Tag: human

How Badly?

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Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Ephesians 5:1

How badly do you want it? To imitate God?

How much do you want to change in order to do just that?

We cannot do anything in our own strength.

It will certainly fail, why?

Because we are flawed. Human. Not God.

Oh sure, sometimes we can do things amazingly well in our own strength.

But that tends to lead us into pride.

And pride eventually leads us to humility in a usually embarrassing way.

The humble spirit is different.

A humble person is not weak.

They have quiet strength.

They have great wisdom, yet they do not push it on anyone.

They have peace, because they realize it’s not all about them.

Who can you relate to?

A prideful person who does everything themselves?

Or a humble person who realizes God must work through them to accomplish great things?

A prideful person thinks it’s all about them.

A humble person knows it’s all about God.

Prideful people demand.

Humble people serve.

When you look in the Bible, the Pharisees were extremely proud.

They knew everything and no one could tell them any different.

Know anyone like that?

Jesus is our example of a humble man who served.

He knew everything, but served the lowest of the low.

His gentle strength showed God’s power and love.

Standing before Pilot, Jesus could have explained it all.

He could’ve shown His accusers a thing or two.

How badly do you want to be like Jesus?

Are you willing to give up yourself?

Are you willing to put aside your own plans to follow His plan for you?

Ask God to fill you up with His strength, wisdom, and love.

Rely on Him to keep filling you every day.

In return, God will use you to bless others.

And you’ll be blessed right back in the process as you imitate Him.

Photos by Greg Shield, Aaron Burden, Patrick Tomasso, & Taylor Cole on Unsplash

 

Tired Like a Mama

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And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat……And they went away…..When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them… Mark 6:30-34

Jesus preached and worked all the live long day.

Every day, tirelessly, He fed His sheep.

But even Jesus wanted rest.

But when He tried, the crowds would run to find Him.

And He would begin again, feeding them. Healing them. Helping them.

As mamas, our children tend to find us, too.

We try to get away, but it’s never for more than a few minutes.

You hide in the bathroom.

Pretty soon, you hear the little feet outside your door. A timid knock. You reply, “Just a minute!”

You lay your tired head down to sleep, and your baby awakens, demanding attention.

You try sleeping in past the ungodly hour of 6am, but the dog comes in with a note on its back, asking for pancakes. Pancakes?

When babies are little, you carry them everywhere with you.

Bedtime? They are next to you in a cradle.

Want a shower? You bring them to the floor in a bouncy seat.

Just starting to walk? They are always within view.

Going anywhere? Guess who is coming with you!

Yes, we have moments where they nap.

Yes, we have moments when they’re occupied and you can catch your breath.

But the constant parenting is never ending, even when they’re older.

I’m convinced tired mamas are under God’s wings.

He knows dog tired as He was so many times while walking this earth.

Humans are exhausting.

But here’s the good news: God is never exhausted.

He has unlimited strength to give you.

Jesus experienced human tiredness as He was fully human, yet fully God.

And He remembers.

Ask Him to fill you with His strength. His peace. His joy.

And smile, because He understands tired.

He gets it!

So if you’re in the season of tired mama stuff, take heart.

God understands. And I promise it will end, but not soon enough, I know.

And if you’re plain tired from reasons other than helping tiny humans survive, God’s ready to fill you up with His strength, too.

Because when we are weak, He is strong. So very strong.

Photos by Jon Flobrant, Ephraim Mayrena, Olivia Snow, & Sai De Silva on Unsplash

Hardest Thing

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Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:13

What do you think is the hardest cross to bear as a Christian?

Let me put it another way.

God asks us to become more like Him.

When we accept God as our Savior, He begins to transform us into who He made us to be.

We begin to walk His path, noticing what He notices.

We begin to speak to others, speaking with the words He wants to share.

We begin to have compassion, spreading His love to those around us.

When we ask God for His salvation, we become His.

His to transform.

But we’re human with human desires, wants, feelings, and actions.

Plus our soul is full of cracks from lies, and our broken world.

When God asks us to forgive others who have not asked, it’s a bitter pill to swallow.

For me, this is the hardest thing God ask of me.

Why?

Because it’s personal.

Personally painful when the other person doesn’t deserve it.

But when I don’t forgive, that person continues to strike blows after the words have faded away.

On the other hand when you forgive, you simply release that person back into the arms of God.

You let the offense fall away from your tightly gripped hands.

You allow the boulder to roll down and off your back.

Is it fun to hold onto unforgiveness because you’re justified?

Of course.

But is it worth the cost?

The cost of your peace?

The cost of a broken spot in your relationship?

Nope.

God forgave you for way more then He’s asking you to forgive now.

You didn’t deserve it either.

But God forgave you all your sins.

All your sins from yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Allow God’s strength to help you release your unforgiveness.

I know, they don’t deserve it, but that’s beside the point.

God asks us to forgive. Period.

Swallow your pride, forgive, and let God move in your life and theirs.

God will help, and His peace will rush in, helping you each time you choose to forgive.

Photos by Jametlene Reskp, Cody Otto, Felix Koutchinski, & Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Tasting Suffering

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And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

How do you identify with Christ’s suffering?

Not a fun topic, I know.

Can’t we all just identify with his happy traits instead of his suffering or forgiveness?

Because Jesus came to earth fully human yet fully God, we can identify with Him when our humanness overwhelmes us.

When life on this earth is less than celebratory.

As mamas, we give our bodies over when producing life.

Our bodies are literally changed forever. Marked with our child.

Further, we give ourselves to them for care.

Whether a child grows within your body or heart, you are forever changed by that child’s mere existence.

Jesus gave his body for us.

He willingly gave up his body for our salvation.

Does all of human creation daily cry out songs of thanksgiving for His sacrifice?

Nope. Not even close.

How many have been lost, not clinging to God’s plan for salvation?

Not recognizing Jesus’ human suffering on the cross for us?

What does Jesus think when those who are lost come to mind?

When those who have rejected His sacrifice beg to do life instead all on their own?

He has compassion.

He sees them through love.

He still wants their heart.

And He doesn’t give up. Ever.

Mothers sometimes get the short end of the stick.

But when we do, we must look to Jesus’ example of love.

He keeps loving even when others don’t love Him back.

Even knowing some would reject His willingness to sacrifice for their eternal life, He still went to the cross for them.

As we keep walking forward during the more uncomfortable times of life, may we look to Jesus’ example and love all anyways.

Photos by Camila Damásio, Larm Rmah, JESHOOTS.COM, &  Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Your Crown

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The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Why do we allow others to reduce us to tears?

Why do we allow another’s insecurities to confirm lies in our heads?

Why do we allow another’s foul moods to bring us to our knees?

Why do we let others affect us negatively?

Because we are human.

Flawed, too.

We mess up, going back to that lie we believed about ourselves.

That lie that seems so real such as “I’m not worth it” or “I’m an absolute failure”.

I’m amazed at how immature I am.

Even when I know better.

Instantly how pitiful I can become when reacting to another’s very flawed actions.

It’s in those moments we must stop and straighten up, or our crown will fall from our head.

Remember your crown?

Meaning, remember your place in this world?

You are a child of the Most High God.

THE God. The One who created all things.

The One in charge of your past, present, and future.

The One who causes the sun to rise and set in the evenings.

The One who gave you your quirks, desires, and personality.

The One who gave you dreams and talents to fulfill them in His timing.

Do not let the opinions of others negate who God says you are.

God says you are His daughter. His son. His beloved child worth dying for.

He gave His everything to capture you for eternity.

That means you are priceless.

The next time you find yourself in a less than stellar situation, do not allow yourself to stoop for another’s crumbs.

You are worth more than crumbs.

But if your crown falls off, please stoop to pick it up.

Its place is on your precious little head.

Photos by Ashton Mullins, Nathan Mcgregor, Jametlene Reskp, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Boasting in Weakness

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And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you. for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Ever thanked God for your temptations or weaknesses?

For how you are tempted to sin?

There are many ways we can be tempted in our flesh.

Eating too much, addictions to sugar, alcohol, drugs, or technology.

Reacting in anger, putting others down, or thinking of ourselves always first.

Even wanting to do the right thing, whatever it may be, but instead listening to our flesh, following it instead.

What are your temptations or your weaknesses?

Have you thanked God for them?

Thanked God for being weak?

I know, sounds foreign. Almost like why would I thank God for where I am weak?

When you thank God, you recognize your need for His power through you.

You recognize your need for His strength covering your weakness with His power.

Your need for not only God’s saving grace, but His every day grace transforming you into your new person God created you to become.

When you thank God, you allow His power to shine through your weakness as resisting your temptation is possible through God alone.

2 Corinthians reminds us to boast in our weakness. To recognize them positively.

Because God shines through our weakness, making us strong.

If you had everything all together, all your ducks in a row, why would you need God?

Why would you need to rely on His strength?

You wouldn’t. You’d be fine on your own. You’d never admit your need for a Savior.

We are human. Flawed. Weak.

But when we submit our weak selves unto Almighty God, we are transformed, slowly, into His likeness.

Thank Him today for your flaws. For where you are weak. When temptation knocks at your door.

Then respond with God’s strength. He’ll shut the door for you.

And you’ll rest peacefully, knowing you don’t have to do it all.

Knowing you can’t do it all.

But God can and He will.

Photos by Ýlona María Rybka, Debby Hudson, Ales Maze, & Miglena Georgieva on Unsplash

Setting Your Mind on God

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For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6

God made us human.

Flesh.

And when we have not recognized the need for our Savior, we live according to the flesh.

Ourselves.

Satisfying our every “need”.

Romans says when we set our mind on ourselves, it leads to death.

Death.

Literally the opposite of life.

But when we have recognized our desperate need for God, giving ourselves over to Him, we begin to live according to the Spirit.

That means life.

As Christians, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, helping us to live according to God’s will and plans.

We set our minds on the things of the Spirit.

And that, my friends, brings life and peace. Ahhhh.

But is it possible to choose death instead while living within the Spirit?

Yes, because we are human.

God allows us to make our own choices, choosing between living in the flesh or the Spirit.

It’s easy to tell if you are choosing to live within the Spirit.

Are your words producing life and peace or death?

Are your actions reflecting life or death?

Do your decisions cause others to recoil in death or thrive within life?

Setting one’s mind is critical, God says so.

Means you purposely align yourself to God’s ways through His Holy Spirit.

It’s a choice.

And then it’s a choice to stay fixed on God.

Choose to set your mind on God.

Ask Him to help you and His faithfulness will continually point you to life.

The choice is yours.

Photos by Meizhi Lang on Unsplash

Undisturbed

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Peace, I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

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Jesus was human.

Fully God, yet chose to be human.

There are many things we could talk about, but let’s concentrate on peace.

Jesus was the epitome of peace.

In the Bible, do you see Him distressing ever?

In the Garden of Gethsemane?

On the boat in the storm?

When Lazarus died?

Serving lunch with 4 loaves and 2 fish?

Or was it 4 fish and 2 loaves?

Doesn’t matter as it wasn’t enough for just His disciples and him!

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John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Through all of that and more, Jesus was not distressed.

Not panicked.

His face was undisturbed.

Look at His face when you lack peace.

Remind yourself He is in control.

Empty yourself of inward-focus.

And focus on Him.

Focus on His undisturbed self.

If God, who created all things and knows all things, is undisturbed, why on earth are you?

Peace, be still.

Photos by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

How did He?

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Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11

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When did You know?

When did You know how You would ultimately die?

How were You not completely overcome with anxiety at almost every moment after?

When did You know You were the Son of God?

When did You grow to love all of humanity with all of our issues and sin?

Did You always want to save us?

Because of love?

When did You realize You were our only hope?

God’s plan of salvation was You.

Was that almost too much to bear?

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On top of all that, You were human.

With human needs like thirst, hunger, and the need for rest.

How did You not snap at people when your last meal had been hours previously consumed?

How did You function so utterly flawless when You were completely exhausted and couldn’t even think straight?

You amaze me.

You were fully human, so Your power had nothing to do with it.

You simply did it.

Your life was not easy, yet you were the perfect example to us all.

You carried the burdens of the world and it did not sway your path for one moment.

Teach us.

Teach us to hold our tongues when things don’t go our way.

Teach us to love others when they don’t at all deserve it.

Teach us to spread Your love and salvation to others.

And teach us to simply trust You.

That’s what You did.

You trusted the Father, who had the perfect plan.

You.

And our Father is faithful.

He was completely faithful to You and He will be completely faithful to me.

To us.

Always and forever.

Oh may we be more and more like You every day.

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Photos by Aaron Burden , Roman Averin , & Hugues de BUYER-MIMEURE on Unsplash

Relax

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Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116:7

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Uncertainty filling you up?

Brain overwhelmed with what ifs?

Good.

What?

Yes.  It’s good.

Why is it good that I am filled with angst?

Because you are human.

Not capable of knowing the future.

It’s good to be reminded of our human frailty.

Sometimes our heads get so big, because we think we’re so great.

We are, but only nestled in God’s power.

Secure in His love and saving grace.

When your mind turns to worry about really anything, smile because you’re human.

Know who’s not?

God.

God is infinite in time and space.

He’s the beginning and the end.

Creator of all things.

Including you.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He knows it all, so you don’t have to.

He carries the future, so you can stay in the now.

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When you walk with God, He guides your footsteps down the path of life.

He knows what is at every corner, twist, and turn.

Since He knows, why should you?

Why should you worry?

Smile because you’re human.

Then keep smiling because you’re His.

He’s got this.

And all the rest besides.

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Photos by Ben White & chuttersnap on Unsplash

Only Human

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My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Sometimes I feel like a hypocrite.

Fraud.

Someone who writes well and doesn’t listen to what she writes.

Well, I’m only human.

Not perfect.  Not even close.

Life is real.

Emotions are real.

Expectations are real.

We are forced every moment to make a decision.

Are we going to choose life or choose death?

Are we going to worry and obsess or are we going to throw things back to God.

I sometimes choose to worry and obsess.

I know, time to get real.

It’s so natural though, isn’t it?

When I find myself falling back into worry, when my mind walks down that path, my head hurts and my emotions are in the toilet.

I am convinced life is over – not really, but you get the idea.

Then my mind returns to the things I have written.

God’s plan for my life.

Does He have my back or doesn’t He?

Do I truly believe He has my best interest at heart, or do I not?

It matters.

A whole lot, it does.

It’s the difference between light and darkness.

Life and death.

When you choose to truly believe God has it under control, your body chooses life.

Peace enters your precious mind and your body is at rest.

 When you decide to obsess and keep control, your body chooses death.

Your body tenses, hopelessness takes over, and you are full of angst.

We’re only human.

I’m only human, and while my mind knows the truth, I sometimes walk down the path of death.

I pay for it with my lack of peace.

But here’s the good news:  once I purpose to throw things back to God and let Him take care of it, His peace always returns.

Every time.

It’s ok to make mistakes.

Yep, it is.

Just own them and turn back.

Completely.

Run back into the arms of God.

Because He’s smiling at you, waiting to keep you safe and sound under His feathers.

Photos by Artem Kovalev, boram Kim, Jorge Franco, & S&B Vonlanthen on Unsplash