Self Revelation Continues.....

Hello visitor and friends:

I've been reading for my Spiritual Formation class and it has been talking to me from the very beginning BUT today it tried to kill me.. using my friend Moe's words. Chapter 6 is entitled : The Mind and the Life and deals with transforming our minds so that we think like Jesus ( Rom 12:1-2). This chapter helped me to face some things about myself and I share because ....who knows my words may just help somebody else.

Revelations:
#1 I have many strongholds which have to come down! :
My mind fights against the spirit all the time trying to make what I think or what I want to be God's will . I can not force God . He is God and I am human .

#2 I trust in myself more that I trust in God:
I have somehow believed the lie of satan that God will not take care of me or doesn't really care about me. Even though I may not speak it I do it with my actions. This statement from pg109 reads:
satan is the personification of pride and self-sufficiency. He told Eve what he tells every person,what the secular culture screams everyday,"God cannot be trusted; take matters into your own hands to secure you future". The basic message in all temptation is,"Take charge,take what you need and take it now" The enemy loves to tempt us with thoughts such as
I can't wait till marriage for sex; I've got to have it now

what if i don't find the right person? I'm getting older , it will all pass me by.

I can't wait for God to lead me to a new job.I'll take anything right now

God will never change my spouse.I'm unhappy , so I'll find someone new

pg110 continues: Lack of Trust ....
it is all about fear that God won't come through.We don't see God working so we think"I've got to do something, get something moving , take some action,produce some result" Fear and a lack of trust are satan's bread and butter. But remember

#3 Life or Death are in the promises.....

per Bill there are 366 "Fear Not " statements in the Bible. .....the antidote for fear and lack of trust is the healing words of scripture

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Joh 14:1 Do not let your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

Joh 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, I am the Light of the world. The one following Me will in no way walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.

Psa 46:1 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah; set to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Psa 46:2 Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas;

The last thought for tonight comes from pg 111 ,Bill says:

"The strongest temptation of all can be the desire to run our own lives , to take charge now. Finding the balance between being passive and taking action is a constant challenge that won't disappear as long as our minds are flawed and our lust exist. "

I think this the hardest thing for me ......

Yeah so just reflecting and realizing my need for more and more of Him so that I can be what He wants me to be.