So, how was your week? I hope you kept with it… and if not, tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it. Go ahead, carve out some time… it’s not too late! Just joining us? You can view guides for Intro, Week 1 & Week 2.
Let’s recap last week ~ “Broken”
When we are aware of our brokenness we are right where we need to be. It is then that we live desperately aware of our need for Christ. This is a really hard way to live in America. Most of us don’t wonder where our next meal will come from, if the water from our faucets will make us sick or if the roof will stay on our home during the next rainstorm. We are more concerned with if our Starbucks is hot enough, our cars (multiple) are clean enough and if we should use flat or eggshell paint in the hallway. When we can get our eyes fixed on heavenly things, divine appointments and God’s purpose/plan for our lives, it shines a light on the things that keep us stuck here on earth.
It wasn’t until I walked through a perspective change that I realized I had hidden idols. By worldly standards they were “good” things. By heavenly standards they kept me stuck and separated.
Did you park on Project 4 – God lives in me…. True or False (pg. 33)?
I hope you did! If not, please go back. The implications of this one question are “eternal and life altering!” I don’t pretend to have all the answers. There are questions that my finite mind cannot begin to process and that is fine, that is where my faith comes in. But, I do know the answer to this question; God lives in me – true or false. Your answer may not be the same as mine … I hope one day it is. Work through your salvation! Know that it is your own, not just a role you may have grown-up playing. Does Christ live in you? If the answer is no or even I’m not sure, then please… don’t miss another minute of salvation.
In Romans chapter 3 it is written, This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Here is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. (vs. 22 – 25a)
None of us deserve salvation. It is a gift from God through his perfect son Jesus. There is nothing we can do to earn it. A gift. Grace.
If this is stirring something in your heart please pray and read through the following verses found in the New Testament Book of Romans … God will make it clear to you! Romans 6:23; 5:8; 10:9; 10:13; 5:1; 8:1; 8:38-39
I pray that you accept the forgiveness that is always, consistently available to us. Without confession, repentance and forgiveness we will remain STUCK… Let’s journey together constantly pulling our feet out of the muck toward dryer and dryer land living in the grace we have received.
This week ~ “Mad”
It’s not fair! Have you ever noticed that is never said with a kind tone or happy heart? It is usually followed by a strong fist and the stomp of a flipflop in my house! How many times have I heard that? A TON… that is until it happened…
Two summers ago our family went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. I watched my youngest daughter go from literally being a monkey clinging to my back, (she barely got off the bus) to a giggling little girl running through fields with barefoot little girls she barely knew. The smile on her sweet, sunburned cheeks was as big as I have ever seen.
Life went from it’s not fair to… simply, joy. It was a moment that Mike and I stood back and savored. You know those where God gets your attention, time stands still and your heart just smiles? Our girls perspective of what isn’t fair has been altered. They are fortunate that their perspective is a little larger than just where we live.
What about mine? What about yours?
Until we have a shift in the lens we look through, life will always, in every way seem unfair. Put on the lens of Christ and all that changes.
I love what Jennie writes on pg 39…Our perspectives must shift for us to find freedom. The way we view our lives must shift. The way we view people must shift. We must allow people to fail us, because they are, like us, sinners. To know God, to truly see God, radically shifts our perspective.
I am not going to say that “it’s not fair” doesn’t creep into my life. Entitlement, rights, “needs”… they tend to find their way in sometimes. Besides, you know what? Sometimes life isn’t fair. It isn’t fair that Scott, our dear friend, had cancer… it just isn’t. But, in God’s precious mercy He allowed Mike and I to be a part of His greater plan for Scott and those of us who loved him. Scott had the faith at age 19 many of us think we have, but perhaps our faith has not been put to the test. Scott’s was. He is now in heaven, and I say that with sincere certainty, not a euphemism. I don’t know why it had to happen and the grief hurts my heart, BUT I know, without any doubt, that God has a much bigger plan… I may never see it here, but one day… In that hope there is freedom.
Living without Christ is really no way to live. Living life looking at how great everyone else has it is a recipe to never find freedom. Instead, choose love. Choose to love your neighbor as yourself. Forgive him 70 times 7. It’s hard and anger can spiral out of control fast. Fortunately, for those of us who are believers we don’t have to do this alone. We have the Holy Spirit. There is no way we can live like this without it. NO WAY!!! We serve a mighty Savior, who loves us just as we are. How crazy is that?
Know that you are loved and prayed for often. I don’t even know your names, but He does. I’m so looking forward to hearing your stories on how God is moving in your life! Be encouraged… He is not through with any of us yet. May you be blessed as you study and learn more about yourself and who you are in Him!
If you would like to have a more structured study please print out a generic study guide HERE that can be applied to any week. However… this is just a suggestion. If you don’t get through 2 projects in one day that is fine… take your time!
Let’s Chat…
1. How is your anger affecting those around you?
2. Have you ever been mad at God? Why?
3. What would you change if you were free from anger?
BLESSED LOVE ~
Anne
Below is our scripture printable for this week ~ James 1:19-20, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” I encourage you to print it out and memorize it by heart.
Click here for your Scripture Printable (formatted for 4×6 frame)
