Tag: right and wrong

Motivational Monday

Hey friends!  I am so glad you are here.  I want to discuss something that hits close to home for me personally and that’s attending church.  So let’s just jump in and talk about it!

I have been a member of Spring Creek for a little over 10 years now.  Before Spring Creek, I had been to several churches over the years but none I could call home.  Once I found Spring Creek, I instantly loved it…and still do.  But if I can be 100% transparent for a minute, there are Sunday mornings I don’t want to go.  It’s not because I don’t like/love my church or the people in it.  It’s not because I’m mad.  Honestly, I am just tired 99.9% of the time.  Either I am tired mentally, physically or both.  And if I do go to church when I am tired, I don’t listen.  

But some people are different.  Some are not interested in going to church because they don’t see the point.  “It’s just a building.”  Some people are angry with God for various reasons.  Some are just sad and they don’t want to go to church.  And some people view it as a burden and not a blessing.  And for them, it didn’t start out that way.  So why is that?

Well, it could just be a season for you.  It’s where you are in life.  Meaning, are you single in your twenties or married in your thirties with three kids, divorced and starting over in your forties or retired in your sixties.  Life is full of ups and downs and every age has unique challenges.  I think Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 sums it up best.  Your struggle with church may not be church…it could just be life for you right now.  But here’s the kicker!  Don’t get discouraged.  This will not last forever. (Song  of Solomon 2:11)

One reason I hear frequently is the hypocrisy in a church.  Well, look.  I get it.  It is so easy to throw a stone at someone else’s glass house instead of looking in yours.  My point is none of us is perfect.  We are all sinners.  If there is someone in the church whose sins are front and center, maybe that’s why they are front and center in the pew.  The question you need to ask yourself is have you elevated your preferences above biblical principles and therefore, it’s robbing you of the joy of Sunday morning worship?

Sometimes it’s not you and it is the church.  Churches have growing pains.  Some are good and some are not good.  Why would it not be good?  Because it’s made up of imperfect people.  And if your church is going through a time of trial, it would make sense why you are struggling.  Here is where you need to make a choice.  Do you stay and work through it or do you look for another church?  Either way, Sundays will be challenging.  No matter which challenge you chose, it is important you seek refuge in Him. (Psalm 34:8)

One reason you may not be enjoying it is because you are living in habitual sin.  Again, we are all sinners, right?  But this is someone who knows what they are doing is wrong yet they continue with the same behavior.  Stealing money, looking at pornagraphy, mistreating your spouse, excessively drinking, etc.  I view church like your parents.  When you are doing wrong and you go home to visit, your momma and daddy is going to call you out.  That’s their job no matter your age.  Well, listening to sermons when you are habitually sinning feels like every sermon is about you and it’s uncomfortable! (Psalm 51:12)

Or lastly, it could be that you don’t know Jesus.  And I know you are saying, “Well that’s silly!  I’m at church!”  Umm, that doesn’t mean you know Jesus.  That doesn’t mean you are Christian.  BUT, I am so glad you are at church!  And look, no judgement here.  But if you are not sure you are christian and need to talk it out, then let’s talk it out.  I want you to experience living through Him (Ezekiel 18:32), know Him (John 17:3), love Him (Zephaniah 3:17), and enjoy Him forever (Matthew 25:23).

For me personally, it’s a season for me.  How do I know?  When I don’t go to church, people call and check on me.  Not because they are nosey or messy, it’s because they love me.  How do I know they love me?  I feel it.  They tell me.  They make me feel valued even when I am tired.  Whenever I don’t go to church, I feel like I am letting God down because I want to be there.  And I am always worried I am letting my church friends and family down by not being there.  But guess what?  They always lift me up and support me when I need them.  That’s why finding and going to church is important.

Love you all,

Jennifer

 



Motivational Monday

Woah.  We had a week last week, didn’t we?  There is so much sadness and just pure evil.  From the Ukrainian girl to Charlie Kirk to the anniversary of 9/11.  It was…a lot for one week.  So many are asking the question, why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?  So, let’s talk about it.

If you haven’t heard Pastor Scott’s sermon from yesterday, please go watch it.  He is doing a series on names of God and he talked about his kids asking who created God.  The answer is no one.  My crazy self honestly has never questioned who created God but I questioned why God created evil?  Was it something He did to test us and it got out of hand?  

Evil didn’t come from God.  Rest assured, He never wanted to test you.  Let’s go all the way back to Adam and Eve.  Remember that serpent?  That serpent was pretty sneaky.  He slithered his way to Eve and told her things that just weren’t true.  And remember, no one (up to this point) had sinned.  God had given them instructions on what to do and what not to do.  Well, you know the story.  But you see, they were deceived and they turned against God.  That evil was from Satan.  Both evil and Satan are very real and go hand in hand.

As for the original question, why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?  I hate to answer a question with a question BUT what is your definition of good?  When deception happened and Adam and Eve turned against God, we now live in a fallen world.  Our definition of someone who is “good” would be something like this: wouldn’t hurt a fly, hard working, God loving, helps others, contributes to make the world a better place, etc.  But Romans 3:10-12 says, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’”

Look, I get it.  By human standards, they would be described as a good person.  And that’s all we have experienced, the human side.  We have the Bible and we read it and we can quote scripture.  We know what is written.  But we experience this side.  It’s hard to look at it from a Godly perspective.  God knows we fall and need His grace.  End of story.  In God’s eyes, we all aren’t the definition of good.  What makes us worthy is accepting Jesus as our Savior.  You can do all the good deeds for society all day long, but there is only one thing that matters most.

Bad things happening to good people actually says nothing about God but it says everything about humans.  Pain is just a feeling.  Like joy.  When we experience pain, it’s a warning sign and a way to protect us against danger.  Kinda like when meat has been in the fridge a little too long and you smell it to make sure it’s ok.  But just like how He allows us to experience joy, pain is the flip side.  God has given us the freedom to experience all the emotions.  But He has also provided a place with the greatest contentment we can imagine if we listen to Him.

God can give us victory over evil.  No, this doesn’t mean bad things won’t ever happen to you or any other Christian.  What it means is when they do happen, we know God is right there.  Step by step with us.  He will give us strength to stand against them.

As for specifically Charlie Kirk.  This horrific tragedy sent shockwaves throughout the US and other parts of the world.  People are starting to stand up and notice evil is all around.  What happened to Charlie should never happen to anyone.  But…look at what his death is doing.  People are going to church.  They are praying.  They are standing up and talking about God.  Evil slithered in but God is in control.  We may not understand everything that happens, but when we know Christ, we are on the winning side.

Love you all,

Jennifer



Motivational Monday

Hey friends!  I took the week off last week to celebrate Labor Day.  I know, I know.  Labor Day is just a day but…listen, it’s my excuse!  I hope it wasn’t too big of a disappointment.  Which leads us to today’s topic!  How do you handle disappointment?  Specifically, how do you deal with disappointment in people?  Well, let’s talk about it.

Like you, I encounter people daily.  In my line of work, I encounter A LOT of people everyday and I try my best to get to know them.  I mean, I’m at work more than I am at home so I need to try to get along with the people I work with.  As you build relationships with people (whether it’s coworkers, new or old friends, church members, neighbors or family), you believe you know them.  But then they do something that just floors you because “you thought you knew them”.  Sound familiar?  And sometimes, it really bothers you.  How could they do something like this?

Well, fun fact, you really don’t know people but I know someone who does…God.  There is absolutely NOTHING that happens without his consent.  Wait, what?  God approves sin?  Yep, He sure does.  “He holily permits them.” When Satan wanted to tempt Job to sin against God, he could only proceed with God’s permission (Job 1:9–12).“He powerfully binds them.” If God did not restrain evil in the world, our hurts and disappointments would be far worse than they are presently (Job 1:12; 38:8–11).“He wisely overrules them to some good purpose.” It can be hard to believe that God has an ultimate good purpose when he allows bad things to happen, but we do not have full access to the whole story. God does assure us this is the case for all believers (Romans 8:28).

So even when YOU are disappointed, God is in control and is hard at work.

Jesus instructed His disciples to forgive others as their heavenly Father forgives them (Matthew 6:12).  Some people believe you only need to forgive them if they ask.  Well, listen, that’s not true.  Do you remember when Jesus was dying on the cross and He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”? (Luke 23:34)  He asked for forgiveness and clearly those didn’t ask for it because they just didn’t understand. 

But forgiving people doesn’t mean you have to trust them.  It’s ok to hold people accountable for what they have done.  Trust is something that has to be rebuilt.  If you can rebuild that trust, many times it is stronger.  There are times the trust is never rebuilt.  I always say, “I keep them at arms length”.  Personally, I have relationships in my life who I can no longer trust for various reasons.  The reason I keep them at arms length is for my benefit.  I don’t want to be hurt again.  

At the end of the day though, understand that you are not perfect.  If you were disappointed with someone, did you set an unrealistic expectation of that person?  Did you think they were perfect?  A lot of times, I find myself saying, “They are such a good, christian person.  I can’t believe they did that!”  Ummm, what?  I like to think of myself as a “good, christian person” but I mess up daily!  I am sure I fail someone pretty regularly.  I don’t mean to nor do I want to.  I am sure I have disappointed someone in the last week.

At the end of the day, always seek God when you are disappointed.  Talk it out with Him.  I do it all the time.  In fact, when I am disappointed, you WANT me to talk about it with God and not the person I am disappointed with. 🙂  I need Him to simmer me down and that comes with prayer.  Remember, right is right and wrong is wrong.  It IS OK to stand up for what is right.  That does not make you judgemental (unlike what society tells you).  But remember, it is ok to give grace to those who disappoint you (including giving yourself grace!).

God loves you and His plan is always good.

Love you all,

Jennifer



Motivational Monday- Back to School Edition 3

Hey friends!  I am so glad you stopped in.  This week, I want to continue our Back to School series on preparing your kids for school.  By now, most kids have started school BUT that shouldn’t stop us from continuing to help them cultivate their faith while battling the peer pressure of today.  So, let’s continue to talk about it.

I have A LOT of faults.  A.LOT.  But one of things that I do well is admit when I am wrong.  In fact, I have had coworkers pull me to the side and say, “You didn’t have to be THAT transparent.”  🙄.  But one thing I am NOT good at is asking for help.  And this could be asking for help for anything.  Putting together a piece of furniture, writing a report or even something to do with my mental health.  In my crazy way of thinking, I don’t want to be judged as weak.  And asking for help is a sign of weakness.

Part of helping our kids as they go back to school is reminding them they are learners.  They aren’t in charge, they don’t make the rules and they don’t know everything (but if you have a teenager, they might tell you differently).  Teaching humility is teaching vulnerability.  No one likes to feel vulnerable because that exposes a weakness.

But, did you know that being vulnerable is a spiritual practice?  You see, God knows our imperfections.  He knows our struggles.  God doesn’t see our weakness as weakness.  God sees it as an opportunity for you to lean into Him.  He’s a patient father and He remembers we’re but dust and has compassion on us in our weakness, (Psalm 103:13-14).  Cultivating the self-awareness in our children that they are needy and they don’t know everything helps them to live in a posture that teaches them to depend on God.  Plus, recognizing you have much to learn is a hallmark of wisdom: “Listen to advice and accept instruction,” the Proverbs advise, “that you may gain wisdom in the future” (Proverbs 19:20).

Some of you are reading this and you are thinking, “Good thing my kid is humble!  They are great learners.  They make straight A’s, never get into trouble, and are captain of the football team.  Really what more could I say about them?”  And I want to be clear here, seriously, that is awesome.  And you should pat them on the back and remind them they are making great decisions.  And you as a parent are doing something right too!  But…where did this rock star come from?It didn’t come from you or them.  It came from Him.  “What do you have that you did not receive?” the apostle Paul asks the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:7).  As their parents, you need to remind them to grow in gratitude.

I know this series is geared for school age kids but can you see yourself fighting to stay humble?  You know, a lot of times when we think of someone who’s prideful, that has a negative tone.  But when you stop and see yourself where you are weak, do you believe you are being prideful OR is pride getting in the way?  I know it’s the same thing, but is it?  To me it’s where the intent falls.

This week, when you are listening to the kids talk about their day, make sure to point out areas where you see an opportunity to have a lesson on humility.  That sounds like a negative conversation but don’t let it be.  This needs to be normal, everyday conversation.  No finger pointing or tearing them down (whether it’s intentional or not).  Your kid is just trying to make it (like you) and reminding them they aren’t perfect AND they aren’t expected to BE perfect, might actually help them.  It’s ok to ask for help and to not know it all.

Love you all and see you next week,

Jennifer

 



Motivational Monday

Hey friends!  Listen, I knew yesterday what my topic was on today.  Wanna know why?  Because I was HOT!  Yes, I was physically hot because it was a million degrees with 100% humidity but what I am specifically talking about is mad.  😡  As I am upset, I thought, “Yep.  This is what this week’s topic is going to be about!”  So, let’s talk about it.

We are having a deck built on our house.  Some of you might have heard me talking about it.  This deck is on the larger side and we are adding to our roof line.  We have saved for this deck for YEARS and honestly, I am SO EXCITED to get it.  But…like most projects, it is not going as planned for a lot of reasons.  And truth be told, they are all avoidable reasons.  Yesterday, as I was working in the yard (that I hadn’t cut in 2 weeks because of the deck project), I was getting madder and madder about the situation.  I was working myself up in a tizzy and I was mad at EVERYBODY.  You’ve been there, right?

So is anger a sin?

The short answer is no.  It’s a God given emotion.  Anger is a signal that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.  What you should be angry over is sin and injustice because we serve a God that is just and holy.  And man, let me tell you.  When reading the Old Testament, there are LOTS of examples of when God was angry.  Whew.  The quickest example that comes to mind is the Great Flood.  He flooded the whole world and destroyed all living creatures except who and what was on the Ark.  Why?  Because he was OVER the wickedness and corruption on the Earth.  I would say He was pretty mad…

Whereas anger is not a sin, how we react to it can be.  To be completely transparent, how I acted yesterday was sinful.  I was quick tempered and infuriated by our situation.  And trust me, everyone knew I was NOT happy.  Everyone who couldn’t fix the situation knew about it.  I was misusing my anger.  “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”(Ephesians 4:31-32) Another short verse that is easy to remember is, “…everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment…” (Matthew 5:22)

When you become that angry, you need to pause, reflect on why you are angry and then ask God to help you.  Now, look.  I did ask God to help me with my anger yesterday because I didn’t like being around me.  But was I ready yesterday to reflect?  Truthfully, no.  I wasn’t mentally ready to work through it.  Was that right?  Well, I asked God for help and that did help me to simmer down enough to get through the day.  Then, I slept (I always have to sleep on it to have a clearer understanding).  Today, I was ready to work through it.

Some of the questions I asked myself were:

  • Has there been injustice? Was there sin against you, another, or God? Before you look to who your angry with, are you convicted about your own sin or how you have contributed? If so, begin to biblically address sin in you. (Matthew 18:15-17)
  • Are you hurt? Has this person hurt you (physically, mentally or emotionally) or opened an old wound? Is your pride wounded or do you feel shame? Be honest with yourself and God about your pain, recall God’s forgiveness of you, and continue to take steps to forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13)
  • Are you afraid? Has something stirred up an insecurity? Do you feel threatened? Are you struggling to trust God? If so, confess your fear and lack of trust to God and begin to confront your idols. (Psalm 56:3) If this is the case, I would recommend immediately seeking help.
  • Are you frustrated? Has someone failed  to meet your expectations? Have you yourself failed them? Examine whether your expectations are realistic and address how you may have sought significance or life apart from God. (Psalm 42:11)

Look, luckily for me, it is just.a.deck.  But this deck means a lot to me because this is something I have wanted for years.  And we have worked hard to get it.  So, there is some minor hurt and a lot of frustration.  After reflecting, I do know my anger was just but how I went about it was wrong.  And I want to own that.  I know that God is completely in control and can bring good out of a mess.  I  know it will work out one way or another because God’s got me.

I used this example because, typically, I am pretty easy going. And I know a lot of you out there are probably like me.  Some of you might struggle and you consider yourself to be hot headed.  What’s important to note is, most of us can name a time we misused our anger.  Have you ever gotten mad and later felt bad how things went down?  Well, that’s a sign your anger might have been misused.  All you can do is confess and ask forgiveness from God and from the person you were ugly to unnecessarily.  

This week, I challenge you to reflect on the why behind your anger.  If you encounter someone who is angry, was their anger just and valid?  Maybe, maybe not.  But if it’s a “maybe not” situation, maybe you can show them grace.  Because they will calm down and they will remember what you said or did.  This will cause them to reflect and see that maybe they overreacted. 😬 Not that I’m talking from experience…nope not me.

Love you all and don’t be ugly,

Jennifer

 



Motivational Monday

Hey friends!  As I was thinking about what to write today, I was hit in the face with a subject idea (thanks to my best friend 🙂).  Judgement.  Who is supposed to pass judgment?  So let’s talk about it.

When I was younger, I used to judge others pretty harshly.  I honestly don’t know why because I never thought of myself as better than anyone else (truly).  I guess, in my mind, right is right and wrong is wrong.  As I have aged, I see there is a lot of gray in that black and white.  Maybe this is easier for me to see because I have my own past.  And in this past, I needed people to see my gray and not judge me.  But, here’s the funny part, I DID need them to judge me.  What I needed was grace, love and accountability.  And to hold someone accountable that involves judgement.  And those closest to me did and they helped change me (which I am forever grateful). 

Following Jesus is simple, but not easy.

Matthew 7:1 simply states, “Judge not, that you be not judged.”  That’s pretty direct, right?  But let’s look at the verses after that, “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:2-5.  

If you read Matthew 7:1 and nothing else, it seems pretty clear.  But when you keep reading, you realize Jesus tells listeners how to approach someone who is behaving poorly.  If you skip down to Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus says that we can discern the true character of people by observing the fruit they bear.  So, can we judge or not?  Because, as a Christian, I feel like I am in a trap.  If I judge someone, I’m a hypocrite but if I don’t then I am not spreading the true gospel.  Personal opinion here, but this feels like the devil is doing his work perfectly.  We are doubting ourselves and we are allowing Jesus’s own words to stop us.

Judging is looking at another person’s action in such a way that you are pronouncing guilt on them. But what if that person has told you they were guilty?  They are coming to you needing guidance. During his time on Earth, Jesus lived what he taught, and he regularly (and rather assertively) addressed people’s harmful choices. So it wouldn’t make sense for him to prohibit us from using discernment in our relationships or the world at large.  I believe when Jesus used the word “judge” he referred to condemning others or treating them with judgemental contempt.

Let’s go back to Matthew 7:3-5 above.  Jesus’ words suggest there is a time and place to speak up when you see a problem.  Like Jesus, we can call out wrongdoing in ways that do not condemn or diminish anyone else.  But notice that it isn’t until the final line of his metaphor that Jesus says anything about assessing another person’s behavior. The majority of his instruction is about the important first step of self-reflection.  This is where I used to fall off the wagon on the whole “judging others” thing.  My self reflection was TERRIBLE!!

Recognizing, acknowledging and addressing our own failures is a very humbling experience.  And if you have ever been in a situation where you are lost (mentally and spiritually) but you emerged on the other side…then you know.  You were humbled to your core.  From this place of honest humility, we are less likely ro judgmentally condemn or think less of others.

This week, as you are watching the news or listening to a friend/family, pay attention to your thoughts or words. Notice when judgement escapes.  Where is this coming from?  This is where self reflection comes into play.  Likewise, if a friend is telling you something that is wrong, then stand up and say something!  If they are your friend, they will appreciate you (maybe not right then but later 😂). It IS ok to hold people accountable for their sins.  Mine did.  They listened, loved me and showed me grace.  And because of this accountability and love, I chose to come out the other side.

Love you all,

Jennifer

aka just some girl trying to get in heaven

 



Motivational Monday

Hey friends!!  Did y’all see the Cantata?  Listen, I love that our little church in Montevallo puts on a BEAUTIFUL show every Christmas.  The adult and kids choir, the musicians and the sound booth really make it all come to life.  But none of those things would happen without Amy.  It is so apparent how much time and dedication she puts into the music ministry of our church.  She is appreciated more than she knows.  

Yesterday, Jon and I had the opportunity to light the Peace Candle on the second week of advent.  And it got me thinking about peace in general and what that really means.  So let’s talk about it.

Today, I had to go to the eye doctor for a checkup.  As I was sitting in the waiting room, I was sitting next to an elderly woman who was waiting on her husband who was seeing the doctor.  When he came out, she got up and walked to him.  She held his jacket out for him and then proceeded to help him put it on.  Then, she quietly asked him if he wanted it buttoned up and he said, “Just one button.”  She quietly buttoned just one button and they left.  I loved everything about this situation.  The love they had for one another.  How she helped him and how he allowed it.  It was obvious they were content.  Peaceful if you will…

You see, to me, peace isn’t just the absence of conflict or animosity.  Peace is also the presence of joyful tranquility and a richness of interpersonal communication.  So what is the key to peace?

Five times in the New Testament, God is called, “the God of Peace” (Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20). Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). And Paul said, “[Jesus] himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14).  So if you want peace but not God or Jesus, then that is not possible.  If you want peace to rule your life, then God has to rule in your life.  He IS your peace.  

What connects you to God and His peace?   Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.”  Believing.  In, by and through believing the promises bought and PAID FOR by the blood of Jesus.

If you want peace, the foundation has to be God.  Nowadays, our minds race with thoughts.  It could be because of Christmas holidays, money or just a lot of past mistakes.  Our minds take us places where peace can be scarce.  Peace inwardly and outwardly is based on your relationship with God.  Are you friends?  Do you talk to Him?  Do you glorify Him?  Do you admire Him?  Do you thank Him?  When you do these things, not only are you glorifying Him but you are thinking about forgiveness, blessings and having an open and receptive heart. Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith [by believing], we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Having been justified by faith…believing, trusting him and all of His promises to me…I have peace.  

So, it doesn’t matter if you are Baptist or Methodist or Presbyterian.  It doesn’t matter if you volunteer at the local soup kitchen or if you give ALL your money to the needy.  Peace comes solely by faith.  When faith happens, we are united with Him and His righteousness on this side of heaven.  That unitedness is…peace.  Peace with God.

Are you at peace?  

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

Hey friends!  I am so glad you are all here reading this today (whatever day you are reading it).  I appreciate you being here.  Today was an easy topic for me.  I think most of you know I get inspiration from my own life, friends, family and coworkers.  Well today, it’s about me. 😂 Hard decisions.  They are zero fun.  Especially making hard decisions in the light of God’s will.  So, let’s talk about it.

Over the last several nights, I have not slept well.  I am sure you have all been there, right?  You know you have to do something unpleasant and it keeps you up.  These decisions can be life threatening or life changing.  And sometimes, these decisions are not necessarily life changing for you but for someone else.  And honestly, I don’t like being a person that changes someone’s course in their life.  In fact, I think I do better mentally when I am the only one affected!

So how can we make tough decisions in the light of God’s will?

First, pray.  I know we talk about praying every single week.  But it IS JUST that important.  But when you are awake at 3am stressed about the next day, THIS IS THE EXACT TIME to have a conversation with God.  I pray until I fall back asleep.  And I ask Him for peace and comfort and to allow me to sleep.  You see, I believe we are put in these situations to draw us closer to God.  He knows, but we don’t.  He wants us to make decisions that are according to His word and will.  By doing this, we glorify and magnify Him in our own lives.

Second, get your heart right.  This one can be a tough one for me.  When making a tough decision, many people want it their way and not God’s way.  To be fair, I don’t think people go into decision making as “against God”.  I think we are all somewhat selfish.  Even when we do look to Him for help, sometimes we look for “signs: or “feelings”.  But we have to be careful not to bend those feelings towards our preference.  The best thing is ALWAYS God’s will.  

Speaking of feelings, those can be deceptive.  The longer we walk with God the better we are discerning His voice (the ladies bible study on Wednesday nights are studying about this exact thing!).  The easiest thing is not to base a decision on your feelings.  In fact, try to see past it.  One thing I can say for certain.  If your feeling is against the Word of God, I assure you that is NOT God’s will.  

Lastly, ask others to pray for you.  Again, this can be a tough one for me.  I don’t want to be a bother or draw negative attention to me.  And this is my thought process when I ask for prayers…which is so silly!  Why?  When others ask me to pray for them, I don’t think twice about it!  I don’t think they are bother at all!  You see, being a part of the body Christ means we have an army of prayer partners.  Your brothers and sisters don’t need to sit idle when you need them.  They love you and want what is best for you!  And what is best, is God’s will.

I am at a point in my life that I do thank God for His wisdom.  And, I know I receive His wisdom in times like this.  Life is full of decisions daily.  Some good.  Some are not so good.  I pray everyday that God will show me the right way when I have to make decisions on the spot. 

Hopefully this week, you don’t have to make a tough decision!  But if you do, I challenge you to sit back, read His word, pray and listen.  But making sure when you listen that you discern HIS voice and not your own.  I know I am telling you all these things but the reality is…I needed reminding.  And I thank you for being here to remind me.

Love you all,

Jennifer

 

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