Embrace the Within no. 103

"We need the true Christmas, 'Bread of Life'; we need 'Jesus a Saviour'…. Let us embrace the Gospel…. Let us believe and rejoice… [and] heartily welcome the 'glad tidings.'"

Charles Bullock

I had another conversation with my cousin this weekend that did not turn out the way I planned. They never turn out the way I plan. For the past decade or so, we have been at odds over our political outlook and, not until recently, did I find out that he also considers himself a Christian. Now, how could I over the past decade not have any idea of that. Well, his outward example to me does not show the good news or glad tidings of the Way.

'Ye are the light of the world. A citie that is set on an hill, cannot be hid. Neither doe men light a candel, and put it vnder a bushel, but on a candlesticke, and it giueth light vnto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good workes, and glorifie your Father which is in heauen. '

Matthew 5:14-16 GNV

Before I returned to following Christ, I would have long arguments with him and try to prove him wrong. What a pointless use of my time. Over the past few months of rededicating myself to studying the Word and following Christ, my perspective of all those things we used to argue about have changed with so much of my life as well. And once I started to see the error of my Ways, I went around the InterWebs and life and apologized for the way I used to act.

It was not enough for me to ask God for forgiveness for all the dumbheaded things I did, for all the stubborn and foolish things I said, and for all the problems I caused so many people. I needed to bring my message of forgiveness to as many folks as I could. So, Lord knows, there were a lot of people I couldn’t reach and a lot that I did. And, on a side note, if you would like an apology from me and I overlooked you, then please reach out. And my cousin was one of those folks that I asked for forgiveness which began a conversation about Christ.

'But seeke ye first the kingdome of God, and his righteousnesse, and all these things shall be ministred vnto you. Care not then for the morowe: for the morowe shall care for it selfe: the day hath ynough with his owne griefe.'

Matthew 6:33-34 GNV

Now, I will spare you the details of this conversation that again descended into insults and misunderstandings. However, I was not throwing insults or using profanity or getting angry as I once would have with a drink in my hand and laughter in my heart. I was sober and respectful and offered the Word, sometimes literally. I say that not to praise myself because it is only through Christ that I changed my actions and thoughts BUT through all that I had some time to reflect about forgiveness.

When I asked those folks for forgiveness for what I had said and done and thought, I was asking God for forgiveness all over again. I was talking to one of His created images that I had wronged. And through that action of asking for forgiveness, I was again trying to make things right with God. And I think that all too often we overlook the created works that we interact with daily. And we overlook that only through service to them are we showing obedience to God. Only through looking for the best of them are we showing respect to God.

I asked my cousin if he respected me and the short version of that response was no. And that was when my heart really knew he was in trouble. Our society in America is all about earning respect BUT that isn’t how respect works. We can freely choose to give respect to all just like Christ did. He even respects us when we do the wrong thing like the story of the rich young ruler. He thought he was doing everything he needed to follow Christ BUT he couldn’t let his possessions get out of his way. Sometimes our own will is the possession that won’t get out of the way. So, I pray that we truly find forgiveness from Christ and we truly find forgiveness from each other by letting go of what separates us from Christ.

'And Iesus looked vpon him, and loued him, and sayde vnto him, One thing is lacking vnto thee. Go and sell all that thou hast, and giue to the poore, and thou shalt haue treasure in heauen, and come, follow me, and take vp the crosse. But hee was sad at that saying, and went away sorowfull: for he had great possessions. '

Mark 10:21-22 GNV

Grace and Shalom this Sabbath. Shalom to your home. Bless your being. The reign of the Lord is now. Be a blessing to the Lord and others.

#ThinkBetter #BeBetter #NoGodsNoMasters #NoKingButChrist #MyNepheshMyChoice #ChristsLifeMatters #EmbracetheWithin #NotMyWayYHWH #GodKnows

Embrace the Within no. 102

"Let God’s promises shine on your problems. "

Corrie ten Boom

Sometimes one question changes everything. And sometimes it changes nothing. But God changes everything if you only allow Him.

And that is my faith walk these days. There are only so many things of which I have control to change. I used to want to change the world. I used to want to change the nation. I used to want to change my community. I used to want to change my family. But now I only want to change myself.

I have spent too many years trying to change others without looking at the person that truly needs to change. And that person is always me.

When I am facing problems at work, the person that needs to change is me. When I am facing problems with my family, the person that needs to change is me. When I am facing problems with the government, the person that needs to change is me. I used to waste a lot of prayer on changing other people when I should have been spending time praying about changing me.

I think it’s natural to think that the problems are with everyone else. It’s human nature or sin or whatever character flaw with which you want to attribute this poor mindset. But it’s prevalent and insidious and counter to God’s purpose. It does nothing to get us better with Christ. It does nothing to help our testimony or our walk. It only brings about more division among His people.

So, I am no longer praying for God to change other people. I am praying for God to change me because I need a lot of work. I am praying for God to work His will in the lives of my family, my community, my nation, and this world. I pray Jesus over all His creation. But I am no longer asking for anyone else to change BUT me.

I am praying that His promise shine through me. I am praying that His Way be evident in my life. I am praying that I am that beacon on the hill for Him in a world of darkness. I am praying that we all shine brighter for Him. And every day, I pray for Him to work on my heart, my being, and my strength. I pray that He keeps working on me because I am not done growing.

Grace and Shalom to your week. Shalom to your home. Bless your being. The reign of the Lord is now. Be a blessing to the Lord and others.

#ThinkBetter #BeBetter #NoGodsNoMasters #NoKingButChrist #MyNepheshMyChoice #ChristsLifeMatters #EmbracetheWithin #NotMyWayYHWH #GodKnows