Happy Fall Ya'll! Today is a beautiful fall, crisp day. Do not take for granted these sort of days. We complain when it is too hot. We complain when it is too cold. So, let's be thankful for those rare days that are pretty close to prefect. I was sitting in my kitchen and outside my window a BEAUTIFUL blue bird flew onto my deck and sat there for a few minutes. It is a rare site to see a blue bird (well, for me it is). Remembering our 1000 gifts we started? Well, I added that to my list of things to be thankful. As he flew away my heart was just a little more peaceful. Amazing what those small gifts God sends us can do!
How are you doing on your dress (virtues) lately? Just because our study is over, do not pull out those comfy sweatshirts and jeans!! It is VERY easy to go back to "what we know" or what is more comfortable for us. It takes planning to leave the house dressed in a wardrobe that others notice (reflecting Christ)!
I believe that scripture (Col.3) teaches that in order for us to put on the virtues of Christ, we must "set our hearts on things above." WE MUST. Did you notice that? We do not have an option.
Personally, my heart oftentimes reflects where my mind is camping.
Bitterness comes out through my words. Jealousy reveals itself in the way I speak about another person. Anger manifests itself in the way I speak, walk, handle objects (ha), and even the way I drive! Do NOT be fooled into thinking that because we studied the virtues of Christ that we will naturally possess those virtues. It is an act of our will and a determined effort AND our submission and obedience to the word of God.
In Philippians 4, Paul lists eight godly virtues on which we are to concentrate: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praise-worthy ~ think about such things."
Where are you struggling in your thought pattern? "The key to godly living is godly thinking!"
If you are struggling in some areas of the way you think, ask another to hold you accountable and to pray with and for you. Victory is through Christ alone.
Thank you, Dawn, for leading us in worship through song.
Look forward to seeing you in class.
Yes, Dawn, thank you for leading worship. Many of the songs we sang last week have been repeating themselves in my heart since then.
ReplyDeleteA dear friend challenged and encouraged me in my walk this past week. I was challenged to be ever conscious of my thoughts (she even mentioned the verse mentioned above as a verse to bring to mind). What a "coincidence" (haha) that this post is repeating the message of my friend. Hmmmm.... I think I'd better make sure I'm at attention!
Walking with our Lord is a beautiful gift. I am thankful to be His child. Intentionally putting on royal garments instead of camping out in my PJ's all day is not easy/ May we never get bogged down with weariness or discouragement because we serve the victorious One! I question myself: "Am I living defeated or am I claiming the victory?"
"But thanks be to God,who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. THEREFORE, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Cor. 15: 57-58
Thank you Gail and Ashley for such powerful reminders that I must continually focus my heart and mind on things above and renew my mind every moment of every day with HIS word, not my words.
ReplyDeleteThrough God's sovereign leading, I will begin teaching small group Bible Study in the first Sunday School hour this week. As I began studying Romans 6, I found some notes I wrote to myself a few months ago as I was re-reading the Pursuit of Holiness. Romans 6:12 says not to let sin "reign". We have the choice to allow sin to reign or not. Before we had Christ, we had no choice but to sin.....now we can stand up to sin and say "NO". I choose to obey God's word and live a life of obedience and righteousness. But, it is a battle every day in my mind and I must take captive every thought in obedience to Christ Jesus as it says in 2 Corinthians 10:5. Wow that sounds so much easier than it really is.
Not to sound contradictory, but in the book the Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges, he says that God wants us to walk in obedience, not victory. Obedience is oriented toward God, victory is oriented toward self. I have to remind myself that it is all about Him, not me. I think it depends on how you define the word victory. Is victory bringing people to the Lord, witnessing for Him, choosing not to give in to temptation to sin or just getting out of bed each day with a positive word on our lips or thought in our head? It is baby steps every day......one more word or action that moves us toward "conforming to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ". Some days I am more successful than other days but each day is new in Him and when I fail, I must confess, repent and go on.
What a beautiful day it will be when we enter the presence of our Lord and we will be as He is!
For now, we must persevere in putting into practice each day clothing ourselves in the righteous virtues of our Lord. It is a blessing to be a part of this group where we can uplift each other, share our struggles with one another, be accountable with one another and just do life together. Because, life on this earth is just plain hard. I love you all!
I love your post, Ann (and you too, of course)! I love your comments on Romans 6:12. To me, "victory" is exactly what you mentioned... living in obedience and submission. Submitting, obeying, and doing is SUCH a struggle, though. Putting off can be just as hard as putting on. I'm still trying to find someone out there that will say it gets easier with time! HA! But I guess "easier" isn't always better so I'll walk this road with a thankful heart. It is so amazing to see how God is working in all of us as individuals and as a group. How incredible is it to experience just how God's word is indeed "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart?" Continue to give us soft, teachable hearts, O God...
ReplyDeleteAnn, I love Jerry Bridges and the Pursuit of Holiness. You are exactly correct, outside of obedience there is no victory. And when we are obedient to the commands of Christ, our lives reflect something (someone) different than the world knows - it points to Christ. We take that first step in our mind of what we will choose to do! Victory may not always "look" like victory (to the world)concerning our circumstances though. We still live in a messy, sinful world, but in that difficult circumstance we experience victory in the power and promises of God. We are NOT done with this study, so ladies jot all your notes down and bring them to class!!
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