Month: September 2015

I

Philippians 1: 6

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

I use to love this verse as a way to give encouragement to others. God’s got this type of thing.

I still believe God is in control, but sometimes life is uncomfortable.

Sometimes the work God is doing isn’t pleasant but necessary.

If we remain stagnant as Christians are we really loving God?

In my relationships, I want to see growth or I view them as shallow.

I want a good work from God to continue in me. I want that. I just sometimes don’t want to be uncomfortable. I don’t want to give up my life of knowing what is next. I am definitely not comfortable stepping out in faith most days.

I am getting better with trust, but I must confess I am stubborn. God usually gives me a pebble, then a rock, most of the time the rock becomes a boulder and then and only then I am ready to listen.

And the truth is the work is good! Why do I wait on a regular basis for a boulder, when a pebble is easier to accomplish a great work?

I must confess PRIDE!

I want My way not His.

How arrogant of me to think my way is better than God’s will.

Obadiah 1:3

“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’”

I would rather walk with a pebble of humility than deal with a boulder of pride.

I may not always like the work being done. I love God. I want his will and not mine. I want to grow until I meet him face to face.

Prayer for today:

I am such a strong-willed type of gal, God. Thank you for loving me anyway. Please let me take the pebble. I don’t want a rock or boulder to grab my attention to do your will. I know all things work together for my good. Your way is so much more than mine could ever be. Thank you for growing, working, and loving me into relationship with you. In Jesus name amen.

I hated the church for many years.

The judgmental stares with a  holier than thou  attitude that some displayed. I never felt good enough to be in attendance. Even today I find some of the church repulsive at best.

 I understand that the church is made up of imperfect humans and only one perfect human walked this earth. I get it.

But, I wonder sometimes do we ever as a whole stop and pause what we look like to the outside world?

Last week I witnessed a server almost in tears because a track was left and rent is due. I understand where a track might let someone know the path to salvation but leaving a track instead of a tip or with a poor tip is counterproductive.The church to an outsider is sometimes lacking. How much is a person saving from leaving a bad tip, is it worth someone’s eternity? If we can’t as a whole get along in a church, why would others want to join into chaos? If we treat our enemies with revenge instead of love, how are we different?

For years I felt judged, condemned by the ones who were suppose to love me and show Christ’s love.

Instead I felt shame and equated that to God.

We tend to judge non believers who don’t have the Holy Spirit living in them. Christians have a counselor inside of them Non-Christians don’t. Big difference.

Mathew 5:43-48, covers loving our enemies.

43 ““You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.””

Jesus spoke truth in love.

Jesus might not have approved of someone’s actions or sins, but he Loved the person.

The woman at the well didn’t run away in shame. She ran to tell others of Christ’s love.

I have sometimes needed truth spoke in love at other times I have needed just a listening ear with compassionate empathy. If we are called to be lights in darkness. We need to pray myself included before speaking and judging.

I need to pause.

I don’t want to hamper someone from progressing in his or her growth, becoming a Christian, or not having unity in the Church.

Prayer for today:

Please Lord grant me wisdom to know when to speak truth, when to listen, when to show up and just be there for someone. I want to be a light and not a hindrance for your kingdom. In Jesus name, amen.

Prayer request:

This is the opening paragraph to the book God has laid on my heart.

“Jesus loves the little children, this I know, for the bible tells me so.”

I don’t know if Jesus loves all the children, or he just loves the children who are bright. Their light shines through. Their eyes are not a jaded. Grey has not touched them.  How could Jesus love me? My momma says I am dirty and my colors that shine are grey. No Jesus must love the children who are clean and happy with their bright shining colors.  Jesus can’t be for me.

I don’t want to write this book.  In July, I was partially obedient to God.  I knew God had placed this book on my heart and I pitched a completely different book at my  publishers meeting. Shame through sexual abuse is long-lasting. God’s grace has saved me from myself. Please pray that I will continue in illogical obedience to what has been laid on my heart, even when I don’t want to write on such a topic.

Thanking for the prayers,

Rebekah