Simple Obediance

"All along, let us remember, we are not asked to understand, but simply obey......."

Galatians 6:14

I was struck by this verse this morning, and I just love it. This is my meditation for today.

" But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

Boast in the cross today.

Keep A Quiet Heart.

This doctrine of the cross is sheer folly to those on their way to ruin, but to us who are on the way to salvation, it is the power of God...To shame the wise, God has chosen what the world counts folly, and to shame what is strong, God has chosen what the world counts weakness. He has chosen things low and contemptible, mere nothings, to overthrow the existing order. So there is no place for human pride in the presence of God...He is out righteousness; in Him we are consecrated and set free.

1 Corinthians 1:18, 27-30 NEB

I am enjoying a new book called, Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot. Its short chapters are so rich with good reminders of the gospel and what Christ has done for me and who He is. I have been reminded in just the few pages that I have read, that I serve the creator of the universe who is in control of all things and cares about the things on my heart and mind, I am daily needing to surrender to His will and not mine, because He is the one who knows best, even though I know that, yet can't seem to get in through my thick head, and just do it; To let things of this world control me, like money..give..the Lord has blessed me so abundantly, May I give back to Him.

Just a few things that I am reminded of and trying to make changes in my life, for without Him I am nothing, may abide in Christ daily, Surrender daily to His will for me, Be on my knees grateful and thankful for His abundant grace and love in my life for such a wicked sinner like me.

Verses for July 19.

He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; nor are there any works like Your works. Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are Holy. Hallowed be Your name.

Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people.
Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah, this One who is glorious in His apparel, traveling in the greatness of His strength? I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save. I have given help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.....be glory.

Luke 1:49; Exod. 15:11, Ps. 86:8, Rev. 15:4; Matt. 6:9; Luke 1:68; Isa. 63:1; Ps. 89:19; Eph. 3:20-21.

Counterfeit Gospels-The Quietist Gospel

"I have heard it said that the people of God wither have the mentality of a battleship of a cruise ship. Both may sail, but they have very different purposes. The battleship exists for others. It is ready to penetrate the enemy's territory and do battle for the commander. The cruise ship exists for the comfort of its passengers. Luxury and comfort are the core values, and everyone seeks to make the journey comfortable and memorable."

Trevin Wax
Counterfeit Gospels

Stealing Focus

I have been thoroughly enjoying the book I am going through in my personal time. "A Praying Life"; it has taught me so much, if I could sum up how I am doing through all of this learning, reading, and trying to apply it would be...growing. I want to be more like Jesus, and I have learned that I need to shift my focus and thinking sometimes to do that. I am so grateful for my Savior and His daily guidance in my life. In the chapter today the author wrote some goal that he had for year. The goals he had were so amazing and I have decided to try to make them my goals now, stealing his ideas I guess. ;). I want to write them here and look back at this post every so often to see how I am doing. I pray that the Lord does a work in me with these goals.

1. Waiting and Praying
2. Listening; patience with people
3.Relaxing with People
4.Cultivate Humility
5.Quiet heart before the Lord
6.Prudence; dignity
7. Witness--unashamed of Jesus.

Pray for me. That I would be apply and do these things.

Verses For Meditation

"But as you abound in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence,....see that you abound in this grace also." 2 Corinthians 8:7

"Love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father is also merciful." Luke 6:35-36.

I have been meditating on these verses over the last 2 days. I am striving to be more Christ like in all I do, and these verses are so clear, and such a challenge...Loving my enemies, extending grace to ALL. I can do nothing on my own strength, Its is only through Christ that I can do anything. Lord, make me more like your Son Jesus Christ everyday. Keep my eyes focused on cross.

Family. Friends. And the Fourth

I hope that you all had a great Fourth of July. It was such a beautiful day here in Racine, and I had such a fun day. The weather was absolutely amazing. It was extremely warm in the sun, but once out of the sun, there was a nice breeze, and amazing. My extended family was in town, my moms sisters, and husbands and kids, so I have been doing a lot of things with family lately. A lot of food, and a lot of togetherness.

Yesterday we enjoyed the parade, and then lunch and a good swim at family friends house, and then all headed downtown for the fireworks, in a VIP section, for special food, and great seats to see them go off. By the end of the day I was completely exhausted and sunburnt to a crisp and now I look like a lobster., oh well. I shall have a nice tan by the end of the week.

Happy Tuesday.