The first day of 2017 is in process with all the great & awful challenges of yesteryear.
I hope . . . that all human beings, who are positioned in effective living, will take deep breaths before their next steps, asking one’s self these kinds of questions, “In what ways do I need to continue to change & grow to become more self-aware so that my imprint on this world contributes to moving forward?” “What healing do I need to seek to believe in myself (and others), that will increase my skills & talents?” “What choices/actions can I make that are good, kind, intelligent, & will motivate unity, caring, & trust around this world?” “How can I ‘speak life’ into all circumstances & into this person before me that will inspire them to stretch, grow, build, work for our common good?” “How can I model healthy, life-giving behavior for everyone around me as I share my particular skills and talents?” “How do I learn healthy boundaries to become more effective and joyful in my life and in the lives of others?” I am sure there are many more questions we can ask ourselves, & each other.
Another way to invoke change is to ask, Lord, Help me . . .”
The Bible tells us believers that we are to, 1. Love . . . that everything is dependent on that first commandment. To my brothers & sisters of faith there is repentance that must be done, to release bitterness, mistrust, anger, hostility, sarcasm, stubbornness, profanity, division. We are to Speak Life, do as our Father does.
There is a strategy of evil in this nation, & world, that encourages maliciousness in our thoughts & views, in our behavior, & in our treatment of one another. Evil has conned us into expressing sarcastic humor as fun. There is much evidence of this scheme, including with people of faith. My heart breaks when I hear my fellow believers talk about death oriented TV series they follow with more passion than following God.
During the election process many comments made on Facebook by those I love were shocking in the apparent lack of awareness of the meanness in them. The book of Ephesians speaks well of how we are to be equipped & to the level of deception believers will fall into when they are tossed this way & that. Please pray and read James 3: 1 through 13. There is no condemnation in Christ, but there is correction: Prov 11: My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction. 12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth (KJV).
Reading the book of John is my inspiration for this new year. In John 13:35 The Word tells us that by our love people will know we are disciples of Jesus. Hmmm. What does the World know about you, your love, our love? What would happen with Church attendance if God were known through our love?
Everything I have written about I ask myself. Lord, I pray that my life speaks life & love to every human being you bring me into contact with this day, every day. May you speak truth into my heart & mind, be strong in guiding me in my behavior. Protect the gates of my being to take in all you have & refuse what is not of you. Let Love be my top & bottom line in all I do in your name. I re-commit my life to you that I am empowered in Christ to bridle my whole being for your purposes. I stand on the truth that you are God, You Won, It IS Finished.