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-Jeremy Pestor
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
The Reason for the Season: A Selfless Gift
“For even the Son of
Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom
for many." –Matthew 20:28
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” –Philippians 2:3-10
“While they were (in Bethlehem), the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” –Luke 2:6-7
Men, did you know that some of the most happy and peaceful people in this life are those who serve others and give of themselves to help those people around them? Christ came to this world in one of the most humble ways to be born. Can you imagine the innkeeper, “Um, I’m sorry the God of the universe sent his son to be born at my inn but I have no rooms left so just go ahead and sleep in the barn, ok, thanks.” Talk about a missed marketing opportunity for his business! Can you imagine? He could use the advertisement, “God decided to stay here so you should too!” Well, of course he didn’t realize the Savour of the universe was in the form of a small baby to be born that night but the point remains, God knew this would be the way it would take place and allowed it.
Typically when a king or a royal baby is born there’s a huge announcement and the red carpet is rolled out and the finest bedding is put down to welcome their birth. Not in the case of Jesus though, no he came quietly in anything but a spectacular setting. But the beauty of it is he did that for us to serve and NOT BE served. He was the perfect example of humility and followed this example all through his ministry here on earth. Can you imagine the most famous person in the world today having the ability to decide where he’d be born? Can you imagine anybody choosing a barn full of animals to enter the world? Even if that was possible for someone to decide where they’d like to be born it would fail in comparison to THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE choosing this for his beloved, perfect son who was given as a gift to us sinful, non-deserving people! How easy it would have been for him to say, “Forget that! I don’t deserve that kind of treatment and they certainly don’t deserve me! I think I’ll have the royal suite and special treatment with room service please.”
If God did this for us certainly we can humble ourselves and not demand our way in everything we do in relation to our interactions with others. Certainly we can learn to take the high road when we feel wronged by people throughout our life. We certainly don’t have to be a pushover but we must choose our battles and what’s worth letting fall off our back and what's worth standing up to. Christ stood for righteousness and justice but didn't let the small things and people's opinions bother or sway him in his ministry. We as men have got to learn to stop being so selfish and demanding our way. We must follow Christ’s example and look to the interests of others while not losing sight of our mission and our own path. Christ came to serve people while here on earth and didn’t demand to be equal in his royal stance as God. No, he gave up his right for royal treatment and obeyed his Father God and was born into a lowly manger and allowed himself to be sentenced to a horrific and excruciating, painful death for ungrateful, sinful people. The sad thing is we most likely would have gone along with the crowd if we there 2000 years ago. My pride would like to tell me I would of took a stand to help Jesus but chances are I would of let it happen and been just as guilty as the rest of the crowd. It’s a humbling and sad thought. The good news is that through Jesus’ humility he was exalted to where one day everybody will bow to him. Herod, Hitler, Stalin, Capone, yes everybody will answer to our loving God Almighty. Certainly we can learn from Christ’s example and humble ourselves to take the attitude of a servant and look to meet the needs of others. There’s no better example of humility than the Christmas story we hear during this time of year. Forget “Happy Holidays,” that takes the focus off my Lord, rather, “Merry Christmas!!!”
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” –Philippians 2:3-10
“While they were (in Bethlehem), the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” –Luke 2:6-7
Men, did you know that some of the most happy and peaceful people in this life are those who serve others and give of themselves to help those people around them? Christ came to this world in one of the most humble ways to be born. Can you imagine the innkeeper, “Um, I’m sorry the God of the universe sent his son to be born at my inn but I have no rooms left so just go ahead and sleep in the barn, ok, thanks.” Talk about a missed marketing opportunity for his business! Can you imagine? He could use the advertisement, “God decided to stay here so you should too!” Well, of course he didn’t realize the Savour of the universe was in the form of a small baby to be born that night but the point remains, God knew this would be the way it would take place and allowed it.
Typically when a king or a royal baby is born there’s a huge announcement and the red carpet is rolled out and the finest bedding is put down to welcome their birth. Not in the case of Jesus though, no he came quietly in anything but a spectacular setting. But the beauty of it is he did that for us to serve and NOT BE served. He was the perfect example of humility and followed this example all through his ministry here on earth. Can you imagine the most famous person in the world today having the ability to decide where he’d be born? Can you imagine anybody choosing a barn full of animals to enter the world? Even if that was possible for someone to decide where they’d like to be born it would fail in comparison to THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE choosing this for his beloved, perfect son who was given as a gift to us sinful, non-deserving people! How easy it would have been for him to say, “Forget that! I don’t deserve that kind of treatment and they certainly don’t deserve me! I think I’ll have the royal suite and special treatment with room service please.”
If God did this for us certainly we can humble ourselves and not demand our way in everything we do in relation to our interactions with others. Certainly we can learn to take the high road when we feel wronged by people throughout our life. We certainly don’t have to be a pushover but we must choose our battles and what’s worth letting fall off our back and what's worth standing up to. Christ stood for righteousness and justice but didn't let the small things and people's opinions bother or sway him in his ministry. We as men have got to learn to stop being so selfish and demanding our way. We must follow Christ’s example and look to the interests of others while not losing sight of our mission and our own path. Christ came to serve people while here on earth and didn’t demand to be equal in his royal stance as God. No, he gave up his right for royal treatment and obeyed his Father God and was born into a lowly manger and allowed himself to be sentenced to a horrific and excruciating, painful death for ungrateful, sinful people. The sad thing is we most likely would have gone along with the crowd if we there 2000 years ago. My pride would like to tell me I would of took a stand to help Jesus but chances are I would of let it happen and been just as guilty as the rest of the crowd. It’s a humbling and sad thought. The good news is that through Jesus’ humility he was exalted to where one day everybody will bow to him. Herod, Hitler, Stalin, Capone, yes everybody will answer to our loving God Almighty. Certainly we can learn from Christ’s example and humble ourselves to take the attitude of a servant and look to meet the needs of others. There’s no better example of humility than the Christmas story we hear during this time of year. Forget “Happy Holidays,” that takes the focus off my Lord, rather, “Merry Christmas!!!”
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Men of Courage
“Be strong and
courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who
goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” –Deuteronomy 31:6
Are you going to stand as a man of courage and have integrity and character while being a man of your word at all costs? This is what a true man looks like! Satan has used society to lie to us to try to get us as men to follow our flesh, please ourselves, and do only what feels good. We take. We hurt. We steal. We’re selfish. No, this is not authentic manhood. Who suffers for this? The woman, the children, our families, and our relationships that are dreadful because we have lost our way as men! Start with being a leader of your own life standing on the Rock of Christ! Draw your line in the sand today and determine with God’s strength that you will be different and a real man of strength and character as you obey God’s word. I’m right there in the battle with you men! Let’s require more from ourselves as Christian men desiring to please God.
Men, does this verse
sound like God created us to be pushovers as men? How about in our faith?
Absolutely not! He commands us to love others, yes, but with strength and
courage. Where are the men today standing up to the crowd and determining to be
different in a courageous way for righteousness. You have been given an
incredible platform in your life to make a difference and stand for Christ. It
could be at school, in your job, at home, on the court or field, or in your
dating relationship. All of us have a platform to point others to Christ.
You have nothing to fear because God has given you
everything you need to win the battle in your life. He is behind you supporting
you the whole way! Sure, you may not always feel his presence but he’s
definitely there. We live in a society of lost boys who roam throughout life
following the crowd and blind to what truly matters in life. It’s not about how
many girls you can get to fall for you. It’s not about how much money you can
make or how many toys you can get. It’s not about how many friends you have
around you. That’s all fluff and will never bring lasting joy, peace, and
fulfillment.Are you going to stand as a man of courage and have integrity and character while being a man of your word at all costs? This is what a true man looks like! Satan has used society to lie to us to try to get us as men to follow our flesh, please ourselves, and do only what feels good. We take. We hurt. We steal. We’re selfish. No, this is not authentic manhood. Who suffers for this? The woman, the children, our families, and our relationships that are dreadful because we have lost our way as men! Start with being a leader of your own life standing on the Rock of Christ! Draw your line in the sand today and determine with God’s strength that you will be different and a real man of strength and character as you obey God’s word. I’m right there in the battle with you men! Let’s require more from ourselves as Christian men desiring to please God.
Many will hear the call to be more. Few will answer.
Feeling Alive with a Heavenly View
“I
can do everything through him who gives me strength.” –Philippians 4:13
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” –Matthew 6: 19-21
This world is full of people telling you that “you can't do it” or that “you’re not good enough.” It’s filled with people who tell you to stop; to give up on your dreams. We live in a society full of people walking through their lives living in a cage in their mind. God has made millions of unique people with beautiful minds who are held back by their own self-limiting beliefs about themselves and their own abilities. Many people try and fail and never see a project through because they hit opposition. But what if you knew you couldn't fail so you took the risk to pursue your dreams and vision for your life? What if you chose to live your life with this mindset even when you hit a dead end? What if you lived with a heavenly mindset instead of just an earthly one?
God has equipped you with amazing abilities and spiritual gifts as a Christian. He's made you in his image to be unique and he's given you dreams to pursue with your life. He's given you visions for your life and he's asking you to step out of your comfort zone and move away from the ordinary “day to day man.” What if we as men pursued the dreams God has put on our heart? What if we were brave enough to step away from our comfortable life, cushy job, and 401k to go do something “dangerously awesome” for Christ? What would happen if we as men started a revolution and set the world on fire? Many would say, "It's too tough. People just don't change. It's a lost cause for men to change and live lives of purity and integrity." Maybe so but I read in the Bible where it says, "We can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength!" What if we took that serious and had the faith to live our lives by that verse to please God and fulfill our mission in this lifetime? Do you remember married men when you first saw your wife or first love and you were speechless to approach her? Do you remember the rush you had when you found out she liked you? Remember that feeling of "feeling alive" that came over you when you stepped out of your comfort zone and did more? What if we did that in our spiritual life?
Men, I've always been my worst critic from grade school on especially when I played sports. I would miss a free throw in basketball or a penalty kick in soccer and I'd drop my head and get all down on myself. My dad pointed this out to me at a young age and exclaimed to me how I hold myself back when I beat myself up on the inside. It's tough, yes indeed, but anything worth doing is going to come with setbacks, opposition, and some self-doubt. When we determine as men we can accomplish something with a full head of steam, a goal in our heart, a commitment to doing God's will in obedience out of surrender to him, determination in God's strength to not quit when it's tough, men, we can be untouchable! A man's persistence tells a lot about him as a man and his character. How much grit do you have men? Are you a quitter? Think about it, you have a responsibility to our God to reach people as you store up treasures in Heaven, sending the building materials on their way for your mansion up there with every decision you make for building Christ's kingdom with your life here on earth. Don't sell out for a measly 100 years at best living for this lifetime alone. You'll sell yourself short! We can set the world on fire one man at a time. We may not be able to save them all, but we can save as many as we can along our life's path. It'll matter to the ones we touch. What has God put on your heart asking you to take a leap of faith and get a little “dangerous” in life for him to make you feel alive again? Whatever it is, go for it! Ask God to direct your steps. Watch out though, you may start living for the very first time!
Take a leap of faith as you consult with God and step towards his calling on your heart to come alive.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” –Matthew 6: 19-21
This world is full of people telling you that “you can't do it” or that “you’re not good enough.” It’s filled with people who tell you to stop; to give up on your dreams. We live in a society full of people walking through their lives living in a cage in their mind. God has made millions of unique people with beautiful minds who are held back by their own self-limiting beliefs about themselves and their own abilities. Many people try and fail and never see a project through because they hit opposition. But what if you knew you couldn't fail so you took the risk to pursue your dreams and vision for your life? What if you chose to live your life with this mindset even when you hit a dead end? What if you lived with a heavenly mindset instead of just an earthly one?
God has equipped you with amazing abilities and spiritual gifts as a Christian. He's made you in his image to be unique and he's given you dreams to pursue with your life. He's given you visions for your life and he's asking you to step out of your comfort zone and move away from the ordinary “day to day man.” What if we as men pursued the dreams God has put on our heart? What if we were brave enough to step away from our comfortable life, cushy job, and 401k to go do something “dangerously awesome” for Christ? What would happen if we as men started a revolution and set the world on fire? Many would say, "It's too tough. People just don't change. It's a lost cause for men to change and live lives of purity and integrity." Maybe so but I read in the Bible where it says, "We can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength!" What if we took that serious and had the faith to live our lives by that verse to please God and fulfill our mission in this lifetime? Do you remember married men when you first saw your wife or first love and you were speechless to approach her? Do you remember the rush you had when you found out she liked you? Remember that feeling of "feeling alive" that came over you when you stepped out of your comfort zone and did more? What if we did that in our spiritual life?
Men, I've always been my worst critic from grade school on especially when I played sports. I would miss a free throw in basketball or a penalty kick in soccer and I'd drop my head and get all down on myself. My dad pointed this out to me at a young age and exclaimed to me how I hold myself back when I beat myself up on the inside. It's tough, yes indeed, but anything worth doing is going to come with setbacks, opposition, and some self-doubt. When we determine as men we can accomplish something with a full head of steam, a goal in our heart, a commitment to doing God's will in obedience out of surrender to him, determination in God's strength to not quit when it's tough, men, we can be untouchable! A man's persistence tells a lot about him as a man and his character. How much grit do you have men? Are you a quitter? Think about it, you have a responsibility to our God to reach people as you store up treasures in Heaven, sending the building materials on their way for your mansion up there with every decision you make for building Christ's kingdom with your life here on earth. Don't sell out for a measly 100 years at best living for this lifetime alone. You'll sell yourself short! We can set the world on fire one man at a time. We may not be able to save them all, but we can save as many as we can along our life's path. It'll matter to the ones we touch. What has God put on your heart asking you to take a leap of faith and get a little “dangerous” in life for him to make you feel alive again? Whatever it is, go for it! Ask God to direct your steps. Watch out though, you may start living for the very first time!
Take a leap of faith as you consult with God and step towards his calling on your heart to come alive.
Off in the Distance a Fool Laughs
"Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour." -Proverbs 14:9
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." -James 4:4
"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." -John 15:18-19
"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." -Luke 9:23
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and man" -Matthew 6:24
Men, have you ever had a friend or person in your life who scoffs and laughs every time you bring up God, the Bible, church, or a Biblical truth? The Bible tells you to expect this from people who don't know Christ as personal Savior and who don't follow God's truths. Often times you will be persecuted and looked down on if you claim to be a follower of Christ by those who don't understand why you do what you do in your obedience to God. Look at the disciples in the Bible days; they were persecuted and some killed for being associated with Christ. Jesus Christ was killed by his own group of people in his blood line. Why would you expect an easy path or anything different from the people of this world who don't know Christ nor hold to his principles? Keep in mind Satan has blinded the people of this world's eyes. He's their master and this world belongs to him. We're strangers and missionaries in this lifetime if we call ourselves a true Christian and Follower of Christ.
Jesus basically says, if you're a friend of his, you will be an enemy to the world. You will be an offense to them because you are called to raise the bar and set a higher standard for human kind. Many people don't want to admit there's a God because they don't want to answer for their sin or live up to the Bible's standard set by God. Many people want to pick and choose parts of the Bible to obey. Jesus tells us to "Die to self, pick up our cross, and follow him." My question for you young man is, can people tell that you're a true follower of Christ or are you hiding your Christianity and birthright given to you from your Heavenly Father? You come from a royal heritage by accepting Christ. Why would you hide it or try to compromise your stand and follow the lost like the society we live in full of "the blind leading the blind?"
I have to admit for years when I was younger and even traces of it today in my life I hid my sonship of God. I try to get as close to the world's line while still calling myself a Christian. You know this leaves my walk in shambles and keeps me unstable as a Christian man and leader. The Bible says, "No man can serve two masters for either he will cling to one and forsake the other." We have a world full of Christians forsaking their Godly heritage to believe the lies of Satan thinking the world has something better than God to offer them. I tell you what, you have a choice but you will find if you decide to follow the world's standard of living then you will be sadly unfulfilled and left feeling empty. Don't turn your back on God and your sonship! You're a son of the King! Embrace it! Be it! Live it! The world is lost but you have the answer that can open up their eyes. Stop letting the scoffing fools hold you back by what they think and say. They're on a path to destruction. Don't join them. Go forward with the things of God! Expect the "haters!" Don't let them get in your head or take you off your path as a man of God!
People will try to cover the light that the Holy Spirit illuminates in your life. Don't let them take you away from your royal right to shine as a son of God.
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." -James 4:4
"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." -John 15:18-19
"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." -Luke 9:23
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and man" -Matthew 6:24
Men, have you ever had a friend or person in your life who scoffs and laughs every time you bring up God, the Bible, church, or a Biblical truth? The Bible tells you to expect this from people who don't know Christ as personal Savior and who don't follow God's truths. Often times you will be persecuted and looked down on if you claim to be a follower of Christ by those who don't understand why you do what you do in your obedience to God. Look at the disciples in the Bible days; they were persecuted and some killed for being associated with Christ. Jesus Christ was killed by his own group of people in his blood line. Why would you expect an easy path or anything different from the people of this world who don't know Christ nor hold to his principles? Keep in mind Satan has blinded the people of this world's eyes. He's their master and this world belongs to him. We're strangers and missionaries in this lifetime if we call ourselves a true Christian and Follower of Christ.
Jesus basically says, if you're a friend of his, you will be an enemy to the world. You will be an offense to them because you are called to raise the bar and set a higher standard for human kind. Many people don't want to admit there's a God because they don't want to answer for their sin or live up to the Bible's standard set by God. Many people want to pick and choose parts of the Bible to obey. Jesus tells us to "Die to self, pick up our cross, and follow him." My question for you young man is, can people tell that you're a true follower of Christ or are you hiding your Christianity and birthright given to you from your Heavenly Father? You come from a royal heritage by accepting Christ. Why would you hide it or try to compromise your stand and follow the lost like the society we live in full of "the blind leading the blind?"
I have to admit for years when I was younger and even traces of it today in my life I hid my sonship of God. I try to get as close to the world's line while still calling myself a Christian. You know this leaves my walk in shambles and keeps me unstable as a Christian man and leader. The Bible says, "No man can serve two masters for either he will cling to one and forsake the other." We have a world full of Christians forsaking their Godly heritage to believe the lies of Satan thinking the world has something better than God to offer them. I tell you what, you have a choice but you will find if you decide to follow the world's standard of living then you will be sadly unfulfilled and left feeling empty. Don't turn your back on God and your sonship! You're a son of the King! Embrace it! Be it! Live it! The world is lost but you have the answer that can open up their eyes. Stop letting the scoffing fools hold you back by what they think and say. They're on a path to destruction. Don't join them. Go forward with the things of God! Expect the "haters!" Don't let them get in your head or take you off your path as a man of God!
People will try to cover the light that the Holy Spirit illuminates in your life. Don't let them take you away from your royal right to shine as a son of God.
The Wrong Side of the Bed
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" -Psalms 139: 23-24
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 1:6
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." -Ephesians 5:15-16
Men, if you're anything like me you have those days where it feels like it would have just been better if you would have stayed in bed and not talked to anyone. Yeah, those days come up for everyone. We can't stay on a spiritual high 24/7 expecting ourselves to just free flow on a cloud of happiness every day of our lives. Let's be realistic. We're flawed humans with tons of chemicals running through our bodies keeping us balanced or unbalanced at times. We are unique specimens that God created in amazing complexity. Some days we just feel "off" and not like our usual self.
Recently I called my accountability partner to tell him I felt unrest in my heart and body. It was like the feeling of having a tiny pebble in my shoe, the kind that just makes your regular steps a bit off. Nothing major to point the finger at really, but just a feeling that there's a bit of unrest in your inner workings. The kind of feeling you feel when starting your day off by getting up on the wrong side of the bed. The kind of day where you're more irritable and grouchy with a quicker fuse when somebody does something that bothers you. It's a feeling of frustration and annoyance. We all know this feeling we have on certain days. I typically feel this anxious feeling when I'm stuck trying to figure out my future instead of being present in what God has called me to do today.
So what do you do on days like that where you just want to go crawl back into bed and sleep the day away? Well as my buddy expressed to me, typically that feeling of unrest is an issue of the heart where there's a matter of sin that hasn't been addressed. I took his words and decided to go get alone with God and pour my heart out to him telling him how I feel and to forgive any sin or wrong motives of my heart. It's interesting how when we drop our guard with God and express how we feel as he covers us with his peace. The Bible tells us to ask God to search the inner workings of our hearts to shine his light on any wrong motive or action we are holding onto which can cause unrest and frustration which can lead us to lash out at others and even ruin our testimony. So the next time you feel this way, get alone with God and put yourself on his altar for mercy with all of your unanswered questions, prayer requests, fears of the future, and anxiety. This all needs to be thrown at his feet as you surrender to his leading and hand him back your cares and concerns. Doing this along with confessing your sin and asking God to show you your wrong motives in your heart will prepare you to finish the rest of your day strong for the Lord. Please don't let one bad day ruin what you've spent so long trying to build up with your testimony!
God can take your unrest and give you peace.
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 1:6
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." -Ephesians 5:15-16
Men, if you're anything like me you have those days where it feels like it would have just been better if you would have stayed in bed and not talked to anyone. Yeah, those days come up for everyone. We can't stay on a spiritual high 24/7 expecting ourselves to just free flow on a cloud of happiness every day of our lives. Let's be realistic. We're flawed humans with tons of chemicals running through our bodies keeping us balanced or unbalanced at times. We are unique specimens that God created in amazing complexity. Some days we just feel "off" and not like our usual self.
Recently I called my accountability partner to tell him I felt unrest in my heart and body. It was like the feeling of having a tiny pebble in my shoe, the kind that just makes your regular steps a bit off. Nothing major to point the finger at really, but just a feeling that there's a bit of unrest in your inner workings. The kind of feeling you feel when starting your day off by getting up on the wrong side of the bed. The kind of day where you're more irritable and grouchy with a quicker fuse when somebody does something that bothers you. It's a feeling of frustration and annoyance. We all know this feeling we have on certain days. I typically feel this anxious feeling when I'm stuck trying to figure out my future instead of being present in what God has called me to do today.
So what do you do on days like that where you just want to go crawl back into bed and sleep the day away? Well as my buddy expressed to me, typically that feeling of unrest is an issue of the heart where there's a matter of sin that hasn't been addressed. I took his words and decided to go get alone with God and pour my heart out to him telling him how I feel and to forgive any sin or wrong motives of my heart. It's interesting how when we drop our guard with God and express how we feel as he covers us with his peace. The Bible tells us to ask God to search the inner workings of our hearts to shine his light on any wrong motive or action we are holding onto which can cause unrest and frustration which can lead us to lash out at others and even ruin our testimony. So the next time you feel this way, get alone with God and put yourself on his altar for mercy with all of your unanswered questions, prayer requests, fears of the future, and anxiety. This all needs to be thrown at his feet as you surrender to his leading and hand him back your cares and concerns. Doing this along with confessing your sin and asking God to show you your wrong motives in your heart will prepare you to finish the rest of your day strong for the Lord. Please don't let one bad day ruin what you've spent so long trying to build up with your testimony!
God can take your unrest and give you peace.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Stuck in God's Waiting Room
“I waited patiently
for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy
pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place
to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will
see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts
in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false
gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned
for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they
would be too many to declare.” –Psalms 40:1-5
Waiting on God can be one of the most challenging things you will constantly have to do throughout your life. There’s a funny saying that goes, “Don’t ask God for patience because he will answer you by making you have to wait for something.” Part of waiting on God to act on your behalf is being able to completely trust him that he knows what is best for you. When you can see God show up in your situation, it can really strengthen your faith and spirits, especially after sitting in his waiting room for a while. It’s almost a revelation that what the Bible says can ACTUALLY come true for you. It will give you hope and strength in your faith and give you some much needed resolve when you see God's moving on your behalf.
There is a peace that comes over you when you give God all your cares and worries to work out as he sees best. The main thing is to be present with what God has called you to do today and let God reveal what the next step is to take and what door to walk through. Sometimes this does mean taking a step of faith while looking up and asking God if this is his will. Go ahead and ask God to close the door if it’s not his perfect will for you. He will show you and get you through the uncertainty. Just be ready when the Spirit asks you to move and step out in faith even if you can't see the whole picture. Men, to be a truly strong leader in your life, one must trust God wholeheartedly for his direction and leading. He promises to come to your aid if you will trust!
Psalms 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way.” God will lead you today in what he has for you and will give the direction, leading, and strength you need for today. Tomorrow’s strength and leading will come tomorrow but today stay present to fulfill what God has given you to do in this moment in preparation for a better tomorrow and future centered in God’s will.
Let go and let God do his work on your behalf. Stay present and jump when he says jump.
Waiting on God can be one of the most challenging things you will constantly have to do throughout your life. There’s a funny saying that goes, “Don’t ask God for patience because he will answer you by making you have to wait for something.” Part of waiting on God to act on your behalf is being able to completely trust him that he knows what is best for you. When you can see God show up in your situation, it can really strengthen your faith and spirits, especially after sitting in his waiting room for a while. It’s almost a revelation that what the Bible says can ACTUALLY come true for you. It will give you hope and strength in your faith and give you some much needed resolve when you see God's moving on your behalf.
There is a peace that comes over you when you give God all your cares and worries to work out as he sees best. The main thing is to be present with what God has called you to do today and let God reveal what the next step is to take and what door to walk through. Sometimes this does mean taking a step of faith while looking up and asking God if this is his will. Go ahead and ask God to close the door if it’s not his perfect will for you. He will show you and get you through the uncertainty. Just be ready when the Spirit asks you to move and step out in faith even if you can't see the whole picture. Men, to be a truly strong leader in your life, one must trust God wholeheartedly for his direction and leading. He promises to come to your aid if you will trust!
Psalms 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way.” God will lead you today in what he has for you and will give the direction, leading, and strength you need for today. Tomorrow’s strength and leading will come tomorrow but today stay present to fulfill what God has given you to do in this moment in preparation for a better tomorrow and future centered in God’s will.
Let go and let God do his work on your behalf. Stay present and jump when he says jump.
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