It seems like the only thing I can count on lately is that nothing will go according to plan, so that's probably why this blog that I just read spoke to me so clearly and emphatically. I hope some of you can also benefit from the reminder that I apparently needed.
http://dianneguthmuller.com/4-things-to-remember-when-you-have-a-change-in-plans-john-44-3/
Be open to divine appointments this weekend, and be blessed!
Maria
Friday, September 28, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Roller Coasters
"For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under the law but under grace." Romans 6:14
I really don't like roller coasters. It's not that I'm afraid when I'm on one but, rather, that they leave me off-balance and with a terrible headache. When it comes to staying off Pythons, Cobras, Hurricanes, and equally sinister-sounding rides, I'm pretty resolute. Why would I want to do something that makes me feel awful?? Why indeed.
For about ten years now, I've not just been riding a roller coaster; I've been living on one. It's one I built all by myself, constructed with lies I bought into and behavior I enjoyed. "This won't hurt you." "You work hard and deserve a treat." "No one will know." Isn't that always how it is? The enemy feeds us a lie, sells us a bag of goods that we believe to be one thing, but it turns out to be another. Eventually, it becomes something we do without conscious thought, or it's something we're completely aware is wrong but don't want to give up, something we feel entitled to. In my case, it's overeating and lack of exercise, but it could just as easily be an inappropriate relationship, gossip, resentment, overspending, poor time management, neglecting God's Word, faithlessness. Ultimately, it's all pride and, eventually, it becomes a battleground. God says, "This is not my plan for you. This will leave you feeling empty and separated from Me. This road leads to death." Despite His admonitions, we get on the ride, promising we'll go around just one more time and --well-- we all know how that goes.
So today, I'm writing for a multitude of reasons. To confess. To be accountable. To affirm that I cannot do this any longer...And not just because my cholesterol is too high and my knee stays swollen and my back is one long spasm...But because I want spiritual restoration and the guilt to go away...because I know that, though the Bible says that "...there is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus", it also says, "Shall we continue to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!". Christ died "so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin". Bottom line--continuing to ride this roller coaster of sin and shame makes a mockery of the cross. This isn't new knowledge. I've been here before. I'm just hoping that this time I've made a permanent connection between these partiular choices I make and the consequences in my health and my relationships with God and others.
Have you been on any emotional roller coasters lately? How's that workin' for ya? Maybe it's time for a change.
I really don't like roller coasters. It's not that I'm afraid when I'm on one but, rather, that they leave me off-balance and with a terrible headache. When it comes to staying off Pythons, Cobras, Hurricanes, and equally sinister-sounding rides, I'm pretty resolute. Why would I want to do something that makes me feel awful?? Why indeed.
For about ten years now, I've not just been riding a roller coaster; I've been living on one. It's one I built all by myself, constructed with lies I bought into and behavior I enjoyed. "This won't hurt you." "You work hard and deserve a treat." "No one will know." Isn't that always how it is? The enemy feeds us a lie, sells us a bag of goods that we believe to be one thing, but it turns out to be another. Eventually, it becomes something we do without conscious thought, or it's something we're completely aware is wrong but don't want to give up, something we feel entitled to. In my case, it's overeating and lack of exercise, but it could just as easily be an inappropriate relationship, gossip, resentment, overspending, poor time management, neglecting God's Word, faithlessness. Ultimately, it's all pride and, eventually, it becomes a battleground. God says, "This is not my plan for you. This will leave you feeling empty and separated from Me. This road leads to death." Despite His admonitions, we get on the ride, promising we'll go around just one more time and --well-- we all know how that goes.So today, I'm writing for a multitude of reasons. To confess. To be accountable. To affirm that I cannot do this any longer...And not just because my cholesterol is too high and my knee stays swollen and my back is one long spasm...But because I want spiritual restoration and the guilt to go away...because I know that, though the Bible says that "...there is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus", it also says, "Shall we continue to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!". Christ died "so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin". Bottom line--continuing to ride this roller coaster of sin and shame makes a mockery of the cross. This isn't new knowledge. I've been here before. I'm just hoping that this time I've made a permanent connection between these partiular choices I make and the consequences in my health and my relationships with God and others.
Have you been on any emotional roller coasters lately? How's that workin' for ya? Maybe it's time for a change.
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