Applying…

One definition of applying is to put it to use, especially for some practical purpose. Merriam~Webster

Going to church and hearing a sermon of Gods word, good!

Reading the Bible full of Gods word, good!

Hearing others speak of Gods word in praise and recognition, good!

Applying Gods word into your daily life, Great!!!

We can hear and read all we want, but until we start practicing what’s being preached, we will find our true peace and maturity in Christ.

God’s ways are not the ways of the world and often feel strange and uncomfortable and, at times, outright impossible.

For example:

Luke 6:38 NIV “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full-pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

Point and case: You have one dollar in your pocket and see someone in dire need! The world says hold onto that dollar because you are going to need it! God says, give it away, and I will bless your heart, spirit, and finances!

Matthew 5:44 NIV “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Whaaaat, seriously! I still struggle here but pray I still do! Does it say we are to hang with them? No! But prayer can be in many forms, prayers for truth to be revealed! Prayer for forgiveness, help, understanding, that eyes be opened if there is a conflict, hearts be softened. We don’t have to pray that they win the lottery, just being as sincere as we can be!

Here’s another hurdle!

Ephesians 4:32 ESV “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Okay, I’m going to be real here…there are people in the world that make it hard to be kind! I am still in pre-school when it comes to holding a grudge, and I come from a long line of tempers!

So, when dealing with issues of frustration, I have to consciously remind myself that I am not only a child of God but an example, and he and the people around me are watching my behavior right now! No, really I do! So, no screaming , cussing, yelling, throwing a fit and demanding my way! Kindness goes a lot farther; this I have found!

Forgiveness…I just admitted I’m a grudge holder, so I still have training wheels on my bike along this adventure. I have to speak forgiveness out loud physically, face screwed up as if I’ve just eaten a lemon, and repeat a time or two hundred while often in a grumbling demeanor. The Lord laughs and tells me to keep trying…and I do!

Do I feel the forgiveness? No, but eventually, the Lord will iron out my wrinkles, and the ugly I have been carrying will dissipate, and peace will remain…until the next time!

Remember we are but a work in progress…

Philippians 1:6 ESV “And I am certain if this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Meaning, that He, knows we won’t always get it right, we will fall and stumble, and we will make mistakes again and again!!!

But, with his hand and help along with our desire to grow and change…We will ALWAYS GET BACK UP AND TRY AGAIN NEXT TIME!!!

These are but a few of God’s instructions for living a peace-filled life. They work, indeed they do, and as a new uncomfortable pair of shoes one day become broken in and comfortable, so does try daily to do it God’s way because you can see and feel a difference…it becomes intoxicating!. Really!!!

Be blessed today and thank you for sharing a moment or two in Sunshine. ☀️❤️☺️