It's Not About Me

I think I am on the brink of discovering something wonderful.  Before, I've thought, "How can I serve?", "How can I help?" but with the emphasis more on my self than on helping others.  Was I really doing it for their sake?  Or did it become all about ME telling my story or ME sharing what I know?

The discovery isn't a new one but it sure is profound: People want to be understood and listened to.  They want others to take interest in their life. If I stop in my day and actually just listen to what they have to say, they actually want to talk about their lives!

Simple concept, but more meaningful than ever before.

Faithful

Sometimes I doubt the Lord's faithfulness to me.  I sometimes doubt that He has saved me and that I am His child.  Let me encourage you with what truths I clung to this summer while I wrestled with this. 

"For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. " Psalm 86:8

"Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?" Ezekiel 33:11

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

With all of these being said, we can trust that God wants us to be His children.  He is FAITHFUL to forgive us. He is not someone leering over us just waiting for us to mess up so that He can unleash pent up anger.  He wants us to come to Him to receive forgiveness. As my pastor said, God is more ready to give us forgiveness than we are ready to ask for His forgiveness. 

" I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me." Psalm 77:1

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Today, I remembered my past and how God yanked me out of my ways.  He showed me that my disobedience to Him was empty and only leading to destruction.  Most of the time I didn't ask for God to show me that.  I would have continued on my reckless path if he didn't crush my plans or show me my disobedience.  So today, I will be thankful.  

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old." Psalm 77:11