Holy Living

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” 1 Timothy 1:9

We have nothing to offer to a holy and righteous God who loved us and cared about us before we were ever born. How many people have ever lived on this planet at one time? He loved them all and has a purpose for their life. All of us impact each other’s lives and we need to work together. We owe God our very lives because he forgave us and offers all the help we need to live holy lives and making that possible for all of his children. It doesn’t matter what they are doing or how we impact others because he makes it all work perfectly. His plans are good and we can trust him to keep his promises for us. How many verses are there in the Bible? Each one is full of encouragement, wisdom, and promises for our lives. If we drink in the words written thousands of years ago then our lives will be rich and abundant. We can do anything we want but that usually just causes us more problems. His ways really are better than ours and if we want to see the great things he has for us we need to cooperate with him and do the things he has told us to do for that rich and abundant life. A good life filled with joy and excitement. He never does things part way but always the best ways for everyone. I’m ready to be apart of those good plans, how about you?

Patience

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19

Life really is important and how you live it. To be intentional and alert. Life is like making cookies for example. Cookies are good and delicious if made correctly but you have to read the directions and follow them carefully or they might not be so good. God has given us the directions for the perfect life but if we choose to ignore the directions we can cause problems that we really don’t want. Some mistakes can be painful and hard. We want to be well taken care of and blessed but that is up to us. God is very faithful and he keeps his part. But he has left us with free will to choose what we want. To do it our way or the right way. Just keep thinking of the hot, chewy, delicious cookies that come from following directions and it’s not so hard. One minute at a time. Think before you speak because once you say something you cannot take it back. Our emotions can take charge over our brains if we aren’t careful and hurtful, angry words will come out. You also should listen intently as someone is speaking so you don’t misunderstand and jump to conclusions. Really hear what they are saying and think with love and compassion. It is better not to speak if you don’t know what to say. Even a fool looks wise when they keep quiet. Our words can bring life or death and sometimes hurt and pain. Be patient with people even when they do something you don’t agree with. Take a breath and be quick to forgive while it is still easier. We have to deal with people all day everyday so it’s important to be loving. God has given us a great example in his son. If he wouldn’t do something then there is a good reason because he only did his Father’s will for him. Perfectly! He new his mission and followed it the whole way through no matter how hard or painful because he knew how important it was to have that big perfect family to spend eternity with, and it was worth it.

Where Is Your Heart?

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

God knows your heart. No matter how good you are at hiding your true identity from the world you can’t hide from God. He knew you before he ever formed you in your mother’s womb. And he still made you just as you are and he loves you just as you are. Boy I know things about myself I wouldn’t want anyone knowing. I’m sure we all do. But we are all imperfect people. The other day I heard someone say that they could tell you the true picture of your heart by looking at your checking account or your debit account. You put your money where your mind is. How do you spend your time. We can have all the best intentions but when the rubber meets the road it’s what we do that counts. Do I spend my time on myself, others, or God? Every minute matters because you can’t make any more time than we all have. Have you ever known someone who does 90% of the work load all by themselves while others just get by with the basics of life like eating and sleeping. They say 10% of people do 90% of the tasks while 90% of the people only do 10%. Their time is theirs and theirs alone to squander how ever they want. But do you want to know the sad truth, God helps the 10% do so much more than others because he knows their heart and the 90% he takes time away from because they aren’t using it wisely. So many things we do are not necessarily wrong or sinning but they aren’t really beneficial for us or Gods kingdom. He asks us or commands us to do so many things but are we doing them or not doing them as the case may be. For instance I think I need to stop thinking bad thoughts about what others are or are not doing and look more at myself. I know God wishes people wouldn’t do certain things but he is perfect and he has given them their choice to do as they please. It’s called free will and we all have it. I am far from perfect and we all are, but spend a little time looking how you spend your time tomorrow and maybe you will agree with me that you could make some better choices.

God’s Word

“All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, “. 2 Timothy 3:16

God’s word is so important for anyone who wants to be more like God. It is powerful and rich and every word of God is so valuable. God would not waste words and he only says the truth and what we need to know. I start in Genesis and don’t stop till I hit Revelations. I know some people have favorites and read them over and over and I will admit that some chapters can be tough to get through but the more you try the more God will reveal to you. A couple years ago I felt God say, slow down, are you reading to get it done or do you really want to know what I’m saying? So now I’m reading a chapter a day and really dwelling on what God’s saying and then when he gives me something I journal what he’s telling me. I am amazed at so many things I’m learning that I never saw before. In Numbers for example with all the names and numbers. He told me that each person he has ever created matters to him and he knows their name and he loves them all even when he hates to see them doing things that will eventually hurt them. They were made on purpose and he has plans for their lives even if they choose their own. Choosing Gods plans brings so much freedom, life, peace and wisdom. There is so much power available to us that we don’t realize, when we know Gods ways intimately. I have seen God’s character becoming so much deeper and everything he does is very intentional and his words also. Because everyone everywhere who reads it gets meaning specifically for them. God’s promises will always be true and they are fulfilled over and over in lives for thousands of years. Try it for yourself.