Peace

Referenced Scriptures: John 16:33, Philippians 4:7, John 14:27, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 4:8

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

I love this verse! It's a great reminder and really can help put perspective back into things. It's amazing that Jesus knew this and just basically put it out there, "Yes, your are going to go through things." So why are we caught off-guard by these situations? In the same verse Jesus tells us in so many words, "Look, don't worry about these things, because of what I did you can still have peace." How awesome is that?! This concept is sometimes very hard to grasp in the midst of the circumstance but according to scripture it is possible (through Christ). So be encouraged today, no matter what you're going through it is not bigger than God. You can make it through victoriously to the other side as long as you focus on the One that can give you peace. Keep your eyes on Christ and not the raging seas all around you and remember the sun always shines after the rain.

The past few weeks God has been pressing upon me that there is a such a need for this peace that he offers. With all the ups and downs of life the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) is something that we need to finish strong.

*If needed here are some other additional passages that remind us of the peace we have in Christ.

Philippians 4:7, John 14:27, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 4:8

Take care & God bless 

-E

Completely Incomplete

Referenced scriptures: 1 Kings 11:2, 4 , Exodus 20:16, Matthew 5:22

The Lord had clearly instructed the people of Israel, ‘You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.’ Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been. - 1 Kings 11:2, 4 

How could Solomon do this? How could the wisest man that ever lived deliberately go against God's command and blatantly disobey God? This is the first thought that came to mind as I read this today. Then as I begin to think on this I am reminded of my very own weaknesses and how I've slipped up before. I literally said out loud, "We all deal with things."  This is so true and if we are honest with ourselves we know it's 100% absolute truth. God's word tells us not to lie (Exodus 20:16), but I bet most of us today have "bent the truth" to make the talk around the water cooler just a little more exciting. Jesus tells us not to hate and that it's the same as murder (Matthew 5:22), but I can guarantee there are some reading this that can think of someone they could honestly say they "hate". So just as quickly as I was ready to condemn and pass judgement on Solomon I am humbly reminded we all have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). So then why do we judge?

Through God's grace I see things differently now than in my younger years and some things become increasingly clear. We can't keep trying to understand or pass judgement on anyone's issues. We don't know the entire story and what makes us think we can base a conclusion on the small amount of information we do have? Hey, believe me I am talking to myself here just as much as all of you. Look at the beginning of this I was judging Solomon for directly disobeying God. So this is not me on a "holier-than-thou" soapbox religious rant. This is me just being real and transparent. We as Christians can be notorious to holding grudges, looking down on others, gossiping, and just being downright judgmentally rude. Yes, I have been guilty of this and if you have been on the receiving end of this from me; I do sincerely apologize.

Here's what I believe it all comes down to. For those of us that openly call ourselves a Christian; let's  take a moment to let the meaning of that word soak in. The very definition of this word states, "pertaining to, or derived from Jesus Christ or His teachings: a Christian faith. Exhibiting a spirit proper to a follower of Jesus Christ;  Christ like.” So we all have things that we deal with and because we live in a fallen world it's going to take daily maintenance being in God's Word and being in prayer renewing our minds to combat these "things". So don't be so quick to judge everyone else but pray for them instead, because the truth of the matter is we are all completely incomplete without the Grace and mercy of God.

Take Care & God Bless,

-E 

 

Motives

Referenced Scriptures:  Proverbs 16:2, Hebrews 10:25

"All the ways of people are pure in their eyes, but the Lord tests the motives." - Proverbs 16:2

Came across this today in my daily reading and it struck a nerve. The Proverbs are notorious for exposing things and painting a very clear black and white picture; this one is definitely no exception. When I read this it immediately posed a question, "Why are you doing what you're doing?" I mulled this over in my head for a while and thought, "What?" Then God began to bring up everything and ask me internally. "Why do you worship me? Why do you serve at the church in my name? Better yet; why do you even attend church?"

Motives, this all boils down to our individual motives and intentions. This is where being brutally honest with yourself is absolutely necessary and ONLY you and God can truly know the answer as to why we we do what we do. So ask yourself some of these very same things. If you attend church; why do you attend? Is it because we are Biblically instructed to do so as Christians (see Hebrews 10:25)? Or is it just a tradition that you've always done? Why do you help at that church you attend? Why do you volunteer to clean, teach the children, and sing in the choir? Is is because of your love and devotion to God or is it because you want to be noticed?

I've been here and we all can fall into the trap of doing things for the wrong reasons if we're not careful. Unless we are on guard and spending time in God's Word and in Prayer (DAILY) we are all suspect to fall into the impure motives pit. So check yourself and be honest. Ask God to reveal your true motives to you . Also ask Him to help you do things for Him and as unto Him and NOT unto man or for the recognition of man. 

Take Care & God Bless,

-E