Control?

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18 NIV)

I'm sitting here waiting for the storm to hit. Yes, it's spring time and thunderstorms will be the norm for the next several months. It's just another sign of life marching on. I love it.

God is in charge. I have often said I have given control of my life to God. This verse reminds me how wrong I am. God has given Jesus authority over all things in Heaven and earth. He is definitely in charge. This view  that we Christians have granted Jesus authority over our lives is simply ridiculous. We can not give something that we do not have to start with. If you think about your life, how much do you really control? God is in control of all things before we invite him to be a part of our lives. He is in control now and he will be in control forever.

In the short term I may not recognize the true authority of God and his son. But, my lack of recognition doesn't mean it is not real. I may think I'm in charge, but we will all find out who's really in control. Just because I don't recognize the police department as the authority over traffic safety, doesn't mean I can speed and get away with it. Sure I can speed, I can have the illusion of setting my own speed limit, but in the long run, I will pay for that arrogance. Ignoring the authority of Jesus doesn't mean I rule my own life. I can give the illusion of my own control, but when I die, the reality will become very clear.

Praise God for his wondeful love for me. I rest in the knowledge that God is in control. I yield to his control. I want nothing more than to be in his will. Thank You Lord for caring enough that you sacrificed all for me!

I do not bow to Intimidation!

“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, (Isaiah 51:12 NIV)

Are you afraid of someone? Are you intimidated by your boss, coworker, in law, spouse,or someone else? I really can't say I am. Now I know I'm on the right track. What can they, mere mortals do to you? Can they snatch away eternity for your life? Are they in control of your salvation? NO! They are a spit of rain, an endless cycle of loss. Don't let them control your life. You empower them with your submissiveness and your meekness. Constantly remind yourself that God will not compromise with you. Stand up with the power of Christ and realize God is not intimidated.

There are those that thrive on power and control of our daily lives. They don't know they can't do that with me. My God is in control. I will not yield that control to them. My life isn't my own. Praise God the creator of the universe cares so much about me, he sent his son to die for me. That's the kind of love that everyone needs to know.

Self Induced Stress................ It's crazy!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22, 23 NIV)

What's it going to take to get you to relax? The fruit of the spirit is a great place to start. 

I had a stressful day today. It's my fault. I let myself magnify my stress. Do you know what I mean? I woke up early last night about 2am and stressed myself out about some of my student's  progress at school. After a perfectly relaxing, great weekend, I created my own "self induced stress". I destroyed my own sleep for no good reason. 

 Why? 

Like always I worry about things that may not even come about. It drives me crazy. I need to focus on love, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. I need to heed my own advice and relinquish control to my wonderful Heavenly Father. God will guide my path. He will lead me. I can not fail when I rely on him. I can rest in his arms knowing none of this matters. It is Christ and his rule that matters the most.

Thank you Lord, for patience with me, for grace, for your power and strength, and your almighty hand in the events of my life. I pray you will fill me with the fruits of the spirit to defeat my stress!