I’ve looked forward to this past week with anticipation and
thoughts of peaceful rest. This was supposed to be a week of sleeping in, long
quiet times, zero plans on the calendar, and fun at our neighborhood pool. In
my mind it was perfect.
In reality it was completely opposite!
You see Friday, May 24th, was the last day of
school for my kids, and this past week was their first week of summer break.
The month of May had been slightly hectic with our GlobalX trip to Macedonia
(which was life changing once again!), end of school parties, baseball schedule
and more. After all that activity I couldn’t wait for the summer schedule to
begin. More importantly, I couldn’t wait to regroup my thoughts and change my
attitude, which had slowly become quick to anger and full of frustration with our
busy calendar.
What I found instead this past week really surprised me.
Instead of a renewed mind it was more of a continuation of my May attitude.
Instead of peace I encountered more frustration. Thursday night when I tucked in my oldest, he sweetly
asked me why I was so angry all the time.
You know you’re not doing well inside when your 11-year-old boy speaks
up and gently points out what you thought you were hiding. The poor thing
wasn’t enjoying his summer break any more than I was…and it was mainly my
fault. Oh, Lord, I needed to change.
As I thought about it and brought it before the Lord I
realized I wasn’t being ‘active’ in fighting against my sinful attitude. I
allowed a busy schedule to get in the way of being on my guard and being
prayerful in everything. It was as if I had gotten lazy in my spiritual life
and was taking God’s help for granted. Before I knew it I was sinning all over
the place, and this past week my precious children received the consequences of
my actions the most. I felt terrible and was completely humbled.
My verse is a reminder to me to be active in the fight
against sin…and a reminder of the grace of God to help me from getting
discourage.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
1 John 4:7-9 (NIV)
ReplyDeleteDear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
I chose these verses because it just seems like I can never learn enough about how to love like God and how to let God love me. Sometimes I think I'm still in the remedial class of Love 101. : )
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41: 10 (NKJV)
ReplyDeleteI thank God for his love and comforting words in this current age (and the ages to come). Bless His Holy name.
Sylvia Allen
You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Ex 19:4-6
ReplyDeleteThis is where the shadow of our promise starts - steeped in God's faithfulness, it is a call to love God and love others, to be priests and mediators for the lost. I like that.
ReplyDelete“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!" Luke 6:31 (MSG)
This verse was a conversation in my house this week with my eight year old daughter. She was trying to figure out how to navigate a jumbled relationship between a few of her friends. I was sharing my own experiences with her and we looked up this verse. Compared to the traditional translations, The Message said it best for her. We both agreed action was required on our part, not only hoping, wishing, and complaining.
I LOVE that translation Melissa---makes it so simple!
DeleteDonna
Enjoying soaking up all of your posts today.
ReplyDeleteDo you ever get to the point that you are repeating the same pleading prayers over and over again every day? I know I do...I have my lists and people that need to be lifted up...and all the things I give thanks for...and sometimes I go on and on....today I am tired from travel and have a splitting headache....I was going to skip my long prayers and the guilt was creeping over me...I opened my bible...and landed on Mathew 6:9-13....if the bible had a greatest hits list...this would be on it!
Mathew 6:9-13
ReplyDeleteThis, then, is how you should pray:
"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Psalm 90:14---"Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing of JOY and be GLAD all our days."
ReplyDeleteI want to learn to be satisfied in God alone and sometimes it's just so hard--we want more (or other stuff). Amazing to think that satisfaction in His love can produce joy & gladness ALWAYS!
Donna Vonfeldt
Psalm 84:11 - "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing will he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."
ReplyDeleteAs I go through a very significant transition, I want to look to the Lord as the one who protects me and bestows favor. I don't earn it or have to make it happen - if He wants to bestow it in my new job and new surroundings, that is His business and I will trust Him with it. In the meantime, I want to still walk in a way that pleases Him - in every area.
I forgot to post so I am catching up - even though I did work on this verse:
ReplyDeleteRomans 15:13
May the God of Hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.