If there was never temptation, where would obedience be?
If there were only things in which our physical bodies needed, we would readily do them for there it would only make sense to do so.
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was so that Adam and Eve would obey God for the sake of obedience. God could have made it to where there was no forbidden tree, but then how would their obedience (or disobedience) ever be shown? If they had no way to disobey, would they actually be obeying or simply just doing?
These are some questions I have been thinking about a lot lately.
In James it says to consider ever trial a pure joy, because in it we grow and become mature. We learn how to obey through trials (either that or the consequences for disobedience). For this reason we are to consider it joy! For in obeying we love God. It is through obedience that we learn more about God, how to truly love and receive love.
Obedience starts in the little things of life. Daily interactions. Typical conversations. Thoughts. Any small things God is convicting you (me) about. To learn how to obey in the seemingly "unimportant" things, we train ourselves to be obedient in the bigger decision this life throws at us.
Practicing obedience is an exercise of the will. Just like a muscle you cannot expect to never lift weights and then be able to lift 200 lbs. It takes time, patience, and practice to be able to work up to that point/skill level. It is the same with obedience. We must give over all the little things in this life to God, that we will be ready to give over the larger things when they come to us.
Dear Lord, help me to give over all of the things in this life to You. To be obedient to Your calling in every aspect of my life. In sorrows. Burdens. Joys. Blessings. In everything. In You alone can joy be found. In You alone is life.
Help me to be obedient and steadfast to the calling I have receive. To love You. To love others. To bring glory to You name in both the "small" and vastly important things of this life. To look on trials with joy, seeing them as a chance to obey You and show my love. To look on blessings as the great and wonderful treasure they are. To make You my treasure, my goal, my life, my all. For where my treasure is there my heart is. Be my treasure.
With love, to Love. Amen
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Bible study numero uno
So, we had our first bible study tonight. It is called Essentials. And it is simply that, exploring the essentials of the Christian faith.
Well, so God is amazing. He continually goes above and beyond my expectations. Why do I try to limit Him? Its such a silly thing.
So many people came that there was not even enough room for chairs (one person ended up sitting on the floor).
The discussion was good. No it was great! People were so open and willing to discuss, wanting to talk about God. To hear what others had to say. To dive into what it means when we say God and realize that though we can never fully comprehend all of God, we can get to know Him better by exploring some of His characteristics. His goodness, justice, righteousness, that He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and soo very much more.
And then we sang worship songs afterwords til about 11 o'clock, when it became a just singing time.
It was really good, I am excited for what God has in store for us in the future. He has blessed me with my wonderful sister, who basically lead the study for us (since I am still trying to figure it out. I couldn't be more thankful!)
I even learned two cords on the guitar. I truly hope that I will be able to learn how to play at least a little bit this summer. And the piano!
I feel like there is so much I want to do this summer, and its simply too short. But its ok, I'll get done what I need to get done (after all God is the controller of time, if I don't get something done either I didn't need to do it, or I need to learn to use my time more wisely).
I have wonderful friends. Thank Lord for them! Thank You! Thank You! That they desire to talk about You, and push me to do the same.
Ah so many questions to someone that I cannot ask. You are merciful in that as well. Thank You for giving me guidance and self control. There is no way I could refrain simply on my own. And in due time I will know what I need to and won't what would not be helpful for me to know. You, Lord Jesus, are in control of that. You have time, knowledge, power, and love in Your hands. As long as I cling to You, follow You, worship and desire You above all else, the things of this world will work out the way You designed.
Lord, help me to realize Your plan is best, Your timing is best, You have a great plan for me. I will follow You Lord. I will trust You Lord. You alone are worthy of all glory! From You come blessing, honor, strength and power. Thank You creator for the blessings in my life.
You are good my dear savior and friend, all the time You are good.
With love, to Love. Amen.
Well, so God is amazing. He continually goes above and beyond my expectations. Why do I try to limit Him? Its such a silly thing.
So many people came that there was not even enough room for chairs (one person ended up sitting on the floor).
The discussion was good. No it was great! People were so open and willing to discuss, wanting to talk about God. To hear what others had to say. To dive into what it means when we say God and realize that though we can never fully comprehend all of God, we can get to know Him better by exploring some of His characteristics. His goodness, justice, righteousness, that He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and soo very much more.
And then we sang worship songs afterwords til about 11 o'clock, when it became a just singing time.
It was really good, I am excited for what God has in store for us in the future. He has blessed me with my wonderful sister, who basically lead the study for us (since I am still trying to figure it out. I couldn't be more thankful!)
I even learned two cords on the guitar. I truly hope that I will be able to learn how to play at least a little bit this summer. And the piano!
I feel like there is so much I want to do this summer, and its simply too short. But its ok, I'll get done what I need to get done (after all God is the controller of time, if I don't get something done either I didn't need to do it, or I need to learn to use my time more wisely).
I have wonderful friends. Thank Lord for them! Thank You! Thank You! That they desire to talk about You, and push me to do the same.
Ah so many questions to someone that I cannot ask. You are merciful in that as well. Thank You for giving me guidance and self control. There is no way I could refrain simply on my own. And in due time I will know what I need to and won't what would not be helpful for me to know. You, Lord Jesus, are in control of that. You have time, knowledge, power, and love in Your hands. As long as I cling to You, follow You, worship and desire You above all else, the things of this world will work out the way You designed.
Lord, help me to realize Your plan is best, Your timing is best, You have a great plan for me. I will follow You Lord. I will trust You Lord. You alone are worthy of all glory! From You come blessing, honor, strength and power. Thank You creator for the blessings in my life.
You are good my dear savior and friend, all the time You are good.
With love, to Love. Amen.
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