I have chosen to live by Biblical principles. The core values I have defined for myself are based on the Bible. Basically, I do try to live my life by God’s principles. Do I have it down pat? No, it is a moment by moment process and a continual process. However, each day I get stronger in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Secular choices are very temporary, fleeting. I chose Biblical principles because God’s word does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I wanted an anchor that is unchanging. Some of my personal principles have changed based on God’s word. The great thing about God’s word is that I am all the better for it. It is very challenging to live by principles that are ever changing.
This question is an awesome question because it compels us to examine what we truly believe. It causes us to examine how we are living. And, it compels us to evaluate what needs to change. You cannot fix what you don’t know is broken.
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:25 (NKJV)
Jeremiah speaks directly to us from chapter 3 in Lamentations. His description of going through difficult times and challenges paints a powerful picture of feeling like there is no hope, no way out. The challenges presented are directly relatable to what you may be dealing with right now. Sometimes in reading the heroic steps of the people of God from His Word, the internal challenges they faced may be overlooked. When walking through darkness, there may be the impression that we are all alone. The emotion is so strong we may feel that no one can know what is being experienced. No one can imagine what you are dealing with. No one can know or understand. However, ask Jeremiah. Read his testimony of what it feels like when it seems everything is totally against you in every form and fashion.
Changing perspective though, he also describes what it looks like to trust God in the mist of the darkness. To wait on God, to cry out to Him in the midst of the pain. God will turn it around, no matter what it looks like. Jeremiah accurately describes the road to change. Turn your heart back to God. He is faithful and His mercies are new every morning. He will answer prayers. Rather than wallow in distressed emotion, speak from the heart to God. Jeremiah did.
“I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I sill hope in Him.’ ” Lamentations 3:2
As I continue to heal from surgery and do the work for my Master’s, I wanted to come to say hello. I hope all is well. Not sure if anyone else is challenged with getting everything done on a consistent basis. Time seems to get away from me. Okay, so the grandkids help with time getting away from me.
Work on one thing at a time and finish it. Sometimes I am all over the place, starting something and moving on to something else without finishing the previous item. Moving forward in the Master’s program is challenging as I deal with medical issues. However, this process is calling for me to glean things unimportant. I never knew how much I added things I didn’t need to do. I am also learning to prioritize. What’s most important to be accomplished today? As I answer these questions, things become clearer. The good thing is that God is giving me the grace to do this.
I would just like to encourage any reader who is challenged with that ominous to-do list to prioritize. I have accepted that I can not do everything every day. Days need to be set aside for certain things. That way I can accomplish excellence in what I do on that day. Boy! If I was only practicing this in my thirties. Back then, I had the delusion I was superwoman. You know what is said, “Hindsight is 20-20.” No fretting though. Got it now.
Last, but not least, make sure to get rest when needed. Since having the surgery, I don’t have the same energy I used to have. My body will tell me, “You need to sit down, lie down, or go to sleep.” I obey. Side note. With the heat wave that is all over the place, not just Las Vegas or Phoenix, but areas all over the place are experiencing high heat warnings, it’s best to make sure you are not only resting when required but hydrated as well.
What is control? The definition of the verb is “restraint or direction over; dominate”. The definition of the noun is “to hold in check”. The reason for both here is that the noun directly relates to yourself and the verb relates to others.
Why do I want to talk about control? Just viewing the chaos on the rise in our cities, states, communities, it is evident that some of it is not having self-control and the other is trying to control others. What else motivates violence except trying to control other people? We have yet to conclude that the very essence of chaos is lack of self-control or control. When we get real with ourselves and the sin nature of humanity, we will arrive at the place where we understand that self-control is one of the foundational elements of bringing change to our communities, cities, etc. When self-control is broad, it covers a wider spectrum.
Accepting that one person cannot change another is pivotal to changing our environment. There are so many factors that affect change, it is not possible to cover them all in one sitting. However, it is necessary to begin conversations that bring to light necessary methods to apply change. For instance, consistency is one. When you have a method that works, keep doing that. Repetition is necessary for permanent change. Knowledge and self-awareness is also necessary. Wisdom and instruction is necessary. Understanding is necessary. Forgiveness of others and self is necessary. Where do we begin? Accepting who we are in Christ, our true identity, is the beginning. When we can accept our identity in Christ, we can accept the identity of others. Loving others as we love ourselves.
Prayer is necessary for individuals to move toward change; for them and by them. Some would say how does that work when the choice belongs to the individual to change. I do not have the answer to that. I do have the word of God in how to navigate towards this goal.
2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heave, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.:
Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
God is faithful. The beginning is turning to Him for help. He’s given us Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” The Serenity Prayer
This part of the Serenity Prayer speaks directly to me. Accepting what I cannot change puts me in a place to see what I can change. We cannot change others. We inspire them to change themselves (allowing the transformative power of God to move) as we model what that looks like. It is a part of growth that is necessary because it clears our perspective and allows us to move forward. I truly believe that transformative change comes from God because it begins with humility.
1 Peter 5:6 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you,”
God’s Hand
Surrendering to God that He is the omnipotent power is the beginning; accepting that we cannot change anyone but ourselves. Yet, we need His mercy and grace even for that part.
Once you have a clear perspective, you can then ask Him for the courage or power to change the things you can. What does that look like in your life? We all have areas in which we move for change. I only know what that looks like in my life. You know what that looks like in yours. God knows what that looks like for everyone. The Word of God tells us do not fear but be of good courage. He was clear in speaking to Joshua, telling him not to fear but be of good courage.
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
The Word tells us that He has given us a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. We can move for change because God is faithful to His Word.
Last, but certainly not least, we need to move in wisdom. God’s Word tells us that:
James 1:5 – “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
True wisdom comes from God. He is the all-powerful, all-knowing, present everywhere God. This prayer speaks truly to who God is on this journey. I would say that speaking this prayer out loud everyday moves us out of the way for Him to do what only He can do. Change us for His glory.
I was thinking about the previous post on November 27th, Change, and wanted to expound on that a little. Affirmations help us change; however, only if you believe what you are saying to yourself. Sure, repetition is key as we move forward in growth. It is important to understand that faith is a critical key to changing.
I use Bible promises for my affirmations. I will tell you though that I didn’t begin to see the transformation until I believed what God said about me and His promises to me. Psalm 18:30 – “This God-His way is perfect, the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.”
It truly was the supplement I needed to continue truly growing. The repetition of the affirmations is like reinforcing the glue. Belief is what makes it stick. It is the glue. Even if we fall down (miss a day), we get back up and continue moving forward on our journey.
Believing what you speak to yourself determines what you believe. What are you believing that is impacting your ability to change? Something to ponder regarding your growth, your goals and your life.
Hello everyone. Today I come from a place in my heart. It is that if you really want things to change, you have to change things. Coming from a weekend of training on empowerment, I am excited that no matter how bad things may look, circumstances do change. How you perceive your circumstances is critical. Should you believe you won’t overcome them, you won’t. Should you believe you will overcome them, you will.
Change requires action. Whether small steps, medium steps, or big steps doesn’t matter. Taking action is what does. Do you really want things to change? I ask again. Do you really want things to change for you? Then start to make changes. First change is mindset. How are you thinking about what needs to change? I can do all things through Christ. Evaluate. Look at all that’s going on around you. What can you do to start your change process? What’s in your control? What’s not?
Ask yourself the hard questions about your life. No one knows the details about your life but you and God. He will help you and He is faithful. Call to me and I will answer He says. He is the all-knowing and all-powerful God.
