So I pull out my homework that I've neglected all weekend, and the first thing is Bible memorization:
Matthew 5:8 "God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God"
I dip my feet in a bit and read a little more about what it means to be blessed - "to experience the fortunate or enviable state of those in God's kingdom...to experience hope and joy independent of our circumstance".
"C'mon in boys, the water is fine!"
Colossians 3:12"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Now I start to get deep. My mind got stuck on the phrase "clothe yourself". I spend a fair amount of time worrying about my clothes...shopping for nice outfits, concerning myself with my outward appearance and the acceptance of others. But if I want to really understand words like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience - I need to go to the Bible.
My homework leads me to the next verse:
Psalm 25:12 "Who is the man that fears the Lord?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him".
To fear the Lord is to recognize Him for all that He is. "Who is the man" reminds me of my place in the kingdom...that I was chosen by Him, holy and dearly loved - to live for Him. When I put something first other than myself - things like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience start to flow with the Spirit a little easier.
Finally, I read the last verse which is John 15:19.
"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as it's own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."
God's timing is awesome, and it's so cool when I realize it when something is put in my path for His purpose. I was so frustrated this morning because the new week reading list wasn't posted online, and I couldn't work on the blog. That is more than a little messed up!! I had lost my focus, which should have been on reading the Bible for my own instruction...and instead was setting my sights on my own selfish desires. So God took away my opportunity to blog first, bible later...and all of these verses made me realize so many things today.
I am chosen. He has a purpose for me. I am treasured...loved. I have been spending too much time lately worrying about my position in the world that I've forgotten my position in the kingdom. I don't know if this will be of use to anyone else - but this was a good eye-opener for me...thanks for letting me share it here with you!!
And thanks for sharing. I am liking this blogging stuff. And BTW still waiting for the updated list of readings : )
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I have been struggling with my place in the world also expecially with everything that has been happening in the world right now. It is a wonderful reminder of what the real focus should be and that we need to keep our eyes on him and his kingdom. It is funny because I have been praying for the ability to be patient and kind, and show compassion and then I sit back and think ok now "I" need to feel the peace that these things bring. I am focusing on myself and how "I should feel" where the real focus should be on how others are effected when I show love, kindness, patience and compassion. The inner peace we feel comes from GOd and that requires more than just the wish to change it requires the work and willingness to allow God to work through us. Just some thoughts this morning maybe not well written but thought I would share anyway.
ReplyDeleteBecky - you're absolutely right. I'm reading "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl", and last night I saw this in my book: "I used to say I didn't feel close to God, and therefore, God must not be close to me. Now, I say: 'God is close, and if I choose to be close back, He'll rearrange my feelings.' In other words - I need to make an intentional choice with my head, knowing that my heart will eventually continue".
ReplyDeleteThat is so important to remember - the world trains us to process life based on our feelings! God wants us to process life through his absolute Truth - but it takes our choice...it's active and alive and changing every day.
BTW, Becky - everyone says to never ever pray for patience! ;-) It's partially joking, but if you pray for patience - God will give you situations that test you until you react with patience!! Careful what you ask for there...
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