**DISCLAIMER**Ok first item of business, I realize I haven't blogged for a long time. But I never claimed to be a "regular blogger," just whenever I feel I have something that needs to be blogged about. And now I do, so I hope you are blessed by it :)
So.....
As we all know we have just celebrated the beginning of a new year. I have never really been a fan of "New Year's Resolutions," because I feel like they are just something people think they should do. Many people, myself included, set goals that they never finish. I think deep down many people don't really want to change. For example, bazillions of people set a weight goal, and don't meet it or give up. I think many people make this because other people are doing it, or they are pressured by society. Or a goal to do more Bible studies - because "that's what good Christians do." They aren't stirred to change, just feel like it's a good idea.
Now don't get me wrong, I think its good to work towards goals, and the New Year is a good time to start fresh. I just think some people don't truly want what they say they want because they are not stirred deep down...
Well, I have been stirred.
For the past couple of months, God has been stirring up something inside of me, and it has to do with the way I love. I'm not just talking about the way I love Parker, but especially him. God has been showing me the attitude I have: and that is to give back only what I get. And I have a problem with this kind of loving. Here's an example: If Parker were to say we are going to do something at a certain time, then I would be ready at that time and be excited to do whatever we were doing. And then that thing never happens or happens much later than what he says, it makes me upset, and also makes me feel like I am not a priority and should just be put into his schedule when he "has time." (I know that's not the case, but that is how I feel).
So then, when HE wants to hang out and is ready, I want to make him wait or feel "unimportant" like he made me feel.
And for the past couple of months, anytime of have this feeling of "I'm only giving what I am getting," God presses on my heart and I feel like this is not the way it should be.
But the kind of love I am talking about, it's not natural. There is no way that I, a mere human, could love other messed up humans like that.
That kind of love, well it's supernatural.
Luckily, we have a supernatural God who works supernaturally through us :)
I have been thinking these things for awhile, and I came across this passage:
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
This passage was exciting to me because I said the ONLY debt we have is to CONTINUALLY LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Continually.
I want this passage, Romans 13:8-14, to be my vision for this year. I want to allow the Holy Spirit to work in me and through me and love with a more Christlike love.
Also, the second part of this passage really put something else into perspective to me: and that is we are a year closer to the coming of Our Precious Lord and Savior. HOW EXCITING!!!!!! A whole lot of people need the love of Jesus this year. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so love like Jesus and share His Good News today.
It's gonna be a good year, I can feel it :) Be a blessing this year.
Our God is good, all the time :)
PS- I turn 21 in 8 days - crazy!!
PPS- Food for thought:
