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Change in Me

Hebrews 4:12 ESV
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

PERSONAL COMMENTARY
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It can be painful to realize those things that need to change in ourselves, but it is encouraging to know that Christ in us will bring us through – IF we lean in and follow His will and have faith in Him. Yes, sometimes letting go of those familiar sins in our lives can be a but unsettling, but growth and change come from a broken will and surrender.

Help me to use what I learn to fix the many things that still née work in me.

Help me be a light to the world not just in my sharing these words, but in my living a life loving and serving others – demonstrating an example of both an upright and a merciful life.

This living word, written on my heart – this Holy Spirit comforter, teacher, and spirit of conviction – this Christ in me – it is the light of change in my life bearing a repentant heart seeking God’s will and no longer chasing or being imprisoned to a life of sin and bearing the fruits of the spirit that now lives inside me.

Jesus Christ, my hope of glory.

The truth, the life, the way.

Love, mercy, and forgiveness – freedom FROM sin, not freedom TO sin.

The change that comes when Christ lives in us and through us.

I have so much that He is still changing in me, but He is changing me on the inside – and one day someone will even see a change on the outside – because this isn’t a light to be hidden, but shared.

You might not be able to see Christ in me, I understand. Some days I struggle to understand whether I’ve even shared light a single time without stumbling over myself. But if you knew where He started with me, you might see a change and know that He is at work.

I love you, friend. As usual, these are my journals for what I am being taught. I don’t have all of the answers, but I know the man who does.

Jesus Christ. Is He alive in you?

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What am I Chasing?

HEB 13:5-6 ESV

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said,

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

So we can confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”

PERSONAL COMMENTARY
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What am I chasing?

We can usually tell by our excitement or disappointment over things that are happening in our lives.

The trick for me is to actually sit back and think about my reactions to things that have happened to me each day. How did I react?

What choice did I make when faced with a tough decision?

This begins to tell me what is guiding my thoughts,  actions,  and words.

If I see something wrong and I lash out AT IT in “punishment mode” – that tells me something different than if I choose to respond TO THEM in “loving guidance” mode – and that tells me something different than if I choose to wisely examine the situation,  pray about it,  and follow God’s instructions on how to deal with the situation.

Situation one can mean that I am being led by my emotions – an EMOTIONAL RESPONSE/REACTION to the situation.

Situation two can mean that I am being led by my pride – a SELF CENTERED or IMMATURE “I know what they need to be doing” response/reaction.

Situation three can mean that I am being patient and wise, waiting to be led by the Holy Spirit – a SPIRITUALLY MATURE evaluation of whether or not there is an opportunity for the Lord to use me as a vessel.

If I am going to chase anything,  I should be chasing the Lord.

If I have caught hold of this Holy Spirit, I surely shouldn’t want to let go of Him.

And if I have hold of this Holy Spirit in my life, if my life is being changed before my eyes,  if I am surrendered and following Him wherever He is leading, if He is welcomed into my life as a trusted friend – then what is there to fear?

That I will let go of His hand? That is probably worthy to fear if I was the only one holding on, because my grip at times may be weak – but His grip is strong. His grace is sufficient. My surrender is complete,  His victory is won,  and His promises are true.

So I don’t fear man. I don’t fear the enemy’s stumbling blocks that Christ turns into His stepping stones.

I don’t fear weapons formed against me, because Christ uses them to sharpen my skills with this sword.

I am not perfect,  and I will stumble at times because I am not yet free from this flesh – but my stumbling are not from chasing sin,  they are from running so fast towards the arms of my Savior that I may trip over something in my zeal to be in His arms and in His presence.

So even my stumblings, even my shortcomings,  let them be because I am trusting Him to guide my feet, because my whole heart,  body,  mind and soul is running to Him – is chasing after the way,  the truth, the life, down this narrow path.

I do not like the trials, but I do not fear them,  because they prove my faith.

I do not like the chastening and correction,  but I do not fear it,  because it refines my life and strengthens my walk with God.

And what can man do to me? Hurt this body I wait to be freed from? Yes,  pain and suffering may come, but even that is a blessing to be counted as sharing in the sufferings of Christ.

So help me be content.

Help me trust that God has me exactly where He needs me.

Help me be thankful that He has made me for this purpose.

Help me be mindful and obedient to His will and His teachings and His guidance for my life.
Pray for me friend,  not because I don’t trust God to fulfill His promises – pray for me that I will not forget this mercy and grace and power and honor and glory and blessing of His touch and presence.

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Turn my mourning into dancing

Ecclesiastes 3:4 ESV
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance

Psalm 103:1-4 ESV
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy

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Psalm 30:11 ESV
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,

Psalm 146:1-2 ESV
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

John 4:23 ESV
But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.

Hebrews 13:15 ESV
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

Psalm 96:1-9 ESV
Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.