Important

^15-17Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity

. 1 John 2:15-17 The Message

The word of God truly does cut like a double-edge sword. I read this passage today and was cut to the quick. So much of what of I do, is motivated by a desire to appear important.
As much as it stings, I really needed this message this morning. Lately, I have been feeling like God is just not there, so to have Him speak to me through His word, even words of rebuke, is comforting.

Victory??

From The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews:

“I will persist without exception. I will continue despite exhaustion. I acknowledge that most people quit when exhaustion sets in. I am not “most people.” I am stronger than most people. Average people accept exhaustion as a matter of course. I do not. Average people compare themselves with other people. That is why they are average. I compare myself to my potential. I am not average. I see exhaustion as a precursor to victory.”

Usually a quote like this pumps me up but these are not usual times. If the quote is true, I must be on the verge of winning some kind of Olympic medal.

The space of God

I never realized it before but God will use our circumstances, good and bad; our relationships, edifying and toxic, to create space in us that he wants to fill. Each of the conditions listed in the beatitudes creates a space in us, that if we allow Him to, God will gladly fill. Too often, way too often, I try to fill those spaces on my own.

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:3-12