Happy Monday!
I thought it would be fun to share what we are all learning from our study in Col. this week on our blog.
With summer and everyone traveling - I'm next - we are getting out of the habit of sharing during the week. It really helps us to stay connected if we can hear from each other during the week, too.
OK. Here are the questions. You can answer all or just one.
1. What ONE new "clothing" do you feel you have been able to dress yourself in from our chapters so far?
2. What long time piece of clothing are you currently not wanting to give up? You now the big hoodie, t-shirt from high school, those jeans with holes in them OR better yet, those comfy PJ's that need to be in the trash!
3. What is the one virtue you are asking God to clothe you in this summer?
Remember, we all signed a covenant between us, so what is shared on this blog stays here.
I'll go first.
1. This is not NEW for me but sometimes I allow it to become dingy and old like my tennis shoes! Being reminded of God's love is like fresh rain washing completely over me. And when I choose to rest in His chosen love for me, I know that those virtues that seem impossible to possess ARE IN FACT attainable. I do not want to live fighting love that was sacrificially and willingly given to me.
3. The one virtue that I long to cloth myself in this summer is the virtue of PEACE. I want others to see that PEACE covering me like a fine diamond that will reflect God in me. This peace the world cannot understand and that is why it is so rare!
I will answer #3.... I shared some of this in our small group last Wednesday. I hope that this does not come off wrong. I am finding it difficult to put my finger one just one virtue that I need to work on. It seems that it changes daily and sometimes several times throughout the day. So, I just pray that everyday I will resemble Christ in all ways. That He will give me the virtue I need when I need it, which He always does. I do believe that I have truly grasped forgiveness and peace. Those are two virtues that Christ has worked out in and through me. It has been a very painful process but needed if I am to become more like Christ. Do I have it all figured out? Of course not, but He has done an amazing work in me and continues to do so. Just like the book talked about, Christ is continuing to chip away at me to reveal the beautiful creation inside. It is such a painful process but completely necessary. Who am I to fight Him? He is my creator, He knows what is best for me, He only wants the best, and I am His. Truly loved, treasured and valued by the creator of the entire universe. WOW!!!
ReplyDeleteI am asking God to clothe me in the virtues of peace and forgiveness...both of which I could use more of in my life. Although, like Brandy, they sometimes seem to change daily which virtues I need to put on. For my memory verse I have chosen a verse suggested from "The Fitting Room" John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last."
ReplyDeleteJeanie
As I searched scriptures on love this week, I will have to say that I would desire above anything to put on Love. The perfect love of God! In John 15:9, Jesus says, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love." Abiding in His love also means: living in His love, meditating on His love, celebrating His love, sharing His love, rejoicing in His love and as Gail said His love will give us that joy that will shine bright revealing God in us. What unfailing, unconditional, everlasting love we have been given. A gift that only God could give! Amazing Love!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Dawn. I want to be able to show God's love in my life. Love sometimes looks different from day to day. I want my motivation for everything I do and say to be Love. Love is patient, love is kind, love is not self seeking. . . . love never fails.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to get in the habit of "clothing" myself with compassion, kindness, gentleness, humility and patience as I get dressed each day.
Dian
The clothing that I have been able to put on with fresh eyes is reminding myself once again and allowing God to wash over me the fact that I am chosen by God. What joy and freedom that brings to my soul. I have known that truth for a very long time but re=discovering that truth once again in my closet of truths has been so exciting to me. Sharing it with you has been an awesome privilege for me.
ReplyDeleteI am discovering the need for multiple layers of peace. I want my life to reflect the peace of God that He so abundantly provides if we allow it to reign in our lives.
And finally, all of that wrapped in the incredible of love that God has for us and we have opportunity to share with those around us is a gift that I can scarcely comprehend.
I look forward to class tonight. We are in chapter 6, please have it read and be prepared to enjoy a great time with Him and one another. Gail, have a great time on your much needed vacation. We will miss you and look forward to your return.
Ladies, please remember to pray for Betty Norris today as she is going through her medical tests. Her request is to pray that they will bear good results.
Marilyn
Dawn, thank you for leading the class tonight and speaking from your heart. I believe it was a wonderful class and one that should make all of us think about where we are on the path of dealing with forgiveness, whether receiving God's forgiveness or offering it to others.
ReplyDeleteBrandy