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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Let Go
So, I like to be in control. I also like feeling like I've got everything taken care of. As you may already be thinking, this isn't a very good way to be if I want God in control.
On Sunday night after I was home from church and just about ready for bed I had a pretty powerful and changing conversation with God. I'm not gonna go into details really but, I was kinda "freaking" out to God about some things that well, seemed out of my control. I didn't know what to do anymore and things were starting to really frustrate and overwhelm me. I tend to stress myself out over little things. But as I was asking God for help, He really just wanted me to let go of these things in my life that I've been trying to control.
I've known I needed to completely surrender to God and let Him have control over everything for a little while, and kinda thought I was already on my way to being "out of control" (in a good way.) but God really showed me how much I was still holding on. So, with tears in my eyes and desperation in my voice, I gave it all to God. I'm not holding anything back anymore.
Don't get me wrong, I wasn't holding on to things because I didn't want to give them up, I just thought I had things under control and I had God to help me. How often do we misinterrpret ourselves being in control while seeking God's guidance... with letting God be in control? Holding on to things and not letting God have them was sending me on a downward spiral. The thing about downward spirals is eventually you crash.
As soon as I gave it all to God I can't even describe the calmness that came over me. It was crazy and so comforting.
"No matter what changes God has wrought in you, never rely upon them; build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives you." -Oswald Chambers
Even if you're controlling things with the knowledge or change that you've received from God, it's still not a good idea to be in control.
I can NEVER rely on myself again, it's just not a good idea, instead I'm completely relying on God.
So, I encourage you to examine your life. Is there anything you're holding on to, that God should be in control of? If so, let it go. Things will be SO much better when you do!
living hxc,
riley
what do you know...another REALLY LONG BLOG. sorry :)
On Sunday night after I was home from church and just about ready for bed I had a pretty powerful and changing conversation with God. I'm not gonna go into details really but, I was kinda "freaking" out to God about some things that well, seemed out of my control. I didn't know what to do anymore and things were starting to really frustrate and overwhelm me. I tend to stress myself out over little things. But as I was asking God for help, He really just wanted me to let go of these things in my life that I've been trying to control.
I've known I needed to completely surrender to God and let Him have control over everything for a little while, and kinda thought I was already on my way to being "out of control" (in a good way.) but God really showed me how much I was still holding on. So, with tears in my eyes and desperation in my voice, I gave it all to God. I'm not holding anything back anymore.
Don't get me wrong, I wasn't holding on to things because I didn't want to give them up, I just thought I had things under control and I had God to help me. How often do we misinterrpret ourselves being in control while seeking God's guidance... with letting God be in control? Holding on to things and not letting God have them was sending me on a downward spiral. The thing about downward spirals is eventually you crash.
As soon as I gave it all to God I can't even describe the calmness that came over me. It was crazy and so comforting.
"No matter what changes God has wrought in you, never rely upon them; build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives you." -Oswald Chambers
Even if you're controlling things with the knowledge or change that you've received from God, it's still not a good idea to be in control.
I can NEVER rely on myself again, it's just not a good idea, instead I'm completely relying on God.
So, I encourage you to examine your life. Is there anything you're holding on to, that God should be in control of? If so, let it go. Things will be SO much better when you do!
living hxc,
riley
what do you know...another REALLY LONG BLOG. sorry :)
Monday, December 15, 2008
My Half-Hearted Fight
There has been one big theme in my time with God the past week or two. The theme was prayer, not just the occasional prayer, something more.
So these are a few separate thoughts on the same subject.
*One of the first things God pointed out to me, was how often my prayers were centered around myself. I'm good at coming to God with my problems, but not as good at coming to Him fighting for other people. When you're sick or going through a rough time and other people know about it you often hear people telling you they're praying for you. I know for me, I sometimes wonder if they really do. How often do I pray...no FIGHT...for people when I say i'm praying for them? Now, I'm not admitting to not praying for people when I say i am, i'm saying that i'm not praying my best. I must admit I will say a quick prayer, but I'm not really fighting for them. I cry out to God when things are wrong with me, but I rarely cry out to God for others. Ahh this is horrible. Once again proving how very selfish I am.
*I've come to realize how little faith I have when praying. I'm so worried about God deciding not to answer my prayers, that I pretty much leave a "loop hole"... for example "God if it's your plan, please heal so and so." See that isn't me having great faith, that's me hoping, not believing.
The thing that rings louder in my head is "sometimes God's answer to our prayers is a no" I remember this WAY too much. I must say, it has actually affected the way I aproach God with things big, or small. Yes, sometimes God's answer is sometimes no, but sometimes His answer is Yes!
Jesus says if we believe that our prayers will be answered, they will!
Mark 11:24 "...Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have recieved it, and it will be yours."
A little faith can move mountains... I've got to start believing and trusting God to be in control.
Not believing in God to answer your prayers is discrediting His power.
* I've also noticed that I need to examine my motives for the prayers I pray. God is not a genie, so He isn't going to grant my wishes- so, yes He will answer no. If I pray with pure motives, I will recieve. All I have to do is ask!
I know that was a lot of stuff, and if you actually read it sweet...if you skimmed through I don't blame you. =]
What are you're thoughts?
-Are you praying as much as you say you are?
-Are you fighting more for yourself or for others?
-Do you pray excpecting God to answer you?
-Are your motives pure?
I'm not expecting you to like turn in answers for the questions or anything. Just wanted to get you involved in my blog and get you thinking. If you want to share...sweet, if not...it's all good. :]
living hxc
riley
So these are a few separate thoughts on the same subject.
*One of the first things God pointed out to me, was how often my prayers were centered around myself. I'm good at coming to God with my problems, but not as good at coming to Him fighting for other people. When you're sick or going through a rough time and other people know about it you often hear people telling you they're praying for you. I know for me, I sometimes wonder if they really do. How often do I pray...no FIGHT...for people when I say i'm praying for them? Now, I'm not admitting to not praying for people when I say i am, i'm saying that i'm not praying my best. I must admit I will say a quick prayer, but I'm not really fighting for them. I cry out to God when things are wrong with me, but I rarely cry out to God for others. Ahh this is horrible. Once again proving how very selfish I am.
*I've come to realize how little faith I have when praying. I'm so worried about God deciding not to answer my prayers, that I pretty much leave a "loop hole"... for example "God if it's your plan, please heal so and so." See that isn't me having great faith, that's me hoping, not believing.
The thing that rings louder in my head is "sometimes God's answer to our prayers is a no" I remember this WAY too much. I must say, it has actually affected the way I aproach God with things big, or small. Yes, sometimes God's answer is sometimes no, but sometimes His answer is Yes!
Jesus says if we believe that our prayers will be answered, they will!
Mark 11:24 "...Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have recieved it, and it will be yours."
A little faith can move mountains... I've got to start believing and trusting God to be in control.
Not believing in God to answer your prayers is discrediting His power.
* I've also noticed that I need to examine my motives for the prayers I pray. God is not a genie, so He isn't going to grant my wishes- so, yes He will answer no. If I pray with pure motives, I will recieve. All I have to do is ask!
I know that was a lot of stuff, and if you actually read it sweet...if you skimmed through I don't blame you. =]
What are you're thoughts?
-Are you praying as much as you say you are?
-Are you fighting more for yourself or for others?
-Do you pray excpecting God to answer you?
-Are your motives pure?
I'm not expecting you to like turn in answers for the questions or anything. Just wanted to get you involved in my blog and get you thinking. If you want to share...sweet, if not...it's all good. :]
living hxc
riley
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