Monday, June 4, 2012
I need to vent...
I think... I think I am going to take a minute to unload... then if I feel like I should take this off, I will.
There is a slight probability that do this too, but I am so tired of people lashing out and trying to "correct" others to stroke their own vain egos on facebook while backing it up using God. Most people say "If you can't say it to my face, then don't put it on facebook!" but they don't really want that to happen. They don't want to be called out on their junk and even if they are, they are incapable of accepting responsibility until they realize that yes, it IS their fault they are like this and they CAN change!
Basically what my annoyance comes down to is being SO insecure with your own identity that you have to go to someone else and say "You are wrong and here's why..." on someone else's wall about their OPINION! Why would you do that! Why would you make such a fool out of yourself! Let's say you are right, if this person disagrees, you've just made it THAT MUCH HARDER for them to change their actions!(Obviously you cared more about being right then about a person) Now, let's say your wrong, you just made a fool of yourself by declaring an opinion that is unhelpful in any way! But facebook is the best place to put that stuff bc then you don't have to have any kind of guts or backbone, you can just post it and then hope someone will "like" it so that you don't feel so alone out there. Let me tell ya, if the people that like it are your "superiors", you aren't who you think you are. You are pretty much the opposite of the guy they called "Jesus" in the Bible. You are a jerk. If the person whose wall you put it on "like"s it... then you may have accomplished SOME good.
But here's the hard part...
YOU DON'T ACTUALLY CARE A LICK ABOUT THAT PERSON. Yet, you call yourself a christian. maybe even a preacher or a leadership position. You have no love in you. You may even post scripture to back it up!!! So did the pharasees. Egh, so did the devil! If you loved this person, they'd know it for one, and you wouldn't want to put ANYthing up that might hurt them. You are a jerk. You are out for your own personal gain. Don't pull a loving compassionate God into your evil, crocked plans. Repent, then at least you have a chance of happiness at life.
And if this offends you then I'm probably talking about something you'd do or you've done.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Just had to get it out
It has been a while since my last blog. The last one was a step I had to take to step away from "stuff". Too many different things to name. It's funny how all the things that were real came with me. The fake/false stayed behind a lifetime ago that was only a couple months. I'm still only halfway through this "transition" but I already have so much answered that I didn't even know I was questioning.
This morning I heard I Cor 13:1&2:
If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).
(These verses answered... SO much for me...)
A couple weeks ago I heard someone giving a testimony. They talked about how they did all these different things for God, in God's name, and giving glory to God. They stared noticing that all the things they had been doing stopped working. For instance, he used to get awesome prophetic words over people and change lives then he stopped getting words. To sum up what happened, his heart had started to be invested in his ministry more then God. God took this man back to a place where he sought the Lord more then the stuff he could do for the Lord.
When he gave this testimony, I immediately identified with it! I didn't even KNOW that's why God was having me step down when I did and just by following the Lord's instructions I was brought out of what I could do for God into a place where I can learn to passionately pursue God. And then my road cleared before my eyes. I pursue God, and my ministry happens behind me without any help from me. :)
I have always felt pressured to sound really good. To look like I know what I am talking about all the time. And it has always bothered me that I forget what people say a lot. Someone could preach an hour long sermon and I can't remember it most of the time. It's happened my whole life.
I used to go to a friends house and her parents would ask what we learned in church and I had no answer even though I had tried to listen really well. (bc I knew this question was coming and I wanted to be able to answer) I always just repeated what my friend said because I didn't have a clue.
Recently I have discovered what I true blessing this is. What it actually is is my heart not receiving anything that a- is untrue or b- I am not ready to hear or receive. I know everything that sticks is Godly because the Spirit has to put it in my heart Himself! If it's not in my heart what good is it anyways!
Verse two talks about people who read, memorize the words and can repeat it backwards AND tell you all the other books that have it written in there to (this isn't bad in itself) but they can't love others bc that's the most difficult thing to do. That's letting God into the deepest part of you and trusting Him in there. That is hard to do. Most people who know what I am talking about are going "yea it is". but I really don't care about having all that knowledge anymore. I've seen what happens when you use your knowledge against people. You hurt them. And you show your incapability to Love. But it can't be held against these people bc they just haven't experienced the Love of God themselves. It's actually pitiable.
When you know God's love, it's something you recognize coming out of others even if you've never met them. There are people I don't see for years, then I'll run into them and I recognize their heart bc I know my God's heart. It's a connection that points to God.
So, if I have ever fooled you into thinking I know tons about God bc I needed to edify myself while still looking like a "christian"... I'm sorry (and i KNOW i have done this). I am repenting now and hopefully I'll be back to that place where I can LOVE people unconditionally real soon. Until then, just know I'm me... the real me is still in here... she just got covered up by junk I thought was necessary. It's difficult to let go of all the false knowledge I've gained over the past... 27 years :)
I think I am starting to understand pruning...
From Bondage: I'm sick of you, but I'm not going to be honest about it.
To Liberty: I love you. And love covers a multitude of sin.
Oh God help us to have a heart like yours. It is the ONLY way to do this.
This morning I heard I Cor 13:1&2:
If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).
(These verses answered... SO much for me...)
A couple weeks ago I heard someone giving a testimony. They talked about how they did all these different things for God, in God's name, and giving glory to God. They stared noticing that all the things they had been doing stopped working. For instance, he used to get awesome prophetic words over people and change lives then he stopped getting words. To sum up what happened, his heart had started to be invested in his ministry more then God. God took this man back to a place where he sought the Lord more then the stuff he could do for the Lord.
When he gave this testimony, I immediately identified with it! I didn't even KNOW that's why God was having me step down when I did and just by following the Lord's instructions I was brought out of what I could do for God into a place where I can learn to passionately pursue God. And then my road cleared before my eyes. I pursue God, and my ministry happens behind me without any help from me. :)
I have always felt pressured to sound really good. To look like I know what I am talking about all the time. And it has always bothered me that I forget what people say a lot. Someone could preach an hour long sermon and I can't remember it most of the time. It's happened my whole life.
I used to go to a friends house and her parents would ask what we learned in church and I had no answer even though I had tried to listen really well. (bc I knew this question was coming and I wanted to be able to answer) I always just repeated what my friend said because I didn't have a clue.
Recently I have discovered what I true blessing this is. What it actually is is my heart not receiving anything that a- is untrue or b- I am not ready to hear or receive. I know everything that sticks is Godly because the Spirit has to put it in my heart Himself! If it's not in my heart what good is it anyways!
Verse two talks about people who read, memorize the words and can repeat it backwards AND tell you all the other books that have it written in there to (this isn't bad in itself) but they can't love others bc that's the most difficult thing to do. That's letting God into the deepest part of you and trusting Him in there. That is hard to do. Most people who know what I am talking about are going "yea it is". but I really don't care about having all that knowledge anymore. I've seen what happens when you use your knowledge against people. You hurt them. And you show your incapability to Love. But it can't be held against these people bc they just haven't experienced the Love of God themselves. It's actually pitiable.
When you know God's love, it's something you recognize coming out of others even if you've never met them. There are people I don't see for years, then I'll run into them and I recognize their heart bc I know my God's heart. It's a connection that points to God.
So, if I have ever fooled you into thinking I know tons about God bc I needed to edify myself while still looking like a "christian"... I'm sorry (and i KNOW i have done this). I am repenting now and hopefully I'll be back to that place where I can LOVE people unconditionally real soon. Until then, just know I'm me... the real me is still in here... she just got covered up by junk I thought was necessary. It's difficult to let go of all the false knowledge I've gained over the past... 27 years :)
I think I am starting to understand pruning...
From Bondage: I'm sick of you, but I'm not going to be honest about it.
To Liberty: I love you. And love covers a multitude of sin.
Oh God help us to have a heart like yours. It is the ONLY way to do this.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wow...
2 Peter 1:3 (MSG)- Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation ever received!
(AMP)-For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).
I wrote this on someone's wall... about 5 seconds ago:
-----
Sometimes when Jon (my 2 yr old) is bad, instead of telling him "NO" i just tell him how that isn't how he really is... kinda "You don't really want to act like that, you are a good boy" kinda thing. When someone tells me what my true character looks like, I change. When someone tells me I shouldn't do something, I kinda go "duh" bc that's not helpful. It's like pointing at a broken tv and saying "that tv is broken"... duh, if you want to be useful, tell me what it looked like before it was broken and I'll let the expert (God) take it from there.
This is from your Character blog.
I also never connected God's character as in the moral and ethical quality that never changes or fails to the character that is in me. I think I still see myself as one who has to gain those qualities through life's trials instead of seeing them within me and letting them flow out. They are of God (as all good things are) :)
I wanted to write this and didn't think you'd mind :)
--------
Wow...
From bondage: I have to purify myself: out with the old in with the new
To Liberty: I have all things that pertain to life and liberty.
By the way, When I do that with Jon, he usually doesn't do it again or it is a less frequently done behavior then if i just say no which lasts... 10 seconds :)
(AMP)-For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).
I wrote this on someone's wall... about 5 seconds ago:
-----
Sometimes when Jon (my 2 yr old) is bad, instead of telling him "NO" i just tell him how that isn't how he really is... kinda "You don't really want to act like that, you are a good boy" kinda thing. When someone tells me what my true character looks like, I change. When someone tells me I shouldn't do something, I kinda go "duh" bc that's not helpful. It's like pointing at a broken tv and saying "that tv is broken"... duh, if you want to be useful, tell me what it looked like before it was broken and I'll let the expert (God) take it from there.
This is from your Character blog.
I also never connected God's character as in the moral and ethical quality that never changes or fails to the character that is in me. I think I still see myself as one who has to gain those qualities through life's trials instead of seeing them within me and letting them flow out. They are of God (as all good things are) :)
I wanted to write this and didn't think you'd mind :)
--------
Wow...
From bondage: I have to purify myself: out with the old in with the new
To Liberty: I have all things that pertain to life and liberty.
By the way, When I do that with Jon, he usually doesn't do it again or it is a less frequently done behavior then if i just say no which lasts... 10 seconds :)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Something plain out encouraging
This is what I decided about myself, If I don't find this encouraging, then It's because I haven't been putting my hope in God. I have not been looking to Him for truth and wisdom. When I admit that to myself, this gives me a gentle shaking in my Spirit that something good is starting... starting small, and getting bigger. And no, this is not referring to my ministry, It's more like... God made butterflies, but the product that people will see from what happens with God Loving on me will be a ministry. It will be an external product or fruit! When you are so full of God that it overflows into everything you put your hand to, that's the best witness you can be :) That is my desire. That is my prayer for others. That is the only way to succeed in this life, because it's the only thing this life is about.
Psalm 62
1To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from HIM comes my salvation.
2He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah
5For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.
6He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
9Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
10Put not trust in extortion; set no vain hopes in robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11Once God has spoken; twice have i heard this: that power belongs to God,
12and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to His work.
Fill in your own blank
From Bondage:_________________
To Liberty:___________________
From Bondage: My ministry shows how good I'm doing for God.
To Liberty: My ministry will not come between me and God, my ultimate Love.
Psalm 62
1To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from HIM comes my salvation.
2He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah
5For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.
6He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
9Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
10Put not trust in extortion; set no vain hopes in robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11Once God has spoken; twice have i heard this: that power belongs to God,
12and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to His work.
Fill in your own blank
From Bondage:_________________
To Liberty:___________________
From Bondage: My ministry shows how good I'm doing for God.
To Liberty: My ministry will not come between me and God, my ultimate Love.
Monday, December 26, 2011
What's the fer???
I was watching Joseph Prince the other night. I really like his preaching. It is always like drinking fresh water. What he was talking about was how people couldn't possibly be strong enough to fight off unforgiveness and grudges and other temptations like that when they weren't "eating" anything good. Kind of a what are you filling yourself up with? What you eat is what you are. Then he said something I can not stop thinking about. He said most people when they go to church aren't fed anything that is sustaining. Wow... He said most people go to church to get filled up on philosophy, psychology, drama, politics, etc... Politics is the one that hit home for me. It felt like he was talking straight to me. The Spirit automatically started teaching me how it's not about politics or anything else. You don't go to church to better your life, you go to church bc having a relationship with God betters your life. It's all about God. It's ALL about God! If it's not about Him, something is wrong! What a beautiful relief to know that I don't have ANY obligations to man. I don't have anything to prove to anybody in any way! That frees me to follow true men and women of God without needing them and without expecting anything from them. That also means I don't have to prove myself to them. Even thinking I do takes away from God! Short but sweet.
From Bondage: I need to impress people and look like i know what I'm doing.
To Liberty: I need a relationship with God, that produces a real relationship that is warm and inviting to anyone I meet.
From Bondage: I need to impress people and look like i know what I'm doing.
To Liberty: I need a relationship with God, that produces a real relationship that is warm and inviting to anyone I meet.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Deal-E-O
Alright! For anyone who wants to know what God is doing in my life, here is an update.
I told everybody that I am "stepping down" from our worship team 2 weeks ago. I have been on the other side of this before, and know this can't happen without talk and rumors, but what God is doing on my side is WAY to big to let that get in the way!
I did this because God told me to. The vision He gave me, what He is telling me to do, is a different direction then what the worship team vision is, so it kinda makes sense that this should happen! I will need all my energy and focus for this new pursuit for the Kingdom :)
I don't have a completely clear idea of what God wants but following him with baby steps is better then not following Him at all. I am so excited about this though. Once I made the decision to be faithful, I've been getting a few more baby-steps at a time and it almost feels like I'm flying forward, every baby-step feels like a leap!
The main thing that I know is God wants to LOVE on Cookeville. He wants people to be able to worship Him and let Him minister to them where they are in their life walk without having to worry about anything! I may be dreaming big, but this is God's dream and I am merely catching onto it. The word that comes to mind is "Echo". I just want God's goodness to bounce off of me and out to any and all people who want it. Don't misunderstand, this is not about me, at least I don't want it to be. This is GOD. Anything good is just a replica of Him. I am well aware that It is not my abilities that God loves the most about me ;)
I know if God gave me a clear vision of what is to come, I'd get too excited, lose any patience, and try and do it myself. But just imagine... those small moments when you decide to give every single bit of you up, lay it down, just surrender to His will... NOTHING is impossible then... anything can happen! :)
I was telling a complete stranger about this the other day, and this person said "Oh my gosh! I feel the same way!" They went on to talk about how they are getting a passion for all the things that I want and I never even said anything about those things!!!! I'm not going to get too excited bc then I'll want to just GO GO GO!!! But I am so happy with God's orchestration :)
It's so ironic how this almost seems like a step backwards. I had a month long of "Are you sure?" to God. Stepping down off a worship team and all the ministry involvement almost seems like a step in the wrong directions, and finally God said "It's holding you back" Wow... that was interesting to receive... but God's heart is pure. Noble. Loving. He wasn't saying the team I was on was awful and terrible, He was saying, I am no longer in the right place and that I need to follow Him if I want to progress personally! What a great God! For anyone willing, He wants to take you up from where you are and lead you through the best path for your life! That may be a physical change... or just a mental change. Changing your mindset can sometimes be the most freeing! :)
A friend recently posted Psalm 23:1-6 on facebook
and as I read it, I was put at peace about every decision I am making. This is God's way for me. This is His perfect plain being walked out by a human (me) who can definitely make mistakes... but I'm willing :) As I read it, it was made so personal to me:
Jessica,
1-3 I am your shepherd! You don't need a thing apart from me.
I have bedded you down in lush meadows,
I find you quiet pools to drink from.
True to my word,
I let you catch your breath
... and send you in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
Don't be afraid
when I am walking at your side.
My trusty shepherd's crook
makes you feel secure.
5 I serve you a six-course dinner
right in front of your enemies.
I revive your drooping head;
Your cup brims with blessing.
6 My beauty and love chase after you
every day of your life.
You are back home in the house of God
for the rest of your life.
psalms 23
Thank you, Father!
Well... That's the latest in my life :)
From Bondage: Wrong road!!!
To Liberty: Right road!!!
I told everybody that I am "stepping down" from our worship team 2 weeks ago. I have been on the other side of this before, and know this can't happen without talk and rumors, but what God is doing on my side is WAY to big to let that get in the way!
I did this because God told me to. The vision He gave me, what He is telling me to do, is a different direction then what the worship team vision is, so it kinda makes sense that this should happen! I will need all my energy and focus for this new pursuit for the Kingdom :)
I don't have a completely clear idea of what God wants but following him with baby steps is better then not following Him at all. I am so excited about this though. Once I made the decision to be faithful, I've been getting a few more baby-steps at a time and it almost feels like I'm flying forward, every baby-step feels like a leap!
The main thing that I know is God wants to LOVE on Cookeville. He wants people to be able to worship Him and let Him minister to them where they are in their life walk without having to worry about anything! I may be dreaming big, but this is God's dream and I am merely catching onto it. The word that comes to mind is "Echo". I just want God's goodness to bounce off of me and out to any and all people who want it. Don't misunderstand, this is not about me, at least I don't want it to be. This is GOD. Anything good is just a replica of Him. I am well aware that It is not my abilities that God loves the most about me ;)
I know if God gave me a clear vision of what is to come, I'd get too excited, lose any patience, and try and do it myself. But just imagine... those small moments when you decide to give every single bit of you up, lay it down, just surrender to His will... NOTHING is impossible then... anything can happen! :)
I was telling a complete stranger about this the other day, and this person said "Oh my gosh! I feel the same way!" They went on to talk about how they are getting a passion for all the things that I want and I never even said anything about those things!!!! I'm not going to get too excited bc then I'll want to just GO GO GO!!! But I am so happy with God's orchestration :)
It's so ironic how this almost seems like a step backwards. I had a month long of "Are you sure?" to God. Stepping down off a worship team and all the ministry involvement almost seems like a step in the wrong directions, and finally God said "It's holding you back" Wow... that was interesting to receive... but God's heart is pure. Noble. Loving. He wasn't saying the team I was on was awful and terrible, He was saying, I am no longer in the right place and that I need to follow Him if I want to progress personally! What a great God! For anyone willing, He wants to take you up from where you are and lead you through the best path for your life! That may be a physical change... or just a mental change. Changing your mindset can sometimes be the most freeing! :)
A friend recently posted Psalm 23:1-6 on facebook
and as I read it, I was put at peace about every decision I am making. This is God's way for me. This is His perfect plain being walked out by a human (me) who can definitely make mistakes... but I'm willing :) As I read it, it was made so personal to me:
Jessica,
1-3 I am your shepherd! You don't need a thing apart from me.
I have bedded you down in lush meadows,
I find you quiet pools to drink from.
True to my word,
I let you catch your breath
... and send you in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
Don't be afraid
when I am walking at your side.
My trusty shepherd's crook
makes you feel secure.
5 I serve you a six-course dinner
right in front of your enemies.
I revive your drooping head;
Your cup brims with blessing.
6 My beauty and love chase after you
every day of your life.
You are back home in the house of God
for the rest of your life.
psalms 23
Thank you, Father!
Well... That's the latest in my life :)
From Bondage: Wrong road!!!
To Liberty: Right road!!!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Doubling Up
Gal 6:7&8 (they are combined... difficult to separate)
(7)Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others- ignoring God-(8) harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds. But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
I have been thinking about this verse because the way it starts. I keep wondering who would be stupid enough to try and make God look like a fool... but then He started talking to me :)
If you take a word from the Lord and use it in ANY other way then with pure love (even if you have "good intentions") that's what it is. Then you are hiding your manipulative heart behind "God's Word" and that just looks stupid but it doesn't make God look that way, it makes the sower look that way. For example, if you try and use God's word to tell someone that they are acting stupid but your heart isn't pure, you end up looking stupid bc everyone knows what is really going on and you've actually just created weeds. This will actually even persuade people to harden their hearts towards God. Hence the reason people get sick of religion. This is also a vain imagination bc you aren't looking at them as God sees them.
If you use the truth of God against someone, it's your life that reaps weeds. In order to use God's word like this, that means you don't understand Him either. Your heart hasn't been softened to Him. God is always Good, always having our hearts in His best interest.
This was some awesome insight! It is what the Lord has been showing me in my heart and then here it is in scripture! I love it!
1- Weeds are quick to multiply and choke out whatever they grow around. That sower will be known for choking people out. And everyone they influences now has to search themselves to see if they have properties in themselves planted by that sower that are actually weeds. They wouldn't even know they did unless they dropped their pride to look inside. The sower of weeds is gonna have such a hard heart and walls built up.
2- The right way to "plant"... is out of a response to what the Goodness of God has done/is doing in the sower. Letting God work in you, and naturally responding with that change. What can you possibly have to offer that hasn't come from God first? You can't give that which you don't have and you don't have anything unless you have God. Wow... pressure is coming off!! :)
The other day I read something that makes a good example of these two sowers:
The first sower used God to show someone else how wrong they were. The heart of the statement was said ruthless with a "You are wrong and you should figure it out and shut up" attitude. This was not love. My heart cringed at it. It wasn't towards me, but if it had been i definitely wouldn't have received it, AND it probably would have helped harden my heart towards the God this person was talking about.
Then I read a post a good friend wrote on his wife's wall. This sower was building her up and saying to her what God says about her. It wasn't to me, but it encouraged me to check my heart to see if my actions lined up with what God says about me, who I REALLY am. I realized I wasn't and repented! My pride jumped up, but I chose not to let it win! It was a conviction or righteousness! I thanked the person because even though it wasn't for me, it helped me! Perfect example!
The first person was growing weeds. The second, harvested good things without even realizing it!
from bondage: I can prove i know God.
To Liberty: Change my heart oh God, make it yours, then the response will be natural and purely You!
(7)Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others- ignoring God-(8) harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds. But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
I have been thinking about this verse because the way it starts. I keep wondering who would be stupid enough to try and make God look like a fool... but then He started talking to me :)
If you take a word from the Lord and use it in ANY other way then with pure love (even if you have "good intentions") that's what it is. Then you are hiding your manipulative heart behind "God's Word" and that just looks stupid but it doesn't make God look that way, it makes the sower look that way. For example, if you try and use God's word to tell someone that they are acting stupid but your heart isn't pure, you end up looking stupid bc everyone knows what is really going on and you've actually just created weeds. This will actually even persuade people to harden their hearts towards God. Hence the reason people get sick of religion. This is also a vain imagination bc you aren't looking at them as God sees them.
If you use the truth of God against someone, it's your life that reaps weeds. In order to use God's word like this, that means you don't understand Him either. Your heart hasn't been softened to Him. God is always Good, always having our hearts in His best interest.
This was some awesome insight! It is what the Lord has been showing me in my heart and then here it is in scripture! I love it!
1- Weeds are quick to multiply and choke out whatever they grow around. That sower will be known for choking people out. And everyone they influences now has to search themselves to see if they have properties in themselves planted by that sower that are actually weeds. They wouldn't even know they did unless they dropped their pride to look inside. The sower of weeds is gonna have such a hard heart and walls built up.
2- The right way to "plant"... is out of a response to what the Goodness of God has done/is doing in the sower. Letting God work in you, and naturally responding with that change. What can you possibly have to offer that hasn't come from God first? You can't give that which you don't have and you don't have anything unless you have God. Wow... pressure is coming off!! :)
The other day I read something that makes a good example of these two sowers:
The first sower used God to show someone else how wrong they were. The heart of the statement was said ruthless with a "You are wrong and you should figure it out and shut up" attitude. This was not love. My heart cringed at it. It wasn't towards me, but if it had been i definitely wouldn't have received it, AND it probably would have helped harden my heart towards the God this person was talking about.
Then I read a post a good friend wrote on his wife's wall. This sower was building her up and saying to her what God says about her. It wasn't to me, but it encouraged me to check my heart to see if my actions lined up with what God says about me, who I REALLY am. I realized I wasn't and repented! My pride jumped up, but I chose not to let it win! It was a conviction or righteousness! I thanked the person because even though it wasn't for me, it helped me! Perfect example!
The first person was growing weeds. The second, harvested good things without even realizing it!
from bondage: I can prove i know God.
To Liberty: Change my heart oh God, make it yours, then the response will be natural and purely You!
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