February 8
Let Go, and Grow Up
Hebrews 5:11-14

Yesterday we learned about the three levels of life. Today our focus will be on the fleshly man. Sadly, many Christians are stuck on this plane of existence. They try to obey the Lord, but the old "flesh" keeps emerging. Life is a roller coaster of spiritual ups and downs.

Sometimes this condition is due to ignorance. There are many people who fail to realize that 1) this lifestyle is not meant to be the norm for believers, and 2) the Lord has given us everything we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3-4).

However, the primary reason believers live fleshly lives is because they have not yet made up their minds who will be in control. There is something they are unwilling to surrender to God—it could be a desire, habit, or source of security or pleasure. Another possibility is that they have sensed His call on their lives but are running from Him in fear or rebellion.

The consequences of living this way are devastating. Without the Spirit's governing control, the carnal Christian is spiritually immature and ruled by his own desires, rights, and expectations. Because he has not applied previously learned biblical truths (milk), he cannot understand the deeper things of Scripture (meat). The result is stunted spiritual growth.

If you find yourself described here, take courage. You do not have to remain in this condition. What are you holding onto? Letting go can be very difficult, but the power of almighty God resides within you through His Spirit. Relax your grip, surrender to Him, and rely on His strength.

-Dr. Charles Stanley

When I read this , I felt that fire burn with me. My heart burns to show others the abundant life found in Christ. I lived my life as a "carnal Christian" for so long. I missed out on the "abundant life" thinking if I gave my life to God He would punish me or something. I had a wrong perception of who He was. There was this disconnect. I bought into the lie. I lived my own life. I was in control. I was miserable.

When I took that step of faith to say "Lord, I don't care what You have me do. I'd rather be miserable in You , than miserable trying to do things myself". When I came to that point that said "God , You are worth whatever." Life changed. Boy, did life change. Real life came. Everything I had been so striving for was fulfilled in my heart. I no longer had to chase the externals. Peace. Joy. Fulfillment. Purpose. Love. Acceptance. All in Him and in giving Him control. I realized He wasn't a mean God, but the most loving One I would ever encounter. The whole time He was holding out for my best. When I showed up, He showed up. Praise Him! I am so glad that "his patience leads to our repentance."

This is my prayer! I want my life to be one big Thank You to the One who deserves it most!!!

"O the Spirit filled life; is it thine, is it thine?
Is thy soul wholly filled with the Spirit Divine?
O thou child of the King, has He fallen on thee?
Does He reign in thy soul, so that all men may see
The dear Savior's blest image reflected in thee?

"Has He swept through thy soul like the waves of the sea?
Does the Spirit of God daily rest upon thee?
Does He sweeten thy life, does He keep thee from care?
Does He guide thee and bless thee in answer to prayer?
Is it joy to be led of the Lord anywhere?

"Is He near thee each hour, does He stand at thy side?
Does He gird thee with strength, has He come to abide?
Does He give thee to know that all things may be done
Through the grace and the power of the Crucified One?
Does He witness to thee of the glorified Son?

"Has He purged thee of dross with the fire from above?
Is He first in thy thoughts, has He all of thy love?
Is His service thy choice, and is sacrifice sweet?
Is the doing His will both thy drink and thy meat?
Dost thou run at His bidding with glad eager feet?

"Has He freed thee from self and from all of thy greed?
Dost thou hasten to succor thy brother in need?
As a soldier of Christ dost thou hardness endure?
Is thy hope in the Lord everlasting and sure?
Hast thou patience and meekness, art tender and pure?

"O the Spirit filled life may be thine, may be thine,
In thy soul evermore the Shekinah may shine;
It is thine to live with the tempests all stilled,
It is thine with the blessed Holy Ghost to be filled;
It is thine, even thine, for thy Lord has so willed."

-Streams in The Desert Devotional

Terse Verse and Peppy Prose

I know very little about my family history. I have 5 family members that I know and 1 other that I know about. Most of our history is gone but one little piece remains and it brings a smile to my face.

My great grandfather was a doctor. He was also a poet and wrote a book called Terse Verse and Peppy Prose (the copyright is 1956). I have an original copy and I happened upon it tonight. A lot of his poems talk about the patients he had over the years, not by name but just different sorts of people and their funny stories.
As I thumbed through , I came to one called Faith. I thought I would share it.

Faith
There is no trial sent by God
But can be borne;
The paths you tread the Master trod,
So do not mourn.

Although your future path seems dark,
Be not afraid;
With faith in God and self embark
Be undismayed.

Then follow on the unseen hand
That points the way,
And find at last the Blessed Land
Of Endless Day.

-A.L Dillon

I'm so glad that my happiness is not hinged on what God is DOING in my life. My joy comes from WHO HE IS. Simply. He is the GREAT I AM. Whenever my heart starts to fret I look to Him who says I AM to whatever question, doubt or worry I have. He is I AM. I AM. HE IS WHAT I NEED! What do you have in your life, that needs the GREAT I AM?

Examples:

I'm lonely....I AM your Comforter
I'm scared... I AM your Protector
I'm worried...I AM your Peace
I dont know...I AM the WAY
I'm tired of living a lie...I AM the Truth
I'm tired of just living....I AM the Life

Thank you Lord that You are the GREAT I AM to whatever we need!!!

If anyone cares to see what we do at "school", you can visit this site. I made it so at the end of the year we can print it off and it can act as sort of a year book of what we did for that year.