Well, I was planning on sharing with you where The Splendid Acorn came from and what’s behind the name. However, plans changed. :) Instead, I thought I’d share with you the verses the Lord brought to mind this morning and what I’m resting in tonight.
"I am SURE of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion..." Philippians 1:6
"He who calls you is faithful..." 1 Thessalonians 5:24
He is faithful! He is committed! To you… to me... to His glory!!
I needed that reminder not only this morning as I started my day, but also tonight as I’m about to tuck in. Oh that I would cling to His promises and not fall prey to the snares of the enemy. That I would let these words sink deep in my heart and allow them to transform my thoughts and actions.
I love how The Message describes Paul’s words…
“I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.” Philippians 3:13-14
That's me. Even though I feel like a tortoise in this race and often it's two steps forward and 1.9 steps back. I’m learning to press on. It's a marathon for me, with a few sprints along the way, but characterized by baby steps and sustained by the grace of God.
I definitely don’t have it all figured out. And even tonight as I write, I totally resonate with Jesus' words, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” However, even in my stumbles, trips, falls, and crawls, I am learning to "fix [my] eyes on Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 (read vs. 12:1-3--even better!)
He was and is victorious! I’m convicted tonight about how often I can be a wimpy, lazy Christian. So often I pout around and sing a woe-is-me song. How lame is that?!
He has given me... given us!... everything we need in Him, however I have got to do something with it. So friends, let's put on the full armor of God! Let’s buckle His truth around our waist, mount His righteousness over our chest, shod our feet with His peace and readiness, pick up the protective shield of faith, crown ourselves with the helmet of His salvation and use the sword of the Spirit aka His Word! Not to mention we’ve got to pray… on all occasions! (Eph. 6:10-18) Nothing is too big, too small, too hard, or too silly for our God.
I don't know about you... but I'm tired of being a wimpy Jesus follower. I want to learn to use the tools God has equipped me with for this battle! Let's put on the armor of God and stake claim on the real estate Jesus has already conquered!
Chlo,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart!
I feel wimpy too.
My conversations with God always go like this:
I hope you can use me, use me up.
BUT
Please don't make me move my life around too much - I have a husband a house and two dogs - I'm pretty comfortable. And please don't call me to do something that other people will think is weird, I don't want to have to explain myself. Also, just don't make me have to speak in front of big groups of people- You know I hate that. So, that said, if You can think of anything I can do for You, just let me know.
TOTALLY WIMPY.
:)
My Beth!! So great to hear your voice...well at least I feel like I can. I totally get it pal. I'm just so thankful God choses to love and use us wimpy kids. However, I know there is so much more life to live than a mediocre bench-warmer. I'm asking the Lord for guts and courage... and an eternal perspective!! I think the latter is the biggest game changer of them all! Love you and miss you sweet friend.
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