First let me tell you about God "picking" on me...Lol! Last week I posted on Thursday about feeling "funky". Yesterday, I posted about Brooke saying I am in a mood. I guess I was in a mood yesterday. I had so many things I "needed" to do and so many things I "wanted" to do but I wasn't in"the mood" to do the "right" things. So after a long day, I was alone with God and my thoughts. He hits me with His best shot. His word. He brought to mind the lesson I read in my Esther workbook-Day 1, week three. How easy it is to forget what we learn if we don't truly write it on the tablet of our heart.
In chapter 3 of Esther, Mordecai refused to pay homage to Haman. He refused to kneel and in essence worship Haman. I tell you, ladies, you need to read Esther in the Bible. In the study we are to determine not so much why he didn't pay homage but HOW he did not bow. You see he was checked on daily. The word says day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. He had persistent pressure and temptation from others. The word shows that Mordecai continued his stance. He refused(as Beth writes) "...bowing to a big ego to save (his) own skin." During this time, it is noted that Mordecai did not slander, but he also did not kneel. HOW did Mordecai retain his stand against the temptation to kneel? Beth believes and I agree that God has revealed that (ARE YOU READY GIRLFRIENDS)......Mordecai responded out of his MIND SET rather than his MOOD. "Mordecai's made up mind was stronger than his mood."- Beth Moore.
Here are some helpful statements from Beth Moore's workbook:
- Temptations come and we either cave in because we're in the mood to sin or we quick-draw from a mind-set that is stronger than our mood.
- (Beth Moore) To live some semblance of victory, I've had to learn to be intentional and determined about where I would set my mind.
- We need more than a mood. We need a mind-set.
Colossians 3:2 (New International Version)
2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
2 Peter 1:4 (New International Version)
4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Friends, I/We should not feel "funky" or be in a "mood". Serving and committing to a Godly life isn't dependent on horomones, illness, or environmental distractions. It is about waking up each morning and thanking God for breath. It is about setting our minds on Christ...on things above. It is not a MOOD, it is a commitment to doing His will and His purposes. What ever the daily purpose is...clean house, go to work, make a phone call, or just smile to a stranger-no matter if you are cramping, sick, or NOT IN THE MOOD. We do and we serve because our mind is SET on pleasing our Creator, our God....our Father. We must be intentional on representing Him well, girlfriends.
Okay one more entry for this post. I am kidded often by those close to me because I listen to Christian programs on the radio often and I am always compelled to share what I learn (if it is truly Biblical). I listen to programs even if they don't relate to anything in my life.
Yesterday was one of those mornings. I had on a program that was talking about former Gay men who are Christians now. I wasn't sure why I continued to listen but I found it intriguing. Ladies, then I heard something that slapped me upside the head, but then broke my heart. This man was asked what finally put an end to his secret gay lifestyle during his marriage. His wife had joined a pray group where she prayed for her marriage troubles. One day the wife heard from God, simply and plainly in her heart. He said "Give (husband's name) to me." Basically give him over to God and let Him take over. The wife responded to God, "But God no one can love him like me." Basically no one can protect or love him like her. Then it hits her. Who am I talking to? I am talking to GOD! He is Love and He can have her husband. She placed her husband in His hands and let "what may" happen. He is a Godly man serving God and helping marriages and men overcome the Gay lifestyle today.
Many of you know of my struggles with my younger son. He is doing better in his commitment to school, but we still have issues with the MOUTH. I am trying hard to pick my battles and allow for some freedom of choice and independence. This parenting is a hard thing. I fear for Tim's future sometimes and especially his spiritual life. Sweet friends, it hit me hard what that wife did for her husband. She gave her husband to God. She no longer prayed to prevent him from his consequences. She prayed that God do whatever it takes to make her husband His - God's and in turn a better husband and a saved marriage. Ladies, I love my son. I want to protect him from pain and disappointment. However, God loves Him more than me. He knows what is best for Tim and what will ultimately make him a man for God. I have to release Tim to him. You see I have said this before in prayer but I take it back when I pray what I think is best for Tim or try to circumvent the consequences imposed on Tim. Kevin and I must truly place our SONS in HIS hands and let "what may" happen. God loves them and He doesn't make mistakes!
I hope your day is going well. I am setting my mind on Him. My mood says it is cloudy outside and let's be lazy. My mind is set on finding out what God wants me to do next. It's easier said than done. But it can be done. Go For It Girlfriends!
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