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Love Mercy

Posted in From My Heart, tagged , , , on April 17, 2016| Leave a Comment »

love mercy

 

Luke 13:10-13

10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

Pope Francis has proclaimed the time between December 8, 2015 – November 20, 2016 as the Year Of Mercy. This should be a time for us to step outside of our comfort zones to minister to those in need. This should be a time for us to open our eyes to those who are living lives of quiet desperation in our own spheres of influence and do something to help alleviate their suffering.

In Luke 13:10-13, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, when He noticed a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She could not straighten up at all. Jesus saw her. He noticed her need and did something to help her. He healed her. Jesus didn’t ignore her condition. He didn’t tell her to go away. He had mercy on her and healed her.

I am blessed to work at the Mother house of the Sisters of Providence. Over the 175 years that the Sisters of Providence have been here, they have founded and been a part of many ministries of mercy. Collectively, they have taught me the meaning of mercy in their humble service to those in need in our community.

In the Spring 2016 issue of Hope magazine (a magazine of the Sisters of Providence), there is an article about Father Dan Hopcus (Providence Associate and Priest Chaplain of the Sisters of Providence). Father Dan exemplifies kindness and mercy in his ministry to the elderly Sisters and the residents in Providence Healthcare. There is a quote in the article that really speaks to the heart of what mercy is,

“As Pope Francis has spoken so many times, at least the way I understand it, mercy is shown by reaching out to people where they are and not waiting for them to come to you. So in a way, it is to be alert to the needs of someone. The need to be loved, to be accepted, to be important. I think Pope Francis’ approach to a year of mercy has again called people to be more aware, more alert, to that.” Father Dan Hopcus.

Jesus gives us the example of reaching out to those in need. He never sat in one place and waited for the suffering to come to Him. He went to those in need. His eyes were open to the suffering around Him and He acted to help those in need.

We need to take a lesson from Jesus, Father Dan and the Sisters to go out and meet those who are hurting right where they are. We have numerous opportunities in our daily lives to minister to others and we don’t. We are either to busy, to tired, or have a million other excuses to keep us from showing mercy to someone else. I know life gets crazy. I’ve given those excuses myself. I’ve had a hard time making the sacrifice myself. But, if we are to be examples of Jesus to this world, we need to quit making excuses and start making sacrifices. We need to get off our rear ends and start loving people to Jesus. We need to start being examples of Jesus to the hurting of this world.

A Challenge: I challenge you to keep your eyes and heart open as you go about your daily tasks. I want you to step out and meet the need of one person a day for the next week. I challenge you to show mercy to those in your sphere of influence and love others to Jesus.

 

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Daniel: Standing Firm

Posted in From My Heart, tagged , , , , on April 13, 2016| Leave a Comment »

standing firm

 

Daniel 6:6-12

6 So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing. 10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?” The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

 

Obedience to God is not always an easy thing. Standing firm in your faith can come with a price tag. Daniel didn’t waver in his faith in God. As soon as he heard that the decree had been published, he went home and prayed. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God, just as he had always done. He didn’t quit praying when he heard about the decree. He obeyed God, regardless of the consequences. When the King’s men found Daniel praying, they took him to King Darius, who had no choice but to throw him in the lion’s den.

Daniel 6:19-23

19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den.20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel,and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

God sent His angel to shut the mouths of the lions, because Daniel had faith in God and obeyed God’s commands. Even today, we are faced with situations that cause us to disobey God. Society pressures us to do things that are against God and many times there are consequences for not having the faith to stand firm. Drinking, drugs, sex, hanging out with people who don’t share your values or belief in God, having a job that compromises your values or doesn’t allow you time to attend worship services on Sundays; these are only a few examples of situations in our lives that cause us to disobey God. Each one comes with it’s own set of consequences, but the biggest consequence is becoming separated from God. If Daniel had obeyed the King’s decree, he would have found himself separated from God. There is a deep agony in separation. There is despair and hopelessness that only communion with God can overcome. Daniel had that heart connection with God and he knew that life was not worth living without God. Daniel trusted God with his life and so he obeyed and prayed.

What situation are you facing today that is threatening to separate you from God? Are you willing to stand firm in your faith and trust God with the outcome? Are you willing to walk away from friends, a job, a relationship, to obey God? Are you willing to follow the example of Daniel, even when society is pressuring you to do something else? Are you willing to obey God to maintain that heart connection with Him?

Trusting God can be scary and downright terrifying at times. I encourage you to seek Him always. I encourage you to be like Daniel, who immediately went home to pray upon hearing of the decree. If you are facing a situation that is asking you to compromise your relationship with God, go to Him and ask Him to help you. God can and will shut the mouths of lions, even today. Don’t allow society to break that heart connection you have with God. The hopelessness of a life without God simply isn’t worth it.

 

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Steps Of Faith

Posted in From My Heart, tagged , , , , on January 29, 2016| Leave a Comment »

steps of faith

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:7

7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. 

Hebrews 11:29-30

29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.

The scriptures above are found in the faith verses of Hebrews 11. They all have one thing in common: God performed a miracle when Noah, Moses and Joshua stepped out in faith and obeyed what God told them to do. They could not see the future, but they trusted God to protect them. In faith, they took physical action and the miracles happened.

The story of Noah can be found in Genesis 6-9. God told Noah to build an ark, because He was going to wipe out mankind. He was done with their sinful ways. Noah was a righteous man, so God told Noah to build an ark to house Noah’s family and the animals. Noah could have sat in disobedience, thinking God was crazy, but he didn’t. Noah took that step of faith, built the ark and God saved Noah’s life and the lives of his family members. Not only did God save their lives, He sent a rainbow as a covenant between Himself and Noah, that He would never wipe out all of mankind again. We wouldn’t have the miracle of a rainbow, if Noah had not taken that step of faith.

In Exodus 14, we see the Israelites running in fear from the Egyptians. God tells Moses to tell the Israelites to move on. I can almost see the confused looks on the faces of the Israelites as they look ahead at the impassable Red Sea and wonder if Moses has gone insane. God tells Moses to raise his staff and stretch out his hand over the sea. Moses obeys and God parts the Red Sea, so the Israelites cross on dry ground. As soon as the Israelites had crossed over, Moses again stretches out his hand and the sea goes back into place drowning the entire army of Pharaoh that had pursued them. Because Moses took that step of faith and raised his staff over the Red Sea, God performed a miracle in parting the sea and saving His children, the Israelites.

In Joshua 6, we see the Israelites marching around Jericho. When Joshua found out what God wanted him to do, he could have said, “God, these people will never do it. They will think I’ve lost my mind,” but he didn’t. Joshua takes that step of faith and the walls came tumbling down.

God wants us to partner with Him. He gives us a chance to be a part of His miracles, but we often miss the miracles, because we don’t take that step of faith. God is still in the miracle making business. We simply need to have the faith to take the physical action that God is telling us to take, before a miracle can happen.

What is the “ark” God is asking you to build to save you from the floods of life? What is the “Red Sea” in your life that God is asking you to stretch your arm over? What are the “walls” in your life that need circling before they will come tumbling down?

The Challenge:

No matter the circumstances in our lives, God can and will perform a miracle. Take the time, right now, to sit in prayer and ask God what action He wants you to take, so that He can perform a miracle in your life. Whether you are facing a flood, a “Red Sea” or a wall, God will bring you through it, just as He did with Noah, Moses and Joshua. What steps of faith is God asking you to take to deal with situations in your life?

If you need more inspiration, read the rest of the testimonies of faith found in Hebrews 11 and allow God to strengthen the faith muscle in you. Take that step of faith and watch your own walls come tumbling down.

 

 

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The Joy Of Understanding

Posted in From My Heart, tagged , on January 29, 2016| Leave a Comment »

the joy of understanding

 

Nehemiah 8:12

Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

One of the things that Christians struggle with, is reading the Bible. Some parts of the Bible are really hard to read and some are downright depressing. As we can see from this verse, we are not alone in our struggle. As Ezra read from the Book of the Law of Moses, the Israelites finally understood. They experienced their “A-HA” moment and they celebrated with great joy!

It takes time, patience and prayer to understand God’s Word, but don’t give up. The Bible is our guide to daily living a Godly life and without it, we will fail miserably. I have a few suggestions on understanding the Bible better:

  1. Church– Find a church that not only teaches the Bible but encourages a daily living out of the Scriptures. Start attending the Bible studies that are offered or start one of your own with a small group of like minded individuals.
  2. Internet– The internet is full of resources on Bible study. There are videos on probably every passage in the Bible, along with online commentaries, Bible study guides, read thru the Bible plans and a variety of other tools to understanding the Bible. I love to look up Biblical maps and guides to the background history of Biblical times to give me a broader understanding of what was going on.
  3. Bookstore or Library– Your local bookstore (christian bookstore) or library will have Bible study guides. The benefit of the library is that you can check it out and see if you like a particular book.
  4. Prayer– Regardless of what other study tools you use, praying for wisdom and enlightenment is something you need to do EVERY time you read the Bible. A christian giant, George Mueller, never used commentaries or study guides. He said that those guides were one person’s interpretation of the Bible. He simply prayed for wisdom and God opened the eyes of his heart. He only read the Bible and he understood because he prayed.

The Challenge:

Reading the Bible is one of the most important disciplines of a christian life. When we read the Bible, we get a glimpse into the heart of God. We start to build that relationship with our heavenly Father, as He draws us closer to Him. I am challenging you to choose a Bible reading plan that fits your lifestyle and start reading. Take the time to meditate on what you read and let God’s words sink into your heart. Find a quiet time when you can sit and reflect on what God is saying to YOU through His word. Make this the year that you get to know the heart of God. I guarantee that you will soon be celebrating the joy of understanding.

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Following Him

Posted in From My Heart, tagged , , , , on January 19, 2016| Leave a Comment »

path through pink trees

 

Exodus 15:13

In your unfailing love you will lead
    the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
    to your holy dwelling.

In the midst of to-do lists, appointments, and shuttling kids here and there it is easy to forget that God will guide us, if we allow Him to.

Exodus 13:21-22

21 The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

When God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He guided them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He did not take away the cloud or the fire. He guided them from Egypt to the promised land. Even when the Israelites rebelled and grumbled against Him, God was faithful in guiding them.

Galatians 5:16

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Just as God guided the Israelites in the Old Testament, He still guides us today. He pours out the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us in the right direction.

When we walk by the Spirit, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in our decisions and our everyday lives. There are times when I feel disconnected and can’t seem to find my way, but when I find that quiet place, I find that the Spirit is still there waiting for me to allow Him to lead. Satan loves to keep us feeling confused and disconnected from God and he will do everything he can to keep us from following the Holy Spirit.

I know the Israelites had it easy. All they had to do was follow a cloud and fire. It is difficult to always know where the Spirit is guiding us. We have to be more intentional about finding the time to LISTEN to what the Holy Spirit is telling us. We have to make the time to sit quietly and simply listen to what the Spirit wants us to know. If you are facing a difficult decision, sit quietly and hear what the Holy Spirit tells you about your situation. If you are searching for your purpose, sit quietly and see where the Holy Spirit takes you.

God has not abandoned us. He has not left us to wander aimlessly about the Earth. He still loves us as much as ever and He still provides guidance to His children. The Israelites had to make the decision to follow the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire. We have to make the decision to listen and follow the Holy Spirit. Find that quiet spot, let the worries of the day slip away and open your heart to what the Spirit has to say. The answers you are seeking are already there, you just have to be open to receive them.

 

 

 

 

 

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Overcoming Temptation

Posted in From My Heart, tagged , , , on January 14, 2016| Leave a Comment »

cat and fish

 

1 Corinthians 10:13

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

There are many temptations in life. Everyday we are faced with temptation. Eating that piece of chocolate cake, when you are a diabetic. Cheating on that algebra exam. Having an affair with a married man. Drugs, Alcohol, sex, lying, stealing, physical violence against someone, all temptations that lead to sinning against God. God does not want us to be separated from Him. The above verse teaches us 3 things about dealing with temptation:

  1. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. If you think you’re the only one dealing with temptation, your not. It started with Eve in the Garden of Eden and it continues today. No one on this earth is free from temptation. You are not alone.
  2. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. I don’t know what temptations you are struggling with today, but be assured that God is faithful! You can be victorious! You may not be able to overcome this temptation in your own strength, but you can overcome the temptation in God’s strength. HE WILL NOT LET YOU BE TEMPTED BEYOND WHAT YOU CAN BEAR!!! Call out to Him and He will fight this battle with you.
  3. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. God does not set us up for failure. He does not enjoy watching us suffer. He does not place temptation in our way as a way to entertain Himself. Our heavenly Father loves us and as proof of His love, He gives us a way out. It is completely up to us, whether we take it or not. God offers the way out, but we have to accept it.

This verse reassures me of God’s love and compassion. Sometimes, as a mom, I let my kids struggle with issues on their own. It is how they grow into independent adults, who can deal with tough situations. God is the same way with us. We grow stronger in character when we walk away from a temptation. We grow more confident, not only in ourselves but in God, when we face down a temptation. Also, as a mom, I am always waiting in the wings to step in when needed. God is there to step in and help us deal with our temptations. I wouldn’t let my kids drown in their struggles and God won’t leave us hanging either. I am here for my kids, ALWAYS and God is ALWAYS here for us.

If you are facing temptation, go to God and ask Him to show you the way out. He will. Don’t be afraid to walk away. You are not alone. God is right beside you every step of the way. If you need encouragement or prayer, contact me. God Bless You, my friend!

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Being Grateful Amid The Chaos

Posted in From My Heart, tagged , , , , , on January 14, 2016| Leave a Comment »

gratitude

 

Ephesians 5:20

20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Exodus 16 and 17, we find the Israelites beginning to grumble. They were hungry and thirsty. Instead of trusting God to provide, they complained to Moses and grumbled against God. Never mind, that God had just delivered them from the oppression of the Egyptians by performing miracle after miracle and parted the Red Sea, so they could walk across on dry ground. They had already forgotten what God had done for them. Instead of being grateful to God for hearing their cries and delivering them from slavery and oppression, they continued to whine. Instead of trusting God to make a way, they chose to complain about their current situation. They chose not to trust God for their future. They were forgetting that God had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey.

I will be the first to admit that when it comes to  being grateful, I sometimes miss the mark. I will admit that I do find myself complaining more than I would like. In all honesty, I can be a bit of a whiner. It’s not one of my best traits and the Holy Spirit has really been convicting me on this heart issue. God has done many wonderful things for me. He has always provided for me and my kids. If I know that He has always provided, then why is it so hard to be content in my circumstances? Why do I find it so hard to trust God for today and tomorrow? Why is it so hard for me to give thanks in EVERY situation? I guess the simple answer is that I am human and it is in my nature to want to know that everything will work out. It is in my nature to want to control the outcome. It is in my nature to want to change my circumstances and fix my problems on my own and in my own timing and when I can’t, I whine and complain like a child.

If I look around me today, I see that I have a house with heat. I have food in the cupboards. I have 5 AMAZING kids who will do great things. I have 2 grandchildren, who are the light of my life. I have a job that pays the bills. Is everything perfect? No. Life can be tough. I struggle, but I choose to trust God for the future. I choose to be content in my circumstances and know that God has a plan for my future.

How do you deal with tough circumstances in your life? Do you whine, grumble and complain like the Israelites, or do you choose to trust God with the future? Are you content in your circumstances? Can you give thanks, even when things are tough? My challenge to you is to reflect on your life right now and find 5 things that you can give thanks for. Make it a habit to give thanks in EVERY circumstance. Choose to be content with the way your life is, right now. Choose to trust that God has a plan for your future.

 

 

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From The Heart Of A Military Mom

Posted in From My Heart, tagged , , , , , , on November 24, 2015| Leave a Comment »

freedom isn't free

 

For a military mom, the worry starts as soon as your child announces they want to enlist in the military. At least, it was that way for me. I was able to put it in the back of my mind though, until I saw her walk down that hotel hallway, the tears streaming down her face and mine, knowing that she was scared and yet, so very courageous. We watch our children walk away, out of our loving arms and into the unknown. We wait, checking the mail box several times a day, for a letter, letting us know how our child is. Are they doing okay? We feel the homesickness in their words, but also, feel the maturity and strength as they grow into military men and women. We greet them in anticipation at Basic training graduation, not knowing what to expect. We again say “See you later” not knowing when we will see our child again. We encourage them during tech school when they call home in tears because they have been “washed back” and just aren’t getting it. We choke back the tears because we don’t want to upset them more. We know for now they are safe. Then they arrive at their first duty station. Some are stationed stateside and some in other countries. The worry really kicks in now, because we know that after a few months of training that they will be ready to be deployed. When will we see our child again? Will we see our child again? We pray day and night for their safety and for the safety of all of our service members, regardless of what branch they serve in.

I am an Air Force mom. My daughter just celebrated her 21st birthday at tech school. I know that my time will come when I have to face her deployment. I know that I am not alone in this. I have already been so encouraged by the love and support of my Wing Sisters. Those moms who have watched and prayed as their child leaves for their 3rd or 4th deployment. As the world becomes a scarier place and we see the evil of men, we worry and we pray.

Our military members aren’t always appreciated the way they should be. They are undervalued and dismissed by society. Their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families often goes unrecognized. Our children aren’t just going off to college. Our children are going off to fight for the freedom of the United States of America. They are going off to become Freedom Fighters so that we can still live the way that we have become accustomed to living. They often go years between visits with their families. They miss birthdays, holidays, weddings, graduations and the births of their children. They are told when to get up, when to go to bed, when they can leave base and what to wear. They sacrifice so that the rest of us remain safe.

As a military mom, I am asking christian Americans to get down on your knees and start praying for our military members. Pray for those serving our country in the Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, Army and Navy. Pray for the protection of the United States. Pray for the transformation of this great country.

If you aren’t one to pray, then support our troops by sending care packages, letters and good will. If you live near a USO, then volunteer your time. If you live near a base then adopt a service member that may be going through a tough time. Adopt a veteran who has served and who may need some help and encouragement now. Reach out to the families of our fallen heroes. There are things we can all do to support our troops. If these young men and women are brave enough to sacrifice their lifestyles and even their lives to protect us, then the least we can do is show them how much we appreciate their sacrifice.

I challenge you to find a way to reach out and support our military men and women. They deserve so much more than we can ever give them.

 

 

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The Reluctant One: Moses

Posted in From My Heart, tagged , , , , on November 24, 2015| Leave a Comment »

You-were-born-with-a-purpose-2

 

As Christians, we are here to glorify God and reach those in our sphere of influence with the Gospel. In order to fulfill that purpose, God has placed a special call on each one of our lives. A special population that we are to go to and share Jesus with. Some are called to be marketplace missionaries. Some are called to witness to those in foreign lands and some are to share Jesus with a special population, such as foster kids, immigrants, women, men or even single moms. I have been called to share the love of Jesus with single moms. I don’t know the specifics of my calling yet, honestly, I have felt afraid of this calling and as much as I try to manipulate it, I am terrified of it.

I identify with Moses as He stands before God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1- Exodus 4:17). In verse 3:11, Moses says to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” I have had the same argument, “Lord, I am no one. I am not an expert on single moms. I am not a book author. I am a nobody. I am not equipped for this calling.”

In verse 4:1, Moses voices another concern to God, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘the Lord did not appear to you’?” I have had a similar exchange with God, “what if they don’t listen to me? What if they ask me questions that I can’t answer? What if they don’t believe how great you are?”

In verse 4:10, Moses again questions God, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past or since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” WOW! How I identify with Moses on that one! My own persistent exchange has sounded much the same, “Lord, you know I suffer from social anxieties. You know I get tongue tied when expected to speak and my brain and tongue disconnect. You know that I can not speak like these professional speakers who do this for a living. I will stand there speechless and my face will turn red from embarrassment.”

And in verse 4:13, Moses really angers God in his last ditch effort to get out of God’s call on his life, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Yep, almost word for word my own plea, “I can’t do this. Please send someone else.”

I know from the persistent tugging at my heart, that God is not going to let me out of it and He has answered my concerns in much the same way that He answered Moses. “You are my child. You  are a single mom with 15 years experience. You have a heart for me and a desire to do my will. You have your own testimony of my goodness towards you and your children. Do not concern yourself with whether they listen or not, simply share your own story of how I have worked in your life and I will take care of the rest. Let them see Jesus in the life you lead and I will work out everything else. You have more courage than you know. People will listen to you. I will open the hearts of my people towards single moms simply because you have walked in obedience. I will give you the words. I will equip you. I will pave the way before you and I will walk with you. I will never leave you.”

Do not ever think that you are not good enough to fulfill God’s purpose for your life. You are good enough, just as you are. God uses the broken, slow of speech, poor, awkward person to fulfill His will. Step out in faith. Make a move today towards the goodness and blessing that God has waiting for you. Step out in obedience and see if God doesn’t show up in miraculous ways.

As for me, I am just waiting to see what my next step is. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you! Let me know how God has used you and let me know how I can pray for you. God Bless!

 

 

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Pleasing God…Not Men

Posted in From My Heart, tagged , , , on November 8, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Pleasing God

 

Galatians 1:10

10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

I have always been a people pleaser. I have always been sensitive to criticism, even constructive criticism. I find myself living and working so that others will not find fault with what I do. I don’t like confrontations. I don’t like when other people are upset with me. This is my personality. It isn’t a bad thing to want to do my best, but it becomes a bad thing when the reason I want to do my best is for the approval of people and not for the approval of God. I have found that even when I do my best, I will not please everyone. Someone will be dissatisfied or upset by what I do. I would take so much pressure off of myself if I just focused my efforts on the things that please God. God is the only one that really matters. If I do what is right in God’s eyes, nothing else really matters.

Do you work to please man or God? Do you live to please man or God? Do you make decisions based on the opinions of man or God? The next time you have a decision to make, instead of asking yourself if so and so will approve, ask yourself if God will approve. You can take so much stress off of yourself by focusing on what God wants of you. Don’t worry about pleasing mom and dad, boyfriend, friends, or bosses, if it isn’t what God would want for you then don’t do it.

I know it is hard to deal with the disappointment or anger of loved ones, but challenge yourself this next week and only do what God would approve of and see if you aren’t blessed in the process.

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