Thought provoking thoughts

Tonight at small groups I received some thought provoking thoughts. I know that sounds funny and I kinda mean it to be funny but we will get serious soon. Back to small groups. 

I really think a lot of times as Christians we forget that the Bible, sermons, God's word, and life are supposed to make us think. There are things meant to move us and become "huh" moments. I know I forget that all the time personally. I get lost in my regular day by day moments or within my own spirituality. We (Christians) become Pharisaical and focus on our actions, our checklist. 

Now we are really back at small groups. We have been talking about Paul and the Romans road. Tonight was specifically about Paul's last days in prison and his last letter to Timothy. It was some good stuff. At the end of our discussion the question was "Think about how long you have been saved. Are you spiritually at where you thought you would be 5/6 years ago? Do you want to be the same spiritually in another 20 years? Or do you want to grow, change, move, learn, and breathe God? Think about it."

All I can say is WOW. I have never thought about it that way and that's sad for someone who grew up in church and has been saved for awhile. To make things even more sad I don't like looking back and thinking that way. It isn't great and not really good. My beliefs, views, and standards have altered and changed from 5/6 years ago so I know that makes a difference but not by much. 

What I do know is that I don't want to look back again and be the same. I would hate to look back 5 years  to when I was 18 and realize I haven't matured, grown, or changed. I think everyone feels that way. But why do we let the things that matter just drift on. 

How's that for thought provoking?

More information about small groups found here. 

Complain, Whine, Complain

This is just for me today. I have been the biggest complainer, whiner, or whatever else you want to call it this week. Remember my whole "be positive" part of my 2011 plan, ya, don't know where that went! Now mind you I can give you some pretty darn good excuses and reasons why I'm complaining but in the end they are still just excuses. I haven't looked at any positives this week. I let circumstances and my emotions take me down and looking back it was basically pathetic.

Of course I didn't think it was pathetic until the end of the week, mainly last night after our ladies Bible study. My sister teaches it and we are going through the fruit of the spirit. Last night we went over Faith and surprisingly complaining came up. If you can imagine I felt a little ridiculous but realized it's true. Complaining, worrying, whining, it all says no faith. Not just faith in God, but in yourself, those around you, and what you believe. I tried being more positive today and not focusing and what was frustrating me, had faith that God would work it out and that I could handle what was given. Amazingly enough I had a much much better day. So, if everything is going wrong and you are having the most miserable day of your life have some faith, be positive, and see the difference.

Stop complaining! Have faith!

It lifts my soul

 

The past few weeks the song Blessed Be Your Name has just lifted me so much. It has calmed my heart and soothed my soul. The words have taught me a lesson and have become my own special reminder that God is in control. I've always loved this song but it has taken on a whole new meaning with me and I wanted to share the lyrics with you.

Blessed Be Your Name

-Matt Redman

Blessed Be Your Name

In the land that is plentiful

Where Your streams of abundance flow

Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name

When I'm found in the desert place

Though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in, Lord

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name

When the sun's shining down on me

When the world's 'all as it should be'

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name

On the road marked with suffering

Though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in, Lord

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say

Lord, blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

I hope that the words lifted your heart and soul as well. Do you have a song that means the same to you? That calms you or brings you peace? Share it with me! 


P.S. I bought more green beans today!