WHEN YOUR GAS IS RUNNING LOW
Have you ever run low on gas? I did. I was really anxious at that time. What if my car suddenly stop in the middle of nowhere 'cos no gas is left to reach my destination? It probably happened to many of us who drove automobiles in the rural areas, where the nearest petrol station is a bazillion miles away.
Being in a relationship with the person you're meant to be is awesome, it's a blessing. But do you ever realize, that when you expect too much from that person, you're supplying yourself with a fountain that runs dry? It happened to me. It's not that the other party didn't want to make us happy or meet our needs. But sometimes our expectations and needs can be too high that even that person cannot meet that, but only God could. However, cos we're shortsighted, we felt anxious and angry.
Sometimes we ladies especially, expect our other half to supply our gas tank with his tank. Our needs, our desires, etc..and the list goes on.. That's just impossible! He's struggling to fill his tank too from ours! There goes the cat fight.
Friends, human beings can only do so far to meet our needs, and it's imperfect anyway. But let's think, where should our supply comes from? From The EVERLASTING FOUNTAIN THAT NEVER RUNS DRY- OUR LORD! :)
Blessed day beloved daughters of God!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
ARE YOU AN ANGRY BIRD?
Got this from gotquestions.org, and was very enlightened. Enjoy :)
Question: "What does the Bible say about anger?"
Answer: Handling anger is an important topic. Christian counselors report that 50 percent of people who come in for counseling have problems dealing with anger. Anger can shatter communication and tear apart relationships, and it ruins both the joy and health of many. Sadly, people tend to justify their anger instead of accepting responsibility for it. Everyone struggles, to varying degrees, with anger. Thankfully, God’s Word contains principles regarding how to handle anger in a godly manner, and how to overcome sinful anger.
Anger is not always sin. There is a type of anger of which the Bible approves, often called “righteous indignation.” God is angry (Psalm 7:11; Mark 3:5), and believers are commanded to be angry (Ephesians 4:26). Two Greek words are used in the New Testament for our English word “anger.” One means “passion, energy” and the other means “agitated, boiling.” Biblically, anger is God-given energy intended to help us solve problems. Examples of biblical anger include Paul’s confronting Peter because of his wrong example in Galatians 2:11-14, David’s being upset over hearing Nathan the prophet sharing an injustice (2 Samuel 12), and Jesus’ anger over how some of the Jews had defiled worship at God’s temple in Jerusalem (John 2:13-18). Notice that none of these examples of anger involved self-defense, but a defense of others or of a principle.
Anger turns to sin when it is selfishly motivated (James 1:20), when God’s goal is distorted (1 Corinthians 10:31), or when anger is allowed to linger (Ephesians 4:26-27). Instead of using the energy generated by anger to attack the problem at hand, it is the person who is attacked. Ephesians 4:15-19 says we are to speak the truth in love and use our words to build others up, not allow rotten or destructive words to pour from our lips. Unfortunately, this poisonous speech is a common characteristic of fallen man (Romans 3:13-14). Anger becomes sin when it is allowed to boil over without restraint, resulting in a scenario in which hurt is multiplied (Proverbs 29:11), leaving devastation in its wake, often with irreparable consequences. Anger also becomes sin when the angry one refuses to be pacified, holds a grudge, or keeps it all inside (Ephesians 4:26-27). This can cause depression and irritability over little things, often things unrelated to the underlying problem.
We can handle anger biblically by recognizing and admitting our selfish anger and/or our wrong handling of anger as sin (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). This confession should be both to God and to those who have been hurt by our anger. We should not minimize the sin by excusing it or blame-shifting.
We can handle anger biblically by seeing God in the trial. This is especially important when people have done something to offend us. James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28-29, and Genesis 50:20 all point to the fact that God is sovereign and in complete control over every circumstance and person that enters our path. Nothing happens to us that He does not cause or allow. And as these verses share, God is a good God (Psalm 145:8, 9, 17) who allows all things in our lives for our good and the good of others. Reflecting on this truth until it moves from our heads to our hearts will alter how we react to those who hurt us.
We can handle anger biblically by making room for God’s wrath. This is especially important in cases of injustice, when “evil” men abuse “innocent” people. Genesis 50:19 and Romans 12:19 both tell us to not play God. God is righteous and just, and we can trust Him who knows all and sees all to act justly (Genesis 18:25).
We can handle anger biblically by not returning evil for good (Genesis 50:21; Romans 12:21). This is key to converting our anger into love. As our actions flow from our hearts, so also our hearts can be altered by our actions (Matthew 5:43-48). That is, we can change our feelings toward another by changing how we choose to act toward that person.
We can handle anger biblically by communicating to solve the problem. There are four basic rules of communication shared in Ephesians 4:15, 25-32:
1) Be honest and speak (Ephesians 4:15, 25). People cannot read our minds. We must speak the truth in love.
2) Stay current (Ephesians 4:26-27). We must not allow what is bothering us to build up until we lose control. Dealing with and sharing what is bothering us before it gets to that point is important.
3) Attack the problem, not the person (Ephesians 4:29, 31). Along this line, we must remember the importance of keeping the volume of our voices low (Proverbs 15:1).
4) Act, not react (Ephesians 4:31-32). Because of our fallen nature, our first impulse is often a sinful one (v. 31). The time spent in “counting to ten” should be used to reflect upon the godly way to respond (v. 32) and to remind ourselves how anger is to be used to solve problems and not create bigger ones.
Finally, we must act to solve our part of the problem (Acts 12:18). We cannot control how others act or respond, but we can make the changes that need to be made on our part. Overcoming a temper is not accomplished overnight. But through prayer, Bible study, and reliance upon God’s Holy Spirit, ungodly anger can be overcome. Just as we may have allowed anger to become entrenched in our lives by habitual practice, we must also practice responding correctly until it becomes a habit itself.
Got this from gotquestions.org, and was very enlightened. Enjoy :)
Question: "What does the Bible say about anger?"
Answer: Handling anger is an important topic. Christian counselors report that 50 percent of people who come in for counseling have problems dealing with anger. Anger can shatter communication and tear apart relationships, and it ruins both the joy and health of many. Sadly, people tend to justify their anger instead of accepting responsibility for it. Everyone struggles, to varying degrees, with anger. Thankfully, God’s Word contains principles regarding how to handle anger in a godly manner, and how to overcome sinful anger.
Anger is not always sin. There is a type of anger of which the Bible approves, often called “righteous indignation.” God is angry (Psalm 7:11; Mark 3:5), and believers are commanded to be angry (Ephesians 4:26). Two Greek words are used in the New Testament for our English word “anger.” One means “passion, energy” and the other means “agitated, boiling.” Biblically, anger is God-given energy intended to help us solve problems. Examples of biblical anger include Paul’s confronting Peter because of his wrong example in Galatians 2:11-14, David’s being upset over hearing Nathan the prophet sharing an injustice (2 Samuel 12), and Jesus’ anger over how some of the Jews had defiled worship at God’s temple in Jerusalem (John 2:13-18). Notice that none of these examples of anger involved self-defense, but a defense of others or of a principle.
Anger turns to sin when it is selfishly motivated (James 1:20), when God’s goal is distorted (1 Corinthians 10:31), or when anger is allowed to linger (Ephesians 4:26-27). Instead of using the energy generated by anger to attack the problem at hand, it is the person who is attacked. Ephesians 4:15-19 says we are to speak the truth in love and use our words to build others up, not allow rotten or destructive words to pour from our lips. Unfortunately, this poisonous speech is a common characteristic of fallen man (Romans 3:13-14). Anger becomes sin when it is allowed to boil over without restraint, resulting in a scenario in which hurt is multiplied (Proverbs 29:11), leaving devastation in its wake, often with irreparable consequences. Anger also becomes sin when the angry one refuses to be pacified, holds a grudge, or keeps it all inside (Ephesians 4:26-27). This can cause depression and irritability over little things, often things unrelated to the underlying problem.
We can handle anger biblically by recognizing and admitting our selfish anger and/or our wrong handling of anger as sin (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). This confession should be both to God and to those who have been hurt by our anger. We should not minimize the sin by excusing it or blame-shifting.
We can handle anger biblically by seeing God in the trial. This is especially important when people have done something to offend us. James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28-29, and Genesis 50:20 all point to the fact that God is sovereign and in complete control over every circumstance and person that enters our path. Nothing happens to us that He does not cause or allow. And as these verses share, God is a good God (Psalm 145:8, 9, 17) who allows all things in our lives for our good and the good of others. Reflecting on this truth until it moves from our heads to our hearts will alter how we react to those who hurt us.
We can handle anger biblically by making room for God’s wrath. This is especially important in cases of injustice, when “evil” men abuse “innocent” people. Genesis 50:19 and Romans 12:19 both tell us to not play God. God is righteous and just, and we can trust Him who knows all and sees all to act justly (Genesis 18:25).
We can handle anger biblically by not returning evil for good (Genesis 50:21; Romans 12:21). This is key to converting our anger into love. As our actions flow from our hearts, so also our hearts can be altered by our actions (Matthew 5:43-48). That is, we can change our feelings toward another by changing how we choose to act toward that person.
We can handle anger biblically by communicating to solve the problem. There are four basic rules of communication shared in Ephesians 4:15, 25-32:
1) Be honest and speak (Ephesians 4:15, 25). People cannot read our minds. We must speak the truth in love.
2) Stay current (Ephesians 4:26-27). We must not allow what is bothering us to build up until we lose control. Dealing with and sharing what is bothering us before it gets to that point is important.
3) Attack the problem, not the person (Ephesians 4:29, 31). Along this line, we must remember the importance of keeping the volume of our voices low (Proverbs 15:1).
4) Act, not react (Ephesians 4:31-32). Because of our fallen nature, our first impulse is often a sinful one (v. 31). The time spent in “counting to ten” should be used to reflect upon the godly way to respond (v. 32) and to remind ourselves how anger is to be used to solve problems and not create bigger ones.
Finally, we must act to solve our part of the problem (Acts 12:18). We cannot control how others act or respond, but we can make the changes that need to be made on our part. Overcoming a temper is not accomplished overnight. But through prayer, Bible study, and reliance upon God’s Holy Spirit, ungodly anger can be overcome. Just as we may have allowed anger to become entrenched in our lives by habitual practice, we must also practice responding correctly until it becomes a habit itself.
Friday, July 01, 2011
DE-CLUTTERING LIFE
Do you know what happens if you keep piling miscellaneous things over your desk for 1 month non-stop? JUNK. Honestly, that's a common sight on my desk.. :P and when it's time to search for an important document, I have to rush thru my hill of paraphernalia- only to find that I lost that treasure. Don't ask me how chaotic it was. Man, I need better organization!
But don't you think we all need to do decluttering once in a while? So does life.
Yesterday was one of those days when my energy tank was running low & mood swings kicking out. Keeping up with 10 different tasks, commitments & expectations in a day was probably not the worst thing ever happened; but hey, that's life- sometimes we got frustrated and upset, even with the simplest matters. My stress level can't help but escalates.
But thank God, His Word is truly a remedy that comes in times of need. It felt like getting a jug of fresh water in the middle of a desert when I stumbled upon this wonderful message:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FOCUS ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS
by: Rick Warren
“Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress ….” Hebrews 12:1b (NLT)
If you want to finish the race of life, if you want to make it to the finish line, you’re going to have to let go of some things that may be holding you back in the race. Call it de-cluttering; call it simplifying; there are some things that need to be laid aside in order to finish well.
What kind of things am I talking about? The things that cause you to get discouraged. Think of it this way. If you attach one light bulb to a battery, the battery will run for a long time. If you attach 100 light bulbs to a battery, it will go dim and dark really quick!
When you keep adding things to your schedule and your life, you will quickly become discouraged and tired.
In today’s verse from Hebrews 12:1b, I want to focus on two words, “weight” and “sin”, because these are the two things that hold you back in the race of life.
A weight is anything that slows you down. It could be a relationship, a job, an activity, or a sport. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing. A weight can be a good thing, but if you get too many good things in your life, you’re going to collapse because you don’t have time for all of them. You need to learn to say no to grow. God doesn’t expect you to do everything.
A weight can also be an unrealistic expectation that comes from peer pressure or the need to please someone, or it can be a memory. You might be stuck in the past, holding on to a happiness or hurt. The problem is that you can’t live in the past or even in the future; you can only live in the now. Trying to do anything else will weigh you down.
Whatever the weight is, if it isn’t working in your life, if it’s dragging you down, you need to let it go.
Identifying sins are easy, right? Sins are the things that you know to do but you don’t do them. You know the keys to living a healthy lifestyle or keeping your finances in good shape. But do you do them?
James 4:17 says, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins” (NIV).
So if you know that you should spend less than you make to stay financially healthy, don’t go on a spending spree that puts you further and further in debt. You don’t need to keep up with the Joneses or the Smiths or whoever you’re comparing yourself to. You don’t need to use the charge card.
Live within your means so you can lay aside the weight of financial debt and run your race well.
Source: http://profile.purposedriven.com/dailyhope/post.html?contentid=7032
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
So, what do you need to de-clutter today? :)
Do you know what happens if you keep piling miscellaneous things over your desk for 1 month non-stop? JUNK. Honestly, that's a common sight on my desk.. :P and when it's time to search for an important document, I have to rush thru my hill of paraphernalia- only to find that I lost that treasure. Don't ask me how chaotic it was. Man, I need better organization!
But don't you think we all need to do decluttering once in a while? So does life.
Yesterday was one of those days when my energy tank was running low & mood swings kicking out. Keeping up with 10 different tasks, commitments & expectations in a day was probably not the worst thing ever happened; but hey, that's life- sometimes we got frustrated and upset, even with the simplest matters. My stress level can't help but escalates.
But thank God, His Word is truly a remedy that comes in times of need. It felt like getting a jug of fresh water in the middle of a desert when I stumbled upon this wonderful message:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FOCUS ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS
by: Rick Warren
“Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress ….” Hebrews 12:1b (NLT)
If you want to finish the race of life, if you want to make it to the finish line, you’re going to have to let go of some things that may be holding you back in the race. Call it de-cluttering; call it simplifying; there are some things that need to be laid aside in order to finish well.
What kind of things am I talking about? The things that cause you to get discouraged. Think of it this way. If you attach one light bulb to a battery, the battery will run for a long time. If you attach 100 light bulbs to a battery, it will go dim and dark really quick!
When you keep adding things to your schedule and your life, you will quickly become discouraged and tired.
In today’s verse from Hebrews 12:1b, I want to focus on two words, “weight” and “sin”, because these are the two things that hold you back in the race of life.
A weight is anything that slows you down. It could be a relationship, a job, an activity, or a sport. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing. A weight can be a good thing, but if you get too many good things in your life, you’re going to collapse because you don’t have time for all of them. You need to learn to say no to grow. God doesn’t expect you to do everything.
A weight can also be an unrealistic expectation that comes from peer pressure or the need to please someone, or it can be a memory. You might be stuck in the past, holding on to a happiness or hurt. The problem is that you can’t live in the past or even in the future; you can only live in the now. Trying to do anything else will weigh you down.
Whatever the weight is, if it isn’t working in your life, if it’s dragging you down, you need to let it go.
Identifying sins are easy, right? Sins are the things that you know to do but you don’t do them. You know the keys to living a healthy lifestyle or keeping your finances in good shape. But do you do them?
James 4:17 says, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins” (NIV).
So if you know that you should spend less than you make to stay financially healthy, don’t go on a spending spree that puts you further and further in debt. You don’t need to keep up with the Joneses or the Smiths or whoever you’re comparing yourself to. You don’t need to use the charge card.
Live within your means so you can lay aside the weight of financial debt and run your race well.
Source: http://profile.purposedriven.com/dailyhope/post.html?contentid=7032
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
So, what do you need to de-clutter today? :)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Two are better than one :)
Weeeee.. another chapter is being written in my life! Thanks to the Creator of Love & Universe, Lord Jehovah. :)
Venturing out into a new territory is always an exciting journey, at least for those who loves adventures. So does being in a courtship! It's a new thing for me, and I'm excited for this! :) Nevertheless, I admit, I'm still so inexperienced & have fears too sometimes. :P
But one thing I know, that this whole courtship thing was orchestrated by the Lord. It's been wonderful to see how the Lord wrote this love story- and the best is yet to come. *Sorry if I'm being so cheesy rite now, but I just want to testify how good my Lord is by sharing this new experience! The confirmations from God, support from friends, parents' consent, and even calling & character match- it's been FANTASTIC & GLORIOUS. I cried in tears of joy sometimes- witnessing how beautiful & perfect the work of our Lord is. And how faithful He is :)
Just so you know, I almost gave up the thought of being married, on earth. I once thought perhaps courtship/marriage wasn't for me. And I was fine and content with that choice, actually. But as per the sovereignty of the Almighty, looks like it's quite certain that I'm on a journey to be married..hehe.. His ways are waayyyyy beyond mine! :)
When I say it's been fantastic, it doesn't mean that there were no tears & tissues involved. There have been conflicts & frictions, but we both have grown a lot thru those things. That's what I treasure the most, the GROWTH towards Godliness. If our relationships don't bring us closer to the Lord, there should be a question mark on whether we should pursue that relationship further.
My boyfriend & I prayed together a lot. Shared & discussed the Word a lot too. And of cos, we also do many other interesting and sweet things together :). I think that's one of the coolest things of being attached to a righteous Christian, who is deeply grounded in the Lord & is mature character-wise. True Union is truly in the Spirit. You've got this third strand, GOD, who ties us together. So, when we hold offenses against each other, we let the Lord intervene first. The Lord brings peace & sensitivity to understand each other more. It's where we learn to humble ourselves before God, bring us to our knees & press us on to exit our comfort zone. This is to GROW.
When we're connected to the Lord, we receive innumerable downloads of Heavenly wisdom and grace. For the hurted one, he/she is taught to forgive, just as the Father has forgiven us. For the hurting one, he/she was given the sensitivity to sense that there's something wrong with the partner and to apologize. When we're doin it God's way, there's always a way out- the best one, and there's no conflict too difficult to solve. :)
It's basically Matthew 6:33. When we put the Lord in the center of everything, including our relationship(s), His glory is being revealed thru us, and He made everything beautiful in His time. :)
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Oya, I just found a really cool blog on being a godly wife & mother online.. good investment on foundations for the married life.. hehe :) check it out ladies --> http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/
Weeeee.. another chapter is being written in my life! Thanks to the Creator of Love & Universe, Lord Jehovah. :)
Venturing out into a new territory is always an exciting journey, at least for those who loves adventures. So does being in a courtship! It's a new thing for me, and I'm excited for this! :) Nevertheless, I admit, I'm still so inexperienced & have fears too sometimes. :P
But one thing I know, that this whole courtship thing was orchestrated by the Lord. It's been wonderful to see how the Lord wrote this love story- and the best is yet to come. *Sorry if I'm being so cheesy rite now, but I just want to testify how good my Lord is by sharing this new experience! The confirmations from God, support from friends, parents' consent, and even calling & character match- it's been FANTASTIC & GLORIOUS. I cried in tears of joy sometimes- witnessing how beautiful & perfect the work of our Lord is. And how faithful He is :)
Just so you know, I almost gave up the thought of being married, on earth. I once thought perhaps courtship/marriage wasn't for me. And I was fine and content with that choice, actually. But as per the sovereignty of the Almighty, looks like it's quite certain that I'm on a journey to be married..hehe.. His ways are waayyyyy beyond mine! :)
When I say it's been fantastic, it doesn't mean that there were no tears & tissues involved. There have been conflicts & frictions, but we both have grown a lot thru those things. That's what I treasure the most, the GROWTH towards Godliness. If our relationships don't bring us closer to the Lord, there should be a question mark on whether we should pursue that relationship further.
My boyfriend & I prayed together a lot. Shared & discussed the Word a lot too. And of cos, we also do many other interesting and sweet things together :). I think that's one of the coolest things of being attached to a righteous Christian, who is deeply grounded in the Lord & is mature character-wise. True Union is truly in the Spirit. You've got this third strand, GOD, who ties us together. So, when we hold offenses against each other, we let the Lord intervene first. The Lord brings peace & sensitivity to understand each other more. It's where we learn to humble ourselves before God, bring us to our knees & press us on to exit our comfort zone. This is to GROW.
When we're connected to the Lord, we receive innumerable downloads of Heavenly wisdom and grace. For the hurted one, he/she is taught to forgive, just as the Father has forgiven us. For the hurting one, he/she was given the sensitivity to sense that there's something wrong with the partner and to apologize. When we're doin it God's way, there's always a way out- the best one, and there's no conflict too difficult to solve. :)
It's basically Matthew 6:33. When we put the Lord in the center of everything, including our relationship(s), His glory is being revealed thru us, and He made everything beautiful in His time. :)
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Oya, I just found a really cool blog on being a godly wife & mother online.. good investment on foundations for the married life.. hehe :) check it out ladies --> http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Pls enjoy this super awesome article below.. I just read it today & supplied me with much strength. :)
What’s Next To Do?
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest
Jun 08,2011
"If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." —John 13:17
Be determined to know more than others.
If you yourself do not cut the lines that tie you to the dock, God will have to use a storm to sever them and to send you out to sea. Put everything in your life afloat upon God, going out to sea on the great swelling tide of His purpose, and your eyes will be opened. If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your time in the calm waters just inside the harbor, full of joy, but always tied to the dock. You have to get out past the harbor into the great depths of God, and begin to know things for yourself— begin to have spiritual discernment.
When you know that you should do something and you do it, immediately you know more. Examine where you have become sluggish, where you began losing interest spiritually, and you will find that it goes back to a point where you did not do something you knew you should do. You did not do it because there seemed to be no immediate call to do it. But now you have no insight or discernment, and at a time of crisis you are spiritually distracted instead of spiritually self-controlled. It is a dangerous thing to refuse to continue learning and knowing more.
The counterfeit of obedience is a state of mind in which you create your own opportunities to sacrifice yourself, and your zeal and enthusiasm are mistaken for discernment. It is easier to sacrifice yourself than to fulfill your spiritual destiny, which is stated in Romans 12:1-2. It is much better to fulfill the purpose of God in your life by discerning His will than it is to perform great acts of self-sacrifice. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice . . .” (1 Samuel 15:22). Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been. “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know . . .” (John 7:17).
What’s Next To Do?
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest
Jun 08,2011
"If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." —John 13:17
Be determined to know more than others.
If you yourself do not cut the lines that tie you to the dock, God will have to use a storm to sever them and to send you out to sea. Put everything in your life afloat upon God, going out to sea on the great swelling tide of His purpose, and your eyes will be opened. If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your time in the calm waters just inside the harbor, full of joy, but always tied to the dock. You have to get out past the harbor into the great depths of God, and begin to know things for yourself— begin to have spiritual discernment.
When you know that you should do something and you do it, immediately you know more. Examine where you have become sluggish, where you began losing interest spiritually, and you will find that it goes back to a point where you did not do something you knew you should do. You did not do it because there seemed to be no immediate call to do it. But now you have no insight or discernment, and at a time of crisis you are spiritually distracted instead of spiritually self-controlled. It is a dangerous thing to refuse to continue learning and knowing more.
The counterfeit of obedience is a state of mind in which you create your own opportunities to sacrifice yourself, and your zeal and enthusiasm are mistaken for discernment. It is easier to sacrifice yourself than to fulfill your spiritual destiny, which is stated in Romans 12:1-2. It is much better to fulfill the purpose of God in your life by discerning His will than it is to perform great acts of self-sacrifice. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice . . .” (1 Samuel 15:22). Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been. “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know . . .” (John 7:17).
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