One thing I’m really good at is playing mind games with myself (what female isn’t…right?!). If I think too much about a particular decision, I can [“logically”] talk myself into and out of each possible scenario… teetering back and forth between every single if, and, or but.
I am so confident, fearless and at peace with this decision, but that’s not to say I haven’t had my moments over the months of getting here. As God would speak to me, satan would [try to] speak louder. As my mind would [attempt to] wander, I would note my feelings and find scriptures that spoke to them. And here’s what I was reminded of…
My His Next Step [for Me]
Journaled 11/29/13-12/7/13
What? Why? Leave Nash? Missions? World Race? When? How?
Ask, Seek, Knock. “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds and the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-9
We aren’t called to live comfortably. “Enter thru the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
**Narrow is uncomfortable, unpopular, uneasy
Obey, then don’t worry. “…But first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
Build a solid foundation. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who has built up his house on a rock.” Matthew 7:24
We, as believers, are change agents of the earth…not made to blend in. “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It’s no longer good for anything…” Matthew 5:13
**Salt is a seasoning. If a seasoning loses its flavor, what good is it? None!
I’m to be the LIGHT! “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:14,16
**If a place is dark, it’s not because the darkness has won, it’s because the light bulb went out…victory of dark vs. failure of light
Be bold and courageous. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong & courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
I’m living, [temporarily] on this earth to complete His assignments for me. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
**We’re all puzzle pieces of his grand design, in which he’s already completed perfectly
I’m single [right now] for a reason! “An unmarried woman is concerned about the Lord’s affairs; Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.” 1 Corinthians 7:34
**No one is relying on me at this point in my life; I am available and flexible to go, according to His will
When He calls…follow! “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then, you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
**Renewing: renovation, refining, complete change for the better
All who call Jesus ‘Lord’ are commanded to go and make disciples. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you, always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
**All authority has been given to Him because He owns us – He paid a price for us.
His harvest field needs workers. “Then he said to his disciples, ‘the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field.“ Matthew 9:37
He is sovereign!! “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
**Not my good though; also notice he chose the word ‘good’ – not safety, prosperity, health, comfort, security, happiness, riches, etc. It’s ultimately about His eternal plan, of which I’m just included, by His grace.
LOVE is an action! “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12
**Love = obedience, not just an emotion, pleasure, feeling, impulse…it’s the act of giving. He gave His life for me! Do I really love Jesus? If yes, I must serve and obey Him & His callings for me…not my desires!
He prunes me to be fruitful. “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2
**He cares for/”prunes” me so I can grow more fruit for His kingdom; I’m constantly being refined so I can continue to grow, and also bless others
