Monday, November 9, 2015
What Does It Mean To "Take Up My Cross"?
It's easy to utter an opinion, speak words in the heat of emotion or casually sing words to a song and not really understand the power that the tongue holds. Yesterday, I sang the words, "My heart is Yours, my heart is Yours. Take it all, take it all, my life in Your hands. I lay down my life. I take up my cross." And as I worshiped, I wondered, "When I say that I'm laying down my life, just what in particular am I putting aside?" And the cross has always symbolized suffering. What am I saying that I'm willing to suffer for?
As I pondered, the words, "...let us put aside every weight and sin which clings so closely..." (Heb. 12:1) came to me. Presently, I still entertain fears that God won't do what He says which is to supply all of my needs. I have less trouble believing He'll keep His Word for others but because of past experiences with abandonment, betrayal and pressure/ responsibility, my pride urges me to think that my success is ultimately up to me. It's the mind set of the world. It's the thought rule of the godless.
While I know the truth in my heart, I consistently entertain ideas of giving up the dreams I'm currently trying to walk out and get a normal "work on demand and we'll pay you a regular income" job because we all know that those kinds of jobs are reliable & proven with very little expectation of failure and we tend to trust in what we see and experience. But at what cost? Dreams are hard to wait for. They're difficult to believe sometimes. They often continue to be just out of reach. And they, more often than not, seem silly to speak out loud.
But what if God's will for me is to not be afraid; to believe and keep on believing, not hesitantly as in, "I hope" or "I wish" but confidently that it's just a matter of time. The right time. When all else has come and gone. When I've proven that no matter what, this is who I am and this is what I do and no one or no thing is going to change that.
I lay down my life, what is easy and unsatisfying but comfortable because it doesn't require faith. I take up my cross. I suffer, holding back complaining words and sensible but faithless thoughts. And the promises of a loving God infuse me with peace when I can't see the proof of them with my own eyes. I confidently trust that He is fighting and putting into place every glorious detail--even better than what I have imagined--and here's the defining truth; the lightbulb moment: each temptation to give up, to not believe, to doubt God's goodness and faithfulness, that surfaces-- when I cry out to Him for strength to make the right choice, is a step closer to my fulfilled dream. Each step of faith forward is made with each choice to do the right thing, to live faithfully and in faith. Like Indiana Jones where as he takes each step into thin air with no guarantee that he won't plummet to his death, a smooth stone appears to support his weight.
Yes, this faith stuff is hard. But if it weren't, we wouldn't need a Savior. And that's as silly as my thinking that my success is ultimately up to me.
Be blessed and live the faith!
Sincerely,
Chris
Monday, July 13, 2015
If Nothing Could Stop Me
If nothing could stop me,
I'd live free of the fear of people's responses.
I wouldn't shy away from having an opinion because
I'd know that my opinion was just as valuable as others'.
I would treat myself better.
I wouldn't let others tell me
what should or shouldn't be important to me.
I would know that I have value.
I wouldn't be timid about standing up for what I want
because I know that my
wants and desires
are as important as anyones.
If nothing cold stop me
I'd start singing again.
I'd fill the house with
beautiful music
that stirred my soul,
as loud as I pleased.
I'd dance like David
oblivious to what I looked like
or who may be watching.
I wouldn't worry about disaster,
the future or money.
I'd spend it like it was going out of style.
I'd throw parties
and be choosy
about the clothes that I wore
rather than what I found at garage sales.
My purses and shoes
wouldn't be hand-me-downs.
My roof wouldn't leak
and my floors wouldn't be uneven.
I'd work jobs that I enjoyed
and if I didn't enjoy them
or they weren't for me,
well then,
I'd smile and say so;
no big deal,
there will be a new opportunity tomorrow.
If nothing could stop me,
I'd open businesses of my own and
make my own schedule.
I'd work hard but always make time to
enjoy life.
I'd walk away from my life now;
not looking back,
not afraid of starting over with nothing,
Because nothing could stop me.
So what is stopping me........ besides me?
I'd live free of the fear of people's responses.
I wouldn't shy away from having an opinion because
I'd know that my opinion was just as valuable as others'.
I would treat myself better.
I wouldn't let others tell me
what should or shouldn't be important to me.
I would know that I have value.
I wouldn't be timid about standing up for what I want
because I know that my
wants and desires
are as important as anyones.
If nothing cold stop me
I'd start singing again.
I'd fill the house with
beautiful music
that stirred my soul,
as loud as I pleased.
I'd dance like David
oblivious to what I looked like
or who may be watching.
I wouldn't worry about disaster,
the future or money.
I'd spend it like it was going out of style.
I'd throw parties
and be choosy
about the clothes that I wore
rather than what I found at garage sales.
My purses and shoes
wouldn't be hand-me-downs.
My roof wouldn't leak
and my floors wouldn't be uneven.
I'd work jobs that I enjoyed
and if I didn't enjoy them
or they weren't for me,
well then,
I'd smile and say so;
no big deal,
there will be a new opportunity tomorrow.
If nothing could stop me,
I'd open businesses of my own and
make my own schedule.
I'd work hard but always make time to
enjoy life.
I'd walk away from my life now;
not looking back,
not afraid of starting over with nothing,
Because nothing could stop me.
So what is stopping me........ besides me?
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Unknown
You don't know me.
I barely know myself.
Having put aside my desires and dreams
for as long as I can remember.
I've been afraid to live;
afraid to fail,
afraid to come to nothing.
You who started out with nothing,
who looked at me as if I owned the world; and maybe
then, I thought I did as well,
you longed for what I had.
For what you thought was mine.
But it was never really mine.
But it was never really mine.
But then, your doors opened.
He had heard your cries and His hand was open
to you.
You drank it in. You still drink. Looking down
at what you once longed for. Now it is too small.
When death came,
He had heard your cries and His hand was open
to you.
You drank it in. You still drink. Looking down
at what you once longed for. Now it is too small.
When death came,
so many deaths,
everything was stolen away.
One by one, stripped away leaving me
broken and in need.
Now, it's me who looks at you
as if you own the world; and maybe,
you think you do as well.
But there is a light in the shadows.
A flicker of hope.
A Word comes forth.
I cling to it.
I meditate on it and
breath it in and out
as if my very life depended upon it.
And it does.
He is no respecter of persons.
He has promised beauty for ashes.
You have received yours.
I wait for mine.
In time doors will
open for me.
He has heard my cries
and His hand will be open to me.
And I will drink deeply.
I will drink deeply and when I look down
at what I once longed for
broken and in need.
Now, it's me who looks at you
as if you own the world; and maybe,
you think you do as well.
But there is a light in the shadows.
A flicker of hope.
A Word comes forth.
I cling to it.
I meditate on it and
breath it in and out
as if my very life depended upon it.
And it does.
He is no respecter of persons.
He has promised beauty for ashes.
You have received yours.
I wait for mine.
In time doors will
open for me.
He has heard my cries
and His hand will be open to me.
And I will drink deeply.
I will drink deeply and when I look down
at what I once longed for
it will be too small.
I will live who I truly am with
all that I am,
My true identity;
lover of all things beautiful.
not afraid anymore;
not afraid to fail
or to come to nothing.
Not afraid to be me.
No longer afraid.
I will live who I truly am with
all that I am,
My true identity;
lover of all things beautiful.
not afraid anymore;
not afraid to fail
or to come to nothing.
Not afraid to be me.
No longer afraid.
Friday, June 19, 2015
A Sweet Sigh...
When will life be sweet?
Not the "sweet" of falseness,
tempting, but always leaving
wanting.
But sweet, like a cool drink of water.
Soft on the tongue.
Like the soft, delicate petals of a rose
and sweet like the heady aroma within.
Sweet like the sounds of a song
being played over the strings of my heart.
The violinist's bow gliding back and forth
moving the melody of my heart with every
note.
Sweet like the rustle of leaves
being swept by the wind.
Carrying them up the corner of a building
as if in a dance.
The sweetness of children laughing,
discovering, free of worry & fear.
When will life be sweet again?
The longer I live, the farther away I float.
The past haunts with regrets.
The present challenges with unanswered
prayers.
The future teases with the unknown.
Yet I know there will be a time
when life will be sweet again.
Don't wait too long to come for me.
Don't let my tender heart wither
like a flower, separated from it's root.
My soul longs for you, my love.
For life to be sweet.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
FOOLISH TALK & EMPTY WORDS
I was re-reading a scripture from my pastor's Sunday sermon. It was an exceptional message themed, "Life That's Too Great Not To Be Lived". One of the scriptures used was Ephesians 5:14-16 (NIV), "...Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
I wanted to get a better understanding of what Paul was talking about so I went back to the beginning of chapter 5 and began to read.
Let me stop & inject that I feel that there is a reason for everything and the life of the believer is not his own. Once I asked Christ to be my Lord, I invited Him to "move in" and take up residence inside of me. Now there are two spirits inside of me, my own & the Holy Spirit. They are in agreement and so they are joined. Now when I'm led towards God, I can be sure it's His Spirit doing the leading. So, when I'm led to read into (study) the Word, I can be assured that there's something specific He wants me to hear and understand.
Chapter 5 of Ephesians talks about "foolish talk" and "coarse jesting" amongst the general theme of being God imitators. So I looked up "foolish talk". I don't struggle as much with "coarse jesting" because I was raised with 2 sisters and a polished, feminine mother. We weren't exposed to that kind of talk as children and weren't even allowed to use what my mom considered unladylike words. But the foolish talk--if indeed that meant silliness and teasing, well, I would be in big trouble.
I read some commentaries online to get more perspective. One that I was moved by was called "Foolish talk & empty words" written by Elsie Montgomery back in 2009. She helped bring light to the subject by including some history about the Ephesians:
"For one thing, the city of Ephesus had a reputation. It's people were "well-turned" or ready at repartee, also know as "jocose" and "persiflage" and "badinage" all words meaning witty conversation. In Ephesus, this was far from being censured; in fact, the Ephesians thought such banter was a pleasant accomplishment. The Greek word translated "coarse jesting" is eutrapelia and found nowhere else in the New Testament. The commentaries say this word applies a particular versatility which turns about and adapts itself, without regard to principle, to the shifting circumstances of the moment, and to the varying moods of those with whom it may deal. In other words, it is speaking according to the world, not according to the Spirit and principles of the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:8 uses a different word, but it conveys the same idea that "filthy communication" and "foolish talking" are a false refinement. These words describe conversations that are seasoned with a selfish, "look at how clever I am" attitude. Christians are not to talk like that. Instead our words are to be seasoned with grace."
When something uncomfortable is brought to my attention, it's my go-to response to put up a quick wall and "protect" the thing that appears under attack. But when the Holy Spirit is leading me in His gentle way, one that assures ultimate safety and a positive result for my effort, I am more open to learn; to consider; to open myself up to a gentle cleaning. Sometimes a good scrubbing is in need but He allows me to do the scrubbing. He just points out the dirty spots.
Anyway, looking up these words, "foolish talk" and "coarse jesting", I found they were indeed what I expected.
Empty words-- words that don't uplift or they serve no purpose in living a godly life.
Double talk-- saying one thing while meaning another--ouch.
Ridicule-- whether harsh or soft.
Insincere talk-- teasing, ending in "just kidding".
I struggle to correct this kind of talk in myself because it can be fun and helps keep conversation interesting and if I'm completely honest, makes me "feel" more interesting. But to what cost to others and ultimately to me? What was my motive and caused me to pick this habit up in the first place? This is the place where God is concerned about. What motivates us. Is it centered around "self"? Even if it seems innocent, if it's not controlled it can take over; become part of what defines us.
My mom used to have a hair salon in an area off of our home. I could hear the ladies talking and laughing. I remember one in particular. A wealthy lady who didn't act snooty or above any one else but had a very dry sense of humor. She wasn't necessarily pretty but people took notice of her. She was very quick witted and sharp with a comeback. She had spoken to me in this manner once, and I recall how her quick sandpaper-like words ripped across my tender 7 year old feelings. She was strong. I admired her for that. I wanted to be admired like that too. (She also had a nice home and a built in swimming pool and a young girl might be silly for adding that to her list of attributes but it certainly made an impression on me.) Also in years later, growing up, learning to laugh at and make jokes about myself when someone said something hurtful or unkind, became a way of self defense until I could be strong minded and quick witted enough to "dish it back", so to speak, or first, before I could become a target.
V.4 says, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." So if I would consider exchanging my teasing and sarcastic remarks with thanksgiving, which would seem more out of place in my conversation? If the thanksgiving, then I have to admit that my reasoning behind my words are not proper for a "holy" child of God to be speaking. Such a hard lesson to hear and so difficult to change old habits. Like I said before, our environments we're raised in might explain why we face the battles we do, to be Holy, but they don't justify our continuing in those habits when the Holy Spirit chooses to enlighten us to what is God's best for us. And if you're reading this, you can believe that the Holy Spirit is planting a seed of change; a desire to open your heart to something that is not good for you or for the kingdom you now represent. That doesn't mean we'll change overnight or that we can do it by sheer determination and will never "oops" back into an old habit. It does mean that with admitting that it is indeed wrong, therefore harmful to us, and giving the desire to protect ourselves over to God, ask for His strength and courage and wisdom; we then ask that He take the desire for the accolades away because we want to bring Him attention, not ourselves. He is always about loving us to wholeness and will lead us away from unhealthy desires into freedom if we choose.
I've learned that whenever I've wanted to give up a bad habit, it has always been imperative to replace it with a good one. Leaving an idle, empty space in my personal habits always led back to the old habit. Brings to mind the scripture in Matthew 12:43-45 about a man who an evil spirit is driven out of. The spirit goes away but comes back and finds the place where he left has not been "filled" so he not only comes back to the man but brings more evil spirits with him so that the man is in worse shape than before! So, where in the past, when someone said something hurtful, I may have come back with something equally as hurtful to do equal damage, or laugh and come up with a sarcastic response to defend myself with an attitude of "you can't hurt me!". Responding like this keeps me a victim of the devil. If I choose this response, he now knows how to keep me from moving forward towards the life Jesus died to give me by encouraging me to distance myself from people so that they can't hurt me. But my effectiveness as a witness has also been eliminated, . My response carries far more importance than just defending my honor. It's up to me to throw offensive & hurtful words off and take myself out of the line of fire as a target and into that same line of fire as a catcher's mitt. I use that analogy because I want you to understand that you can catch the hurtful words before they get to your heart. It's good to evaluate what others say and see if there is anything of value that you could take from them so that you can apologize for your own hurtful behavior but by catching the words, you can consider the circumstances of the "pitcher" and better empathize where it's coming from. It frees you to lift them up in prayer and reach out to them in love by overlooking their ignorance, fear, hurt or pain and respecting that God loves them as much as you, rather than be on the defensive which is putting yourself first.
You may think that they're getting away with being hurtful but God will deal with them in their own time, teaching them with the same gentile love and understanding as He's dealing with our foolish or thoughtless words even now. Even when I don't intend for my words to hurt, if I'm not carefully considering them before I speak, I have not been wise. "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead (being inactive), and Christ will shine on you (show you the way). Be very careful then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity (to be a light to the world), because the days are evil.
This blog is never meant to bring judgement of our pasts but to encourage us in our futures to be the best that we can be so that we can live that life that's free of the junk that holds us back from joy and peace.
May God bless you and your family!!
Chris
I wanted to get a better understanding of what Paul was talking about so I went back to the beginning of chapter 5 and began to read.
Let me stop & inject that I feel that there is a reason for everything and the life of the believer is not his own. Once I asked Christ to be my Lord, I invited Him to "move in" and take up residence inside of me. Now there are two spirits inside of me, my own & the Holy Spirit. They are in agreement and so they are joined. Now when I'm led towards God, I can be sure it's His Spirit doing the leading. So, when I'm led to read into (study) the Word, I can be assured that there's something specific He wants me to hear and understand.
Chapter 5 of Ephesians talks about "foolish talk" and "coarse jesting" amongst the general theme of being God imitators. So I looked up "foolish talk". I don't struggle as much with "coarse jesting" because I was raised with 2 sisters and a polished, feminine mother. We weren't exposed to that kind of talk as children and weren't even allowed to use what my mom considered unladylike words. But the foolish talk--if indeed that meant silliness and teasing, well, I would be in big trouble.
I read some commentaries online to get more perspective. One that I was moved by was called "Foolish talk & empty words" written by Elsie Montgomery back in 2009. She helped bring light to the subject by including some history about the Ephesians:
"For one thing, the city of Ephesus had a reputation. It's people were "well-turned" or ready at repartee, also know as "jocose" and "persiflage" and "badinage" all words meaning witty conversation. In Ephesus, this was far from being censured; in fact, the Ephesians thought such banter was a pleasant accomplishment. The Greek word translated "coarse jesting" is eutrapelia and found nowhere else in the New Testament. The commentaries say this word applies a particular versatility which turns about and adapts itself, without regard to principle, to the shifting circumstances of the moment, and to the varying moods of those with whom it may deal. In other words, it is speaking according to the world, not according to the Spirit and principles of the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:8 uses a different word, but it conveys the same idea that "filthy communication" and "foolish talking" are a false refinement. These words describe conversations that are seasoned with a selfish, "look at how clever I am" attitude. Christians are not to talk like that. Instead our words are to be seasoned with grace."
When something uncomfortable is brought to my attention, it's my go-to response to put up a quick wall and "protect" the thing that appears under attack. But when the Holy Spirit is leading me in His gentle way, one that assures ultimate safety and a positive result for my effort, I am more open to learn; to consider; to open myself up to a gentle cleaning. Sometimes a good scrubbing is in need but He allows me to do the scrubbing. He just points out the dirty spots.
Anyway, looking up these words, "foolish talk" and "coarse jesting", I found they were indeed what I expected.
Empty words-- words that don't uplift or they serve no purpose in living a godly life.
Double talk-- saying one thing while meaning another--ouch.
Ridicule-- whether harsh or soft.
Insincere talk-- teasing, ending in "just kidding".
I struggle to correct this kind of talk in myself because it can be fun and helps keep conversation interesting and if I'm completely honest, makes me "feel" more interesting. But to what cost to others and ultimately to me? What was my motive and caused me to pick this habit up in the first place? This is the place where God is concerned about. What motivates us. Is it centered around "self"? Even if it seems innocent, if it's not controlled it can take over; become part of what defines us.
My mom used to have a hair salon in an area off of our home. I could hear the ladies talking and laughing. I remember one in particular. A wealthy lady who didn't act snooty or above any one else but had a very dry sense of humor. She wasn't necessarily pretty but people took notice of her. She was very quick witted and sharp with a comeback. She had spoken to me in this manner once, and I recall how her quick sandpaper-like words ripped across my tender 7 year old feelings. She was strong. I admired her for that. I wanted to be admired like that too. (She also had a nice home and a built in swimming pool and a young girl might be silly for adding that to her list of attributes but it certainly made an impression on me.) Also in years later, growing up, learning to laugh at and make jokes about myself when someone said something hurtful or unkind, became a way of self defense until I could be strong minded and quick witted enough to "dish it back", so to speak, or first, before I could become a target.
V.4 says, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." So if I would consider exchanging my teasing and sarcastic remarks with thanksgiving, which would seem more out of place in my conversation? If the thanksgiving, then I have to admit that my reasoning behind my words are not proper for a "holy" child of God to be speaking. Such a hard lesson to hear and so difficult to change old habits. Like I said before, our environments we're raised in might explain why we face the battles we do, to be Holy, but they don't justify our continuing in those habits when the Holy Spirit chooses to enlighten us to what is God's best for us. And if you're reading this, you can believe that the Holy Spirit is planting a seed of change; a desire to open your heart to something that is not good for you or for the kingdom you now represent. That doesn't mean we'll change overnight or that we can do it by sheer determination and will never "oops" back into an old habit. It does mean that with admitting that it is indeed wrong, therefore harmful to us, and giving the desire to protect ourselves over to God, ask for His strength and courage and wisdom; we then ask that He take the desire for the accolades away because we want to bring Him attention, not ourselves. He is always about loving us to wholeness and will lead us away from unhealthy desires into freedom if we choose.
I've learned that whenever I've wanted to give up a bad habit, it has always been imperative to replace it with a good one. Leaving an idle, empty space in my personal habits always led back to the old habit. Brings to mind the scripture in Matthew 12:43-45 about a man who an evil spirit is driven out of. The spirit goes away but comes back and finds the place where he left has not been "filled" so he not only comes back to the man but brings more evil spirits with him so that the man is in worse shape than before! So, where in the past, when someone said something hurtful, I may have come back with something equally as hurtful to do equal damage, or laugh and come up with a sarcastic response to defend myself with an attitude of "you can't hurt me!". Responding like this keeps me a victim of the devil. If I choose this response, he now knows how to keep me from moving forward towards the life Jesus died to give me by encouraging me to distance myself from people so that they can't hurt me. But my effectiveness as a witness has also been eliminated, . My response carries far more importance than just defending my honor. It's up to me to throw offensive & hurtful words off and take myself out of the line of fire as a target and into that same line of fire as a catcher's mitt. I use that analogy because I want you to understand that you can catch the hurtful words before they get to your heart. It's good to evaluate what others say and see if there is anything of value that you could take from them so that you can apologize for your own hurtful behavior but by catching the words, you can consider the circumstances of the "pitcher" and better empathize where it's coming from. It frees you to lift them up in prayer and reach out to them in love by overlooking their ignorance, fear, hurt or pain and respecting that God loves them as much as you, rather than be on the defensive which is putting yourself first.
You may think that they're getting away with being hurtful but God will deal with them in their own time, teaching them with the same gentile love and understanding as He's dealing with our foolish or thoughtless words even now. Even when I don't intend for my words to hurt, if I'm not carefully considering them before I speak, I have not been wise. "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead (being inactive), and Christ will shine on you (show you the way). Be very careful then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity (to be a light to the world), because the days are evil.
This blog is never meant to bring judgement of our pasts but to encourage us in our futures to be the best that we can be so that we can live that life that's free of the junk that holds us back from joy and peace.
May God bless you and your family!!
Chris
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Living Life In The Fast Lane
(Not Counting The Cost Of Decision-making)
Do you ever feel lazy? I'm not just talking -feel like not doing the dishes right away after supper-- but spiritually lazy?
It just comes naturally to ignore my better judgement (that which always comes AFTER I've eaten too much or purchased something on a whim. So, I know good judgement's available beforehand). It's so much easier than disciplining myself. But is it really?
Years of allowing this lack of discipline to compound the problem pass and then what would have taken just a moment; taking the time to think it through, weigh the consequences, then saying a quick "NO" to my flesh, now is a mountain of unhappiness and more work than I feel I am able to follow through with.
Living life easy brings momentary happiness, but the cost is long lasting difficulty & regret; whereas living a disciplined life (not easy) brings momentary discomfort; but the reward is long lasting freedom and happiness.
Lord please remind me of this with EVERY decision I will make today.
Some of these decisions that I still am living with the consequences:
Sex before marriage.
Unexpected pregnancies.
Not staying in a job long enough.
Staying at a job longer than I should.
Eating things that taste good to feel better.
Eating what ever I want, whenever I get the urge.
Talking too much--revealing too much.
Putting too much emphasis on looks and not enough on personality.
Shopping to feel better.
Staying in hurtful relationships because of a sense of duty.
Impatience.
Expecting a "quick fix" to be long lasting.
Just to name a few.
I pray that you (the one God has lead to read this) & I, being conscious of His love & desire to help us, will live life to the fullest and will make good decisions based on wisdom and not whim. Amen.
Blessings to you,
Chris
Friday, January 16, 2015
Grace
Christ incarnated in me is the hope of
incarnating Christ in the one who has hurt me.
Yet how do I admit that someone made in the image of God
can make me blind to God,
my own soul contorting?*
Stop. Think.
No--stop. See God.
Let God have my thoughts.
Let my heart soften in His presence.
Not so that the sin against me is gotten away with
but so that it might be covered over
by the grace of being in HIs presence.
Strength & beauty revealed.
Sin dies.
Demons flee
and the previously bound are confused
by their freedom.
Grace.
*Quote is taken from Ann Voskamp in "one thousand gifts", paraphrased by me.
incarnating Christ in the one who has hurt me.
Yet how do I admit that someone made in the image of God
can make me blind to God,
my own soul contorting?*
Stop. Think.
No--stop. See God.
Let God have my thoughts.
Let my heart soften in His presence.
Not so that the sin against me is gotten away with
but so that it might be covered over
by the grace of being in HIs presence.
Strength & beauty revealed.
Sin dies.
Demons flee
and the previously bound are confused
by their freedom.
Grace.
*Quote is taken from Ann Voskamp in "one thousand gifts", paraphrased by me.
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