A Promise of Success

Sometimes people think that if the follow the letter of the law they will be successful in life. Do good deeds, have good things happen to you. Karma. The Promlems is the worlds interpretation of success. The world defines success as wealthy, attractive, well liked, and far from harm. Having the pretty wife, good kids in private school, house with a pool, job to be adored, etc. But what does it mean to be successful in Christ?

Love. 

Love Jesus, love people. 

Show love, demonstrate it to the world. Obey the Lord. Walk in His ways. Life won't be perfect. Storms will come and test our faith, often we will be put under trial and many times we will have even the appearance of being unsuccessful in our a great part of our lives but when the world takes a closer look- they should see that despite our circumstances- we are joyful! We have the joy of Christ in our life and what can be more successful than that? To rejoice when all seems lost- to sing when all seems forgotten or fallen- all because Christ and His love for us! His dying on the cross! Giving up His life, that we might have life more abundantly. 

People in the world may have the appearance of success because of their possessions and status among their community, but if there is no true joy in there life? What good is it all?

Psalm 128:1-2

“Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.”

True success is successfully pleasing the Lord in all you do, so go out and obey His commands that He has given you! :)

Decipleship and the Journey Along with it

Sometimes the greatest change happens when your love for the Lord and desire to serve Him is greater than your desire to serve the world and yourself. It's then when you so badly want to please Christ that you no longer care if you ruin your 'reputation' with the world by preaching the gospel to them. Learning how to love Christ teaches you how to love people better- to the point of not wanting to see them eternally condemned to Hell. Your testimony may convince one that Jesus can do a work, but it's the gospel that will convert them to Jesus Christ Himself.

I've been chosen to be a deciple for the Lord and it is scary. I feel insufficient, but I choose to continue with what the Lord has told me because my love for Him has overwhelmed me and I don't want to see others with the same fate I once had, but rather to be renewed in His glory and forgiveness!

No-thank-you Bite

Let's face it. I want adventure. There's nothing wrong with that. Some camping here. Amusement parks there. Married life. Kids. Travel. Hikes. Retreats. Parties. I mean, what isn't adventurous in life?

If there's anything my mom taught me that I've taken to heart that also applies in a small way to this particular moment is to always give things a no thank you bite. Now I still try no thank you bites when it comes to new food but I've also carried it over to many other things in life. I've ended up trying a lot of new things and getting out of my comfort zone. For instance: horse back riding. Tried it. Liked it a little even. Won't ever do it again though. 

There are a few things like this. I've discover what I like and what I don't. Weathers is books and movies, games, food, habits in relationships and so on. 

Once Casey Kendal taught me, a Christian should never be a codify able Christian. We should be getting out of our comfort zones of the pews of the church, and bringing the church to the people. The ultimate adventure. It's so true and I've leaned so much about myself because I've put this into practice. I've learned that I'm a control freak, slightly obsessive, and a tad clingy. But I've also learned that being around other people makes me a better servant. Having other who may seem better or may seem worse off, helping others, loving others, it's taught me to understand better what the Lord has for my life. I just serve better alongside those I love! And all because I decided to try new things. Get out there and know people better. I don't regret it. And still the Lord is stretching me. Putting me in places I don't think I'll ever understand. Most recently He's put me in a position, that I had been avoiding, for a long time, for good reason! So uncomfortable! Why me? Why there? Why now? The Lord knows the situation I have myself in but he still put me where he wants me. Nearly a month in and I still don't know why!?! But He is sovereign and has a perfect plan for all of our lives. So who am I to tell God that He made a mistake? He couldn't have. He has me there for a reason. So on serving I will do! And I won't lie, it's been pretty great already, despite the continuous discomfort. I can still have joy in my heart. 💜