Change Your Mind

It's always funny how we respond to the Word of God.

The word says to "honor your mother and father"; "to respect your husband"; "to love your wife"; "to forgive"; "to love your enemy" and "to love your neighbor as yourself".

It doesn't say do these things only if you feel like it or if they deserve it.

If you think about it, everything the Lord tells us to do is good for us. We think by forgiving or loving the unloveable, we're showing weakness or we're being taken advantage of. The Lord has shown me the opposite.

By doing what the Word tells us to do, frees us -- it frees us to walk in joy and peace and it allows the Lord to use us and most of all to be pleased with us.

The question is how can we possibly love someone who hurts us? Or how can we forgive someone who is mean. How can we walk in joy and peace when we're surrounded by hurt and chaos, especially in those times when the well is dry. You feel like you can't muster up the energy or "want to" to do these things. Good news! There are some practical things you can do to get you to where God wants you to be -- in a place of joy -- your happy place:)

We must first understand that every feeling begins with a thought and if we could change our focus from the negative to the positive, our joy would increase. In Philippians 4:8-9 says Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Some practical things you can do

1. Think about what brings you joy -- your children; laughing with friends; singing; your spouse, etc. I find looking at old photos bring back fond memories and a smile.
2. What are you thankful for -- We only have look at others misfortune to find our fortune. If its something as basic as breathing without assistance; or eating without a feeding tube; or be saved from hell; there's always something we can be thankful for.
3. Love what you can love about them -- find as many things as you can that you can love about them, even if you have to go way back in time to find it -- one memory, one good moment, a kind word or gesture.
4. Know that there are no justified attitudes. If your attitude causes you to act a way God doesn't want you to -- it's not okay. It doesn't matter if you're right in the situation, it matters if you're right with God.
5. If the word tells you to do it, do it!. If he tells you to love, love! If he tells you to forgive, forgive! If he tells you to honor, honor! If he tells you respect, respect!

These are some things the Lord has shown me that has allowed me to grow in love. They have also allowed me to walk through hurtful situation unscathed. And most importantly they have allowed me to please "My Papa" and retain my joy. I pray that they do the same for you.

Old Facebook Post from 1/13/10