How many times have I failed in doing my part of living out HIS Fruit of the Spirit to my children? Too many to count....When I think about my role as Mama, I sometimes can't help but to feel like a failure, as I struggle so much with being WHO HE has called me to be. It seems as if though every time I am diligently working on NOT giving into my "feeling's" and seeking HIS truth, I fall short. Something or someone always seems to trip me up.
Thankfully I have a LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER WHO, loves me far too much to ever let me fall for very long. HIS Daily Teachings today is showing me how I, Heather, Mama to five of HIS precious children, CAN do her part in living out HIS Fruit of the Spirit. This morning HE is breaking it down for me one by one, and showing me where I have fallen short, and how I can pick it right back up, even when it seems as if though I'm heading straight into a train wreck.
" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." 1 Corinthians 13:4
HE is teaching me that too often when my children are doing something wrong, and I let them make their mistakes, each time I make the decision to boast to them that I was "right" I am NOT loving them as HE is calling me to love them. HE is wanting me to know that just as HIS love is unconditional, so should my love for my children be also. HE is telling me that I must NOT be too proud to show my children my flaws in failing to teach HIS Fruit of the Spirit, rather I should embrace that I as their Mama have shortcomings too, and the most comforting thing to know is that HE is there, and HE will help me. Therefore, I must choose to live boldly while modeling HIS Fruit of LOVE to my children.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds" James 1:2
HE is wanting me to know that it is imperative that I model choosing JOY to my children especially when times are tough. Too often I get wrapped up in the conflict that is going on in our home, within their relationships, and through my aggravation I forget that HIS JOY is there, and it is waiting to be claimed by me. I must model choosing HIS JOY for my children so that when they are struggling through a test, trial, or storm in their lives, they too will know that HE is there, that HE does care for them, and HE will help them.
Therefore, I must choose to live boldly while modeling HIS FRUIT of JOY to my children.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9
" Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
HE is telling me that as I have been learning for the past eleven years, I, Heather am HIS child. That means that I am a child of GOD. HE is telling me that in knowing this, I must live out HIS calling for my life, and in doing that I must choose to live with HIS peace, even when things around me are starting to crumble. HE is teaching me that this means I must choose to NOT get worked up about what is happening between my children, and instead, stand firmly in my FAITH in HIM, that in speaking HIS truth, and speaking with HIS love in my heart and mind, I will have the authority to bind the evil that is lurking and waiting to destroy each of the relationships between my children. In knowing that I have the authority I am learning that this means that I must choose to live boldly while modeling HIS Fruit of PEACE to my children.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3
HE is reminding me that in choosing to be a CHRIST FOLLOWER I have agreed to come under HIS authority, and live my life according to HIS will. This means that I am no longer concerned with what the world is telling me to do, and I am no longer making decisions based on what I want. HE is telling me that while everything within me is screaming to be angry, upset, and worked up, HE is wanting me to remember that HIS PEACE is within me, and in seeking HIS PEACE I will remember that HE works everything out for my own good. In knowing this, I must choose to live my life this way for all to see, especially my children as they are the ones of WHOM HE has entrusted their lives to me. I am learning that it is imperative that I choose to live boldly while modeling HIS Fruit of PEACE to my children.
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23
HE is wanting me to know and remember that when my children are doing something wrong, that is dishonoring to their sibling or myself, that I must remember that I too fall short of the glory of GOD in my thoughts and actions. HE is reminding me of decisions that I have made in the past that have NOT brought PRAISE, HONOR, and GLORY to HIS name, therefore I must not be so hard on my children when they too have fallen short. HE is telling me that this means when they make mistakes as children do, I must refrain from doing or saying whatever comes to my mind, so that I will be speaking positive and encouraging, life building words to my children.
As I was do the researching to what forbearance means this definition really spoke to me: "refraining from action: the fact of deliberately not doing or saying something when you could do or say it" bing.com I am learning that it is imperative that I choose to live boldly while modeling HIS Fruit of FORBEARANCE to my children.
"She opens her mouth with wisdom,and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue" Proverbs 31:26
As I was do the researching to what forbearance means this definition really spoke to me: "refraining from action: the fact of deliberately not doing or saying something when you could do or say it" bing.com I am learning that it is imperative that I choose to live boldly while modeling HIS Fruit of FORBEARANCE to my children.
"She opens her mouth with wisdom,and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue" Proverbs 31:26
This morning HE is showing me that through almost every situation that I am dealing with conflict between either my children or myself, my biggest downfall is my mouth. HE is teaching me that I must choose to only open my mouth if I am willing to speak HIS truth, otherwise, it's better for me to keep my mouth shut. HE is telling me that it is my job, my calling to teach my children about KINDNESS, and the importance of speaking with KINDNESS to everyone, even when someone has upset, or hurt you. HE is wanting me to know that it is absolutely imperative that I choose to live boldly while modeling HIS Fruit of KINDNESS to my children.
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
HE is reminding me of this scripture that I memorized almost two years ago during a woman's bible study. At the time I wasn't really sure how HE was working in me, or what that really meant for my life, but no more than ever I am understanding what this means for my life. HE is wanting me to know that HE is filling me with HIS wisdom and HIS truth so that I will be able to teach them to my children. This means that when things are difficult in their relationships with each other or with me, I, Heather, can be the mature one to speak with HIS truth and HIS authority to know that HE is doing a good work in all of us, and when we choose to live according to HIS will, and come under HIS authority HIS GOODNESS and MERCY shall be showered upon us. Therefore it is imperative that I choose to live boldly while modeling HIS Fruit of GOODNESS to my children.
While reading today's "Power Thought" Joyce Meyer she quoted the scripture as this:
"GOD is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to HIS promise, and HE can be depended on); by HIM you were called into companionship and participation with HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST our LORD." 1 Corinthians 1:9
HE is wanting me to know that no matter what is happening in my life, or my children's lives that HE is there that HE is FAITHFUL! HE is wanting me to know that I need NOT to worry about how anything is going to work out, as I know I can trust HIM completely. HE is telling me that instead of worrying about how I am going to care for each of my precious five children, I must seek HIM, and trust HIM that HE has each of our lives worked out, already planned and written on purpose for HIS purpose. HE is wanting me to know that all I have to do is live my life according to HIS plan, in trusting HIM and BELIEVING HIM that HE has amazing plans for our family. Therefore it is imperative that I choose to live boldly while modeling HIS Fruit of FAITHFULNESS to my children.
" And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." 2 Timothy 2:24-26
A few weeks ago while scrolling through Facebook I came across a saying that spoke volumes to me: "You don't have to accept every invitation to a fight that you receive" This morning HE is reminding me of all of the times where I have fallen into the trap of showing up for a fight that wasn't even mine to begin with. In accepting the invitation HE is teaching me that I have missed out HIS amazing Fruit of GENTLENESS that can be used to diffuse the fight, and NOT ignite the fight. HE is reminding me of the times where I have allowed myself to become so emotionally invested in my "feelings" or my children's "feelings" that I have missed out an amazing opportunity to teach them by modeling HIS Fruit of GENTLENESS to them. HE is teaching me once again the importance of writing HIS word on my heart.
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1
I know I have been writing this over and over again today, but I feel as if though HE can't say enough just how much it is imperative that I choose to live boldly while modeling HIS Fruit of GENTLENESS to my children.
" No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
How many times have I just given into the temptations of shouting "SHUT UP!!!!!!!" Sadly, this is a common phrase that you will hear around my house when my children are quarreling with one another. That is usually the same time where I start to lose my cool, and give into the malicious thoughts that I am having in my head, and my mouth begins to run, without a care in the world. HE is teaching me today that the reason that HE is focusing so intently on HIS Fruit of SELF CONTROL is that when it comes to modeling that for my children, that is the number one area where I have fallen the most short. HE is telling me that I can, and will overcome my SELF CONTROL issues when I choose to live my life according to HIS will, and seek HIS words, and make them my words. HE is wanting me to know that when I choose to live with SELF CONTROL I will then be modeling this to my children. I am learning that it is incredibly imperative that I choose to live boldly while modeling HIS Fruit of SELF CONTROL to my children, so that they too will be able to overcome their own impulses.
Today I am so incredibly thankful that HE has answered the cries of my heart. I am so thankful to know that while I was writing in my journal all the things I have been struggling with, HE was already there, that my story has already been written. That HE has everything worked out for my good. I am so incredibly thankful and blessed to know that each day that I seek HIM, and ask HIM to teach, lead, and guide me HE does. I am so thankful to feel HIS presence, and to see HIM working in NOT only my life, but the lives of my children. Today I am so incredibly blessed to be living this life with my family, and knowing that even when we fall short, HIS grace, is more than enough.
Dear Friends, I pray today that you will know that HE is FAITHFUL, that HE is a loving, caring, compassionate, giving, and always (when you repent) forgiving GOD. I pray that you will seek HIM today, and HE will reveal HIS plans for you. I pray that you will have the courage to walk the path that HE has chosen for you, and that you too will choose to live your life according to HIS Fruit of the Spirit. I pray that when you do, you will be living a contagious life, that other's will stop and say to you, "What is it about you? How are you able to maintain such peace in your life?" I pray that HIS blessings and favor will be showered upon you when you choose to live according to HIS Fruit of the Spirit.
Many blessings, and lots of love,
Heather
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