1 Peter 1:13-16

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be in control. My mother was a respected nurse who was "in charge" of her own floor on an overnight shift at a hospital. My dad has been a parts manager for several new car dealerships for as far back as I can remember and was "in charge" of many people as well. So I think I naturally assumed that is how I would progress in my life and career (whatever it might be) and eventually become a manager so I could be "in control".

There are areas I have very little control of. I can pray with all my heart not to be greedy, envious or unloving, but there are times that I fail in those and many other areas. Now, that being said, I love my Lord and Savior and it is my desire to submit to, please and follow Him. So why is it that I fail?

If there are many things I can't control in my own flesh, what makes me think I can control the actions or words of others? I suppose the way I act towards them or things I say will have some effect on them. But I can't control everything they say, think or do. It just is not possible. Saying that, why is it we allow the words and actions of others to dictate our words and actions?


To be continued......

John 16:33

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Our Savior said these words. They were true over 2000 years ago and they still ring true today. He is telling us there will be problems in life. At some times they will be more than we can handle, on our own. The world is full of heartbreak. We see it everyday on the news, at work, at home in the schoolyard and on the street corner. I imagine that all of us have a friend, co-worker or family member that has gone through marriage difficulty, separation or divorce. The crazy thoughts we continue to play OVER and OVER in our minds, no matter what our circumstances, just make it even worse. I know this is not what you would expect so far from a blog that intends to be encouraging so bear with me.

There is only one way to stop the helplessness. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He tells us "In Him" we can have peace because He has overcome the world. He does NOT tell us that everything will be a bed of roses. There will be roses, but they will have their thorns. Take heart though, He knows how they feel, and what to do with them. If you have not yet done so, I pray you put your trust in Him.

Many thoughts to come.....

It took a while to set this up. I will have a post tomorrow. God bless and have a great start of the week.