IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!

Any time I get to thinking too much, and realize that my focus might be more about myself than about others or about God and Jesus, I strive to keep this thought in my mind:  "It's not about ME, it's about HIM."  As I was driving down the road having that thought yesterday, it occurred to me that too often "I" am wanting to be in the spotlight of something.  I'm being selfish.  I'm concerned about my wants or my feelings.  Not that it is always bad to do so, but too much of it can lead to depression or negative thinking in a hurry.  I was thinking, "It's hard for my light to shine for HIM, if I'm too concerned about myself being in the spotlight."  I decided to make a little meme to share this thought with others, just in case they, too, had these selfish thoughts from time to time.

I suppose we all do, really.  It's easy to get caught up in ourselves, isn't it?  I blame mine on hormones, just to be honest, because I'm rarely "down" about anything. When I am it almost always equates to a hormonal issue that's out of whack for a short time.  (Oh, the joys of the mid-40's! NOT.) But it makes me think of those who might not ever "get out" of these thoughts....what about them?  And what if it wasn't a hormone thing?  What could I do to help get the negativity from my mind?

For me, what I've found has been found driving down a highway. When you live in a remote area as I do, you spend a lot of time driving on highways.  Often I listen to my favorite Pandora station, but I have a very favorite thing to do, and that is to put it on my iTunes "worship" playlist filled with acapella praise and worship songs from various groups, such as Hallal, The Zoe Group, Narrow Way, and a few others.  I LOVE IT!  It instantly "peps" me up and makes me feel better!

So now I think, WHY DO I NOT JUST START OUT EVERY DAY WITH THIS PLAYLIST?!  Well, I do listen to that playlist often and at random or scheduled times, but I haven't wanted to listen to it all of the time because I wanted it to be different.  I wanted that list to be "reserved" in a sense, but now I see that my thinking is WRONG.  I NEED those songs each and every day. I NEED to be uplifted every day! MAYBE if I listened to them ever day - at the beginning of every day - it would change the whole day...or at least change ME for the whole day.  Who knows? (God.)  

So today, I'm starting out with HIM even more so than usual Bible reading as soon as a I wake up and quick prayer before leaving the bed.  (I need to work on that part, too.)  And as I go through the day, I'll remind myself to keep ME out of the spotlight, to shine brightly for HIM, and strive to always remember that none of this is about me ever.

Which One Are You?

Today I was going to Sam's Club. I happened to get behind someone who was actually "parking" in the walkway area so that their party could unload the basket in the trunk. I got too close to be able to move and someone was behind me, so I was stuck. The Salvation Army bell ringer even went to help the young man unload his basket into the trunk to hurry things along. I was amazed at the lack of respect from the driver of the car and the young man. Now maybe the driver was handicapped or something. That could be so. But the young (teen or young 20 year old) was in adequate shape to walk a short distance to the parking lot had the driver chosen to park in a real spot. Years ago this would have aggravated me! Today it just made me kind of sad.

On the way out of Sam's Club, when I was driving off, an older lady was parked in a handicapped spot and trying to unload her basket. A young couple (early 20's) stopped to help her unload her basket, put it in her car, and took her basket for her. This one made me smile.

Now for a few questions concerning both of the stories above:
Which one of these stories is closer to how you are?
Are you aware of the fact that people watch you and watch your reactions/actions - and assumptions are made (whether right or wrong) depending on those reactions/actions? Do you care?

Some of the best ways we can show Jesus living within us is in the small, everyday things of life. Our walk must match our talk for His light to shine in our lives.

 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 

Titus 2:7-9

The Inferiority Complex

The Inferiority Complex....

It's the opposite of the Superiority Complex - what we usually think of when we think of pride.  But, in reality, it's just as bad for us, and our relationship with God as one of His children, when the pride comes from the other end of the spectrum.

The Inferiority Complex is a type of pride I'll be teaching about tonight in Ladies' Bible Class.  I found a great lesson about this complex and how it relates to the problem we have of pride.  Here is a quote from the lesson:

"Feeling inadequate is exactly what we all should feel, because then we'll depend on the Lord to make us competent. As Paul said, "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God" (2 Corinthians 3:4-5). Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing!" (John 15:5). His Holy Spirit lives within us from baptism on (Acts 2:37-39). The same Person who empowered the Lord Jesus in His ministry is in residence in our hearts." 

Our reliance is on Him. He makes us competent...not ourselves. We get in trouble when we focus too much on SELF.

Think about it:

We compare ourselves to others and we worry about what they think of US.

We don't feel adequate in our job, our role as a wife or mother. We worry about what people think about US.

Do you see how it is all coming back to SELF???  When we worry about how we compare to others or when we measure our worth by performance or appearance, we are going to feel insecure.  Those insecurities all lead back to SELF.  That's what makes it a form of pride.  Pride is thinking of SELF too much.

So, how can we get rid of this selfish attitude?  We can only do that by relying on God.  We must realize that HE is the source of our strength and our abilities.  When we learn to put our complete trust and faith in Him, those insecurities will go away.  Keeping our eyes on Jesus.....keeping our head looking up and not at self....that is the best way to turn your thoughts around.  That will be the beginning of a new life - a life not focused on ourselves - but focused on the only One who can make that inferiority complex go away.

For in him you have been enriched in every way--with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge. 1 Corinthians 1:5

Put it to work:  Read the scripture above, but where it says "YOU" say "I".  Put special emphasis on the words IN HIM.

It will read "For IN HIM "I" have been enriched in every way -- with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge.  IN HIM....IN HIM.....He has done things for ME.  Say that over and over and over in your mind. :)

What Are You Known For?

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” 

Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Acts 9:36-42

Yesterday I had to go to Oklahoma City. For a small-town girl, it's always exciting to be in "The City".  Lots of places to go that we don't have around here.  As I shopped around and looked.....saw the many, many stores and different places, I got to thinking about all of the things we women can do or may do away from home...in service-type places. This is for women (or men on some) whether in a big city or not, because we can drive to do them.

Besides shopping for clothes, food, or home decor, we can get our hair cut, fixed, and colored; get our nails done; work out at a gym; drink coffee with friends; go to shows, play games, attend sporting events and concerts.  Of course there is work - either at home or away from home....family activities, children's extra-curricular activities, and the work of the church.

Although none of those things is bad, in and of itself, if we're not really careful, we can allow our selves to get so busy with things for "self" and our own pleasure that we don't have time to do anything else.  We will not have time to do things for others, being a servant of the Lord, if we get too involved and focused on self.  

As I thought about this "problem", I thought about Dorcas from the passage above.  She didn't, nor did anyone in Bible times, take the time for "self" that we are capable of doing now. Imagine how different it would be if we read God's Word and all it was about was how they spoiled themselves or entertained themselves with worldly affairs.  Now some did do worldly things and got into trouble because of it, just like we do, but we certainly don't see that from Dorcas, do we?

Dorcas was always doing good and helping the poor. That's what we know about her.  And that's enough to know about her, isn't it?

What will be said about you?  What will you be known for?  How do you want to be known?  Do you want to be known as a selfish, self-serving/pleasing person or do you want to be known as someone who was always doing good?  It's a pretty easy answer for most of us.  Most of us want to be known for doing good.  If we do, we'll have to get rid of self!  So, let's get to work, okay?

What Am I Doing?

Yesterday, as I was driving down the highway, this scripture came to mind:

If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

I began to question in my mind, "In what way am I denying myself that will cause me to walk more closely with Jesus today?"  What about you?  In what way are you denying yourself that will cause you to walk more closely with Him?

From time to time, I believe that it's good to closely examine our lives and make sure we are using our time wisely - in order that we may have time to spend getting closer to God and more closely walking with Jesus.  It may mean having to give something up in order to have this time.  Maybe I will have to get up earlier (yuck!) or stay up later.  Maybe I won't stay on the computer as long.  Maybe some of you would have to give up other forms of entertainment (TV, games, shopping, hobbies) or other self-indulgences.  But maybe it would be just getting more active in 'doing' for others....taking the time to help and serve.  Maybe it would be writing a note of encouragement or calling someone to check on them.

There are many, many ways we can deny ourselves.  The problem is that many times we just don't want to.  Our society says that life is all about "me", to do what feels good, to do what is best in my eyes and for me, and that is all that really matters.  It's totally against the norm to take "me" totally out of the picture.

But that's what Jesus did.  And so must I.  And so must you if you have committed your life to following Him.  He commands that from His followers.  As Christians, we are Christ's followers!

It's a simple plan:  Pray to God.  Read His Word.  Meditate on His Word.  Keep a thankful and grateful heart.  Strive to be more like Jesus every day.  Simple?  Yes! 

Little by little, with each passing day, by following this simple, yet profound, plan, we will find ourselves denying our selves and our selfish desires, but walking more closely with Him each day.  The wonderful thing about it is that, by doing so, others will begin to see the light of Jesus more evident in our lives.  We'll be spreading His message more and more all of the time.

It's All His!

Have you seen the quote that says, "What if all you had when you woke up today was what you thanked God for yesterday."?  It makes you think, doesn't it?  If that truly happened, each day we would be more diligent to pray for the things that are the most important to us, wouldn't we?  Of course we would!

I'll add to that thought a quote from a recent sermon from our minister:  "Nothing we have is ours.  It is God's.  He has loaned it to us."  And I'll go a step further and say that God can - at any time - decide He wants it back!  Not as a mean, uncaring God, but sometimes just to show us that all of this "stuff, things, and even the people in our lives" is His.  Maybe He wants us to learn to rely more on Him and less on all that "stuff" that really isn't ours.  Or perhaps He wants us to be more grateful for all we have.  Or maybe He's just finished loaning it out and wants it back.  After all, it belongs to Him.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

1 Timothy 6:17

We humans are greedy, by nature.  We're like the pelicans on "Finding Nemo" who shout out "MINE! MINE! MINE!!" over and over and over.  We're selfish.  We want what is ours and often want what is YOURS, too.

So back to the original thought...of thanking God for what we have today.  Isn't it easier to be thankful for it all when we realize how blessed we are by what God has given us?  Isn't it easier to think clearly about what we're thankful for if we think about the fact it might not be here tomorrow?

Gratitude should constantly be on our lips and in our hearts.  Our loving, caring, heavenly Father has been so good to us - no matter how rich or poor we are here on earth.  He gave us the hope - a confident expectation - in what is to come when this earthly life is over.  A home in Heaven with God and Jesus forever and ever!  That promise is for every one of His children...for all whose names are written in the book of Life.

So, Christian, be thankful for what He has given you today.  And remember, He is only loaning it to you.  Some day He will want it all back.  He's even loaned you to someone.  Someday He's going to want you back, too.

He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. 

Revelation 3:5

Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Revelation 21:27

What Am I Here For?

Do you ever wonder about your purpose?  Why you were born?  What your mission in life might be?  Why you are where you are?  Many people ask these questions every day.  Maybe all of us have as one time or another. 

Many spend their entire life searching for the answers to these questions, but as difficult as the questions may seem, the answers are really simple.  The answers are simple because they center on one simple principle:  We are here - each and every one of us - to do God's Will.  Simple, right?  Yes...at first the answer seems simple and in reality it is, but the fact is that we allow "things" to get in the way of this simple fact. 

Too many times we allow our own desires to get in the way of what God desires for our lives.  We believe that it is all up to us to find our purpose, forgetting God some times.  But, the truth of the matter is, we are not here on Earth to please ourselves.  We were put here to please Him and Him alone.

So, let's ask ourselves another question:  How can I do God's Will? Seeking to do God's will is an easy thing to say, but a must more difficult thing to do. So, to find out how to do this task, we look to the example of Jesus.  He is our example for everything in life.  He lived a perfect life - a life totally committed to God.  As His followers, we will strive to mimic His life's example of commitment and service to God.

For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.

John 6:38

Remember how Satan tempted Jesus? How did Jesus respond? With scripture, right? Jesus didn't argue with Satan, he just simply quoted back scripture to him.

Now let's look at how can we know God's Will. Here are five ways:

1. Scripture

To know what God's will for our lives is, we must know the scriptures.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

We can't just hear a sermon or a lesson once or twice a week and get to know what God's will for our lives is. We must study the scriptures. We must claim the words and the promises of God as our own. God's Word plainly tells us what His will for us is on many situations we will face in life.

For example, say we are having a problem with someone and we're not sure what to do. God's Word says,

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4. Doesn't that passage pretty much clear up any problems we might be having with someone....if we really apply that message to our lives?

Scriptures help us know God's Will for us in many ways, but they won't tell us specifics....like “who should I marry?”. They give guidelines for marriage, but not specifics....such as who. We can pray for Godly Wisdom in making decisions in our life.

2. Pray for Godly Wisdom

God will not audibly tell us the answer, but He will guide us in our decisions. When something specific comes into our life that we need help with, prayer is the way we can seek God's counsel. By talking to Him.....asking for His help.....asking for wisdom to make decisions in our life....He will help us.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

Wisdom is “Knowledge Righteously Applied.” You and I can have all of the Bible knowledge possible, and decide not to use it. Satan knows the bible better than we do, yet he uses it wrong and in the wrong way. Knowing the Bible isn't enough. We must know how to apply it in our lives.When we are asking God for wisdom and using His Word as a guide for our lives, He will point us in the right direction and help us know what His Will for our lives is.

He also gave us each other.....to help each other.

3. Seek Godly Counsel

God did not create us to be alone. He created us to be in fellowship with one another. We can (or should be able to) gain wisdom from one another. We can seek counsel from Godly spouses, friends, family members, preachers, elders, teachers....all kinds of people.....even people we don't know through books or websites. However, this is where the scriptures and wisdom come in....we must make sure what these counselors tell us is what is true and right. We want counsel that will help guide us to finding God's Will....not those that will guide us in the wrong direction.

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 12:15

4. Open Doors (Opportunities)

If God wants you to go in a certain direction he will open doors for you. Or he will close certain doors.

Just this summer three of my family members had job offers that come out of nowhere. God opened doors that they weren't even thinking about. It's great to see God's hand in each of those situations.

However, I have a friend who made a statement recently about her life.  She said, .“God kept putting hurdles in my way, but I kept jumping over them.”  Have you ever felt like my friend?  That God was trying to help you, but your wants and desires led you down the wrong path?

Closed doors may be a way that God is trying to keep us from making mistakes and yet we, like my friend, may continue to jump the hurdles God is placing in front of us. We may be doing our own will, instead of looking for His Will.

Open doors may be God's way of getting us to do His Will.

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Revelation 3:8

But, beware.....Satan can open doors, too....and he does. We must use scriptures, wisdom, and wise counsel so that we won't jump over the hurdles God places in our paths or go down doors that are opened by Satan.

God will guide us to do His Will if we allow Him to do so. 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:1

By renewing our mind......by dramatically changing the way we think.....Only then will be able to test and approve what God's will for our lives is.

5. A Peaceful Heart

Having a heart that is at peace means that we are thinking about spiritual things and not earthly things. It means we are using the Bible to guide our lives, we are praying for Godly wisdom....we are seeking Godly counsel.

When we truly have an open door...opened by God....where we are taking scripture and applying it to our lives....we will have a peaceful heart about the situation. Not a “comfy feeling” or a “good feeling” because we can sometimes even feel okay with sin. What I'm talking about is a true, God-given peace. Peace that comes from seeking His Will for your life. Peace that comes from undergoing a dramatic change. Peace that only comes from God.

So, from now on, when you want to ask, "What am I here for?"  Your answer can be an emphatic, "As a follower of Jesus, I am here to do God's Will!"

WHAT NOT TO WEAR

My mom is responsible for putting up new bulletin boards from time to time at the church building where she and my dad worship. This past Sunday my husband was preaching there (filling in for their regular minister), so I made sure to take my camera along so that I could take a picture of the bulletin board.  I thought it would make a great post to share with you.

The title is "WHAT NOT TO WEAR" and then lists several items that are not becoming for a Christian to wear.  Let's look at each of these traits.

PRIDE:  These six things the LORD hates, Yea, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look...Proverbs 6:16-17

ANGER: We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Proverbs 29:22

SELFISHNESS: We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1

WHINING: Do all things without murmurings and disputings. Philippians 2:14

BAD ATTITUDE: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

If we have any of these items in our Christian wardrobe, we need to get rid of them quickly!