Tag Archive | control

Mindset

Aug2

But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and *said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests (the things of God), but man’s.”
Mark 8:33 NASB

What is your mindset? Is it all about God and seeking His kingdom or is it all about you and this world?

I know the struggle is real. I deal with it daily myself. I am constantly reminding myself that “God is in control” and has a plan. It’s not easy seeking, desiring, focusing on God and His will. Following His lead for His glory! Christian we must faithfully practice godliness. Keep seeking Jesus. Keep reading God’s word. Keep praying.

🌹But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:7‭-‬8 NASB

God bless your walk.

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

Bitterness

Feb28

Bitterness. Have you been there? Things don’t go your way, happen the way you think they should. The world comes crashing down around the perfect world you were walking in. Someone or someones let you down. What is the result? Bitterness!

Bitterness left untreated results in hate, gossip, and separation — from both God and fellow man — trouble causing defilement, lack of grace toward others, wickedness, bondage of iniquity, faithlessness, unforgiveness, anger.

Well, the Word of God says, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;“
Hebrews 12:15 NASB

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32 NASB

Bitterness has no place in our lives especially since it is rooted in distrust and selfishness.

It is like saying, “I don’t trust God because of what is happening”. We are blinded by selfishness because it isn’t going the way we think it should.

Lo, for my own welfare I had great bitterness;
Isaiah 38:17‭a

For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”
Acts 8:23

How do I escape this gall of bitterness that has me and escape the bondage of sin?

Be in the Word:

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NASB

THEN:

You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Therefore REPENT of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.
Acts 8:21‭-‬23 NASB

And God will redeem.

It is You who has kept my soul from the pit of nothingness, For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.
Isaiah 38:17b

Being bitter is not trusting in the holy God of the universe. He is in full control so we do not need to be bitter.

For:

This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalms 118:24 NASB

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NASB

Take it from someone who has spent over a year in bondage to bitterness. It is debilitating. It is pride. I can still thank God because He taught me, humbled me, made me more dependent on Him and made me realize I can’t walk this walk alone. I am so thankful for sisters in Christ who stood by me through it all. I am not completely through it but I am more aware of the warning signs that leads me to prayer and submission and the realization that God is in control and I can fully trust Him.

To God be the glory!!! 🙌

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

Lord?

Jan10

“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
Luke 6:46 NASB

I can’t help but wonder how my salvation measures up to this verse. Lord. Lord is one who has authority, control, or power over others; a master, chief, or ruler. Is Jesus master of my life? Do I surrender to His authority? His control? His power? Or am I content believing I am saved, sealed for eternity and can live my life the way I want to and not do what my Lord says?

🌹“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
Matthew 7:21 NASB

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

Sovereignty of God

Jun30

The Lord of hosts has sworn saying, “Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand, This is the plan devised against the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out against all the nations. For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?”
Isaiah 14:24‭, ‬26‭-‬27 NASB

God has a plan. He is always at work fulfilling His plan. From the creation of the Universe even up to today, God is working out His plan.

We can willingly be a part of that plan or we can rebel against that plan but His plan will come to completion either way.

My hope is that you look to Jesus, our hope for eternity, and walk according to His plan.

What is His plan? It is written out in His holy word. Read it and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal.

🌹Start by seeking Him daily through His word, asking through prayer for understanding, wisdom, the revealing of His word. Ask for a heart, a soul, a mind that will love Him in it’s entirety. Then watch as the Father transforms your willing heart into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

You Instruct Me?

Oct1

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,

“Who is this that darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
“Now gird up your loins like a man,
And I will ask you, and you instruct Me! — Job 38:1-3

I don’t believe that there is a more humbling set of verses in the Bible than these. I know I have posted these verses before. I’d almost have to say they are my favorite. I find great encouragement and security that I know the One who not only created everything but that He has control over His creation (as you see in the following verses of Job 38). He has knowledge far beyond what I could ever attempt to gain.

He is worthy to be praised, worshiped, trusted, exalted, adored, etc.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Seek Peace Where?

May7

‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ — Isaiah 41:10

I often wonder why we go about without the peace of God within us. I also wonder how the Lord must feel about it. His peace is given to us in abundance but we reject it. Why?

Do we enjoy living in fear of what tomorrow will bring, or are we too proud to admit our need for God’s peace? Maybe we just have to be the one in control until life becomes out of our control. Maybe we are just seeking peace but in the wrong places.

First, God is with us so we need not fear — anything — because He will not leave us nor forsake us. He keeps His promises for He is God. Why then do we look anxiously about us for the peace that is only found in God alone? Second, we need to seek and trust Jesus Christ. Seek the Father’s peace that only comes through a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus.

God loves us so much and wants us to come to Him because He is the one who will strengthen us, help us and uphold us with His righteous right hand. He is the sure way to true peace. To God be the glory through His wonderful, marvelous, ever present Son, Jesus Christ!

Go in peace.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Our Hope Is God

May6

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. — Psalm 42:5

So it seems that all at once things get out of your control, you lose your grip, all your plans seem to come falling down around you. This can’t be!!! I am walking with the Lord. He knows the plans I have — I shared them with Him. How could this be happening?

Sounds like life, doesn’t it? Well, how are we to react? Anger? Tears? Retaliation? Uncontrolled tongue? Emotional reactions are okay if they do not make us sin. Let us remember that we have Someone who loves us, cares for us and wants the best for us. So doesn’t it make sense to humble ourselves and go directly to the Lord?

Our hope is God. Taking it to Jesus in prayer we are ushered into His presence. There we praise Him because we trust that He is God and believe that He is in control. In the presence of the Lord our perspective can come under review of the Holy Spirit and change our hearts to God’s will and perspective. We have no idea what God’s plan is. All we can do is draw near, trust and hope in the Almighty God of the universe who works in us for His glorification. Remember it is all about Him but also remember He loves us and wants the best for us.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” — Lamentations 3:24
How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance. — Psalm 89:15

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon