Living Life God's Way

Be very careful,then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17



Sometimes I am really confused on how to actually live my life. I have been a Christian for a long time and have had the "moutain top experiences" and the "valley" experiences. However, I do not believe that this is what God intended for the Christian life. I think this may be the hardest time in history to actually distinguish between good and godly. Our society allows us to do many "good" things and to be involved in others lives. It also tells us that it is okay to always focus on ourselves and to strive for all the best opportunities. As a Christian, this can be very confusing because "good is good" , right? This is something God has been convicting me of for a couple of years now. Obviously, I have not spent enough time with God to get a clear answer because I keep falling into the trap of "societal good". My extremely practical mind, most of the time, is what keeps me from praying about God's will. On the other hand, it can be the thing that draws me closer to God and allows me to really feel His presence. As I was doing my devotional (I have been reading Ephesians) the above verse just really jumped out at me, especially the words--- Be very careful and understand what the Lord's will is. So many days I live my life the way I want to, with not much concern, because I do not really do anything "bad". My life fits into what society says is "good", so surely that should mean I am doing things the "right way". This , however, is the main weapon the devil uses in my life. After reading Eph. 5:15-17, I realized how foolish and just plain stupid it is. God does not say to live my life "good". He says to be wise and to follow His will for my life. I cannot do that living "my way". God is challenging me to view life through His RIGHT truth and to seize His GOOD will for my life. Then my life will be full of the GODLY opportunities that will bring Him, not society, glory.

In Your FACE

On a recent car trip with a friend, I said these words, "I hate the way people today are so flakey, I never cancel my committments. People are getting so slack." Should have known a lesson was in my near future... funny how He knows when we are getting too haughty. Hello, my name is Karen and I tend to be a little judgemental. I was becoming tired of the way people are constantly canceling plans, rescheduling, late for things, etc. Then He showed me exactly what it was like to be in a position of relying on someone else's grace. He showed me what it was to make the phone call saying, "I'm not going to make it, something has come up." Part of my control-freakness usually doesn't let that happen. What I was shown was the grace of others, the well wishes and kind words. In striving to grow, it hurts sometimes to learn the lessons, to show grace and compassion for others. I am harsh and expect so much of others and am so blessed that neither He nor anyone else holds me to that standard. Grace rocks.

Shining!

Week 4 Memory Verse: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Yesterday I attended the funeral of one of my dear friend's father. I didn't know the man, but I'd heard my friend talk about her father on many occasions. I knew that he was a Christian, so I had no doubt as to where his eternal home would be. Nonetheless, as you can imagine, that family was still very mournful of their loss of husband, daddy, and granddaddy. During the service, the congregation was invited to stand and share any remarks of the memories they had of this man. I was so moved in listening to the comments people made about him. From men who had served with him in the Korean War all the way to people who shared breakfast with him at Hardees, they stood and shared about the impact this gentleman had made in their lives. And one common thing was said over and over, "Floyd loved the Lord, and that love was shown in his life toward others." I couldn't help but think of what Jesus said about the two greatest commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. And the second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself." Over and over through the testimonies I heard people saying this was the life this man lived.
As I reflect on that funeral service, I have to stop and wonder, what would people say about me at my funeral? Now I'm not trying to be morbid here, and I'm certainly not looking for the praise of man, but - I do have to ask myself the question, "where is my light shining"? God has given me a time-span of life to live - am I fully living that life for Him? Am I truly loving Him fully, and my neighbor as myself. This would be a great opportunity for the enemy to jump in and beat me up in my failures, but you know, instead I think I'll just give my God the praise, honor and glory for first allowing me to be at the funeral service, and then second, this time of reflection in my own life.

O God, You are so good to me. Forgive me when I become so busy in this life that I don't let others see Your love in and through me. Lord Jesus, shine Your light through me that others may praise the Father in heaven.

Women's Junction Dinner Meeting

I just wanted to remind everyone about this months Women's Junction on Monday, June 14th from 6:30p to 8:30p on the Hardin Campus in the Mill. Tickets are $8 per person and that includes dinner. Please help us spread the word and bring a friend. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Amy Kelly at 704-435-0770 or 704-860-6448. Thanks and we look forward to seeing everyone there.