Yes, it's true. 2 posts in one day! I want to share a couple of thoughts on pride and contentment. Scripture says that God hates pride. When listing the 7 things God hates, pride is actually mentioned twice. So, obviously believers should not take that lightly. God knew we would struggle with pride - it is not a surprise to Him. In a commentary on Psalms in my NIV Study Bible, this is said about pride:
"Pride results from overvaluing ourselves and undervaluing others. It leads to restlessness because it makes us dissatisfied with what we have and concerned about what everyone else is doing." A dear friend used to always say, "comparison kills contentment." How can I focus on what God has for me to do, if I'm looking around at everyone one else wondering why they have it so good. That says, "I deserve better," which actually means, "God, you don't know what You're doing...I need fill in the blank and You're not giving it to me." Pride and discontentment!
In Psalm 131, David says, "Quiet trust in God is the basis for my contentment." He goes on to say, "But I have stilled and quieted my soul..." I love that! David, a king and mighty warrior "stills" and "quiets". It made me reflect on the busyness of my life. Even if I'm not running around to 150 places, my thoughts are often racing, preventing me from being still and quiet. We need to consciously do that so we can hear God and focus on the right thing.
I resolved to stop complaining and comparing (it's a work in progress) and even asked for accountability within my family - ouch! My oldest son gently reminded me on Sunday that I was having a spirit of discontent as I was talking about all the changes I wanted to make to our home and property. He recognized that it had gone beyond, "Oh, wouldn't it be nice to do this or that?" to an attitude of, "I can't be happy unless this or that is changed." Thanks son! I needed that.
Be blessed, bless others and live well!
Jeanne
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Reflections and Faith
Good morning dear ones!
Let me start off with... some writer I am! I knew it would be a monumental challenge to keep up with this blog, and writing in general, I am embarrassed to say! If only my plans could initiate themselves and my ideas, facilitate their own movement, and my words, transport to the paper effortlessly... if only... Well, back to reality :) I will not give up!
It is a beautiful day here in the mountains east of Albuquerque. We are drying out after a weekend of snow and rain which means I can start cleaning up all the mud that made it's way into our house on the paws of our pups and the boots of our men. We are all enjoying the warmth of the sun. The cats are soaking it up in the window as we watch my youngest son, in a t-shirt, dig a hole for the electric gate. The ground is finally thawed enough to dig - yay!
I know it's March and it's a little late for New Year reflections, but then again, I'm always late. I thought I'd share a snip-it from a January 2013 journal entry.
"I am always so encouraged by a new year, with new plans, hopes and ideas. I'ts refreshing, exciting and invigorating! I love change and newness! I always have hopes of Spiritual revival in my home - that we would all hear the Call and step up to do what God would have us do. That we would be closer to Him this year than last (I go on to pray for each member of my family individually). I am excited to begin serving the youth at our church. I, like Daniel, purpose in my heart to always speak the truth in love, even when it's unpopular. I will always point them to the Living Water, but never water down the Gospel. I will be sensitive to the hearer, but never "seeker sensitive." I will serve the One True God, not 2 masters. I will seek peace, but not at the expense of the Gospel. I am thankful to God for this opportunity to serve completely out of my comfort zone, and participate in the good deeds He planned for me before the creation of the earth. My prayer is that people will see that and glorify my Father in Heaven."
Be well in this day the Lord has provided.
Jeanne
Let me start off with... some writer I am! I knew it would be a monumental challenge to keep up with this blog, and writing in general, I am embarrassed to say! If only my plans could initiate themselves and my ideas, facilitate their own movement, and my words, transport to the paper effortlessly... if only... Well, back to reality :) I will not give up!
It is a beautiful day here in the mountains east of Albuquerque. We are drying out after a weekend of snow and rain which means I can start cleaning up all the mud that made it's way into our house on the paws of our pups and the boots of our men. We are all enjoying the warmth of the sun. The cats are soaking it up in the window as we watch my youngest son, in a t-shirt, dig a hole for the electric gate. The ground is finally thawed enough to dig - yay!
I know it's March and it's a little late for New Year reflections, but then again, I'm always late. I thought I'd share a snip-it from a January 2013 journal entry.
"I am always so encouraged by a new year, with new plans, hopes and ideas. I'ts refreshing, exciting and invigorating! I love change and newness! I always have hopes of Spiritual revival in my home - that we would all hear the Call and step up to do what God would have us do. That we would be closer to Him this year than last (I go on to pray for each member of my family individually). I am excited to begin serving the youth at our church. I, like Daniel, purpose in my heart to always speak the truth in love, even when it's unpopular. I will always point them to the Living Water, but never water down the Gospel. I will be sensitive to the hearer, but never "seeker sensitive." I will serve the One True God, not 2 masters. I will seek peace, but not at the expense of the Gospel. I am thankful to God for this opportunity to serve completely out of my comfort zone, and participate in the good deeds He planned for me before the creation of the earth. My prayer is that people will see that and glorify my Father in Heaven."
Be well in this day the Lord has provided.
Jeanne
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)