Principles to Live By

I have been on a journey lately. A journey that has led me closer to my Heavenly Father! I am so thankful for that and the hills and valleys that I have traveled. I would not change a fork or bend in the road. I have done things that I regret, said things that I regret, people have done and said things to me, and not just any people, people I love the most, but through each of these struggles, hardships, sorrows, and yes, joyful times too, I have learned that we are all on our own journey trying to figure out our purpose. I can also say that the Spirit has given peace with all of my past experiences, and the ability to forgive. I feel breathtakingly light, carrying no burdens or grudges. I can honestly say no one intentionally meant to hurt me, they were living their life, their journey, and I happen to be a part of it. Each one of these struggles has made me! I have been child-like for so long, listening and doing what I WANT. Does that sound familiar? I am praying and asking the Spirit to guide my thoughts and actions. Galations 5:22 list the fruits of the Spirit. Here is a task. Look this verse up. Pray and ask God to show you which ones you need work on. Now set a goal that you can apply daily in your life and write it down. I think for me self-control is hard. I am not necessarily an angry person, but can be I have to think about my words (Am I using them to encourage or to tear down? to gossip or meddle? or for my own selfish reasons. Self-Control over my time, how I interact with my daughter, you get the point. Anyways, try it and apply it and you will notice a change. Here are some key biblical principles that I try to use daily (I do fail, I am not perfect.) • Live by the Fruits of the Spirit • Quick to listen and slow to speak • I always ask myself what is my motivation for wanting to do, say, or buy that? Almost always it is motivated by selfishness. I am learning to lead a servant life. This is true love for others and pure joy for me. (THIS IS SO HARD FOR ME!! To deny my flesh of its wants, but learning that the more I do this, the easier it becomes.) • Listen to the Spirit and not my flesh • Let God fill my cup in the morning and not to rely on others to do that. They are human and WILL fail you. When we look to others for this, we have an expectation for them, and most the time this sets them up for failure. They don’t know what you need. God is the only one who is ALL KNOWING. (I have to be honest, I set expectations for my husband daily instead of just excepting him, then I get mad when he doesn’t notice my cute outfit, or thank me for dinner, or appreciate him… Once again, only thinking of my needs. Did I tell him thank you? Or that he looked handsome in his new shirt. Nope…just some food for thought.) • Be mindful that my life is a ministry, it does matter how people view me, but I have to pray and be filled daily with The Word in order to prepare myself. The world is tough; I constantly have to remind myself that I am just a pilgrim passing through. I live in and for the KINGDOM. • PUSH: Pray until something happens. Also, Dr. Charles Stanley taught me, that if your prayers are not being answered these things could be happening: 1. You are in Rebellion (sinning): Ask God to show you your sins and iniquities. Then repent. 2. You are being Prideful: You might be saying I don’t need help, I can do this alone, all by MYSELF. • Do the word! What use is knowledge of the word if you are not doing and applying it to your life? I could keep on writing, but I have to head to word. Hopefully what the Spirit has spoke to me and showed me through his word will speak to you. I want to pray that you all will be seekers of the word and pray for conviction in your heart. That the Lord WILL guide your steps in this life and for a discerning spirit to overwhelmingly take over your soul. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.