“Jesus existed in the form of God…yet emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, being made in the likeness of men…humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” The Apostol Paul (Philippians 2:6-8)Do you remember how old you were when you learned what ‘obey’ meant? Me neither. But I do remember who introduced the word into my vocabulary. I can’t tell you how many times I heard…”Obey your mother,” or “Obey your father.” As a young girl I had a habit of doing things my way, but it wasn’t always the way my parents wanted me to behave.
I also had a choice; but sadly I was not as obedient as Jesus. When given the opportunity to accept Jesus’ free gift of forgiveness for my bad choices, however, I did choose wisely and today I’m happier for it. I don’t know that I became a better person when I chose to accept Jesus’ gift, but I do know today I try to be a better person by choosing to obey the best I can. Because, just like you and your kids (or nephews and nieces), the directions you give them when young are in their best interests, even though they’re too young to know it.
…just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only but now much more in my absence…for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure…” Philippians 2:12-13
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or just Good Monday Morning, Libby Note: The Apostol Paul, a.k.a Saul of Tarsus, (5-67), a Roman citizen of Jewish heritage is considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age; a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin he initially persecuted Jesus’ followers until he had a personal encounter with Jesus and became an avid proponent; Paul is generally attributed with having written 14 of 27 books in the New Testament, although there are some differing opinions on certain books’ authorship.
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“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound the saved a wretch like me! |
Finally, when the pain of being controlled by food hurt more than dealing with the problems, I got on my knees and surrendered to God in prayer. God is helping me to give up my drug of choice and eat sanely as we together deal with one painful memory at a time. John Newton wrote the song Amazing Grace. He had captained a ship taking Africans to market where they would be sold as slaves. The conditions on board were unspeakable and many Africans died or jumped overboard before reaching their destination. |
In my case, I can’t go cold-turkey from food. But, I can stop eating in response to feelings that make me uncomfortable. I can give up using food as my drug of choice, and ask for God’s amazing grace to deal with my problems.
Is there something you’re using as your drug of choice to deaden the pain you don’t want to feel? Has that ‘something’ turned the tables and become a controlling factor, adding to your list of problems? How will you engage God’s amazing grace today? (*) Lord, thank You for Your grace that is freely given to all who ask. May I learn to ask daily for food grace, and trust that my spirit will be fed and healed by Your love. Amen “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 What are your thoughts? Libby |
(*) You can easily turn over the addiction to your drug of choice by praying these words with all sincerity:
Lord, I admit I’ve messed up; I’ve become a slave to _____, my drug of choice. But now I desire to be free. Please come into my life and give me the daily grace to overcome my addiction. And, God, please walk with me through my problems one at a time. Lord, I choose You. Amen
If you just prayed this prayer, please contact me so I can pray with you. You can reach me at [email protected]. God bless you, Libby
“Kindness…is a hallmark of recovery.” Anonymous
I have yet to find a troubling situation that cannot be bettered when I pray the Serenity Prayer…the operative word being ‘pray.’ Reciting it as a poem or mantra is pretty, and may even be calming, but only when I pray the prayer am I engaging the power of God to change me. (Notice I didn’t say change my circumstances.) |
Can circumstances often derail your focus from what’s really important? Are you embarrassed to find that you missed an opportunity to show kindness to those you love? What will you do today to make a difference in your condition?
Lord, please keep me humbled and focused on my job, not Yours; only You can control circumstances, while I’m still learning how to be courageous enough to tackle the things within my control. Amen “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.” Proverbs 11:17 “She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: K.P. Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971), an American theologian, commentator on politics and public affairs, and professor at Union Theological Seminary for more than 30 years. Niebuhr first spoke what has come to be known as the Serenity Prayer in 1937 during a speaking engagement, and at the request of some in attendance, wrote it down. Later in his life he wrote various other versions. |
“Every fear has no place; at the sound of Your great name.
The enemy has to leave; at the sound of Your great name.”
from Your Great Name, songwriters Krissy Nordhoff and Michael Neele
But it wasn’t until a guest speaker (another missionary) at our church talked about spiritual warfare that my perceptions of spiritual warfare changed. I remember being so uncomfortable when I heard the topic, it felt like I was waiting in the wings to walk on stage and sing a solo, or something equally ridiculous. Squirming in my seat, I looked for a reason to excuse myself and leave church early. But I stayed, and reluctantly I listened.
When he said, “And for beginners, or those who think they can’t do spiritual warfare, here's a method even a child can do,” he got my attention. He shared that the Bible teaches that evil cannot be in the presence of God, "He inhabits our praise." So, when we call on God, or praise His name, we call into our midst the very God of the universe, which then forces the enemy to flee. |
So when Natalie Grant recorded Krissy Nordhoff's song, Your Great Name, with the line: "The enemy has to leave, at the sound of Your great Name" this has become my go-to song when I feel a need for spiritual warfare.
Are you questioning if spiritual warfare is for you? Do you have pre-conceived ideas about what spiritual warfare is all about? What can you do today to practice calling on God to engage His presence?
Lord, thank You for teaching, and showing, me how many narrow-minded pre-conceived ideas I have…and for helping me overcome them. Amen “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” James 4:7-8a What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Krissy Nordhoff (1974- ), singer/songwriter of contemporary Christian music who was awarded Worship Song of the Year at the 43rd GMA Dove Awards for “Your Great Name”, performed by Natalie Grant on her 2010 album, Love Revolution. Note: Natalie Grant (1971- ), an American singer, songwriter of contemporary Christian music who has received the Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year five times since 2006. |
Welcome
I love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby
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