As I was leaving last evening, I noticed this in the sky. Luckily for me, I had my camera along because I haven't seen one of these in a very long time.
The picture is a little dark because it was almost dusk. But, can you see the rainbow? I was so thrilled to see this. I can't tell you the last time a saw a rainbow! And now, on to Internet Cafe Chat:
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
This is the verse for contemplation this week. And here is the question that Kim asks:
In what ways have you “conformed to this world” in your own life? Then, share the story of how God worked through you to “renew your mind” in that situation.
I have to say that God speaks to me often about this--is this acceptable in MY eyes? Is this good and perfect in MY eyes?
As I travel in my journey with God, I have changed in so many ways. I used to swear like a sailor in a storm. I thought nothing of taking the Lord's name in vain and dropping a few (now, let's be honest here--it was WAY more than a few!) choice words randomly in a sentence. Make me angry--watch out--words that have no business in my vocabulary would fly!!
Once I accepted Christ into my life, this behavior disappeared overnight--literally overnight!! God just took this away from me. People around me know that I find this type of language offensive now and tend not to speak in this manner around me. And, if someone would say the Lord's name in a manner that is not appropriate, I will tell them that I do not want to hear that--in no uncertain terms.
God continues to speak to me in regards to this verse. He has spoken to me about the friends I make--what kind of company should you be keeping, He says. Are these people who are acceptable in my eyes? Do they exhibit behavior that I (God) want to see in you? Are they going to draw you back into unacceptable behaviors?
Even down to my choices in reading materials: Is this something that I (God) would want you to immerse your mind in? Is that book glorifying MY Name? Is this book drawing you closer to Me or farther away from Me?
I rarely watch television or go to the movies. When I see most of the choices that are available or hear people speaking of shows on television or movies that they have seen, I know that the majority of them are not glorifying God.
I have made many changes in my life by listening to what God is saying to me, and it is a very simple question:
Is this behavior good and acceptable in MY eyes?
If I can very easily answer "no" to this question, then I am assured that this is not a place I should be, not a behavior I should be practicing, not even a book I should be reading.
I know that there are many more areas of my life where God has work to do in me. I will continue to listen and obey in my journey, and God will be there for me as I sometimes struggle to make these changes.
Read more about change........
As I travel in my journey with God, I have changed in so many ways. I used to swear like a sailor in a storm. I thought nothing of taking the Lord's name in vain and dropping a few (now, let's be honest here--it was WAY more than a few!) choice words randomly in a sentence. Make me angry--watch out--words that have no business in my vocabulary would fly!!
Once I accepted Christ into my life, this behavior disappeared overnight--literally overnight!! God just took this away from me. People around me know that I find this type of language offensive now and tend not to speak in this manner around me. And, if someone would say the Lord's name in a manner that is not appropriate, I will tell them that I do not want to hear that--in no uncertain terms.
God continues to speak to me in regards to this verse. He has spoken to me about the friends I make--what kind of company should you be keeping, He says. Are these people who are acceptable in my eyes? Do they exhibit behavior that I (God) want to see in you? Are they going to draw you back into unacceptable behaviors?
Even down to my choices in reading materials: Is this something that I (God) would want you to immerse your mind in? Is that book glorifying MY Name? Is this book drawing you closer to Me or farther away from Me?
I rarely watch television or go to the movies. When I see most of the choices that are available or hear people speaking of shows on television or movies that they have seen, I know that the majority of them are not glorifying God.
I have made many changes in my life by listening to what God is saying to me, and it is a very simple question:
Is this behavior good and acceptable in MY eyes?
If I can very easily answer "no" to this question, then I am assured that this is not a place I should be, not a behavior I should be practicing, not even a book I should be reading.
I know that there are many more areas of my life where God has work to do in me. I will continue to listen and obey in my journey, and God will be there for me as I sometimes struggle to make these changes.
Read more about change........
8 comments:
You are right about the choices out there. Very limited if we are listening to what God is saying.
Nice post!
Hi my sistah!!
It was good to see this morning when I opened my blog, Thanks fo sharing your heart. I too had a mouth not so much for bad words, but I used it in ways that hurt people and was very negagtive. Now as a woman of God the Lord has transformed my words and as mightily as I used it to hurt someone, I now use my words,to powerfully uplift and encourage someone with instead. Amen God is Good!! When I read your comment this morning on my blog I could so totally relate. I still have family members who till this day will not speak to one another because of past issues. Continue to serve the Lord and pray for your family. Maybe it's because they see a change in you, and it can make them look at where their lives are at and it may not be a comfortable reminder.
I wanted to put your link on my blog , but which one do you want me to link to, this one or the power of your love, let me know okay!! Hugz Lorie
Thank you, Beth, for sharing this. It is encouraging to read of the way God has transformed you and the ways you constantly seek to conform to His Words. We face many temptations daily and within us are the remaining corruptions which we also wrestle with. Thank God that He continues to work in us as we listen to His Words and follow Him. I love the picture of the rainbow! Rainbow always remind me that we have a covenant keeping God! Thanks for sharing with us. Thanks too for your visit and encouragement. Take care. May God grant you a very blessed week!
This is what your words brought to my mind today - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTsYAZvHsEQ&feature=related
Excellent post.
Isn't it amazing the ways in which God will change us if we simply allow Him to?
I had the same experience with foul language simply being stripped from my vocabulary overnight. I didn't have to strive or think about it, it was just gone!
We need to be reminded of the rainbows in this crazy time our world is in. Judgement? Bad choices? Too much sin in the world? Only God really knows but the rainbow, that says, PROMISE! God's promises!
I needed this today. My blog on Friday will address the scripture about being conformed to this world!
Love you!
Sonya
There is a lot out there that isn't glorifying to God. When I gave my life to Him I stopped saying, watching, seeing and doing many things. There are times when I am tempted or even mess up in these areas... but God is always there confirming my convictions. He is faithful to make us new if we are willing to give up this life and follow Him.
Along with our own refining... these verses are important in our witness to others.
We all have to make the choices that we believe are right for us and consistent with our faith. It takes a lot of courage!
Blessings to you.
Hopeful Spirit
On the Horizon
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