As I sat down for my afternoon snack and gobbled down two chocolate chip cookies…I felt the Lord saying to me…”not this either”. I often choose the easy way out because…we’ll…it’s easier. Exercising and eating properly takes dicipline, so does cleaning up after everyone, and setting boundaries for the kids is just plain hard. But “easy” and comfortable is not where God is at either. I should do everything as if for the Lord…without worrying about outcome, rewards or consequences.
Monthly Archives: January 2011
Nada
Imitation of Christ
“Consider nothing great, nothing acceptable to you, unless it be God Himself, or of God.”
How does this apply to ME? What types of things am I struggling for in my own flesh? With God as my co-pilot perhaps, but certainly NOT with Him in the drivers seat?
This reminds me of St. John of the Cross’ ‘Nada Path’. I have my own Mt. Carmel to climb. I look at “clean and organized home” and have to say “nope…not this”. I look at “health and fitness” and have to chuck that to the side also. “Perfect kids that always behave properly?” Ha…absolutely not. All these things as good as they are in and of themselves mean nothing. Wasting my efforts on any of these is a big waste of my time and energy…that leaves me feeling nothing but anxious and totally drained. However…I am told to seek first the kingdom and then all these things shall be added on to me.
I love you Jesus…and seek You and not Your hand. You are loving and extremely generous…but may that not be the basis of our relationship.
Mind your own business
Imitation of Christ
“Those who are turned to God consider the care of themselves before all other cares; and looking seriously to themselves, they find it easy to be silent about the deeds of others.”
Ofcourse this is not telling us to be selfish…what it is saying is that we have to be more concerned with our own spiritual life and our own walk of obedience then what other people may or may not be doing. This is a grave sin that we “church people” can fall into if we are not careful. It’s not that we should’t care about our fellow brothers and sisters…it’s just that sometimes we need to show more then talk.
transformation from within
Meditation: “What can mustard seeds teach us about the kingdom of God? The tiny mustard seed literally grew to be a tree which attracted numerous birds because they loved the little black mustard seed it produced. God’s kingdom works in a similar fashion. It starts from the smallest beginnings in the hearts of men and women who are receptive to God’s word. And it works unseen and causes a transformation from within. Just as a seed has no power to change itself until it is planted in the ground, so we cannot change our lives to be like God until God gives us the power of his Holy Spirit. The Lord of the Universe is ever ready to transform us by the power of his Spirit. Are you ready to let God change you by his grace and power? The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield to Jesus Christ, our lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Do you believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?
“Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the Christ-like holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a holy desire to live for your greater glory.”
be a light-bearer
“God’s grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God’s kingdom. In fact, our mission is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception. via Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations.”
Come Holy Spirit
via Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations.
“While it was the end of Jesus’ physical presence with his beloved disciples, it marked the beginning of Jesus’ presence with them in a new way. Jesus promised that he would be with them always to the end of time. Now as the glorified and risen Lord and Savior, ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven, Jesus promised to send them the Holy Spirit who would anoint them with power on the Feast of Pentecost, just as Jesus was anointed for his ministry at the River Jordan. When the Lord Jesus departed physically from the apostles, they were not left in sorrow or grief. Instead, they were filled with joy and with great anticipation for the coming of the Holy Spirit. ”
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Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Zeal
Reading 12 Tm 1:1-8
“For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.”
Essy D.
stepping into it 