Just Thankful

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

The Struggle is Real

I just want you to know the STRUGGLE is real!

Stuggle is defined as: 

(1) to make a great effort to do or achieve something or to overcome someone or something, and

(2) to move with difficulty or with great effort.

For me over the last 3 weeks, I have faced both of these definitions of "struggle." It has been difficult to overcome mentally the incident and dealing with flashbacks. It has also been a struggle to move due to being sore and in pain.

I can say that I'm much better than I was. I do still have progress to make. I am making progress one day at a time, one step at a time, one prayer at a time.

My friend/mentor came up with an acronym of STRUGGLE.

S - Simply
T - Trusting
R - Resting and
U - Understanding that MY
G - Good
G - God's
L - Love
E - Endures
~ST

When you look at your circumstances from a different view, the word STRUGGLE means so much more than what you're currently facing.  Taking your view from yourself to your need and dependence on God even more brings light to a completely different meaning of the word. Knowing, trusting, believing that He is always there no matter the circumstance. 

So today, if you struggle with anything in life know that the STRUGGLE is real but look at it from God's perspective, not our own.

My Roller Coaster of Thoughts Today

Philippians 4:13 is my motto.  I even have it tattooed on my shoulder.  So, if I can do all things through Him, why am I struggling after my accident? Why the questions?  Why this?  Why that?  

So many questions and am I doubting? Do I not believe enough?  Is what I'm going through a reflection of my relationship with Him? Do I not have enough faith?

At times, I think these questions are valid.  At times, I think it's an attack on my mind to get me to doubt and not be focused on what I should be.  It's a way to frustrate me.  But then I think, this is a frustrating situation.  I'm hindered with daily routines and desires.  But frustration isn't my doubting God.  It's frustrating that my whole world has been rocked because of someone else's lack of attention.  Her decision in life affected me (that's a whole other topic of how our decisions affect others, not just us). It's frustrating that I live with pain daily right now.  Why did it happen to me?  What's is the purpose of this? Why am I being flooded with emotions and flash backs? Can I not give it to God? Am I fully laying it down? Am I picking it back up?

Usually, I would have a much clearer picture and view of this.  My mind seems so cloudy lately.  Just when it seems that I'm climbing up the mountain, I fall back down.  Am I trying to do it on my own - from being an independent, do it myself type of person? I can't sit still and not progress.  But then I need to rest physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Where is the balance? Where is the clear picture? What am I to learn from this?

Hebrews 4:3a says that those who believe on Him can enter his rest…so SJ rest - physically, mentally, emotionally. 

As I look back on the last 3 weeks, I see 1 set of footprints in the sand.  No, I've not been abandoned.  I'm being carried.  I don't quite fully understand why this has happened or why it is affecting me mentally and emotionally as it has been.  But I do know this, God has not left me.  He is carrying me. Yes, I may still have moments of those floods of emotions, tears, and anger as I heal internally. But that doesn't mean I've been forsaken.

As I look at my hand and see and feel the damage to it, I'm still reminded of a devotion I taught at camp.  Deuteronomy 31:6 "So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." You have a daily reminder that God is always there by just looking at your hands.  Take these 10 words and attach 1 word per finger.  God will never leave me. God will never forsake me. Even though I have a gimped up hand that doesn't fully function right now, God is still there…even when I break down, He is there…even when I'm feeling good, He is there.  He's always there.  I know that God went before me and put His divine protection around me on that morning. 

So for now, I will continue to meditate on Him and His promises.  I will be more aware of attacks on my mind and wiser than those who are doing that.  I will continue to deal with the emotions as I heal internally… I mean physical wounds don't heal overnight; neither do mental and emotional ones.  I will continue to trust God.  I will continue to sort through this.  I do know that I'm still here when the outcome could've been so much worse. But in the meantime, just pray for me.  And if you see me having a moment, please be sensitive to that and continue to pray for me. Those who truly know me - I mean truly know me - know that this amount of emotions is not normal for me. 

I have survived. I will focus on the 'I can." I will focus on Him. I will eventually heal.  I will eventually be ok.  I will eventually be stronger. There is a purpose and testimony through this someway, somehow.

SJ

A shout out to a wonderful friend, mentor who has helped me along the way.  Our communication has been like a poem back and forth lately.  I love it!  Here is her wisdom and guidance from God about this situation...a move from looking at myself and the questions to my focus and dependence being on God.  Be blessed!

­­­Questions?????

I understand the questions.

I misunderstand the questions.

I question the questions.

I wonder if the questions are important.

I wonder if they matter at all.

I wonder if I’m even asking the right questions.

I wonder if in the Light of Him the questions even are questions at all.

He is more than capable of all of my questions for He has the answers.

In all of my questioning help me to listen, help me to hear.

Help me to only look to Him and patiently know He is answering. 

He is answering by my faith in Him; if I remember to keep it strong.

He is answering by my dependence upon Him. 

At this point my questions force my dependence on Him. 

I must know that He is capable of being depended on….I must remember that when my questions overtake me……..

Yes, He hears my questions.

ST

Act Like Romans?

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you.  Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind he will find acceptable.  This is truly the way to worship him.  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 learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."  Romans 12:1-2 NLT 

Proverbs 24:10 NLT  "If you fail under pressure, your strength is small."


When in Rome, do as the Romans do?  My answer is…I think not!  This statement is used many times as an excuse to compromise; to blatantly do whatever and not be held accountable.  No self-control.  (Proverbs 25:28 ESV  "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.")

Are we to compromise our beliefs and convictions to "fit in" with people or the world?  Should we be so concerned as to what people think or what God thinks?  Galatians 1:10 NLT  "Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.  If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant."

Instead, we should be on guard.  Be aware.  Make a conscious choice to not follow anything that is not like God.  Romans 13:14 NLT  "Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.  And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." 

What is your choice today?  Compromise?  Stand strong?

Lessons from King Saul

As I was reading the Bible today, I came across 1 Samuel 15.  I don't guess I've really paid any particular attention to this chapter before, but it sure stood out today.

God had taken Saul, a nobody, and appointed him as king.  God made him into something great.  Later, God told King Saul to do something, but Saul listened to peer pressure and decided that he would only do part of what God wanted him to do.  He and the soldiers kept what appealed to them instead of destroying everything.  Saul disrespected and disregarded God's command to him; he was stubborn and rebellious.  He twisted and watered down what God wanted from him to fit his desires. Being deceived by those thoughts, Saul even began to believe them thinking he had truly obeyed God.  He built a monument to himself, instead of giving credit to God. He thought about God after the fact when Samuel called him out on his disobedience. Saul's disobedience to God cost him being king but he was still able to seek repentance.  

Several points come to mind about this story.  

God took Saul and made him great.  Not by anything Saul did but God using him. Unfortunately, this went to Saul's head.  His ego got the best of him.  He didn't fully submit and wasn't obedient to God.  How many times have I done the exact same thing?  Sometimes, we get into ourselves instead of fully relying on God and giving him the credit.  We must remember that without God we can do nothing (John 15:5 NLT "I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing").  It is not our own power or ability, but God through us ( 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT "My grace is all you need.  My power works best in weakness.  So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me...For when I am weak, I am strong").  And that it's only through Christ that we can do everything (Philippians 4:13)!

Saul decided to not fully obey and destroy everything evil.  He kept what he wanted and what appealed to him.  Oh man.  That one hit hard.  So many times God has asked for everything of me, and I would hold on to something here and something there thinking that God didn't really expect everything from me.  Just like Saul, I paid the price for it.  God won't continue to allow blatant disobedience without some kind of consequence.  When God says something, he really means it.  If we truly love God, we will be fully obedient and give him everything (John 14:15 NLT "If you love me, obey my commandments.")  That's when God got a hold of me and put me on my face before him.  As I gave him everything in me, all those dark places, all those things I wanted to hold on to, he broke me and removed those sinful things and replaced those holes with his love and light.  I won't say that's an easy process.  Quite the opposite, it's very painful; sickening even when you get real and realize what you've been holding back on from God.  

God desires a true relationship and obedience more than an outward showing or ritual from us.  (1 Samuel 15:22 NLT "What is more pleasing to The Lord:  your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?  Listen!  Obedience is better than sacrifice and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.")  This isn't saying that what we do isn't important but we must evaluate the condition of our heart.  Am I or we doing something for the wrong reasons?  Am I or we just doing something out of religious obligation?  Am I just checking a box?  What will my friends and church people think?  God desires a complete heart relationship with us, and in turn, we will be fully open and obedient to him.  We shouldn't worry about what man thinks, rather what God thinks and desires of us (Galatians 1:10 NLT "Obviously I'm not trying to win the approval of people but of God").  Our desire should be to have a pure heart before God (Psalm 51:10).  We must be humble enough to ask God to search us, find what is not like him, and show us what needs to be changed so we can repent (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT "Search me o God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.")

Saul's influences helped him have a warped sense of what God wanted from him.  He watered down God's commands to him and his people.  This is exactly where our world is today.  So many thoughts and false teachings out there to make people feel good about a loving God.  Yes, he is loving.  But he also gave us certain guidelines to follow.  There is no gray area with God.  We can't take just a little bit of his word and make it fit what we want it to fit (2 Timothy 4:3-4 "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.")

Even through Saul's disobedience and paying the price of his decisions, he still repented before God.  How many times have I failed God?  How many have you?  How many consequences have we faced from our poor decisions?  But we don't have to stay there wallowing in those decisions and failures.  I am so thankful that God is merciful and forgiving.  God doesn't want any of us to perish, but our motives and heart must be right.  We must be truly repentant of our sins.  God's grace isn't an excuse to sin; to go do what we want and say that I'll repent later.  God's grace isn't the great cover up!  No one who comes to Jesus and enters a true love relationship with him can stay the same.  It isn't just words we repeat in a prayer. It is a true heart transformation by Christ that changes us,  guides us to be more like him daily, and to seek him daily.  (1 Corinthians 15:31 NLT "But thank God!  He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.")

Dear God, I am so thankful for your love and mercy.  So thankful for your saving grace.  So thankful that you continue to search me and change me.  God I am yours.  Break me of me.  Everything in and of me is yours.  Continue to remove anything from me that is not like you.  Continue to mold me.  I pray that my heart and motives continue to be pure before you.  Forgive me of the times I hold back.  Forgive me of when I second guess you.  Forgive me of those times that I try to do it on my own.  Forgive me of the times I fail you.  I can do nothing on my own but with you there is unlimited potential.  Not for my glory but for yours Lord.  Use this vessel and servant.  Continue to teach me and give me wisdom.  Amen.

My Breakthrough

This year's International Assembly theme is Breakthrough. This isn't by happenstance. God is truly up to something good. A huge breakthrough in my life and many others began during our summer camp in June. 

I can say that my life is forever changed. He has restored life and joy in me and my marriage. He removed deep rooted hurt, anger, and bitterness and replaced those dark voids with his love, strength, and courage. I AM FREE!  I am free from the weight of the lies and tricks of Satan. I am free from not feeling adequate enough...in him I am enough!  My identity is in Christ, not what I thought I was nor what others say I am. I am his child. I am an overcomer through him. I cannot do anything on my own but with him there is unlimited potential.

My love for God is overflowing.  God is so good!  He cares about not just the big things but even the smallest things that concern us.

Do you need God?  Do you need his healing?  Get real with him and give him all of your heart. Hold nothing back. Let him forever change you and fill you with his love, strength, and courage.

God thank you for your miraculous healing in me and my life and never leaving me nor forsaking me. Let me keep my focus on you and rely on your strength for I can do nothing on my own. Continue to remove me and fill me with you. Continue to break me free from anything not like you. Mold me into your image. Use this vessel for your will and to show your love to others.

Looking Back

Matthew 6:24 MSG

“You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other."

For a few weeks now, I've had this thought for a blog running through my head.   I've been trying to get my thoughts together on it.

God's been asking me, "Why are you looking back?  Am I not I am?  Will I not stay true to my promises? Do I not take care of you?  Why look back?"

As I ponder those deep questions, I can't help but think of the Children of Israel and Lot's wife. They looked back physically and in their hearts, instead of fully trusting God in all aspects.  Looking back and hanging on to the past didn't and still doesn't produce positive results (captivity, sin, death).  So many times we've lived in a certain situation, bondage, sin, etc for so long that it just feels natural. It was such a part of us that going back to it "fits like a glove" (ST).  But fully repenting and relying on God brings freedom, victory, being overcomers, deeper relationship with him, peace, joy, happiness, promises, etc.

You can't straddle the fence. You either love God or hate God. You can't serve 2 masters. We're being to God or to Satan. But we must make the choice. Make the right choice and don't look back!

God forgive me of the times I've failed and looked back. Continue to change me. Continue to guide my steps and take me on your journey. Protect my heart, mind, eyes, and ears from the lies of the enemy who would want me to doubt you or look back. Help me to be still and rest in you when life gets crazy and burdensome. I am an overcomer through you because through you I can do all things.

God's Got This

Lately I've been praying for God to:
Continue to break me
Remove anything in me not like him
Fully restore me through him
Fill me with him
Take me on a new journey with him
Take me to a deeper level like I've never seen before

He's doing just that.

I have my most favorite scripture tattooed on my left shoulder blade - Philippians 4:13.

Philippians 4:13 NLT
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

God's been speaking to me about how that must apply to my whole life, not just pieces. It must apply spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, etc...ALL areas.  I must fully rely on him, not me. For those who really know the true SJ, this is a daunting task. I am a strong, independent, do-it-myself kind of person.

As I sit here this morning in the hospital room watching my very sick husband sleep, I can tell you that personal fears want to crop up. The fear of the unknown looms about. But I must and will stand, faith believing, that God's got this. I'm not sure of what all we may face or what bridge we will cross next, but I'm leaning on God and resting in him. He will be my strength. He will be my courage. He will be my hope. He will carry us. He will heal Timmy.

Israel and New Breed - We Have Overcome

I heard this song today and it spoke to me. I love how God continually reminds us that through Jesus we have overcome and can thrive not just survive. We are not defeated!  We are more than conquerors through Jesus!  Oh if we could only get that into our spirit!  Satan must flee when we tell him to leave us alone.  We don't have to struggle.  We don't have to be weighed down.  We are victorious children of God!

Be blessed!

Giving It All To God

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."  Psalms 139:23-4

God has been talking pretty sternly, yet loving to me lately and taking me to a whole new level.  He's asking for my whole being; my whole heart.  There are parts that I had not yet relinquished to him.  For him to do the healing and restoration that I asked, he needs all of me - those hidden places that I may or may not even be aware of.  

So I've had to take a hard look at me and those not so pretty places that he's showing me.  I must tell you that it hurts to see those things and it hurts to give them up.  Not because I want to hold on to them, but they've been imbedded into me.  Pulling those things out is not an easy process.  But through God's love, mercy, and grace, I'm giving those to him and finding life more pleasant as those dark voids are filled with his perfect love and light.

I met an amazing couple last week at camp.  We were able to talk and share about times like this when God wants everything in us.  I was introduced to this song, "You Won't Relent" by Jesus Culture.  It has spoken to me in an amazing way.  Be blessed as you listen to it.  I pray it speaks to you as well.

Lord, thank you for continuing to work on me; for never giving up.  Continue to search me and reveal to me those things that I may not even be aware of that need to be given to you.  Replace all voids in my heart with your love.  

Broken Chains

God's mercies are new each day.  I am so thankful that He continues to see fit to extend his mercy and grace over my life.  God has been showing himself in a different light and has begun a restoration in my heart and soul.  

Unfortunately, Satan had been at work for a while.  Little by little, I began to get weighed down with this and that.  (See, that's how he works, so you are unaware - kind of like the story of putting a frog in water and slowly warming it up, so the frog doesn't know it is being boiled alive.)  But thank you Jesus that I don't have to stay in that state!

I am free!  God took hold of my heart, broke the walls, took the hurts, and replaced those voids with his restoring love.  Such an amazing feeling!  

Thank you Lord for your continued love, mercy and grace.  You are an amazing God!  You are the one, true, living God.  I am truly thankful that you continue to work on me and never give up.  

I Am By Your Side

2 Timothy 4:17a  "But The Lord stood with me and gave me strength..."

I read this scripture this week, and it has stood out to me.  It's the reminder and encouragement I needed right now.  Just when I feel or think that I'm alone and have to handle life's struggles by myself, I'm reminded that God is always there.  I have this mental picture of God standing next to me with his hand reaching for my hand and saying, "Come on.  I've got this.  Grab my hand and let's do this together."

But The Lord stood with me...

Who stands with you?  Someone who is close to you.  Someone who is a friend, a companion.  Someone who will guard you, protect you.  Someone who loves you. Wow!  God is standing with me.  He's beside me encouraging me and speaking life into me.  

As I read that scripture, I reflected back on times that I know I wouldn't have made it through had it not been for God being with me and giving me strength.  Deuteronomy 31:6 "So be strong and courageous...He will never leave you nor forsake you."  In those times that my strength is depleted, God can show his love for me and gives me his strength.  He's always there.

Thank you God for loving me, never forsaking me, and giving me your strength.  It's at those moments that I realize that I can't do this alone that you are able to show yourself to me.  To show me how you love me and will give me just what I need to make it.  Forgive me for doubting.  Continue to encourage me and strengthen me.   Amen.

Where Did The Time Go?

,

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (Proverbs 22:6 NLT)

Where did the time go?  It seems that just yesterday I was bringing home this handsome little guy. Then I turn around and he's toothless and in elementary school. After blinking, he's now a senior and will soon be embarking on a new adventure. 

I have enjoyed every stage of motherhood and am blessed that God gave him to me. He is my miracle child. He is God given. God does have a call on his life and wants to use him to reach others. I hope and pray that I have done all I can to guide him and show him God's love. 

My prayer for him is to continually put God first, seek God's will for his life at all times, and to seek God's wisdom.

I love you son!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 NLT)

Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. (Proverbs 4:7, 8 NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NLT)

To Know Me

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ (Matthew 7:21-23 NLT)

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! (Revelation 3:15, 16 NLT)

More than my words, more than my actions, more than anything else...God wants to know me.  Not just part of me, not just a little of me.  He wants my heart to be fully his.

Overwhelmed

Psalm 61:1,2 NLT  O God, listen to my cry!  Hear my prayer!  From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.  Lead me to the towering rock of safety.

I feel so overwhelmed these days with thoughts, emotions, and life in general.  There's a storm going on around and within me that many don't see or know about.  Those who do see just don't know how to help.

I cry for help but it seems as though my cries fade and disappear into the raging wind.  God where are you?  I feel so alone. Does no one hear?  Does no one care?  Yes?  No?  Maybe?

Maybe people don't hear or care.  Maybe they do. We as humans do fail each other.   I fail all the time.  Others fail me as well.  But I can't let that take root in me and grow anger and bitterness.  

No matter how I feel, I must realize that God cares, even when Satan is telling me otherwise.  I may not see or know exactly what God is working on for me, but I must just trust him.  

Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT  So be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.  For the Lord you God will personally go ahead of you.  He will never fail you nor abandon you.

All I can do is just stand there on his rock of safety, breathe (physically & spiritually), and know that it will be ok as long as I keep looking to and trusting God.  

Getting To The Root Of The Problem

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (2 Corinthians 10:4 NKJV)

God is taking me on a journey these days.  I've been praying Psalm 139:23-4, "Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself if there is anything offensive in me, Then guide me on the road to eternal life."  God is definitely examining me.  


Lately, He's bringing to my remembrance hurtful, ugly things of the past.  To which has brought me to question God.  God, why are you bringing up my past when you've forgiven me and thrown those sins into the sea of forgetfulness?  You see, it isn't the sin that He's bringing back to me, it's the nature of these sins...the strongholds that were built by the enemy.  I am saved by grace and completely forgiven.  He doesn't remember my sin.  But as I have prayed for Him to search me, examine me, and totally cleanse me, and make me into His image, He is showing me strongholds that must be destroyed and eradicated from within me.  As He brings these to my mind, I am being obedient, repenting, and taking back ground to remove these from my life.  


You see when I was in sin, I allowed Satan access to thoughts, actions, emotions, every part of my being.  Here's a great quote from A Mystery of Majesty by Dennis Jernigan:  "The energies we expend in keeping our sins secret are the actual 'materials' of which a stronghold is made."  But as God's Light is shining upon these areas of our heart and mind, these dark places must go.  I want Christ's righteousness in every area where Satan once dwelt within me.  


How am I doing it?  Complete obedience and willingness to be broken and remade into Christ's image.  If it doesn't totally line up with God and His Word, then I repent of it because anything against Christ is "anti-Christ." 


I am realizing that some of the strongholds of my life are because of my childhood experiences and perceptions.  God is continually showing me that what I "learned" through those experiences and how He was presented at times isn't necessarily what or who He is.  He is showing me His truth and is revealing himself to me in such a greater dimension than I could ever imagine.  


If it is a thought...I am taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).  I am replacing the negative thoughts with positive, God-filled thoughts.  Philippians 4:8 "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things."  I have also learned that how I think is how I'm going to be (Proverbs 23:7 As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.)  If I think I'm defeated, then I am; However, if I think/know that I'm redeemed and can rejoice in God's freedom, then I am free!


As far as my actions, they were due to the negative influence of environments and people I called friends.  As God began His transformation of my heart and life, I realized that these things were my stumbling blocks and would lead me back down the dark, miserable path of addiction and bondage of sin.  So I prayed for God's strength to get me through the temptations and avoided these negative influences like the plague.  (2 Peter 3:17-8  Beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.) (Matthew 26:44  Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.)  I have purposed in my heart that I will never go back into the misery I was in.  I love my Savior too much. 

Spiritual Breathing

I've been reading a book off and on for a while now.  This section spoke to me.

Spiritual Breathing...hmmm.  We must breathe in the physical sense lest we die.  But what about spiritually?

Let's look at the physical first.  Here's the definition of breathe.

1) A :  to draw air into and expel  it from the lungs :  to take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide through natural processes 

B :  to inhale and exhale freely 

   2)  live 

So the process is to take in good and exhale waste or bad.  This is natural process, not forced.  I especially love definition #2...Live.

So we must breathe spiritually as well.  We must inhale and exhale freely.  We must live.  We must breathe in God and exhale anything that isn't like him.  This should be second nature just as physical breathing is.  We should be filling ourselves with more of the Spirit instead of ourselves.  

Here's an excerpt from  Not A Fan:

The basic idea is that you live with a moment by moment awareness of the Spirit until walking in the Spirit becomes as natural--as habitual--as breathing.  It's just part of who you are.  Here's how it works:  the moment you become aware of the sin in your life you exhale.  When you exhale, you breathe out and repent of your sin.  Repentance becomes a natural response and clears out space in our hearts for the Spirit to fill us.  So the moment you are prideful, jealous, lustful, harsh, selfish, impatient, you exhale and repent of your sin.

The only way to be filled with the Spirit is to empty myself of me.  When I empty me of me, it provides space for the Holy Spirit to fill me.  The more he fills me the less room there is for me.

And then you inhale.  When you inhale you breathe in and pray to be filled with the Spirit and you surrender control over to him.  As you practice this spiritual breathing it teaches you to keep in step with the Spirit.

As you become more aware of his presence and pray daily for his power, what feels forced and unnatural now will become second nature.

God help me to be aware of you.  To listen to you and exhale/repent of anything that is not like you.  Remove me and fill me with you.  Let me breathe in your spirit to guide me and mold me.  I cannot do this alone and need your strength and power along this journey of life.

Transformation

For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. (Ezekiel 36:24-27 NKJV)

God can restore us physically and spiritually. No matter how ugly or sin-filled your life is right now, God offers each of us a fresh start...a clean slate and new life. He will wash away our sins and give us a new heart for him...if we accept his promises and salvation and allow him to do so. Completely surrender to him.

Quit trying to plug the holes in your life as you know it and let God give you a completely new one. 

Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place

You know it's a weird place to be in life...between a rock and a hard place. It's that moment that life as you knew it changes forever for different reasons. I don't know that this is what I would call a season of life. It's just a pivotal point in life.

It's when you realize that maybe what you believed, who you trusted and relied on, or even what/who you thought you were wasn't exactly what it seemed to be. 

That moment that you realize you're alone. 

Can't say that this spot is pleasant but one thing is for sure...I can't stay here.

God is Faithful

"If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is."  2 Timothy 2:13 NLT

Jesus is faithful. He will stay by our side even when we have endured so much that we seem to have no faith left.  We may be faithless at times, but Jesus is faithful to his promise to be with us "to the end of age" (Matthew 28:20).  Refusing Christ's help will break our communication with God, but he will never turn his back on us even though we may turn our back on him.