One thing I feel that sticks out like a sore thumb about myself personally, is I struggle with keeping my eyes on Jesus throughout my day. Am I the only one? No? Okay phew.. thank goodness. I know I am imperfect and if I did have my eyes set on God 100% of my day, then I would in fact be perfect. And let me tell ya, that's not the case! So, knowing that I am not, I am able to provide myself with some grace. I find myself regretting a lot of things I say in small conversation with friends and family. I really hate it, actually. You would think if I hated something so much, I would be able to stay focused on this and correct it. I guess the enemy knows a weak spot of mine is conversing with others in small talk and he realizes I slip up and often say ignorant things that are not glorifying God. ^But listen, Devil! I rebuke that in The Name of Jesus! Thanks for reminding me, but God has forgiven me! My prayer each morning is to only say, do and think as if our Maker were standing right beside me. Start with Jesus-Stay with Jesus-End with Jesus. Amen. Now, the things I say, others may not think a thing about them. I don't even think anything about it until I have been sitting there for a bit and maybe the conversation is over and I am reflecting on what we discussed then BAM. It hits me. "Kalie, why did you say THAT!?" It was not holy. It was not encouraging. It was not thoughtful, or inspiring or nice, even. It was not of Jesus. Why? Because I am a sinner. Who is saved by grace. I am given grace upon grace upon grace. Upon grace! {Thank you, Jesus!} Things like this happen so that I will turn to God and repent, leaning on him for forgiveness and understanding. I often think about apologizing to the other person(s) I had been talking with, but then I think "they probably didn't even realize what I said and doing so would just make me look like a bigger bozo." I need God to intervene in all relationships and all situations in my life so those relationships and situations may be holy and Christ filled. Because if it were any other way, I would succumb to any or all things that are not of Jesus. I am not whole. Jesus made me whole when he died on the Cross and when I accepted that fact. How beautiful is the love portrayed on the cross? For you. For me.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "...just as you are doing." Wow. He believes in us. He knows we are capable of regular, holy conversation and encourages us to strive for that always. My prayer today. And everyday! That I will only be of encouragement in and godly way for others, so they will then encourage me.
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Kalie LandChristian wife, mama, student, and homemaker inspired by Jesus and the simple things in life. Humbled by our gracious God. Aspiring to make a difference any way possible by trying to be the loyal Christian that God is molding me to be. Archives
November 2016
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