I picked up my computer this morning and went through my routine of checking my son's blog, checking the bank account, checking and deleting emails, checking out Amazon (yes, i deleted a couple things in the cart).... and I was debating on shutting this down when I realized I hadn't written in here yet. I guess my mind is on a different subject this morning and I just wasn't thinking. No other excuse. Keeping an eye on the clock, thinking ahead of what I want to do before I start work, after I start work.... guess I just forgot. Not that I have anything to say this morning. I know... b-o-r-i-n-g.... but here I am, regardless.
I was asked a question last night about a man who, though married, was texting an old female friend in another state, and they were trading off sexual comments. I was asked if this was wrong. After getting over my shock of being asked such a question, of course I responded it was wrong! This person knew it was wrong when they asked - so why even the question? Did they really think I would say "no, it's ok, you are both married, and you don't even live in the same state?" Uh, No. It is totally wrong.
And I was reminded, and told this person about this as well.... that many, many years ago, actually when computers first came out - before laptops even - I was on the computer one evening and an old high school friend and I were corresponding. We had been for several months. Nothing of anything really, he was a high school friend and we inquired about each other's family, work, activities, etc. We didn't talk frequently, perhaps once a week, but it was kept general. Then one day he made what I felt was a sexual question..... and I don't recall if I responded (not to his question, but how I felt about the question) or not, but I immediately blocked him and we have not been in contact since. Did I do the right thing? Yes, I believe I did. It would have been so easy to flirt back with him and get into a sexual dialog.... but praise God, I resisted and blocked myself from any future correspondence with him. I do not need that in my life. And neither does anyone else.
It's Thursday and (I hope) hubby has his bible study with his friend tonight. That means I have an evening alone. I have so many things I'd love to get done. I want to hang up the things I got for Mother's Day from my son....I think I found a place for them. I want to work on my diamond art project. I want to read. And yes, there are other things that I'd like to do. Guess we both will find out in the morning if I'll do any of them! Stay tuned on that!
Morgan really worked my core the other day - it still hurts! We worked on the back yesterday and I'm ok thus far. I love that I am building strength in my body. In a bit, I want to go check out my new scale and see what the measurements are. I have found that I need to take my phone with me and open the app before the measurements will make their way into the phone. I've weighed twice without my phone on and nothing happened. I don't understand why I can't keep the scale connected to bluetooth - but maybe it isn't supposed to be. Afterall, it IS a scale, right? Are you bored yet?
Today's scripture that I read seems to fall right in line with the above topic. Maybe that is why my thoughts were triggered toward that text.
I John 2:16 - Everything in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - comes not from the Father but from the world.
Think about that statement for a moment. I know that Pastor Jentezen Franklin talks about it frequently. It is the downfall of this nation, of many families, of many individuals. Perhaps even you. And even I fight against some of this scripture.
Of the three things listed - what do you think is the worst? The lust of the flesh - the lust of the eyes - or the pride of life? I've seen - and heard - of people falling from grace in many of these. We've had pastors fall - and unfortunately, and sadly, I've read of many more pastors who have given in to these sins. And I admit, when I read of a pastor abusing people that trusted him, it grieves my heart in ways that even I don't understand. They manipulate the young people and because the young people trust them to tell them the truth... they go along with it. But all the pastor - or leader in the church has done - is manipulate scripture so that they can get what they want.
Now I was a big flirt for a while - I admit it. I loved to tease and have fun - but once I remarried, that had to stop a lot of the things I was doing, and saying. Since I became a Christian, I have become more modest, more careful in my speech, and more careful in what I do. Do I always succeed - probably not. And I still love to tease and have fun - but I keep myself from anything that can be construed as sexual or abusive. I love people and I love to hug, love to reach out and grab an arm - it is all done in affection because I care for them. I spoke with Pastor Josh about this last Sunday. He understood completely. It's not 'meaning' anything, it is showing I care for them. Can't wait to have dinner with Pastor Josh and his wife on Sunday evening. Haven't met his wife yet, but am looking forward to it.
I have seen Pride at work in many people, even in my family. People think they 'need' the bigger home, the newer car, the flash of money in the hand.... it's all nothing. And I am erasing that paragraph because I do not want to identify anyone..... but myself. I haven't had the big house (as in what others call 'big'), I haven't had big expensive cars or gone on a lot of trips..... but I have discovered pride in my life many times and have had to call myself out on it. I am no better than anyone else. I put my pants on just like anyone else. I am made in the image of God, just like they are. We are equal - no matter where we live, how much money we make, or what we do. God does not favor someone with a lot of money over me. Nor does He favor me over someone with a lot of money.
Yes, I do enjoy - because I AM working - being able to help others when there is a need; being able to buy things if I 'want them'. I need to stop that, but I do enjoy having that ability. I enjoy having a savings account that actually has a little bit of money in it. And it is only because we moved FROM the bigger house with the pool.... to a smaller house (although I miss the big space) that is more manageable. If we hadn't moved, we would still be struggling, I'm sure.
My goal in life is to be humble. To follow Jesus and walk in His footsteps. There is nothing more I desire. You can take everything else away. If I have Jesus, I have all that I need.
I was reading in Acts today about Peter and John who were called before the Sadducees for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. What the Sadducees discovered was that these men were uneducated. But the key words were 'but that they had been with Jesus'. And that is how I want to be seen. I am uneducated. I don't have a college education and that has burdened me many times. Many people hold that against me. I don't have a seminary degree, although I have been able to take a free class at Dallas Theological Seminary and plan to take more. But what I want to be known for is that I have been with Jesus.
That is why I start my day with reading my Bible and spending time with Jesus every morning. I want everything I do to point to Him. I get in the way so many times, but by the grace of God, He steers me back to where I should be.
And if you will let Him, He will steer you back as well. Seek after Jesus, come to find out how much He really does love you. He wants to walk with you in this journey of life. He is your best friend. Reach out for Him; He is reaching out for you.
Blessings!
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