I haven't been on this blog much. But, I will make a habit to blog more often. Not because I will inspire others with great words of wisdom, but selfishly I need the accountability. As I have read over the blogs throughout the years, I could personally see my spiritual journey with Christ, times I was close with Him and times when I have drifted and tried to use worldly systems to survive. Gotta say, the world's ways promise great results. But, I have found more often than not, being left with buyer's remorse and empty promises. Just like Adam and Eve, I want to be like God! Make my own decisions, do what I want and in a rebellious way and still expect Him to "bless" me. So...
I asked God to work on the issue of pride in my life. Why would I ask Him to do that? WHY?
He has been faithful to answer that prayer. He has taken me down some paths that have left me desperate. Sometimes I have turned to Him and other times I have not.
The sin of Pride is like an Octopus. Once you think you have all of its tenaacles under control, one slips out and reminds you that humility is a tough thing to maintain. So, I praise Him for the struggles. I thank God that I am His workmanship created to glorify Him. That He created me to do good works to Glorify Him.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Why Self Help, Doesn't Help!
I have noticed lately that so many Christian books and devotions geared toward women are "how to" type topics. After discussing this with a close friend, we came to the conclusion, that there was a time in our lives when these books would entice us. Especially as young mom's who were always looking for "help". In a culture that encourages us to be the best, do our best and push our children to be their best, one has to just sigh and feel as if it's all too overwhelming.
Furthermore, growing up in a denomination that applauds "works" and religious "goodness", I can easily find myself not measuring up, if I have a bad day or if my kids do something questionable. Don't even get me started on being a good wife.
The question to myself has been, "at what point am I better, or when do I just accept that I am a human "being" not a human "doing" or as a friend once said, "I am doing the best that I can".
As a disclaimer, to many very well written - God inspired books, I have benefitted greatly from their tips, suggestions and comradery because knowing I'm not doing this life alone brings great comfort. However, because of my filters, I could easily end up defeated, not so encouraged, because I would caught up in the comparison game as well as feeling that I'll never be able to live by all the suggestions. Also, if I'm honest, it's much easier to read a how to book, than to get into God's word, be still and wait for Him to speak, allow the Holy Spirit to encourage and convict and praise God that I have been regenerated, renewed and then allow the perfect life of Christ to live through me and the power of Holy Spirit living in me to equip, guide and direct my path. Best of all, I could REST in his AMAZING GRACE that never condemns, never expects, but instead has expectancy of me that I will get it right at times, but its okay if I don't.
Also, the great principle I have learned from my pastor is that God has chosen me, with all my flaws, wrinkles, imperfections, short temper, easily distracted, undisciplined, selfish (you fill in the blanks), self to further His kingdom here on earth. Which isn't some vague command, it's simply to glorify God in the circumference of the space He has placed me.
I have the ability to influence my world (no matter how big or small) for Christ. Since, I am a full-time Mom and part time group exercise instructor, my world isn't really that huge. That doesn't disappoint me. I have found I don't do well with lots of space and people in my life. I am an extrovert and I love meeting new people of all shapes, sizes and colors. However, I do well to minister to a few rather than the masses. Because my family requires alot of time, my sweet non-believing friends desire alot of my time and even my few close friends and I rarely get consistant time together, I stay busy.
So, I will probably never be speaking, writing alot or running any ministry groups. I have learned that I need to nurture exactly what God has given me to the best of my ability. Perhaps that might change one day, but I'm not seeking it out. As you age, you see how the mundane things in life have equipped you to handle the bigger things in life. How we live in the mundane really determines how we handle the non-mundane challenges we face.
Now, I wake up and ask God what my mission is for that particular day.
I just returned from a fitness convention. I sat in lectures, learned about new fitness trends as well as safety and nutritional information. I loved everything I learned. I wanted more! I realized this is an area God has given me in my life that I seem to thrive inside of. So many argue that fitness isn't very "spiritual". Of course, I could justify it with the verse, "your body is the temple of God", which it is. But teaching group exercise isn't exactly "religious", especially when your teaching Zumba which is dance (said with fingers pointing at me) SMILE! I might agree with that except, I don't look at my classes as just an hour to dance or workout. I see my classes as a place to meet people that aren't in my personal circles and hopefully, love, encourage, enjoy and learn from. And, if the presence of God is living in me, (which He is), the fresh aroma of who He is will oxygenate (give life) those I come in contact with. That isn't limited only to my classes, but also my family, friends and neighbors.
As my perspective of my purpose in life has been corrected, I now live seeing every opportunity as a chance to "be Jesus" in a dying, desperate, hopeless world, my world. A friend from our small group wrote a book, Ten Foot World, A Call to Influence by J.D. Sluiter.
It hasn't made it to the New York Time best sellers list, but it should. It's a book about the call on every Christian's life. Its inspiring and challenging. Probably one of the best books I've read, although in his humility Jack would smile as if I was just being nice.
So,what have I replaced my self help with? Because, I do still have "issues". For example, when I lose it with my kids, forget to call a close friend on their birthday, doubt my self, abilities and talents, mess something up, do too many things last minute, struggle with jealousy or anger, I don't stay in that messy place. I confess it all to my God who has already seen it, ask forgiveness of those I have hurt or disappointed, keep my flesh on a short leash by living according to God's word and listen to His correction and allow myself to be a sinner in constant need of Grace. Thankfully, His mercies are new every morning. I have trained my mind that when I hear those condemning voices to remember that "there is therefore no condemnation in Christ" so, I reject those lies and live by truth "greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world."
As my pastor reminds us every week I live...UPWARD - knowing that God loves me completely (mistakes and all), INWARD - I love myself correctly, based on how God loves me and OUTWARD - I love other compassionately because I know who I am in Christ and I can extend grace and love to those who need Christ's love, acceptance and forgiveness.
Link to Jack Sluiter's Book: http://www.amazon.com/J.D.-Sluiter/e/B0072KZYS4
The question to myself has been, "at what point am I better, or when do I just accept that I am a human "being" not a human "doing" or as a friend once said, "I am doing the best that I can".
As a disclaimer, to many very well written - God inspired books, I have benefitted greatly from their tips, suggestions and comradery because knowing I'm not doing this life alone brings great comfort. However, because of my filters, I could easily end up defeated, not so encouraged, because I would caught up in the comparison game as well as feeling that I'll never be able to live by all the suggestions. Also, if I'm honest, it's much easier to read a how to book, than to get into God's word, be still and wait for Him to speak, allow the Holy Spirit to encourage and convict and praise God that I have been regenerated, renewed and then allow the perfect life of Christ to live through me and the power of Holy Spirit living in me to equip, guide and direct my path. Best of all, I could REST in his AMAZING GRACE that never condemns, never expects, but instead has expectancy of me that I will get it right at times, but its okay if I don't.
Also, the great principle I have learned from my pastor is that God has chosen me, with all my flaws, wrinkles, imperfections, short temper, easily distracted, undisciplined, selfish (you fill in the blanks), self to further His kingdom here on earth. Which isn't some vague command, it's simply to glorify God in the circumference of the space He has placed me.
I have the ability to influence my world (no matter how big or small) for Christ. Since, I am a full-time Mom and part time group exercise instructor, my world isn't really that huge. That doesn't disappoint me. I have found I don't do well with lots of space and people in my life. I am an extrovert and I love meeting new people of all shapes, sizes and colors. However, I do well to minister to a few rather than the masses. Because my family requires alot of time, my sweet non-believing friends desire alot of my time and even my few close friends and I rarely get consistant time together, I stay busy.
So, I will probably never be speaking, writing alot or running any ministry groups. I have learned that I need to nurture exactly what God has given me to the best of my ability. Perhaps that might change one day, but I'm not seeking it out. As you age, you see how the mundane things in life have equipped you to handle the bigger things in life. How we live in the mundane really determines how we handle the non-mundane challenges we face.
Now, I wake up and ask God what my mission is for that particular day.
I just returned from a fitness convention. I sat in lectures, learned about new fitness trends as well as safety and nutritional information. I loved everything I learned. I wanted more! I realized this is an area God has given me in my life that I seem to thrive inside of. So many argue that fitness isn't very "spiritual". Of course, I could justify it with the verse, "your body is the temple of God", which it is. But teaching group exercise isn't exactly "religious", especially when your teaching Zumba which is dance (said with fingers pointing at me) SMILE! I might agree with that except, I don't look at my classes as just an hour to dance or workout. I see my classes as a place to meet people that aren't in my personal circles and hopefully, love, encourage, enjoy and learn from. And, if the presence of God is living in me, (which He is), the fresh aroma of who He is will oxygenate (give life) those I come in contact with. That isn't limited only to my classes, but also my family, friends and neighbors.
 |
It hasn't made it to the New York Time best sellers list, but it should. It's a book about the call on every Christian's life. Its inspiring and challenging. Probably one of the best books I've read, although in his humility Jack would smile as if I was just being nice.
So,what have I replaced my self help with? Because, I do still have "issues". For example, when I lose it with my kids, forget to call a close friend on their birthday, doubt my self, abilities and talents, mess something up, do too many things last minute, struggle with jealousy or anger, I don't stay in that messy place. I confess it all to my God who has already seen it, ask forgiveness of those I have hurt or disappointed, keep my flesh on a short leash by living according to God's word and listen to His correction and allow myself to be a sinner in constant need of Grace. Thankfully, His mercies are new every morning. I have trained my mind that when I hear those condemning voices to remember that "there is therefore no condemnation in Christ" so, I reject those lies and live by truth "greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world."
As my pastor reminds us every week I live...UPWARD - knowing that God loves me completely (mistakes and all), INWARD - I love myself correctly, based on how God loves me and OUTWARD - I love other compassionately because I know who I am in Christ and I can extend grace and love to those who need Christ's love, acceptance and forgiveness.
For More on:
WHAT’S THIS “UPWARD, INWARD, OUTWARD” THING?
When Jesus was asked, “What is the most important commandment?” He
said we are to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength,
and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This is the
Jewish Shema (Deut. 6:4-9 & Lev. 18:19).
Notice the progression: love God (Upward), love yourself (Inward), love your neighbor (Outward).
Therefore, the goal of discipleship...is to
join the Holy Spirit in creating Jesus look-alikes who grow in “Upward,
Inward, Outward.”
Marinate on that,
Pastor Derwin
http://www.derwinlgray.com/category/church-vision/Link to Jack Sluiter's Book: http://www.amazon.com/J.D.-Sluiter/e/B0072KZYS4
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