I love to reflect and analyze. Sometimes, it's not the very best thing for me because I can get stuck in that place whether it's something of a victory or a failure. But today being the last day of 2015, I will reflect on things.
Overall, it was a great year. Here we all are, our family of six. We've stayed alive, we've been healthy, all of our needs have been met and many desires as well. If we have been lacking in anything, it's been our own fault. We have SO much to be thankful for!
This morning, my devotions were based on one 'little' word: mine. It's actually quite a big word! What comes to your mind when you think 'mine'?! Some of what comes to my mind is family, relationships, work, careers, free time....
What didn't come to mind, unfortunately, was God.
When Jesus came to earth, He laid aside everything! His glory, His possessions, His comfort, His rights. Even, occasionally, His opinions. He laid aside His body and He even gave up His life!!
But something that He did not, WOULD not, give up was His right to call God his Father.
And that is the only thing that I can rightfully call MINE! Everything else is HIS! And rightfully so. He loves my kids even more than I do. They are HIS and he can take better care of them than we can! He is concerned with my relationships even more so than I am. He is mindful of our work, careers, finances.... it's all His and He works for our good. He is aware of our desires; He wants us to experience joy that only He can give! He has ownership and control over it all. The only thing that I can claim as MINE is God as my Father. That is a constant. Nothing can take that away from me (Romans 8:38-39).
Beth Moore has a great way of stating this: 'In the midst of so much we cannot have, God says to His children, 'Forsake lesser things and have as much as you want of Me.' Remember John 3:34 says that God gives His Spirit without measure. While God is the owner and possessor of all things, He freely invites us to be as possessive over Him as we desire. He is my God. And your God. He's the only thing we can share lavishly without ever lessening our own supply.' Isn't that brilliant?!!
So in light of being an adopted child of God (Romans 8:14-17), I hope that will change my perspective during 2016.
I am selfish! I have a tight grip on my husband, my kids, my life and my happiness. But just as Jesus did, I need to lay down these things and cling to the one thing that is mine that will never change: God as my Father, Christ as my Savior, and the Holy Spirit as my Advocate.
I don't know how exactly, but I hope that I can carry on with this concept of what is truly mine in the next year. I hope that I'll be reminded of this when I'm feeling selfish. When I inwardly or outwardly insist on what I want, what I think I need, when I can't think clearly because I'm so caught up in MYSELF! I hope and pray today that I can be caught up in God! God leading and directing me as wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, servant.... No matter what 2016 may hold. No matter what I may have to 'give up' that wasn't mine in the first place.
On a previous 'reflection post' of the New Year, I wanted to be more intentional. Being intentional is so important because if we aren't, things can slip. Well this year, I hope I can intentionally remember that God is mine and He will give as much of Himself to me as I want. And that offer is good for anyone that will accept Him and I should be making that known! I know that myself and others could definitely use more of His power and authority and love and grace in my life every. single. day.
So here's to a Happy New Year of un-apologetically claiming God as my Father!
(If you haven't taken the step in your life to call God your own Father, message me or someone you know that can help you take that step! It'll be the best thing you will ever do! If He isn't yours yet, then the sad truth is you have nothing to call 'mine'. Struggle with this and make a decision to follow Christ! John 14:6)
Overall, it was a great year. Here we all are, our family of six. We've stayed alive, we've been healthy, all of our needs have been met and many desires as well. If we have been lacking in anything, it's been our own fault. We have SO much to be thankful for!
This morning, my devotions were based on one 'little' word: mine. It's actually quite a big word! What comes to your mind when you think 'mine'?! Some of what comes to my mind is family, relationships, work, careers, free time....
What didn't come to mind, unfortunately, was God.
When Jesus came to earth, He laid aside everything! His glory, His possessions, His comfort, His rights. Even, occasionally, His opinions. He laid aside His body and He even gave up His life!!
But something that He did not, WOULD not, give up was His right to call God his Father.
And that is the only thing that I can rightfully call MINE! Everything else is HIS! And rightfully so. He loves my kids even more than I do. They are HIS and he can take better care of them than we can! He is concerned with my relationships even more so than I am. He is mindful of our work, careers, finances.... it's all His and He works for our good. He is aware of our desires; He wants us to experience joy that only He can give! He has ownership and control over it all. The only thing that I can claim as MINE is God as my Father. That is a constant. Nothing can take that away from me (Romans 8:38-39).
Beth Moore has a great way of stating this: 'In the midst of so much we cannot have, God says to His children, 'Forsake lesser things and have as much as you want of Me.' Remember John 3:34 says that God gives His Spirit without measure. While God is the owner and possessor of all things, He freely invites us to be as possessive over Him as we desire. He is my God. And your God. He's the only thing we can share lavishly without ever lessening our own supply.' Isn't that brilliant?!!
So in light of being an adopted child of God (Romans 8:14-17), I hope that will change my perspective during 2016.
I am selfish! I have a tight grip on my husband, my kids, my life and my happiness. But just as Jesus did, I need to lay down these things and cling to the one thing that is mine that will never change: God as my Father, Christ as my Savior, and the Holy Spirit as my Advocate.
I don't know how exactly, but I hope that I can carry on with this concept of what is truly mine in the next year. I hope that I'll be reminded of this when I'm feeling selfish. When I inwardly or outwardly insist on what I want, what I think I need, when I can't think clearly because I'm so caught up in MYSELF! I hope and pray today that I can be caught up in God! God leading and directing me as wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, servant.... No matter what 2016 may hold. No matter what I may have to 'give up' that wasn't mine in the first place.
On a previous 'reflection post' of the New Year, I wanted to be more intentional. Being intentional is so important because if we aren't, things can slip. Well this year, I hope I can intentionally remember that God is mine and He will give as much of Himself to me as I want. And that offer is good for anyone that will accept Him and I should be making that known! I know that myself and others could definitely use more of His power and authority and love and grace in my life every. single. day.
So here's to a Happy New Year of un-apologetically claiming God as my Father!
(If you haven't taken the step in your life to call God your own Father, message me or someone you know that can help you take that step! It'll be the best thing you will ever do! If He isn't yours yet, then the sad truth is you have nothing to call 'mine'. Struggle with this and make a decision to follow Christ! John 14:6)
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