joshuap333's Xanga

What is big and what is small?

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 21:08:27 GMT

I have begun this post unsure of what I will write. I have had many ideas over the past months and just haven't taken the time to put them somewhere permanent. This past year was one of the roughest I have ever experienced and I know that it has been the same for many of those that I know...and I know that in some ways, things will not get any easier....
But that is not reason to give up celebrating!

I was thinking a lot one week about the things that were bothering, not an uncommon thought pattern for me, and I began to analyze the depth of the problems rather than the number. I was amazed at how one thing at the beginning of my week that happened in a matter of minutes could affect me so strongly for the following week/ month/ year. Why is it that I allow one small thing to destroy my life when an abundance of love, grace, joy, and kindness surrounds me in much greater measure?

Having just seen "I Am Legend," I feel as though an example from that movie is in order. Throughout the movie, the main character is struggling to find a cure for the large portion of humanity that has been infected with the KV virus...and still lives in a state that causes them to seem very evil. Most of us would likely feel the need to kill these diseased humans (easily confused with zombies by many who saw the movie) in self-defense. Will Smith's character does seek these creatures out, though not to kill them...he has stayed in the city, placing himself in harm's way, to cure them if he can. He has stayed to save these people who basically want to kill him for their own survival...

The love he showed for those most would consider terrible enemies is one of those things in life that is hard to comprehend. He could have hated them (which he did end up doing for a short time) but he mostly remained focused on his purpose of rescuing them (...all of humanity) from total extinction. Another thing that amazed me was that he remained hopeful through much of the movie that he would find a cure and did not despair about the difficulty of what was happening to him. He took the good moments and made those the things he dwelt upon.

Another question (my final one) that this movie brought up was: When could the line be drawn between human and non-human with these creatures? This brought to mind issues like abortion and Terry Schiavo's case from several years back. This same question has been asked and I think this movie answered the question the way it needed to be answered...if people will look that deeply. They are always human...
...I am not sure if any of this makes sense, but those are my thoughts...to be quickly followed by Scripture.

"Seek good, and not evil,
   that you may live;
and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you,
   as you have said.
Hate evil, and love good,
   and establish justice in the gate;
it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts,
   will be gracious..."
Amos 5:14-15

"O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge;
   save me from all my pursuers and deliver me,
lest like a lion they tear my soul apart,
   rending it in pieces, with none to deliver. O LORD my God, if I have done this,
   if there is wrong in my hands,
if I have repaid my friend with evil
   or plundered my enemy without cause,
let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it,
   and let him trample my life to the ground
   and lay my glory in the dust."
Psalm 7:1-5

Blessings to all! I will post again...hopefully soon.

Your brother in Christ!

~Schwa
~~~ ><> ~~~

...Seems Like Cruelty

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:41:28 GMT

From my previous post and from what follows...you may be able to see one of the reasons why I almost went to Patrick Henry College. The people there are taught not only scholarly things but are also trained and encouraged with deep Biblical disciplines and doctrines which they are able to clearly communicate.

This post is a follow up to my previous one. It contains messages from two people who attend PHC. One is from the same person I quoted last week and the other is a response to her message. (Sorry for copying someone else but I feel that it is an effective way of communicating what I want to say):

FIRST MESSAGE:
"It can seem like cruelty....

I guess it's like Paul's thorn in the flesh. When it comes to something we struggle with, it may not be for us to conquer or eradicate. We may ask God to remove it so that we will no longer suffer, for why would He want those he loves to suffer?

But He doesn't stop loving us when we suffer, neither do we suffer because He has stopped loving us. He may deny our request for its removal, yet He has some greater purpose in mind than our instinctive avoidance of pain. This is when He must eclipse whatever that thing is, must consume our minds and the meditations of our souls, making no room for anything but Himself.

And it's a lot like physical conditioning. It's so hard at first to take every thought captive and remind yourself to meditate on God, His promises, and His awesome deeds. But the more you do it, the more instinctive it becomes and the more focus you gain.

Simply put, we're in training. Training to have God be at the center of our existence in every moment. Training to focus our eyes on the goal and not be distracted by anything life throws our way.

For God not to remove pain and distraction can seem like cruelty to our finite, one-track minds; but see how it is really a manifestation of His vast, unmeasure grace and love toward us!"
~~~~Anna Hybert

SECOND MESSAGE:
"Wow!

I think you touched on something extremely important, Anna. Our afflictions are not a punishment for a lack of faith, but a cure for a lack of faith and a chance for God to showcase the faith that He already gave us. That's exactly what Paul is talking about at the beginning of 2 Corinthians, when he reminisces on his trials:

"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened BEYOND OUR STRENGTH that we despaired of life itself.
"Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves BUT ON GOD who raises the dead."

Even if we continue to struggle, God will show his strength through our weakness. And in the end, He will give us new bodies, new minds, & new hearts that cannot sin. He will raise the dead.

The sweetest worship comes to God in those moments when it is hardest to render!"
~~~~~Josiah Helms

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I have tried several times and have not been able to come with much else to say...God is probably telling me to be quiet and let Him talk...

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light."
-Psalm 36:7-9

Have a great week!

In Christ!
~Schwa
~~~ ><> ~~~

Seeking More of God's Grace...

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 19:13:44 GMT

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

~2 Cor. 4:14-16

This post was inspired by a friend of mine who went through some difficult times at Patrick Henry College last year. God's work is very evident in her life as you read through what she has written. She saw everything as a blessing from God and held on to Him without ceasing. I hope that you are encouraged...

“abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge…”

By Anna Hybert (PHC student)

When weary sigh and heavy soul
accompanied my way
When hopeless hope and groundless trust
my constant stiff and stay
I lost a quasi-grip on life
and stared into despair
But yet there shined a hopeful light
and stayed my wand'rings there
Lord, I know what 'tis to say,
"I know, but don't believe."
O help my fainting heart to faith,
and help my unbelief!
Though many trials and helpless woes
accost the weary lame
I know the good you form from throes
to the glory of Your name!

I hope you are still able to read at this point. I have had to pause every time I read this because I am convicted that I have not felt the same joy and hope. I have been struggling with much anger and discontentment. In reading through scripture I often sinfully hope that there will be a verse to justify my feelings...
...and then I am shown all the verses in which my Father is pleading with me to hear His call to love.

In the deep love of Christ which abounds in richness more than any we can give...
~Schwa
~~~ ><> ~~~

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Wed, 23 May 2007 13:50:16 GMT

Hey all!

I was going to post the survey that Dell tagged me for (Just because I read it) ...but I am not one to submit to peer pressure...

The first thing I wanted to post was some prayer requests. I will be out of town for awhile and may be out of contact except by phone and possibly e-mail:

-First, for my church...that God would move and change peoples' hearts (including my own) so that there is unity, love, and care without holding back for whatever reason. That people would desire to reach out and serve no matter what situation dictates the need.

-The singles from my church (including me) are going to a conference ('Na' '07!!!) and would like prayer for a safe trip and that God would help us to constantly be thinking about others. (How can we serve? How can we befriend? How can we witness?). ALSO, that we will all have a joyful heart. There will be times when things are disappointing and demoralizing....we (and especially I) want to enjoy this conference and grow...NOT be upset or angry over what I will see later as little things.

-I am going to NM with the Air Force from June 3-23. I will not necessarily be able to go to church and I will have minimal contact with people from church (believe me...I will call everyone I can if I am given the chance. Call me if you don't hear from me....ask P.J., Jesse, or Alex for my number if you don't have it.) This trip should be a good learning opportunity but it will also most likely be difficult in many areas. I will be mainly surrounded by unbelievers (strength to be a witness...!!). There will be temptations..but I must stand firm and I can't do it on my own.

-This is kind of a sub-prayer to the last one. That God's hand would guide and hold together Sovereign Grace Corning while I am gone and especially when I return. I don't want to come home to a completely different church unless it for the better...but however God wills it, I will follow His lead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Other than that, I cannot find my notes on what I was planning on posting so I will just do a quick update on my life.

The semester is done!!!! I really don't know what to do with myself right now since I have no homework or classes. I only have a day left until I leave and am no longer at home for a month...but I have no motivation for anything. I have also had some weird bursts of internal anger today, most likely based in some grudges that I have been holding and forgot about...

New Mexico and the Air Force...I am going to receive three weeks of training/ vacation. It is all paid for by the Air Force. I may be put in charge of some small things. I will be flying a training aircraft, following people around and watching what they do, and generally seeing and experiencing how a base works.

My summer is very busy. It starts with Na '07, then continues to NM, then home and start summer classes, Jesse and Jessica's wedding, New Student Orientation at Cornell (I am getting new AF Cadets settled in), the Adirondacks for a week, and then back to School for another fun year. (I may also fit a job in there somewhere?!?!)

That was my life in a Coconut shell...I am praying for you all and will be in touch as much as I can.

In Christ,

~Schwa

~~~ ><> ~~~

BTW...this song has really touched my heart recently:

Rodney Atkins-"Watchin You"

Driving through town just my boy and me
With a happy meal in his booster seat
Knowing that he couldn't have the toy
Till his nuggets were gone
Green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my breaks and mumbled under my breath
His fries went a flying and his orange drink covered his lap
Well then my four year old said a four letter word
That started with "s" and I was concerned
So I said son now where did you learn to talk like that

He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you

We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said lord please help me help my stupid self
Then this side of bedtime later that night
Turning on my son's scooby doo nightlight
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands

And spoke to god like he was talking to a friend
And I said son where'd you learn to pray like that

He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We like fixing things and holding mama's hand
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you

With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug
Said my little bear is growing up
He said but when I'm big I'll still know what to do

Cause I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
Then I'll be as strong as superman
We'll be just alike, hey won't we dad
When I can do everything you do
Cause I've been watching you

What do you want...out of relationships?

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:27:42 GMT

Hey all!
I'm back!!!
Since I know my fan base is so distraught at my lack of posting, I thought it was time to get back on and do something.

News:
For those of you who don't know...most of you probably do...I am now in Air Force ROTC (reserve officer training corps). Pretty much...I am in the Air Force. When I graduate from school in 3 years, I will most likely be a Second Lieutenant. I travel up to Cornell University for my Air and Space classes every Thursday and I am there pretty much all day. I will probably also be heading up on Tuesday nights for Drill Team/ Color Guard practices (and infrequently on Sundays when I am required to be there...such as this past Sunday and the coming Sunday).
Other than that, not much going on...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For my devotions this morning, (immediately after my extremely early workout with the Army) I was reading the book, "Relationships: a Mess Worth Making" by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp. The book is intended to show you how you live your life to have a godly relationship with all people. Many people probably grab this book off the shelf because it looks like another good book about courting or dating. When I grabbed it, one of the first things that struck me was that it was NOT another book about that. It is for all relationships. With your parents, spouse, brothers, sisters, friends, co-workers, and extended family. From what I have read so far, I would highly recommend this book.

Anyway, from what I was reading this morning, I came up with a few questions to evaluate myself and I thought that they would be appropriate to list for you to consider. They deal with the issue of what you desire and tend to get out of relationships.
So here they are:
In a relationship...
-Do you want someone to make you happy?
-Do you expect to be served?
-Do you demand/ expect respect and do you think that you are only respected or loved when another person does something you like or desire?
-Do you seek identity from your relationships with others?
-Do you define your life based on the Bible or based on another person you want to like or enjoy you?
-(The opposite of the previous) Are you the kind of person that only hangs out or likes people who do things that are fun or comfortable?

And these are for the singles and other young adults
-Would you "fall in love" because something about a person makes you happy or comfortable?
~For this last one...
I do not want to imply by this question that if you are happy or comfortable around people that you can't love them. What I mean by this question is to ask whether you would only fall in love because they are good looking, strong, attentive to what you want, etc...
Again, none of these things are bad things, but if they are what you expect out of a relationship...you will be disappointed!
Here is a quote from the book to illustrate better what I am saying here:
"When we live out of a sense of who we are in Christ, we live our lives based on all we have been given by Christ. This keeps us from seeking to get those things from the people and situations around us. This is why there are so many identity statements in the New Testament. (Col. 1:21-23; 1 Pet. 2:9-12; 1 Jn. 3:1-3; Eph. 1-3; Heb. 10:19-25). Much of the disappointment and heartache we experience is the result of our attempts to get something from relationships that we already have in Christ. In almost thirty years of counseling, I have talked with countless women in difficult marriages who said, 'All I ever wanted was for my husband to make me happy.' My first thought is, invariably, Well, then, he's cooked."

Final question:
Are you patient enough to wait on God for strong relationships or do you force it to happen?

Hopefully this is useful for some or all of you. I know for me it helped me see some areas that I need be evaluating myself on more often. Please post your questions and comments... if you feel that the questions are helpful, I want to know. If you feel that some are pointless or not useful, I also want to know. If you think you have another good question, post a comment so others can see it and so that I can add it to my own list.

Your bro in Christ!
~Schwa
~~~ ><> ~~~

Modesty Survey

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 23:50:25 GMT

Hello all!

As I was checking out the new stuff on "The Rebelution" blog, I noticed that they were advertising a Modesty Survey. It is really interesting and looks like it could be really useful for protecting each other's hearts. Hopefully they will be posting codes soon so that I can advertise it on this page but as of now I cannot find one. I would highly encourage all of you to participate in this. Go to: http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2006/12/announcement-join-the-modesty-survey/.

Here are some of the comments that were made about it:

"Modesty is not simply “clothing regulations” as ____ put it. The attraction God created between a guy and gal is truly wonderful and amazing. If we don’t take necessary measures to combat lust (those good attractions twisted into evil), we ruin those good things God designed. Immodest clothing leaves open doors for lust. Thus, modesty is critically important to combat lust -something our culture is corruptly preoccupied with.

This is a great way to allow communication between brothers and sisters in Christ so that we can help one another in this area."

>>>>

"Ever heard of a girl who didn’t like to shop? It can be frustrating guess work wanting to look good (neatly dressed and nice) while also modest. And everyone oppions of what’s what, vary’s so much! I think hearing from the guys side would be helpfull."

>>>>

"What a wonderful idea. I’m glad to see this discussed in a challenging, yet positive way. Girls need to take action, but they also need some basic guidelines. In truth, we often don’t realize that some of the things we wear can cause men to stumble. It is so hard for girls to know what to wear and how to be attractive without being immodest. I am so glad to see you tackling a topic that is for many people a difficult and controversial subject, but one that desperately needs to be addressed. "

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

Let me know your thoughts! Girls, looking forward to your questions. Guys, see you on the boards at The Rebelution.

I Thessalonians 4:1-8

A Life Pleasing to God

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to live and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Hebrews 10:23-25

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hope y'all are encouraged to help each other in the fight against this dark and difficult sin. Do what you can to keep each other safe!

Praying for everyone!

In Christ our Lord and Savior...remember his amazing birth and praise Him always!

~Schwa

~~~ ><> ~~~

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!! С Рождеством Христовым...(in a week and a half)

Christmas Questionnaire

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 19:07:20 GMT

What's your favorite thing about the Christmas time? Remembering that Jesus was born for us. I went to see the movie "The Nativity Story" and was blessed by the story in a different way then I ever really have been. To see that my Savior was born to die so that I could truly live is very powerful. Knowing that there were people who got to hold baby Jesus and touch makes me wish I had been there...even though I am unworthy. Thank God for blessing us abundantly with the gift of life with Him.

What's your favorite Christmas song? Either "Halleluljah" on the Savior CD by Sovereign Grace or "I Celebrate the Day" by Relient K.

How many Christmas plays have you been in? I have been in 1...and I don't really remember much about it other than that I was a shepherd and that I had to sing a solo. This was a LOOOOONG time ago.

When do you put up your tree? Sometimes we do, sometimes we don't. If we do, it is usually within a couple of weeks before Christmas.

Do you open any gifts on Christmas Eve? Yes. We usually have a party at my Grandpa's house on Christmas Eve so I almost always open presents on Christmas Eve.

Do you ever wonder why it's called "Eve"? NO....cuz I know...

Do you know why it's called "Eve"? The evening before something is know as an "eve." That's it...no more asking me about the word EVE.

What's your favorite meal at Christmas time? Don't really have one. I eat whatever is set before me and it is never bad.

What other Christmas traditions do you have? Driving long distances to see our relatives. Waiting to come out of my bedroom until I am given permission....

I'm tagging: Jesse, Cassie, (I think everyone else is tagged already)...

Have a great Christmas everyone. I won't be around since I am leaving for my mission trip to Russia on the 25th. Pray for me whenever you think about it. I didn't pick this group because it was easy and there is definitely a possibility of danger, but I am trusting in God's plan and I know that He will do His will. Whether that is protecting me from harm or using me to witness for His glorious name...it will be awesome.

Schwa out.

~~~ ><> ~~~

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 04:10:24 GMT

Yo!

It has been awhile since I last posted...almost a month I think. Sorry about that...papers to write, exams to pass. You get the picture.

Anyway, for those of you who didn't know, I had applied to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) before summer started. I have waited and waited and filled out security forms and waited some more. Finally, earlier this month, I received a call asking me to come to their office in Syracuse for an "assessment." I scheduled a time and went up to Syracuse a couple of weeks ago. I am still waiting on a reply on that assessment, but I am going on faith in God's will for my life. You can pray for me.

Other than that, life has been fairly uneventful. I had a great Thanksgiving with my extended family in Rochester. Went to my cousin's birthday party, went out shopping at 4:30am on Black Friday, and went to see Deja Vu in the evening. I am looking forward to next month when I will be done with school and in the final stretch before I fly off to Russia on December 25 (yes...that is Christmas day).

Speaking of Russia, I received an e-mail earlier this week letting me know that the Medical aid portion of the trip is in jeopardy because the pastor and his wife fear for our safety. If you could pray that they would receive supernatural faith in God for our safety instead of fear, I would really appreciate it. (I am supposed to work as an evangelist on the medical team as well as serving in the VBS we will be doing for the kids in the mornings). Also, please pray that all of my funding comes in on time, I am cutting it close at the moment but I have faith that God will provide for my needs even at the last minute.

The last thing I wanted to say was that the song "I Celebrate the Day" by Relient K really has really touched me every single time I listen to it. The words are so meaningful to me. To think about what our savior was born for is such an overwhelming thought. That he was born to die so that I might pray for him to save my life is so awesome and so heart breaking at the same time. He took my sins away by suffering through hour upon endless hour of pain and dying after bearing my sins upon his own perfect and beautiful shoulders. And yet, we have such an amazing hope when we think of his birth. The very fact that he was born to save us brings such glory to him. Let our worship glorify him more and more every day. Let us always think about his birth and his ressurrection when we are feeling hopeless for we have been BORN again and we look forward to the day when we are ressurrected, raised with him unto eternal life with him.

"God's eternal purpose is to dwell among a people HE has made his own."

Lyrics-I Celebrate the Day (Relient K):

And with this Christmas wish is missed
The point I could convey
If only I could find the words to say to let You know how much You've touched my life
Because here is where You're finding me, in the exact same place as New Year's eve
And from a lack of my persistency
We're less than half as close as I want to be

And the first time
That You opened Your eyes did You realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever

And so this Christmas I'll compare the things I felt in prior years
To what this midnight made so clear
That You have come to meet me here

To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me
In the hope that what You did
That you were born so I might live
To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me

And I, I celebrate the day
That You were born to die
So I could one day pray for You to save my life

God bless y'all this season as we remember again the story of our savior's miraculous birth! Praise him forever!!

Your brother in Christ!

~Schwa

~~~ ><> ~~~

Rock the Vote!

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 14:02:14 GMT

Hey all!

While I have been researching the candidates for Senate, Congress, and other positions down to the local level, I have come across comments from people that make me cringe. The reason is that they are so blatantly voting within a party and not thinking about who will represent them unselfishly. Having done a lot of looking around at the different candidates, I may be voting mostly within one party but I could give you a reason for each and every one. One comment I noticed on a news article essentially said "Replace everyone who is in office...except the Democrats." How is this kind of thinking useful?

We really need to make sure that we are voting for those who 1) are going to represent us well (just because one party GENERALLY does, does not mean that it always does) and 2) who are going to serve unselfishly (If they are serving selfishly, they will do only what they think will help them get more of the vote). Let's go out there next week and ROCK THE VOTE.

A note for those who aren't old enough to vote. My recommendation for you is that you still do the research. Figure out the good candidates. After this, find ways to tell other people. One big way to influence the vote is to help people to register to vote. Find a site where you can print out Voter Registration forms and hand them out to people. Always remember to be telling them how we should be voting. You shouldn't necessarily tell them what to believe but you should give them criteria from above. Also have some good websites to hand out that allow people to research all of the candidates. As someone who cannot vote, you can still have a big impact on the outcome.

Let's get out there and change our country.

~Schwa

~~~ ><> ~~~

Quick note: New Yorkers.....Vote JOHN SPENCER for SENATE!!!! He is pretty awesome. Definitely looks like he would be a great guy to have in the Senate for New York. (Waaay better than the other choice). Go to: www.spencerforsenate.com.

We Are Our Own Problems

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 13:15:30 GMT

I have heard several good quotes on how we are the biggest problem in our lives. My pastor said, "If I could kick the person who was causing all of my problems...I wouldn't be able to sit down for a week." Or something like that (If anyone from the Corning group remembers this exactly, let me know.) There are also a couple of good despair, inc. posters that represent this.

Although we may laugh at these representations of the problem now, I think that we often begin to despair that we can't fix ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to get this mixed up with our salvation such that we begin to think "This is affecting my salvation." All of us know that this is incorrect, but sometimes we get stuck on that thought for a while. When we get stuck in this, we often think that we can't get out to serve because we are focused on what we are doing on our own merit (NOTHING!..lol). Also when we are stuck, we often do not think we can avoid sinning (rationalizing it) and we don't ask God for help (again...depending on ourselves). I was reading a book recently and the author addressed this issue quite appropriately (imho).

"At salvation, the new position of sonship is permanently given. Just as it is not gained by our merit, likewise, it cannot be lost on the basis of our performance. Those who truly understand God's grace will no longer be driven by fear, duty, or the need to appease God. Obedience and service flow out of gratitude and understading of the submission of sonship. Those who are truly His will want to obey and serve Him because they have already been forgiven so much, and because they have received an undeserved but permanent commitment from God. 'Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love him and keep his commandments. -Deuteronomy 7:9'"

I hope that we can avoid dwelling on ourselves and thinking that we do anything on our own merit. We must go to God when we need help and ask for him to strengthen us to stand.

~Schwa

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