Inspiration: Smokie Norful – Nothing Without You…
While this is a repost, this entry’s inspiration also comes from thoughts of people that feel a need to control and dictate others. I’m suddenly reminded of dinner at Buca’s a couple weeks ago… sigh... Jesus Christ…
Luke 9:23-27 (The Message)
23-27Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I'm leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn't, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God."
Everybody is so busy. Got to go do this and that and everything else. To gain what exactly?
What are you running from?
It is amazing how we try to make ourselves so important. But my thing is, why? Who are you trying to impress? Now don’t get me wrong, I like to look good and get a few accolades like the next person. But is that all you got going for yourself? What about your internal appearance? Sure you help others and put on the outward appearance that it’s all good. But is your outward appearance a by-product of a healthy internal appearance or just a mask...
i. Luke 12:1-3 (Message) By this time the crowd, unwieldy and stepping on each other's toes, numbered into the thousands. But Jesus' primary concern was his disciples. He said to them, "Watch yourselves carefully so you don't get contaminated with Pharisee yeast, Pharisee phoniness. You can't keep your true self hidden forever; before long you'll be exposed. You can't hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known. You can't whisper one thing in private and preach the opposite in public; the day's coming when those whispers will be repeated all over town.
Give others an opportunity to see the error in their decisions; sort of like you did. IN OTHER WORDS… STOP TRYIN TO FORCE OTHERS TO DO YOUR BIDDING… YOUR AIN’T RUNNING NOTHING…
Plain and simple, we all interpret things differently. And because of that you can’t always assume that others will agree with decisions you make. Not that the decisions are wrong or right; but each of us have to walk this walk with God and learn in our own way.
Learn to say NO so you can say YES to God.
Good Land O’ Gosha!!! If we can only get this concept down in our souls... Folks, it’s okay to say no; especially if it means you are saying Yes to God’s Will. Yeah we all wanna take drink, smoke that blunt, champ all the way out (See Ezekiel 16:20 Message Version), but folks the reality is that if we are to live for God; then there’s no lukewarm... either you hot or cold. We bettas learn to say no to the evils of this world and stop vacillating between God and our flesh... As of matter of fact; here’s a lil something that might make you think twice:
i. Revelation 3:15-17 (The Message) "I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.
NOTE: Now you know you gotta get it together; when Jesus Christ gotta call you all the way out like this...
THOUGHT: WE DO A LOT FOR OTHERS; BUT WHAT DO YOU DO FOR YOU? YOU TAKE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS, BUT WHO’S TAKING CARE OF YOU? We do a lot for others; but what do you do for yourself? Why do so much for others and neglect yourself, the temple? You do realize that with all your good deeds; if it’s not under the subjection of God (God’s Will), it is still dead. Take the time to really deal with yourself internally so that God can really pull the true potential out of you. Then and only then can you be effective in the ministry that God has called.
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” - Isaiah 55:6 (NIV)
Be blessed y’all...
