I just hate going so long without a new post.
I don’t really have anything picked out to write about.
I was talking to a good friend last night, some of what we talked about got me thinking about self-improvement. The self-help section in Barnes and Noble makes me gag; when I see 10 ways to… or change made easy or simple steps I want to throw those books to the floor. I’m not saying that there is something wrong with using these books as reference or maybe encouragement but as the “answer” they are missing the mark. It reminds me of time and time again when I get so excited about a project or idea which slowly deflates. I’m trailing off though…. The point I’m trying to make is that the self-improvement we were talking about is real.
My sister the other day was talking about our father, ranting I guess I should say about his lack of urgency when it comes to getting things done. She just wanted it to change. My mom and I replied with sarcastic comments on how great the world would be if we could change what was wrong with us.
We tend to get so upset with ourselves and with others for our faults, our weaknesses. Recognize that we have them. Recognize that self-improvement is knowing what is wrong and not just taking steps to improvement but picking yourself up again when you fail. It is like sin, the point for us is not to strive for perfection but to know God is the only one who can help us through. He is the only example to live by. I’m trailing again, I apologize for the lack of organized thought.
Grace is huge. See it! Grace is huge! Where would we be without grace? See it in what God does. Share it with others, including yourself.
I cannot say the rest on my own…
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
1 Peter 4
Live according to the spirit.
Pray.
Love one another.
