. I can get so overwhelmed. And God will remind me of of 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.", I'm always amazed at myself and how I completely trust God with my salvation, my ETERNITY, but when it comes to issues of life, I want to take the reigns. Ultimately, I would rather sit and worry about it- sounds silly, right? I love the above Scripture from Hebrews. "For every house is builded by some man: but He that built all things is God." God, the Creator of the universe, this earth, you, me, the One Who holds the whole world in His hands- I think He has a firm grasp on the short period of time we walk this earth. Now I don't think that means He would have us take the ostrich route and stick our heads in the sand. (Side note: did you know ostriches don't actually bury their heads in the sand? My thinking the animal that did this was flamingo, and Yellow Car Boy proofing and pointing that out made me do a little research. Which reminds of a thought I've had recently about asking people for help rather than solely the Internet. I feel like we're scared to ask people for advice because we think we should know, after all a quick search, and you have all kinds of information at your fingertips. But you know, I enjoy going to people and asking for help. What a wonderful opportunity for a conversation and maybe seek someone else's expertise. Maybe a blog post on that will happen later.) I do think He would have us to be busy about His work with our eyes on Him. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Changing Gears Again... Maybe? A Summary... Yeah, a Summary I started this blog post with a completely different end goal than where I went. I woke up this morning, and I was scared. I was scared for the state of our country, this world. And I know since sin entered this world there has been death and heartache, that's no surprise. But y'all, Yellow Car Boy and I are to the point we're talking seriously about children, and I do get concerned about the world they will grow up in. I do believe our country has been so blessed because of our Christian heritage. Y'all, let's turn back to Jesus. Let's call on Him. Let's turn our faces from evil. In our culture, it is so easy to compromise. Don't compromise God. Compromise who has the best french fries, but don't compromise God. So child of God, please be a light in this darkness. Tell people about Jesus. Show people His love. Share your testimony and life change when He became your Savior. Fill Social Media with His goodness. Pray for your enemies. Live peaceably, and be bold in Christ. Pay for someone's food. Smile at a stranger walking down the street. Say thank you. Ask to pray with someone. And do it all in His precious Name.
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