I’m being a little lazy and using some thoughts which have come from other sources. Partly because of being occupied with court preparation but also because I love it when things come together on a certain day ... like today (I’m writing this on the morning of 23rd and I have court this afternoon).
I get two emails each day, one from Chuck Swindoll ‘Insight for living’ and the other from UCB ‘Word for today’. Today they both had exactly the same theme and almost had indentical sentences. It makes you pay extra attention! At the same time I was reading them, a song played which I’ll attach a link to at the end, along the same thought process.
Essentially it’s all to do with answering this question and then pondering it mindfully with the view of taking action as necessary ....
“What am I really living for?”
How do I invest my time and resources? What’s the most important thing I can leave behind and pass on to those who knew me? I think it’s wise to regularly re-evaluate. Reflection is a promoted practice in many areas of life ... I can recall having to write reflective pieces at work when learning a new skill or observing a new method. It’s something good to look for in others ... can they reflect on themselves and see what went well, what could be improved on and how to move forward with positivity?
Can I simplify life so that I make room for the things and people that matter most? What are my priorities and why? Should I change or adjust them? How?
In the UCB email today it said: “Don’t just make a living ... make a difference. Don’t just leave an inheritance; leave a legacy that will enrich the lives of those who follow you”.
What is it that God wants us to live for? Surely in the pace of life, we don’t want to miss what He has for us. Ultimately, whatever He has in mind for us, it’s for our benefit and blessing, so why would we rush about being occupied with everything but that?!
You may ask, but what is it that He wants me to do and to live for? Each of us has been uniquely designed for a purpose, which may involve a specific calling and work to do, yet there is some common ground. God’s word the Bible tells us of many things we should be doing and also attitudes we should adopt ... essentially, our way of being. Every one of us lives in different homes, surroundings and circles of influence, so even if we aren’t being called to a different country or to a specific ‘big’ work (externally obvious to others), we can be who God wants us to be, right where we are .... that in itself is our calling.
Think back to the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5v22-23) ... remember about our minds and what we are advised to think about (Phil 4v8) ... what about pure religion and how we adopt that (James 1v27) ... we’re all advised to put on the armour of God (Eph 6v10-18) ... we’re all told to follow (and copy) Christ’s example ... we’re advised to study, to show ourselves approved (2 Tim 2v15) ... to walk worthy of our calling (Eph 4v1), and we’re all told to pray continually (1 Thes 5v17). If that’s not enough to be going on with then I don’t know what is!
On a personal note, I know that right now God wants me to live out His love every day to my circle of influence, which is firstly to my children and then to my friends, family, acquaintances, colleagues and then to those whom I barely know but will come across (take for example, the person serving you at a checkout ... how do you treat them, what’s your demeanor?). It’s being that light which cannot be hidden. I can only do this however, if I allow the light of God and His love, to fill me up every day. It is impossible to do this on my own ... it would be false and unattractive. Only Christ working in me can make it possible. I believe God has further plans for me which will unfold in time. I need to pray that my heart stays tuned to His so that my path may remain level (I love it in the psalms where it talks about a level path and solid ground) and that it is lit by His word.
I’m now at the end of the day (Tuesday 23rd) and have great peace in my heart. The prayers of so many and God Himself have sustained me once again. The court hearing was different to what I had expected but that’s ok. If I truly believe that God goes ahead and knows exactly what will happen and what is allowed ... and that He cares about me and those affected more than I can comprehend, then I should gladly accept the outcome and praise Him for His care, compassion and overruling hand. He gave wisdom, clarity, courage and justice.
I know this is now deviating somewhat from how I started this post, but I’d just like to share some of the verses which were given to me today either by a ‘verse of the day’ notification or by a friend / family member. I feel like the most loved and blessed person in the world, to be so wrapped up and held in a warm embrace by so many. How loved I am, and so very grateful.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial ... that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1v12).
“My victory and honour come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock ...trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62v7-8).
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my Saviour; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety” (Psalm 18v2).
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...” (Eph 3v20)
Psalm 27
Psalm 25 ... I especially like verse 21 “may integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope Lord, is in you”.
Here’s the song I was listening to this morning: ‘Keep me in the moment’ ~ Jeremey Camp:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=xb1bx3hYfzg&feature=share
Apologies this is a little disjointed ... I feel a bit spent right now.
With a thankful heart
Ingrid x
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