Built on the Rock

check out this little beauty from Romans 3

27 God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. 28 We’ve finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.  

Anyone else struggle with wanting to make things happen?  Learning to let God lead is my biggest struggle thus far.  I feel unproductive, I feel like I’m not using my gifts while I’m in ‘the waiting period’, and yet I’m profoundly aware of the new things God has taught me during this time.

31 But by shifting our focus from what we do to what God does, don’t we cancel out all our careful keeping of the rules and ways God commanded? Not at all. What happens, in fact, is that by putting that entire way of life in its proper place, we confirm it.

There is so much to be said for having the proper ORDER on things.  As an action-driven person I, many times, have thought that I was on God’s agenda…when really it was just a warped agenda of my own. 

Lead on Lord - Lead On….

awwww.

That’s us.

Again…what a great devotional from My Utmost for His Highest…

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The Death Side. In sanctification God has to deal with us on the death side as well as on the life side. Sanctification requires our coming to the place of death, but many of us spend so much time there that we become morbid. There is always a tremendous battle before sanctification is realized— something within us pushing with resentment against the demands of Christ. When the Holy Spirit begins to show us what sanctification means, the struggle starts immediately. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate . . . his own life . . . he cannot be My disciple” ( Luke 14:26  ).

In the process of sanctification, the Spirit of God will strip me down until there is nothing left but myself, and that is the place of death. Am I willing to be myself and nothing more? Am I willing to have no friends, no father, no brother, and no self-interest— simply to be ready for death? That is the condition required for sanctification. No wonder Jesus said, “I did not come to bring peace but a sword” ( Matthew 10:34  ). This is where the battle comes, and where so many of us falter. We refuse to be identified with the death of Jesus Christ on this point. We say, “But this is so strict. Surely He does not require that of me.” Our Lord is strict, and He does require that of us.

Am I willing to reduce myself down to simply “me”? Am I determined enough to strip myself of all that my friends think of me, and all that I think of myself? Am I willing and determined to hand over my simple naked self to God? Once I am, He will immediately sanctify me completely, and my life will be free from being determined and persistent toward anything except God (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24  ).

When I pray, “Lord, show me what sanctification means for me,” He will show me. It means being made one with Jesus. Sanctification is not something Jesus puts in me— it is Himself in me (see 1 Corinthians 1:30  ).

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What does death mean to you?   What rights do you still need to give up?  Did you see how it says He will IMMEDIDATELY sanctify us when I strip myself down; after I get rid of all the junk I carry….?

I hope this speaks to you today.

    

 

I’ve never posted a photo before so this is a test….

 We hosted 12 - 6 year olds for our son’s 6th birthday party this past week…not sure you can see in the photo.  Ignore all the toothpicks - I was just getting ready to cover them. 

It was busy but fun!   We had a ‘Sports’ Day with all kinds of activities in the yard.  Great weather - great day!

 

“Blessings in trials”

That’s it - that’s my post.  What can you share about blessings you’ve received through trials?

Psalm 91

1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!”

That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,shields you from deadly hazards.

His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm.

Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day,

Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon.

Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you.

You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses.

Yes, because God’s your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door.

He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go.

If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.

You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.