As part of my renewed commitment to letting go of things in my life that cloud what is truly important, and in an effort to focus on my priorities of faith, family and friends,I decided on New Year's Day to give up my Facebook page, my twitter account and all the fluff propaganda emails from my home email account. I can only describe the last two weeks as liberating. I have found time to pray each day, to do a daily devotional, and to exercise by practicing Yoga and meditating. I don't miss those things that used to occupy hours of my day and I almost resent when other people, even those who are well meaning, bring them back into my view. I am trying very hard to just "Be still and know that HE(emphasis mine) is God." Psalm 46:10. The funny thing is that most of the people in my life seem to be threatened by this difference that they see in me and find it disconcerting. There is a part of me that feels I need to share with them why I am not doing some of the things I used to do, but to do so almost seems to cheapen the decisions I have made and the reasons for them.
In a world where being connected is almost an obsession, choosing to live without the constant chatter is seen as odd and unaccepted. For instance, I was having a conversation with someone at work the other day and when I looked down at their desk the person had their Iphone, Ipad and laptop all on and connected. I jokingly made a comment about how connected the person was and it lead to a conversation where the person shared with me that God had actually convicted them about their dependence on technology and the need for their gadgets. Her Iphone just shut off the other day on the way home and she was in a panic by the time she got there because she was afraid she might have missed a call from work, or someone might have emailed her. And, this after having worked a twelve hour day! I know this person's heart and I know that her faith is the most important thing in her life, but this encounter reminded me how easy it is to "... have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:1-3 and we all know who that "me " is. It is the Heavenly Father, our Lord God Almighty. We forget that these things that make us so available to man, make us unavailable sometimes to God and to the tender nudge on our heartstrings to do His work and give His message instead of our own.
I came home that day and asked God to renew my commitment to put Him first this year and to live my life for Him and through Him everyday. And, I think that other person probably did the same thing. I also watched the following evening as President Barak Obama spoke at the memorial service for those who died in Tucson last Saturday (January 8,2011) and was convicted by a number of his comments most importantly the passage where he said:
"So sudden loss causes us to look backward – but it also forces us to look forward, to reflect on the present and the future, on the manner in which we live our lives and nurture our relationships with those who are still with us. We may ask ourselves if we’ve shown enough kindness and generosity and compassion to the people in our lives. Perhaps we question whether we are doing right by our children, or our community, and whether our priorities are in order. We recognize our own mortality, and are reminded that in the fleeting time we have on this earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame – but rather, how well we have loved, and what small part we have played in bettering the lives of others."
Sometimes we get so caught up in the here and now that we forget about what is really important. I would love to be able to thank the President personally for reminding me that in the grand scheme of things what is important is the time I spend not with my gadgets or staying connected at work but loving those who have been placed in my life and realizing that none of them is there by accident. God ordains each move I make and put each of those people in my path for a reason. It is up to me how I choose to see them and what I choose for them to remember about me. Every life I touch, every child I love, every person I smile at and every student I impact is my legacy and that is what I want to focus on this year. Being the difference maker and being confident that when I stand before my maker one day in heaven I hear those glorious words "Well done good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21.
I pray that you will make the choice this year to focus anew on what is truly important in your life, not the toys, not the gadgets, not the wealth or fame, but the impact you have on the lives of others and the peace that comes from living a life with purpose focused on God alone.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year's Challenge
I have been doing a study with Dr. Rick Warren that has really had me thinking this week about the whole issue of letting go. A few days ago the topic was on idols – those things in our lives that we allow to replace God or that we put before God. I hadn’t really thought about the possibility that I have idols until that devotional. To quote Dr. Warren “Now, listen carefully, when something crowds God out of my heart, you know what it's called? It's called an idol. An idol is anything that takes the place of God in my heart. And the Bible says there should be no idols in our hearts.” After reading this, I realized that my family, especially my boys, is my idol. I put their wants and needs before God and what He would have me do. And, I know that I can no longer do that. If I truly am going to learn to let go of the encumbrances of my life that has to include all the things that keep me from being who I should be in God and my family is that thing. While I may not be ready to leave them in the service of God, I can allow them to make their own mistakes, fix their own problems and live their own lives while I do the same. If I had given to God all I’ve given to them there is no telling whom I could have reached or how I might have been used. Just another area where I am learning to let go.
Jesus tells us in Luke 18 of the rich young ruler who asked him “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” v. 18. The young ruler didn’t like Jesus’ answer for after telling the ruler to keep his commandments Jesus then went one step further and said “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” v. 22. Of course the young ruler wasn’t prepared for this answer and he “became very sad” v. 23 because as a rich man with lots of possession and a family he loved, this was more than he was willing to give. And, I realize that it is more than I am willing to give as well. But, if I truly am going to let go and simplify my life to the things that really matter, isn’t that the point? There is of course the issue of the family I have, the husband I submit to, and the world in which I live. So, this will be the challenge for me, to truly give up what is mine, and to be willing to live for God no matter what those around me say.
I know that the expectation of the Savior is that I be willing to sacrifice everything I have and am to follow him. I know I’m not there yet, but I know that I want to be. This journey will be about what happens to me and to the relationships in my life as I truly become the child of God I am designed to become. I want to find out if I can live the commandment from Jesus to “take up your cross and follow me.” I’ve wasted enough time wallowing in self-pity, regret and remorse. It is time to move forward and find my place wherever that may be.
Jesus tells us in Luke 18 of the rich young ruler who asked him “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” v. 18. The young ruler didn’t like Jesus’ answer for after telling the ruler to keep his commandments Jesus then went one step further and said “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” v. 22. Of course the young ruler wasn’t prepared for this answer and he “became very sad” v. 23 because as a rich man with lots of possession and a family he loved, this was more than he was willing to give. And, I realize that it is more than I am willing to give as well. But, if I truly am going to let go and simplify my life to the things that really matter, isn’t that the point? There is of course the issue of the family I have, the husband I submit to, and the world in which I live. So, this will be the challenge for me, to truly give up what is mine, and to be willing to live for God no matter what those around me say.
I know that the expectation of the Savior is that I be willing to sacrifice everything I have and am to follow him. I know I’m not there yet, but I know that I want to be. This journey will be about what happens to me and to the relationships in my life as I truly become the child of God I am designed to become. I want to find out if I can live the commandment from Jesus to “take up your cross and follow me.” I’ve wasted enough time wallowing in self-pity, regret and remorse. It is time to move forward and find my place wherever that may be.
Friday, December 24, 2010
It’s been months since I’ve written on this site, and when I read back over where I was in March and April, I am ashamed of where I am this Christmas Eve of 2010. I lost the footing I had gained in the spring and have spiraled out of control since then. Instead of continuing on the path to let go of the world, and the things of it, I have run back to them as if they could fix all the problems of my life, totally ignoring the One who says “Come to me al ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” I’ve preferred to carry my cross all by myself and to be a martyr, have a pity party, and allow contention and strife to rule me for the past six months. I did the very thing that I counsel others not to do, I RAN FROM GOD! He made me mad and rather than telling Him that and getting beyond it, I have run from Him and His comfort like it was the plague.
What caused this change of direction for me, you may ask? Well, on May 28, 2010, God took my mom home to be with Him. Should have been a wonderful thing, right? An amazing woman of God, going home to meet her Maker, and be reunited with the one man on earth who she ever loved - sounds like a time for rejoicing. But, I couldn’t rejoice. I wanted to, and I tried to, but my anger at those who I felt caused her death consumed me and made me unable to feel anything except remorse, anger, and despair. Once again, I was trying to be in control and trying to assume that because I didn’t do something, my mom died. I was trying to play God yet again instead of allowing Him to be whom He is and should be in my life. I wanted to own what had happened to her and didn’t want to hear His voice of comfort telling me that she was where she needed to be and I was gong to be fine. I forgot the verse that tell us “My grace is sufficient for your, for power is perfected in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9b. While Paul’s affliction was the thorn in his side, mine is the need to control and contrive situations to work how I want them, not always how God intended them.
So, here I am on Christmas Eve facing a choice. I can hold on to this anger and continue to own this sorrow like no one else has ever felt it but me, or I can let go of it and begin anew to find God in the everyday moments of my life. I don’t have the energy to be mad anymore and I don’t have the desire to seek revenge. All I want is “… the peace that passes all understanding” and to have that, I have to let go. God IS in control and I am tired of trying to steer this life without Him.
Father, forgive me. I have tried to be God of my life for months now, and it just isn’t working. I give my life this day back to the babe who was born in the manger so many years ago but who still lives and reigns at Your right hand. Help me I pray to find you in the everyday, to seek you in the wonder of the world around me and to choose You above all else in my life. You are my God and my King. My Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace of my life and of the world. I worship you today as the babe you were and the King you are. Amen
What caused this change of direction for me, you may ask? Well, on May 28, 2010, God took my mom home to be with Him. Should have been a wonderful thing, right? An amazing woman of God, going home to meet her Maker, and be reunited with the one man on earth who she ever loved - sounds like a time for rejoicing. But, I couldn’t rejoice. I wanted to, and I tried to, but my anger at those who I felt caused her death consumed me and made me unable to feel anything except remorse, anger, and despair. Once again, I was trying to be in control and trying to assume that because I didn’t do something, my mom died. I was trying to play God yet again instead of allowing Him to be whom He is and should be in my life. I wanted to own what had happened to her and didn’t want to hear His voice of comfort telling me that she was where she needed to be and I was gong to be fine. I forgot the verse that tell us “My grace is sufficient for your, for power is perfected in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9b. While Paul’s affliction was the thorn in his side, mine is the need to control and contrive situations to work how I want them, not always how God intended them.
So, here I am on Christmas Eve facing a choice. I can hold on to this anger and continue to own this sorrow like no one else has ever felt it but me, or I can let go of it and begin anew to find God in the everyday moments of my life. I don’t have the energy to be mad anymore and I don’t have the desire to seek revenge. All I want is “… the peace that passes all understanding” and to have that, I have to let go. God IS in control and I am tired of trying to steer this life without Him.
Father, forgive me. I have tried to be God of my life for months now, and it just isn’t working. I give my life this day back to the babe who was born in the manger so many years ago but who still lives and reigns at Your right hand. Help me I pray to find you in the everyday, to seek you in the wonder of the world around me and to choose You above all else in my life. You are my God and my King. My Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace of my life and of the world. I worship you today as the babe you were and the King you are. Amen
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Prioritizing Your Life - Day 6
When you sit down at the end of the day and think back over what you have done and accomplished, what attitude do you have about it? Are you smug? Proud? Bragging on yourself and to yourself about the control you have over yourself and those around you? I know for me that many times this has been my attitude. I am so full of myself that I forget that I am not in control and that when I try to be in control, it means I am totally out of God's will for my life.
I am teaching a Bible study right now to a group of young women and the experience has been amazing, wonderful, and very humbling. I thought that I was doing this for them, but God is showing me more and more each day that I am the one who needs this study and He is reminding me that He is in control and knows so much better than me what I need. In fact, that's how we get to the topic of control today. As I was studying last night I read the following written by Donna Partow "As long as we're operating on wrong motives or just flying on autopilot, we're leaving God behind." Ouch! That's me! And boy did admitting that hurt. I know I'm not the only one out there doing this. How many days do you just get up, go through the motions of the day and then come home totally exhausted by what the world has done to you and your only thought is at least at home I'm safe.
I don't know about you, but personally, I'm tired of living that way. I want to turn that control back over to God where it belongs and live my life as He wants me to, not as the world tells me I must. Yes, I realize that I have to live in the world, but it does not have to control my conduct, my mood, my reactions to the things that happen around me, and it does not have to steal the joy that I am promised as a child of God.
Today I take back my life. I take back my happiness and I stand firm that with God in control nothing can shake me, break me or take me away from Him. His scripture tells us that we are hidden under his wings.
. . . How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing."
Luke 13:34b (NRSV)
But I think that sometimes we don't believe that and in stubbornness or disobedience we step out from that protection and then are surprised by what happens to us. Once again back to Donna Partow: "When we're trying to do 'great things for God' what we're really doing is pursuing our own agenda..." Ouch, again. That one hurts, too, because once we step outside God's protection and do it on our own we take back control and He is both disappointed, and, sometimes angry with us because we think we know better than the God of the universe what we should do.
Today I want to leave you with this thought, 6. If you really are the child of God you say you are, then why is giving Him total control of your life such an ominous thought. I pray that you will, as I am going to, that God will be Lord over all my life, not just the convenient parts. Because this walk of priorities is all about control. Who has it - God, or you?
Psalm 46:1 ...God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
I am teaching a Bible study right now to a group of young women and the experience has been amazing, wonderful, and very humbling. I thought that I was doing this for them, but God is showing me more and more each day that I am the one who needs this study and He is reminding me that He is in control and knows so much better than me what I need. In fact, that's how we get to the topic of control today. As I was studying last night I read the following written by Donna Partow "As long as we're operating on wrong motives or just flying on autopilot, we're leaving God behind." Ouch! That's me! And boy did admitting that hurt. I know I'm not the only one out there doing this. How many days do you just get up, go through the motions of the day and then come home totally exhausted by what the world has done to you and your only thought is at least at home I'm safe.
I don't know about you, but personally, I'm tired of living that way. I want to turn that control back over to God where it belongs and live my life as He wants me to, not as the world tells me I must. Yes, I realize that I have to live in the world, but it does not have to control my conduct, my mood, my reactions to the things that happen around me, and it does not have to steal the joy that I am promised as a child of God.
Today I take back my life. I take back my happiness and I stand firm that with God in control nothing can shake me, break me or take me away from Him. His scripture tells us that we are hidden under his wings.
. . . How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing."
Luke 13:34b (NRSV)
But I think that sometimes we don't believe that and in stubbornness or disobedience we step out from that protection and then are surprised by what happens to us. Once again back to Donna Partow: "When we're trying to do 'great things for God' what we're really doing is pursuing our own agenda..." Ouch, again. That one hurts, too, because once we step outside God's protection and do it on our own we take back control and He is both disappointed, and, sometimes angry with us because we think we know better than the God of the universe what we should do.
Today I want to leave you with this thought, 6. If you really are the child of God you say you are, then why is giving Him total control of your life such an ominous thought. I pray that you will, as I am going to, that God will be Lord over all my life, not just the convenient parts. Because this walk of priorities is all about control. Who has it - God, or you?
Psalm 46:1 ...God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Prioritizing Your Life - Day 5
I got another one of those calls from the nursing home the other day, but this one came at 5:15am on a Saturday morning. The question the nurse asked me took me by surprise and I was at once consumed with anger and frustration. Not a great way to start a Saturday, or any day for that matter, but unfortunately the way many of my days begin. Although I had plans with friends to run a race that morning and to go an outdoor festival later in the day, I found myself instead showering hurriedly and rushing to see what was up with mom. What I found was her in pain and sunburned because someone had been negligent the day before. Turned out the burns were second degree, and we spent most of the day in the ER pumping her full of fluids so that she wouldn't dehydrate and go into shock. I was a basket case, and all she wanted to know was when the plane was going to land. She was tired of flying and wanted to go home.
Why do I tell you this story? Because God is teaching me a valuable lesson through this experience. The lesson... I am not in control. He is. You'd think I would have learned this one by now, wouldn't you, but apparently I haven't. Because He keeps bringing it back again and again and I keep failing miserably.
The reason I fail is because I drop everything and go to her thinking that my presence will make a difference. As if I alone can make her better even though the Parkinson's and dementia continue to take her further and further from me. Maybe if I give up everything else and martyr myself to her, then I can change the outcome of this drama we are living.
God sees if differently. And He intends to keep replaying this scene as many times as it takes for me to understand. He controls this, not me. He decides when and where and how the final chapter will be played and no amount of sacrifice I make will change that. David tells us in Psalm 51:16-17:
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
So far God hasn't gotten that from me. What He has gotten is frustration, indignation, pleading and begging. Not once have I come before Him broken asking Him to show me what He wants me to do in this situation. Not once have I admitted to Him that I am not in control. I have bargained, promised and cursed, but not given up control. And, He is making it more and more plain to me that until I do, we will continue to play out this chapter of the story until I get it right.
He has reminded me many times this week that He doesn't need me to rescue my mom or my husband or my children. What He does command me to do is to worship Him. To be the woman He created me to be and to let Him be the God that He desires to be in my life. I am reminded over and over that I am the one with the problem here, not Him.
So today's lesson in prioritizing your life is this:
5. Give God control of ALL areas of your life so that He can be glorified in all you do and all you are. He is God, you are not. Listen for His voice and hear Him. As David prays in Psalm 130:5-6:
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
Why do I tell you this story? Because God is teaching me a valuable lesson through this experience. The lesson... I am not in control. He is. You'd think I would have learned this one by now, wouldn't you, but apparently I haven't. Because He keeps bringing it back again and again and I keep failing miserably.
The reason I fail is because I drop everything and go to her thinking that my presence will make a difference. As if I alone can make her better even though the Parkinson's and dementia continue to take her further and further from me. Maybe if I give up everything else and martyr myself to her, then I can change the outcome of this drama we are living.
God sees if differently. And He intends to keep replaying this scene as many times as it takes for me to understand. He controls this, not me. He decides when and where and how the final chapter will be played and no amount of sacrifice I make will change that. David tells us in Psalm 51:16-17:
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
So far God hasn't gotten that from me. What He has gotten is frustration, indignation, pleading and begging. Not once have I come before Him broken asking Him to show me what He wants me to do in this situation. Not once have I admitted to Him that I am not in control. I have bargained, promised and cursed, but not given up control. And, He is making it more and more plain to me that until I do, we will continue to play out this chapter of the story until I get it right.
He has reminded me many times this week that He doesn't need me to rescue my mom or my husband or my children. What He does command me to do is to worship Him. To be the woman He created me to be and to let Him be the God that He desires to be in my life. I am reminded over and over that I am the one with the problem here, not Him.
So today's lesson in prioritizing your life is this:
5. Give God control of ALL areas of your life so that He can be glorified in all you do and all you are. He is God, you are not. Listen for His voice and hear Him. As David prays in Psalm 130:5-6:
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Prioritizing Your Life - Day 4
So, Thursday on my way to work my phone rings. It is the charge nurse at the nursing home where my mom lives, and it is never good when she calls. When I see the number on my caller id, the guilt immediately sets in. I hadn't seen mom since the weekend and if something had happened, I knew I would never be able to forgive myself. I had only left my doctor (whose office is two blocks from the nursing home) five minutes before, but didn't stop to visit because I didn't want to miss any more work. So much for learning to let go!!!
I answered the call with trepidation, worried about what I would hear on the other end. The nurse's voice was apologetic as she told me that mom had fallen again trying to get out of bed by herself! The woman hasn't been able to walk in two years and yet she is thinking she can get up and dress herself. I was assured that mom was okay, only bruised, and so I went on to work. These calls have become way too routine over the last couple of years for me to continue to drop everything and run to her side when I get a call that she has fallen. I saw my mom that afternoon after work, and sure enough, she was fine. Bruised badly, totally in another time, but happy as a lark. All she wanted to know was if my son had ever shown back up from his trip to Australia, and when was he going to come visit her! Talk about learning to let go.
There are times when I am envious of my mom for so quickly being able to forget the bad things that happen to her and being able to focus on just what is important (in this case, seeing her grandson). Although dementia is a horrible disease, in this instance it reminds me of how God responds to our sin. Check out these verses from Psalm:
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His loving kindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11-12
That is so cool to me!
God promises us:
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake,and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25
This verse begs the question: If God can separate us from our sin, and can blot them out to remember them no more, why can't we? I think that in this world where everyone seems to be out only for themselves, and where so many people hold grudges or hold mistakes against us to prove their superiority, we forget the One who loves us most and whose love we should hungrily seek forgives and forgets. Did you get that? God forgives and forgets. What a lesson to learn! He who gave his son so that I might live not only made that supreme sacrifice, but He forgives me when I mess up and sees only the face of the Son, His Son, where my sin once was.
When I think back over the last few days, I realize that God allowed me to witness this concept in my own life, and I thank Him for it. I learned that asking for forgiveness from a co-worker, while not easy, was the right thing to do, and that it was ordained from my Father. What is more exciting, is the effect my apology has had both on me, and on the other person. The bridge that has been built between us gives me hope that maybe letting go does have merit. Not only in front of God, but between me and my fellow man.
That brings me to what I learned about letting these last few days.
4. Letting go of hurts you feel someone has committed against you, and confessing the sin in your life, is essential to being able to come to the Father and have true fellowship with Him. And, that should be the number one priority of our lives.
My children, if your brother or sister has ought against you, leave your place by My altar and go and be reconciled. And if you have ought against your brother, go to him and meet him on his way. Then shall I heal all the old and now hurts by this medicine you will put on each cut or bruise — an open and honest heart toward your brother and sister. But if you will not face that hurt your brother has inflicted on you with an open and honest heart before him, then shall the evil one come and pull you to the side and tempt you to nurse your hurts by another hearing brother or sister's side. And before you know it, you shall have soiled your garment and the garment of him who hears you with the soil of gossip. Matthew 5:23-24
I answered the call with trepidation, worried about what I would hear on the other end. The nurse's voice was apologetic as she told me that mom had fallen again trying to get out of bed by herself! The woman hasn't been able to walk in two years and yet she is thinking she can get up and dress herself. I was assured that mom was okay, only bruised, and so I went on to work. These calls have become way too routine over the last couple of years for me to continue to drop everything and run to her side when I get a call that she has fallen. I saw my mom that afternoon after work, and sure enough, she was fine. Bruised badly, totally in another time, but happy as a lark. All she wanted to know was if my son had ever shown back up from his trip to Australia, and when was he going to come visit her! Talk about learning to let go.
There are times when I am envious of my mom for so quickly being able to forget the bad things that happen to her and being able to focus on just what is important (in this case, seeing her grandson). Although dementia is a horrible disease, in this instance it reminds me of how God responds to our sin. Check out these verses from Psalm:
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His loving kindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11-12
That is so cool to me!
God promises us:
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake,and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25
This verse begs the question: If God can separate us from our sin, and can blot them out to remember them no more, why can't we? I think that in this world where everyone seems to be out only for themselves, and where so many people hold grudges or hold mistakes against us to prove their superiority, we forget the One who loves us most and whose love we should hungrily seek forgives and forgets. Did you get that? God forgives and forgets. What a lesson to learn! He who gave his son so that I might live not only made that supreme sacrifice, but He forgives me when I mess up and sees only the face of the Son, His Son, where my sin once was.
When I think back over the last few days, I realize that God allowed me to witness this concept in my own life, and I thank Him for it. I learned that asking for forgiveness from a co-worker, while not easy, was the right thing to do, and that it was ordained from my Father. What is more exciting, is the effect my apology has had both on me, and on the other person. The bridge that has been built between us gives me hope that maybe letting go does have merit. Not only in front of God, but between me and my fellow man.
That brings me to what I learned about letting these last few days.
4. Letting go of hurts you feel someone has committed against you, and confessing the sin in your life, is essential to being able to come to the Father and have true fellowship with Him. And, that should be the number one priority of our lives.
My children, if your brother or sister has ought against you, leave your place by My altar and go and be reconciled. And if you have ought against your brother, go to him and meet him on his way. Then shall I heal all the old and now hurts by this medicine you will put on each cut or bruise — an open and honest heart toward your brother and sister. But if you will not face that hurt your brother has inflicted on you with an open and honest heart before him, then shall the evil one come and pull you to the side and tempt you to nurse your hurts by another hearing brother or sister's side. And before you know it, you shall have soiled your garment and the garment of him who hears you with the soil of gossip. Matthew 5:23-24
Monday, March 15, 2010
Prioritizing Your Life - Day 3
Today I write with a heavy heart because upon arriving at work this morning I found out that a friend I work with had passed away suddenly the Friday before while on vacation. She was one of those amazing people that you just enjoyed being around. Always happy. Sure of her place in God's love. And, passionate about what she did and the people in her life. When I think that just the week before she had been in my office getting help for someone she was working with, a tear comes to my eye. I have to admit that my first reaction was "You have got to be kidding me!" She was only 51, and (I will be 51 in a couple of month) it was only a little over a week ago that my brother and I had the conversation where he told me about the woman in his office who had passed away suddenly. Then, I found a sense of peace, cried for my friend's family and realized that there is a lesson here. A lesson about having our priorities right, and being first the person of God you have been called to be. Take a look at this verse:
LORD, make me to know my end
And what is the extent of my days;
Let me know how transient I am.
Psalm 39:4-5
David prayed to God to know how long his life would be, but, God didn't answer David, and he doesn't answer us - at least not directly. But, God does allow and ordain events in our lives and in the lives of those around us to give us a glimpse into what He has for us. I truly believe that God will do whatever He has to do to get His people to the place He wants us to be. I've been a part of that before. Remember, God tells us
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the LORD. 9(A) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."Isaiah 55:8-9
It may seem harsh to us that God would allow something like that to happen, but He has a greater plan and one we can't understand. If one of us who knew either of these people examines our lives and makes a change that brings about more change in our life and in the lives of those around us, then neither life was lost in vain. But, we have to be willing to hear God's voice and to try to understand what it is that he wants us to learn from the passing of these lives. If all we get is that we don't know how long we have, then we've missed the message. Perhaps what it is that God is trying to tell us is that our priorities are not where He needs them to be, but where we want them to be. There is a difference yo know. And, that is what God wants us to realize. That brings us to lesson 3.
3. None of us knows if we have a tomorrow, so why are we so busy planning for it. Today is what matters. As my dad used to say, "No one who was dying ever said they wished they had more time to work." So, why is that what consumes us? That is not what God designed us for. He designed us to worship Him and to walk with Him. Yes, most of us have to work, but work must be what we do, not who we are.
I leave you today with this verse:
So do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34.
And, I say a tearful good-bye to someone I cared about but I know that in her death, God is drawing me and others who knew her closer to Him.
LORD, make me to know my end
And what is the extent of my days;
Let me know how transient I am.
Psalm 39:4-5
David prayed to God to know how long his life would be, but, God didn't answer David, and he doesn't answer us - at least not directly. But, God does allow and ordain events in our lives and in the lives of those around us to give us a glimpse into what He has for us. I truly believe that God will do whatever He has to do to get His people to the place He wants us to be. I've been a part of that before. Remember, God tells us
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the LORD. 9(A) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."Isaiah 55:8-9
It may seem harsh to us that God would allow something like that to happen, but He has a greater plan and one we can't understand. If one of us who knew either of these people examines our lives and makes a change that brings about more change in our life and in the lives of those around us, then neither life was lost in vain. But, we have to be willing to hear God's voice and to try to understand what it is that he wants us to learn from the passing of these lives. If all we get is that we don't know how long we have, then we've missed the message. Perhaps what it is that God is trying to tell us is that our priorities are not where He needs them to be, but where we want them to be. There is a difference yo know. And, that is what God wants us to realize. That brings us to lesson 3.
3. None of us knows if we have a tomorrow, so why are we so busy planning for it. Today is what matters. As my dad used to say, "No one who was dying ever said they wished they had more time to work." So, why is that what consumes us? That is not what God designed us for. He designed us to worship Him and to walk with Him. Yes, most of us have to work, but work must be what we do, not who we are.
I leave you today with this verse:
So do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34.
And, I say a tearful good-bye to someone I cared about but I know that in her death, God is drawing me and others who knew her closer to Him.
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