Practicing what I preach

 

Yesterday the Lord provided circumstances for me to put my morning’s devotional thoughts into practice. The quilter’s group in the community arranged a monthly sew day and it happened yesterday. For some reason, my old nature didn’t want to go. It was 7 hours, had to pack up a lot of heavy stuff to work on, I had other things to do, blah, blah, blah.

I prayed about it, understanding that all my negatives were not from God and with a great deal of them pounding at me, went anyway. I refused to let those ideas and I-wants rule. I like to sew, but didn’t want to do it all day. I like the people in the group, but small talk is hard for me. Again, blah, blah, blah. But I prayed again.

As soon as I walked into the sewing room, the Lord took over. My attitude became positive. The I-wants fell away. Any sinful possibilities like being competitive or critical, simply didn’t happen or enter my head. It was a wonderful day with some Christian fellowship, much love shared, and open conversations that drew us closer together. 

The big value in this experience is always asking for the Holy Spirit to help me, fill me, give me what He wants and boot out of my heart and mind all that is of the world, the flesh, and the devil. This trio of enemies try to make me shun what God wants and miss the joy that goes with His will and His goodness.

And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. (Ezekiel 36:27)
O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works. O Lord our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone we bring to remembrance. They are dead, they will not live; they are shades, they will not arise; to that end you have visited them with destruction and wiped out all remembrance of them. (Isaiah 26:12–14)

While He tells me what to do, such as. . . .  

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)

. . . . and if I am obedient to do this also. . . .  

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

. . . . He makes an incredible difference so that I am able to think right, say words that bless others, hear words that bless me, and do things that are kind and helpful. It just happens.

And after years of failing, falling, practicing, and knowing Jesus more deeply, I’m now wishing I could have more decades to do what I’ve been told rather than just hearing it, even agreeing with it, but not realizing the wonder of it through personal experience.

PRAY: What can I say to You except thank You for Your incredible patience and persistence with this stubborn child.