I am finding it hard to find any exciting things to write about while still here – in Flatwoods, KY. But, when I really started to think about it – anything, that is happening, that God is involved in, is exciting! The things that He teaches me and the ways that He loves me are very exciting – to me anyways…. I usually wake up each morning in such anticipation about the day ahead – “what really neat thing will I discover about God / with God today?”…. But recently I have been growing and learning and discovering things about myself I’m not too excited about. 1. I have found out I am really lacking as a person – where being like Jesus is concerned. 2. I have discovered that when I ask Him a question I better be ready for the answer – whatever it is. And, 3. I am coming to the conclusion that just about everything comes down to do I love like He loves? My answer : NO!
My question to Him recently has been – “Is it ok for me to be angry? It seems like a perfectly good reason to be mad to me.” – and this is the answer He gave me:
In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you. In this new life it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free. Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people whom He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindnesss, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offended you. Remember, the Lord forgave you , so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use His words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:10-17 (NLT)
“Is it ok for me to be angry? It seems like a perfectly good reason to be mad to me.” – His answer: NO!
No. It is not alright for me to keep anger inside. He is not mad at me – and if anyone has a good reason to be angry – it is God. Yet God is love… wow! I really really want a brand new nature! Praise God that my nature can and is being renewed as I learn more and more about Him! That is such awesome news! I may be “lacking” now, but tomorrow I will be better, and the day after that – better still…. such hope! And why is it so easy to love a complete stranger and fail terribly when it comes to loving those closest to me? If Christ is all that matters and there are no differences – then why is it so hard? (Praise Him for continual renewal!)
You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offended you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, you must forgive others.
I like to think about what He tries to get across to me. And since alot of this pre-race stuff is about where we are and how God is preparing us – this may not be “THE” right answer… but just as God always is so awesome and faithful – it was / is exactly the answer my heart needed to hear from Him. (Of course, He already knew that ….”sigh”, oh how he loves us!)
“Ok, well, God – how do I do that – Colossinas 3:10-17?” (And so the process continues….) Thank you Father for not ever giving up on me! I am always so stubborn and slow to understand! Oh, how you love me! Thank you!
