You have got to know that you were created with purpose, for purpose, and with abundance in mind.
Why does it not always feel that way? First, you don't live by your feelings....yes, those feelings were given to us by God but not meant to be our foundation. Secondly, There are things that are in our control and things out of our control.
" The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
The enemy has his mission: kill people physically, spiritually, emotionally. Steal every God appointed opportunity, and destroy all relationships, dreams, goals, and efforts to further God's kingdom.
The Lord has his mission: that people would have a relationship with him and live abundantly here on earth and in eternity in heaven.
We should have a mission: to have the mind of Christ and do His will.
How can we make that happen?
1. Be like Him. As life happens....focus on responding to life through His eyes. Focus on your spirit man and what it can control. There are plenty of things that are in your control: how you respond, how you interact, how you pray, how you prepare, how you work, how you give, how you serve, how you love, how you forgive, how you inspire, how you get up after a fall.......
2. Get rid of sin and your human (flesh) nature. The bible says to "strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up, and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us" (Heb. 12:1).
Did you catch that? It's slowing you down! God wants you to move Up, Up, and AWAY for HIM. He wants you to live in abundance! He's given you the tools, the resources, the people, the places....IT'S YOU MY FRIEND that needs to do your part!
POWER CONFESSION:
I declare that I was created in His image. I was created for purpose to do powerful things for Christ. The gifts and talents He has given me, I will use with the greatest responsibility. I will not take for granted the people, the resources, the opportunities, the day to day activities that He has put before me. I will be a thankful, grateful, encouraging person. I will surround my self with good and have courage and discernment to know when to walk away from unhealthy situations. I will know my mission and live that mission!
Up, Up, and Away,
The Mrs. Pastor
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
A Better Version of You
I would think most people can relate to technology getting an updated version. Some people like it....having the latest and greatest...... and some people get frustrated because they just got comfortable with the last version and NOW they have to adjust to something new. UUGGGHHH!
We serve a God that is constantly pushing His children to an uncomfortable place, a better version if you will, only to rely on HIM. He knows what's best; the best plan, the best path, the best strategy, the best timing, the best words to use, the best place to be, the best opportunity, the best scripture we need to guide us. His word does say that "His ways are higher than our ways" (Isaiah 55:9)
Bottom line: A BETTER VERSION OF YOU!
This eliminates excuses of what you are comfortable with, what your personality is, what your strengths are, what feels good and what is a struggle. He is the potter and we are the clay. If He doesn't like what He sees, He has every right to change it. If He wants to add or take away, He can do this.
And Yet, the beautiful and challenging thing is, that most of the time He gives free will. Of coarse, He ultimately has the final say if He chooses, but He lovingly speaks and hopes for His children to do it themselves. Similar to us as parents, we have the ultimate say, but how much more beautiful and fulfilling when we see our children grab ahold themselves and take ownership?
This upgrade can only happen with daily intimacy in the Word of God. Not reading a devotion, a scripture, or even a spiritual blog post....BUT digging in the word of God and letting it speak to you, taking notes, praying those words, and actually applying that to your daily activity!
Hebrews 4:12
"For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit (this means your personality versus your spiritual man) and of joints and marrow, and is a discernment of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
*did you catch the words that conflict our flesh man (soul...aka personality) versus our spirit man. We can not make any more excuses regarding people's "personality". God loves His children. He created them in HIS image with all types of personalities. It takes all kinds to make the world go round. The problem is that people don't want to grow and change more into HIS likeness. They want to claim and grab ahold of "their personality" and not move.
If God wanted people to just stay in one state their entire life He wouldn't have given us creation, in front of our very eyes, to see the seasons change and plant life growing and dying and flourishing and struggling. He has given mankind the knowledge how to make things healthier, better, safer, and even more productive.
Don't over-think this.....just take on His likeness and He will use you where He sees fit!
In His Word,
The Mrs. Pastor
We serve a God that is constantly pushing His children to an uncomfortable place, a better version if you will, only to rely on HIM. He knows what's best; the best plan, the best path, the best strategy, the best timing, the best words to use, the best place to be, the best opportunity, the best scripture we need to guide us. His word does say that "His ways are higher than our ways" (Isaiah 55:9)
- He pushed Joshua to be the lead man when he was ok and comfortable being under one of the greatest leaders in history and couldn't imagine filling those shoes (or sandals ;)
- He challenged Esther's courage and boldness in an environment that was rigid and hostile.
- He convicted (not condemned) Peter to recognize his fears and disobedience and equipped him with the Holy Spirit to get the job done.....NO EXCUSES.
- He spoke to a women with a colorful past to think differently and see that there is a better way.
- He patiently spoke to new followers of Christ and taught them a different way of thinking....a better way. It was challenging not to live by the law when that's all they've ever known.
- He asked some to leave everything and go far away to teach people.
- He told some to stay but to teach the people to put themselves last....an unpopular message still today.
Bottom line: A BETTER VERSION OF YOU!
This eliminates excuses of what you are comfortable with, what your personality is, what your strengths are, what feels good and what is a struggle. He is the potter and we are the clay. If He doesn't like what He sees, He has every right to change it. If He wants to add or take away, He can do this.
And Yet, the beautiful and challenging thing is, that most of the time He gives free will. Of coarse, He ultimately has the final say if He chooses, but He lovingly speaks and hopes for His children to do it themselves. Similar to us as parents, we have the ultimate say, but how much more beautiful and fulfilling when we see our children grab ahold themselves and take ownership?
This upgrade can only happen with daily intimacy in the Word of God. Not reading a devotion, a scripture, or even a spiritual blog post....BUT digging in the word of God and letting it speak to you, taking notes, praying those words, and actually applying that to your daily activity!
Hebrews 4:12
"For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit (this means your personality versus your spiritual man) and of joints and marrow, and is a discernment of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
*did you catch the words that conflict our flesh man (soul...aka personality) versus our spirit man. We can not make any more excuses regarding people's "personality". God loves His children. He created them in HIS image with all types of personalities. It takes all kinds to make the world go round. The problem is that people don't want to grow and change more into HIS likeness. They want to claim and grab ahold of "their personality" and not move.
If God wanted people to just stay in one state their entire life He wouldn't have given us creation, in front of our very eyes, to see the seasons change and plant life growing and dying and flourishing and struggling. He has given mankind the knowledge how to make things healthier, better, safer, and even more productive.
Don't over-think this.....just take on His likeness and He will use you where He sees fit!
In His Word,
The Mrs. Pastor
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
The Experience
Q: What does an experience do for you?
For me, I can think of several things. It can inspire you, it can move you to strong emotion, it can be a deep memory that stays with you for a life time. All those things are good....but this experience did more than that....MUCH MORE!
So much more than me "telling you stories or showing you pictures". This experience will only be able to be understood over time.....hopefully by watching my life.
Are we doing incredible things here in the USA? here in Coweta? Absolutely! Are there things that need to change? Absolutely!
After returning from our missions trip to El Salvador, I can only sum up my feelings with one word....DESPERATION. We are not desperate enough.
Q: What do you mean "desperate enough"?
I mean desperate in prayer, in being a servant, in putting others first, in being focused on a task that is ultimately about reaching, teaching, and training others in the word. We have skipped over that verse in the bible that says " do everything without complaining or arguing" and we have actually mastered that skill.
I could not be more proud of our team that ministered through construction, medical, and evangelism. The way they worked their tails off from 7:30 in the morning until late in the evening. No complaining, no dragging their feet, no easily offended.....just focused in spirit on the task at hand. Loving each other, building relationships, getting to know each other's stories were the perfect model of how it should happen here at home.
My prayer is that those 44 people will come home and make this their El Salvador. They will be so contagious....again, not by their stories (even though there are some powerful ones) but by their life. May our life be CONTAGIOUS! It won't be easy. The American culture is spoiled and all about self (sorry to be such a downer.....just being real). We will have to fight off being dipped in self and dried off with what feels good. We drink what is only satisfying and eat what we can digest easily.
The only way to make this our El Salvador is by bathing our self in the Word of God daily....by scrubbing off the influence of the world and drying ourselves off in prayer. Not a casual....when it's convenient for us....and our short attention, but intentional and focused prayer.
We make the Christian walk way more difficult than it needs to be.
1. ask Christ to come into your life and forgive you of your sins (believe & confess)
2. read and study His word (grow)
3. pray
4. serve
If those things are happening....you are representing Christ. You are growing, loving, and reaching others. That's not an EXPERIENCE.....that's TRANSFORMATION my friend!
More than an experience,
The Mrs. Pastor
For me, I can think of several things. It can inspire you, it can move you to strong emotion, it can be a deep memory that stays with you for a life time. All those things are good....but this experience did more than that....MUCH MORE!
So much more than me "telling you stories or showing you pictures". This experience will only be able to be understood over time.....hopefully by watching my life.
Are we doing incredible things here in the USA? here in Coweta? Absolutely! Are there things that need to change? Absolutely!
After returning from our missions trip to El Salvador, I can only sum up my feelings with one word....DESPERATION. We are not desperate enough.
Q: What do you mean "desperate enough"?
I mean desperate in prayer, in being a servant, in putting others first, in being focused on a task that is ultimately about reaching, teaching, and training others in the word. We have skipped over that verse in the bible that says " do everything without complaining or arguing" and we have actually mastered that skill.
I could not be more proud of our team that ministered through construction, medical, and evangelism. The way they worked their tails off from 7:30 in the morning until late in the evening. No complaining, no dragging their feet, no easily offended.....just focused in spirit on the task at hand. Loving each other, building relationships, getting to know each other's stories were the perfect model of how it should happen here at home.
My prayer is that those 44 people will come home and make this their El Salvador. They will be so contagious....again, not by their stories (even though there are some powerful ones) but by their life. May our life be CONTAGIOUS! It won't be easy. The American culture is spoiled and all about self (sorry to be such a downer.....just being real). We will have to fight off being dipped in self and dried off with what feels good. We drink what is only satisfying and eat what we can digest easily.
The only way to make this our El Salvador is by bathing our self in the Word of God daily....by scrubbing off the influence of the world and drying ourselves off in prayer. Not a casual....when it's convenient for us....and our short attention, but intentional and focused prayer.
We make the Christian walk way more difficult than it needs to be.
1. ask Christ to come into your life and forgive you of your sins (believe & confess)
2. read and study His word (grow)
3. pray
4. serve
If those things are happening....you are representing Christ. You are growing, loving, and reaching others. That's not an EXPERIENCE.....that's TRANSFORMATION my friend!
More than an experience,
The Mrs. Pastor
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Ready or Not......
There are things that are the inevitable. Whether you are ready or not they are still coming:
1. Your children growing up and leaving the nest
2. Your bodies growing older and changing inside and out
3. The seasons (in nature and in your life)
4. Responsibilities (the laundry will always need to be done and the bills paid)
5. ....and so many more
Now, you can try and put the timing off, reverse the timing, or even stop the timing but this will only make it harder. The inevitable will happen......ready or not.
The same is true in the spiritual realm. Two things that will happen:
1. spiritual warfare. God's word says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power.(that is his charge to you) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle IS NOT against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:10-12 (and then he goes on to tell you how to do this) vs. 13-18
2. Christ Return. God's word says in the book of Revelation 22 "Behold, I am coming soon!" and in Matthew 24 he talks not only of his return but instructs them on being watchful and the signs that will follow. "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." vs 44
ready or not......
The Lord will never give us a task that he doesn't give instructions to go with that task. It's all in His word. The word that remains in my mind with all of these inevitable areas in our life is DILIGENCE.
Be diligent with each moment, assignment, task, opportunity that the Lord puts in front of you.
Webster's Definition of Diligent: steady in application ; industrious, preserving, with care and constant effort
Life is happening and bringing with it all the inevitable. Our job is not to try and manipulate it, overthink it, fix it. Our responsibility is to look to His word daily and be diligent with the task. Doing the task well. Not holding tightly to the task that is His to begin with but rather be willing to let go. Our responsibility is to allow Him to be God and we his servants. A servant knows when to back off and let the master have final authority.
Ready or Not,
Mrs. Pastor
1. Your children growing up and leaving the nest
2. Your bodies growing older and changing inside and out
3. The seasons (in nature and in your life)
4. Responsibilities (the laundry will always need to be done and the bills paid)
5. ....and so many more
Now, you can try and put the timing off, reverse the timing, or even stop the timing but this will only make it harder. The inevitable will happen......ready or not.
The same is true in the spiritual realm. Two things that will happen:
1. spiritual warfare. God's word says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power.(that is his charge to you) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle IS NOT against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:10-12 (and then he goes on to tell you how to do this) vs. 13-18
2. Christ Return. God's word says in the book of Revelation 22 "Behold, I am coming soon!" and in Matthew 24 he talks not only of his return but instructs them on being watchful and the signs that will follow. "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." vs 44
ready or not......
The Lord will never give us a task that he doesn't give instructions to go with that task. It's all in His word. The word that remains in my mind with all of these inevitable areas in our life is DILIGENCE.
Be diligent with each moment, assignment, task, opportunity that the Lord puts in front of you.
Webster's Definition of Diligent: steady in application ; industrious, preserving, with care and constant effort
Life is happening and bringing with it all the inevitable. Our job is not to try and manipulate it, overthink it, fix it. Our responsibility is to look to His word daily and be diligent with the task. Doing the task well. Not holding tightly to the task that is His to begin with but rather be willing to let go. Our responsibility is to allow Him to be God and we his servants. A servant knows when to back off and let the master have final authority.
Ready or Not,
Mrs. Pastor
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
The Good Student
First, I want to say I'm sorry for being on a sabbatical for so long. Maybe you'll understand after this post.
I cant help but look at all the great teaching, analogies, parables, poetry, etc. that takes place in God's word. The teachers teaching, hoping the students will learn and grow as much as possible in order to be all that God wants them to be. But on the other extreme, I'm looking at the students: Did they listen? Did they apply the knowledge? Did they learn from their mistakes? Did they ask questions...and then ask some more? Were they teachable? Did they give their best? All of these are valid questions for each of us.
This must of have been important to our Lord as he used this example in one of his teaching moments, "well done, my good and faithful servant (student). You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities." Matt 25:21
If God was going to write each of us in the greatest history book of all times, what would we look like? Would we be considered a good student or something different? A "good" student doesn't mean perfection, but I can give you a list giving you a better idea (this is from my perspective of 17 years of teaching).
1. pays attention
2. gives their best effort (and I don't compare efforts....I know what each individuals best looks like)
3. ask questions
4. answer questions (not afraid to make mistakes)
5. take responsibility (for actions and work ethic)
6. help others
7. learn from their mistakes
8. show steady growth (academically, socially, emotionally, mentally)
9. get along with others (can work in groups)
10. respectful to teacher (or any authority) and peers
11. lead by example (make good choices....stay away from drama)
12. character qualities (honest, compassionate, kind, hard working etc.)
This past year, and especially the closing of the school year, I've had more life lessons than I'd care to remember (or repeat). But in all of it, I was trying to be a good student and learn from it. Was it difficult? extremely. Was it emotionally, physically, and spiritually draining? absolutely. This explains the time away from my blog....my time to connect to my readers. I needed to have some serious reflection, meditation, and learning take place in my heart or else ALL of it was in vain and we all know that if we don't "get it" the Lord will make sure He finds other avenues for us to "get it".
Now I realize the learning process is the rest of our lives....but Hey....what's wrong with getting it right the first time? NOTHIN'!
What drives me CRAZY as a teacher?
1. little motivation (they have great potential but just don't care)
2. little family support (no one is cheering them on)
3. parents who enable their children (why would they need to be responsible...you do everything for them)
4. repeat mistakes
5. disrespectful
6. poor character qualities (dishonesty is at the TOP of my list)
7. do as little as possible to get by
I don't know about you but I don't want to have any of these qualities that would drive our teacher crazy. I want to handle my learning experience with great grace and humility.
Whether you want to be or not, we are all students. It's up to you on how that's going to look.
Good to be back,
The Mrs. Pastor
p.s. since I've been out for so long, will you pass this on so people know I'm back :)
I cant help but look at all the great teaching, analogies, parables, poetry, etc. that takes place in God's word. The teachers teaching, hoping the students will learn and grow as much as possible in order to be all that God wants them to be. But on the other extreme, I'm looking at the students: Did they listen? Did they apply the knowledge? Did they learn from their mistakes? Did they ask questions...and then ask some more? Were they teachable? Did they give their best? All of these are valid questions for each of us.
This must of have been important to our Lord as he used this example in one of his teaching moments, "well done, my good and faithful servant (student). You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities." Matt 25:21
If God was going to write each of us in the greatest history book of all times, what would we look like? Would we be considered a good student or something different? A "good" student doesn't mean perfection, but I can give you a list giving you a better idea (this is from my perspective of 17 years of teaching).
1. pays attention
2. gives their best effort (and I don't compare efforts....I know what each individuals best looks like)
3. ask questions
4. answer questions (not afraid to make mistakes)
5. take responsibility (for actions and work ethic)
6. help others
7. learn from their mistakes
8. show steady growth (academically, socially, emotionally, mentally)
9. get along with others (can work in groups)
10. respectful to teacher (or any authority) and peers
11. lead by example (make good choices....stay away from drama)
12. character qualities (honest, compassionate, kind, hard working etc.)
This past year, and especially the closing of the school year, I've had more life lessons than I'd care to remember (or repeat). But in all of it, I was trying to be a good student and learn from it. Was it difficult? extremely. Was it emotionally, physically, and spiritually draining? absolutely. This explains the time away from my blog....my time to connect to my readers. I needed to have some serious reflection, meditation, and learning take place in my heart or else ALL of it was in vain and we all know that if we don't "get it" the Lord will make sure He finds other avenues for us to "get it".
Now I realize the learning process is the rest of our lives....but Hey....what's wrong with getting it right the first time? NOTHIN'!
What drives me CRAZY as a teacher?
1. little motivation (they have great potential but just don't care)
2. little family support (no one is cheering them on)
3. parents who enable their children (why would they need to be responsible...you do everything for them)
4. repeat mistakes
5. disrespectful
6. poor character qualities (dishonesty is at the TOP of my list)
7. do as little as possible to get by
I don't know about you but I don't want to have any of these qualities that would drive our teacher crazy. I want to handle my learning experience with great grace and humility.
Whether you want to be or not, we are all students. It's up to you on how that's going to look.
Good to be back,
The Mrs. Pastor
p.s. since I've been out for so long, will you pass this on so people know I'm back :)
Sunday, March 15, 2015
911....what's your emergency?
When you are in an emergency which requires immediate safety/medical attention, one of two things happen. You make an emergency call or a witness makes it for you. Without the help of an emergency crew, the situation could be fatal.
In our lives we have our very own witness who is on duty 24/7. His name is the Holy Spirit. He makes the call and he provides the help. The problem is we don't always accept the help. He sees that a situation, an action, a decision that needs immediate attention or it could be fatal and yet we refuse service. The lights are going off, the sirens are loud, everything about it feels not right, and yet we continue forward in awareness of possible fatality.
It 's called conviction. I'm sure if I would have named this post "conviction", I would have less readers. No one likes conviction. In reality, conviction is the sign of great spiritual maturity. It shows that anything that is not of God is not welcome in your life. It grows and strengthens you. Which is real threat for the enemy.
I'm certain the prince of this world has his own crew of "pride" that makes sure conviction sees no victory. It has been a battle since the beginning of time. From the fallen angel who felt no conviction to Adam and Eve in the garden who understood conviction a little too late. You can read throughout God's word of situations where conviction was heeded and where it was not. The result was either change for the better or disaster turning into fatality (physical or spiritual).
We see a perfect example of this in Psalm 51 when Nathan approaches David about his decisions. David could have easily been so angry with Nathan that he have him killed. He could have made Nathan his enemy for brining something up that was none of his business. He could have asked Nathan to leave the kingdom and not ever come back. But he didn't! He repented. The Holy Spirit knew it was an emergency and needed David to repent and move forward !
The entire chapter is the most beautiful psalm of repentance. One I would encourage to be a part of your daily reading. A good gut check if you will. I will highlight a few verses for the sake of this post:
Verse 10-13
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take away your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to you.
This is a person heeding conviction and begging God to renew and move him forward in God.
No it doesn't feel good....it's the worst feeling. It's much easier to blame others, find an avenue to justify, or simply ignore.....yes, that's easier, but not productive. It's miserable. It's heavy. It's immobilizing us from moving forward and receiving Gods personal best. Any sin in our life separates us from God. It stops us from moving into God's blessing and favor. That is why repentance is a must! I love at the end of the chapter that it says "the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart- these o God, you will not despise."
To know He is waiting to welcome my repentful heart rather than shake his head at me with shame....makes the process not so terrifying. Make it a habit to have God search your heart everyday. There could be something hidden under rubble that He's just waiting on you to see it and look to Him.
I'm listening Lord!
The Mrs. Pastor
In our lives we have our very own witness who is on duty 24/7. His name is the Holy Spirit. He makes the call and he provides the help. The problem is we don't always accept the help. He sees that a situation, an action, a decision that needs immediate attention or it could be fatal and yet we refuse service. The lights are going off, the sirens are loud, everything about it feels not right, and yet we continue forward in awareness of possible fatality.
It 's called conviction. I'm sure if I would have named this post "conviction", I would have less readers. No one likes conviction. In reality, conviction is the sign of great spiritual maturity. It shows that anything that is not of God is not welcome in your life. It grows and strengthens you. Which is real threat for the enemy.
I'm certain the prince of this world has his own crew of "pride" that makes sure conviction sees no victory. It has been a battle since the beginning of time. From the fallen angel who felt no conviction to Adam and Eve in the garden who understood conviction a little too late. You can read throughout God's word of situations where conviction was heeded and where it was not. The result was either change for the better or disaster turning into fatality (physical or spiritual).
We see a perfect example of this in Psalm 51 when Nathan approaches David about his decisions. David could have easily been so angry with Nathan that he have him killed. He could have made Nathan his enemy for brining something up that was none of his business. He could have asked Nathan to leave the kingdom and not ever come back. But he didn't! He repented. The Holy Spirit knew it was an emergency and needed David to repent and move forward !
The entire chapter is the most beautiful psalm of repentance. One I would encourage to be a part of your daily reading. A good gut check if you will. I will highlight a few verses for the sake of this post:
Verse 10-13
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take away your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to you.
This is a person heeding conviction and begging God to renew and move him forward in God.
No it doesn't feel good....it's the worst feeling. It's much easier to blame others, find an avenue to justify, or simply ignore.....yes, that's easier, but not productive. It's miserable. It's heavy. It's immobilizing us from moving forward and receiving Gods personal best. Any sin in our life separates us from God. It stops us from moving into God's blessing and favor. That is why repentance is a must! I love at the end of the chapter that it says "the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart- these o God, you will not despise."
To know He is waiting to welcome my repentful heart rather than shake his head at me with shame....makes the process not so terrifying. Make it a habit to have God search your heart everyday. There could be something hidden under rubble that He's just waiting on you to see it and look to Him.
I'm listening Lord!
The Mrs. Pastor
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Your Measuring Stick
I must ask the question! What is your measuring stick in your spiritual life? This seems like an elementary question, possibly one you would brush to the side, and yet it says much about us.
There is much that I've learned in my Christian walk, as you have. But I can say confidently that I've learned even more when the Lord put me in a leadership role. My latest inspiration comes by a good read "The Leadership Lessons of Jesus" by Bob Briner & Ray Pritchard.
Leadership simply means being a person of influence... Pointing people not to ourselves or our ways but to His ways. This requires a "measuring" if you will. And what will you measure with? His word says we have a choice. We can use the "wisdom of this world" , which he says does not come from heaven but is "earthly" and "unspiritual". Or you can use the "wisdom that comes from heaven which is pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere". James 3
As elementary as it seems, I must point people to the answer: God's Word! When you have the knowledge in your mind, then you meditate on it so it stays in your heart. When it stays in your heart then you are passionate about it and it comes out of your mouth.
If you are measuring your actions, words, and decisions against God's standards then you should quickly feel the conviction. This takes place when it's in your heart. The knowledge part is actually the easy step. We all can be knowledgable about many things but do nothing with it. I can be knowledgable about the speed limit but choose not to obey it. It's that convicting voice that moves us to a deep place. A place of depth and intensity. Where is that voice coming from? The world? Your earthly flesh? Your feelings? Or is it coming from the Holy Spirit?
Let me help you answer that question. Does your place lead you to peace, love, forgiveness, submissive, mercy, good fruit? If so, then you must be using Gods Word to direct you.
I love the words from R.C Sprout in his book Pleasing God, " our conscience ( which I'm calling conviction) acts as a kind of governor upon our behavior. It's the inner voice that either accuses or excuses us. It monitors our behavior by either approval or disapproval. ....we are adept at training it in the direction of self-approval....in order to function in godly way it must be influenced by godly conviction"...
My scripture for you to stand on: psalm 119:33-40
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statues, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things ( can I say a big amen here), and revive me in your way. Establish your word in your servant, who is devoted to fearing you. Turn away my reproach which I dread, for judgements are good. Behold, I long for your precepts; revive me in your righteousness.
I'm measuring,
The Mrs. Pastor
There is much that I've learned in my Christian walk, as you have. But I can say confidently that I've learned even more when the Lord put me in a leadership role. My latest inspiration comes by a good read "The Leadership Lessons of Jesus" by Bob Briner & Ray Pritchard.
Leadership simply means being a person of influence... Pointing people not to ourselves or our ways but to His ways. This requires a "measuring" if you will. And what will you measure with? His word says we have a choice. We can use the "wisdom of this world" , which he says does not come from heaven but is "earthly" and "unspiritual". Or you can use the "wisdom that comes from heaven which is pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere". James 3
As elementary as it seems, I must point people to the answer: God's Word! When you have the knowledge in your mind, then you meditate on it so it stays in your heart. When it stays in your heart then you are passionate about it and it comes out of your mouth.
If you are measuring your actions, words, and decisions against God's standards then you should quickly feel the conviction. This takes place when it's in your heart. The knowledge part is actually the easy step. We all can be knowledgable about many things but do nothing with it. I can be knowledgable about the speed limit but choose not to obey it. It's that convicting voice that moves us to a deep place. A place of depth and intensity. Where is that voice coming from? The world? Your earthly flesh? Your feelings? Or is it coming from the Holy Spirit?
Let me help you answer that question. Does your place lead you to peace, love, forgiveness, submissive, mercy, good fruit? If so, then you must be using Gods Word to direct you.
I love the words from R.C Sprout in his book Pleasing God, " our conscience ( which I'm calling conviction) acts as a kind of governor upon our behavior. It's the inner voice that either accuses or excuses us. It monitors our behavior by either approval or disapproval. ....we are adept at training it in the direction of self-approval....in order to function in godly way it must be influenced by godly conviction"...
My scripture for you to stand on: psalm 119:33-40
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statues, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things ( can I say a big amen here), and revive me in your way. Establish your word in your servant, who is devoted to fearing you. Turn away my reproach which I dread, for judgements are good. Behold, I long for your precepts; revive me in your righteousness.
I'm measuring,
The Mrs. Pastor
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