Blog by Todd
-Todd
So renew, refresh, and refocus getting all those anxious thoughts and worries behind you because all that really matters is that His grace will carry you through!
Week 23 verse: Romans 8:39 "Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Week 24 verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Strength is Found in Weakness
We often get lured into what the world
desires and how it views situations, life, and people rather than what God desires and how He sees. And with the holiday season upon us it seems like this time of year more than ever the world waves it's temptations before our eyes: "Sale! Buy me! Need me! Focus on me!" the products on the very shelves of the stores call our names and draw out our desires for the newest gadget and stylish clothes. We worry about what tomorrow may bring, rather than pondering the
moment and enjoying the present. We make plans, set deadlines, make those lists and check them twice! We
can easily become consumed by this world. We can easily fall into the "me" first mindset, instead of God first, and our eyes gloss over with confusion.
But what does God want us to focus on? Philippians 4:8 is very clear on this matter. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This is a common truth that is quoted from scripture, but very hard to put into one’s heart! Notice that the verse says, “Think about such things.” This means that this is not necessarily an action that you can display. It’s a condition of the heart. You just can’t “play good” on this one. The person sitting beside you in the church pew, grocery store, and/or workplace, has no idea what is going through your mind and into your heart. They do not know what is consuming you. But God does!
But what does God want us to focus on? Philippians 4:8 is very clear on this matter. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This is a common truth that is quoted from scripture, but very hard to put into one’s heart! Notice that the verse says, “Think about such things.” This means that this is not necessarily an action that you can display. It’s a condition of the heart. You just can’t “play good” on this one. The person sitting beside you in the church pew, grocery store, and/or workplace, has no idea what is going through your mind and into your heart. They do not know what is consuming you. But God does!
So what
has consumed your thoughts lately? Has
pureness and loveliness filled you? Has
rightness and truth given you a hug recently?
Has nobleness been a part of your inner character? If you are struggling with filling your heart
with these types of thoughts, please be reminded that,
“Because of the Lord's great
love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23.
What an encouragement to know that “His
compassions never fail.” What a blessing
it is to have a Savior that doesn’t reign using tyranny and strong hand, rather
a savior that rules with kindness, love, and sympathy.
"The
Lord said to me, "My grace is enough for you. When you are weak,
then my power is made perfect in you. So I am very happy to brag about my
weakness. Then Christ's power can live in me."
2 Cor.
12:9
It is evident from scripture that
when you are weak, overwhelmed, and confused Christ has the room to display his power in you. This is no easy task as it takes a very
humble heart to admit weakness, then surrender to let God show his power
through you. When we do not conform our
lives to meet the worlds standards we will be encountered by feelings of weakness,
so God’s power can shine. It only makes
sense that we should, “Not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that
good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
-Todd
So renew, refresh, and refocus getting all those anxious thoughts and worries behind you because all that really matters is that His grace will carry you through!
Week 23 verse: Romans 8:39 "Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Week 24 verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
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