Storms in your life...

After my devotional this morning, I felt led to share this with you. Normally I don't post about my devotional, but for some reason I feel that there are some folks out there that could use a good reminder. 

One of my duties as a follower of Christ is to share Him with others. I'm not very good at this, but it's something that I try to get better at each and every day.  I'm not going to lie, it's hard to do if you are not growing as a Christian. 

We all have  "Storms" in our life. Ya know the kind that I am talking about. Sometimes they last a few minutes, a few hours, a few days and even into weeks, months and sometimes years. It's those phases of life that you cling to God and you find yourself praying harder than you thought possible. Those folks, are the Storms that I am talking about. 

If you are a believer, then you know that these times are the times in which God uses to help you grow. Without these times you wouldn't need to lean on Him, therefore you wouldn't have the opportunity to build your relationship with him. As you know, being a Christian is not about Religion. Being a Christian is all based on Relationship. The Relationship that you have with Christ, Our Lord,  Our God our Heavenly Father.  If you are not taking the time to learn about him,to talk to him often and to share Him with others, then you are not growing closer to him. 

Look back at the storms in your life (because we have all had them) and look at the ways that God was involved. How he brought you through your storm(s) and how he is still there waiting for you now. 

I know that all of us that call ourselves "Christians" know the story... we have heard it over and over and over again.... and that might be true.  The fact that "For God so loved the world, that he sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not parish but have eternal life [John 3:16]. By truly believing that and accepting that and accepting that Jesus died and rose again and will return again, DID in fact make us a Christian, but it's what we do with that that "defines" us as a Christian.

Sometimes people need to hear the brutal truth and I feel that today is as good a day as any to put it like it is. I'm going to be real with you and if you feel convicted, it's probably a good thing. 

It's not about accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour and being done with it. It's about living a Christ-like life thereafter.  So what if you accept him. That's not what makes you a better person. Obviously you have a choice. You can continue to live life like you want, like you did before you accepted Him, sure. But to live Christ-Like is to change your old ways and to start living for Him. Live to serve Him.  It's not about being forgiven of our sins so we can keep committing them, it's about changing who we are for the better! Once you accept Christ he doesn't ask you to be better, he COMMANDS you to be better. 

Ephesians 4:20-24

"[20]You however did not come to know Christ that way. [21]Surely you heard of him and were taught in  Him the accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. [22]You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by it's deceitful desires,[23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds [24]and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness". 

Ephesians 5: 1-2

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loves us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Ephesians 5:8-10

[8]For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9](for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) [10]and find out what pleases the Lord. 

Now consider your life- every aspect of it. Does it all belong to God? Does it all praise God? Chances are you are going to say No. That's Okay, because God never turns away from us. When we realize our failure and return to Him, He's there waiting. The moment we return to Him in a spirit of obedience and love, he renews His relationship with is. 

Now, I'm not at all saying that I'm a perfect person (I'm not), but I feel that there are those that need a good reminder, some motivation, some whatever to start  living the life that God has for them. I promise you... get to know Him better. Read his Word, Follow his Commands and share Him with others. You will be surprised at how rich your life will be.

HIT PLAY AND KEEP READING:

We have all heard the expression "God Given Talents". We'll... they actually do exist.  I encourage you to read the following scripture and choose which of the 7 God Given Gift(s) you possess. If you aren't sure, read them to a friend or family member. Ask them to choose one that best represents you. I think that you will be surprised that it REALLY is your gift. I then challenge you to use it today, this week and throughout the month. 

Romans 12:6-8

[6]We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[a]faith. [7]If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; [8]if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

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