The enemy makes us think that by not doing 'this' or not doing 'that' (because we need REST, per the commands of our Heavenly Father), then we are somehow "failing God". However, the reality is that Satan plants those thoughts into our minds because he so desperately wants us to get so overwhelmed in the hustle&bustle of it all that we get to the point where we feel like just throwing our hands up in frustration and say, "I'm done!"
Satan will do whatever it takes to fluster us into a state of confusion so that we are incapable of conducting ourselves in a holy manner. Living in a society that is constantly on-the-go means that we must be intentional in setting aside time to be alone in the presence, kneeled before our Maker, as He cleanses us from the filth of worldliness and restores us with His Truth. The gospel becomes veiled whenever our minds are saturated with worldly thoughts because we are "too busy" to get alone in His presence. Thus, The Gospel/Word of God is then veiled, clouding our minds so that we are no longer capable of making wise decisions because we cannot see The Path that God has specifically set before us as individual children with unique talents and abilities with which He has blessed each of us. We cannot, or better yet, we should not make decisions based on what our Christian friends are doing or ask for their advice because we must first seek Him and ask for His wisdom in what we should do or where we should go or what we should read/watch or what we should listen to... "The God of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of The Gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." -2 Corinthians 4:4 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God, and not from us." -2 Corinthians 5:7 * conscience (vs. 3) * sight of God (vs. 3) * The Gospel is veiled. (vs. 3) "... A veil covers their hearts, but whenever anyone turns to The Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is The Spirit, and where The Spirit of The Lord is, THERE IS FREEDOM! And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate The Lord's glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes only from The Lord, who is The Spirit." -2 Corinthians 3:15-18 "Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we RENOUNCE secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort The Word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth The Truth plain and clear for everyone to see ... in the sight of God Himself." -2 Corinthians 4:1-2 "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god(s) of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers (& even believers, at times) so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ..." "Now The One who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us The Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come... For we life by faith, not by sight, so we make it our goal to please Him, for we all must appear before the judgement seat of Christ so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad, for Christ's love compels us." -2 Corinthians 5:5, 7, 9-10, 14
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"Should you not fear me?" declares the Lord.
"Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it." -Jeremiah 5:22 "A horrible and shocking thing has happened in this land... and my people love it this way, but what will you do in the end?" -Jeremiah 5:30+31 "Though the number of citizens be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved, for the Lord will carry out His sentence on Earth with speed and finality." -Romans 9:27-28 It just dawned on me: PREPARATION.
As I read through posts from Katie Davis's blog, it dawns on me: PREPARATION! My eyes grow wide with realization of the truth that I have been running from, instead of running completely and solely to Him and Him alone. Putting these feelings into words evokes an innate feeling of revelation that this is why I have felt God leading me away. Away from my church. Away from my friends. Away. Preparation. While this revelation honestly freaks me out to no end, I shed tears of hope and joy in knowing that God is in control and He is holding me by His righteous right hand. ... I can't get Kenya off my mind, and I felt it was the continual promptings from the Holy Spirit, so I sporadically followed up with a contact I had from my stay in Kenya... This was his response: Yesterday - Wednesday, October 15 (@9:45-10:10)
Stressful day that ended with a sweet and encouraging note from Jill and my Bath and Body Works order of fall scents that arrived several days early! God is good! He cares about all the little details and enjoys surprising me with them after a long and stressful day! So thankful for my Heavenly Father! The power of prayer!
I spoke to Ms. Watson today about going to Africa over Thanksgiving Break. We discussed humbling experiences, and she also said that Priscilla could come speak on Wednesday, October 15. Immediately after speaking with her, I emailed BFR. Priscilla did not have any prior engagements, so she will be speaking to the 6th and 7th graders at chapel in three weeks! (8th grade takes their Explore test that day.) PRAISE. THE. LORD. There are no more words left within me To make you feel, to make you see Of all the love that I have for you Deep in my heart; my love so true. You are numb to all my pain To all my tears, shed in your name. There's nothing else that I can do But let you go, like you've asked me to do. This unrelenting person you have become Is rocking my word, and has left me stunned. Why the incessant heart of stone That leaves me questioning this person unknown I cannot understand who we've become One is bleeding; the other is numb. Sharing my secrets, my fears, my shame It's taunting me now, I'm to blame. You knew my past, we shared the same I thought you felt my wretched pain People come; people go And now I'm left here, all alone Taken aback, feeling misled My heart and soul, essentially dead Everything happens for a reason All in due time; all in due season May God grant me serenity to heal from this grief May He alleviate my pain that runs oh so deep May He heal my heart once and for all So that I may finally do as He's called To finally exalt Him and hail Him as King In His name Alone will I accept another ring My heart is so heavy, so black, so burdened Tis my own fault, placing hope in mere man Never again shall I have fleshly idols Over and over- again- cries my soul Never again will I have, Never again will I hold. |
AuthorI am an imperfect sinner, saved by a perfect God. Archives
April 2023
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