Romans 15 & 16 - Greetings

I was thinking about how I greet people. Not in just how I say hello, but how I really treat them. All people, not just believers. I love this verse in Romans. To me it seems like it would make a pretty snazzy greeting. See someone on the elevator? Romans 15:13. 80's guy next to me on the elliptical at the gym? Romans 15:13. The cashier at check out? Romans 15:13.

I have to pause and think about how I am living my life based on these 2 chapters. Am I lifting people up, encouraging them, walking strongly in my faith? Am I criticizing, being a stumbling block to others, conforming to the ways of the world?

It is hard to be a Proverbs 31 women some days. This world is so full of opportunities to tear down others. This morning I am going to spend time reflecting on how I can improve on building others up. I want to greet people with the joy and peace that comes from God. I want to share the hope that is from Him. I want to love and live as Paul wrote about.

Romans 14 - Make Up Your Mind

That is exactly what I have done.

I have made up my mind that I will stop passing judgement on people.

Will I fail? Yes. Some habits are hard to break and that is exactly what it is. A habit.

It is so easy for me to see someone else who may be doing something I don't agree with and let the judging begin. I will be very honest in saying that many times I am trying to make myself look or feel better in regards to my sin when I am doing this.

We all know that the truth is clear. We will ALL stand before the judgement seat of God.

Going forward I am going to try to remember a few things when I start to feel all judgy:

I have no idea what this person is really going through.
I have sin.
I don't like it when people do this to me.
Use this time as an opportunity to pray for this person.
Look at my own life and see what sin is hiding in the deep, dark corners.
Ask for forgiveness from God and seek his will.

I really believe that by doing this God is going to bless my relationship with Him. I really do believe that this thing that I do is like a bad connection on a phone call. It makes my relationship with God and others all stacticky. The connection is not clear. Communication is broken.

I know as surely as I have written this today, Satan is going to be super busy. Let's be in prayer for one another today as we try to be less judgy.

Romans 13 - School Clothes

"Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 13:14

Last night I got out what I was planning on wearing today. I carefully picked out my jewelry. Today is my first day at a new school so I wanted to make a good first impression.

I also spent time in prayer with Jeffrey. We prayed for the school year and all that it will hold. We prayed for God to use us to do His will.

This morning as I walk out the door my LuLaRoe shirt and Premier Jewelry are super cute but most importantly I want to be clothed with Christ. I want to love others and fulfill the law. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Good luck to all of my teacher friends as they return to school. And for all of you who work year round in various jobs, I hope and pray that you have a good one as well.

As you go through your day today be on the lookout for someone who needs some extra love. Give them a word or encouragement and pray for them.

Romans 9, 10, 11 & 12 - Beautiful Feet

These passages were much needed today. As always, God gives me just what I need in all areas of my life, especially today in his word.

When reading this one verse really hit me:
"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15

As I start a new year, new school and new grade I really want to focus on what God is calling me to do. I fully believe that he has placed me where he needs me to be. This year I do not want to get wrapped up in gossip, complaining, etc. Even if I am just hearing it, I am a part of it. I want my feet to bring good news.

I need to prepare my heart today as I prepare my classroom. lesson plans, schedule... I need to make sure that I am connecting with God in such a way that:

-My heart will be open to his instruction and guidance.
-People will see something different in me.
-He will continue to bless me as I call on him.
-I will have opportunities to share his love with others.
-My testimony will be strong and clear to those who need to hear in order to move closer to believing.

Going back to Romans 8:38-39, read this aloud and claim his power over all that can come our way during the day to make us walk any other way but right beside him.

And then hold on to this.

Happy back to school my R2 friends. Let us be ordinary teachers who have our eyes fixed on God! 

Romans 7 &8 - Hard Truth

I have to get real with you here today. I have not been in God's word like I should be each day. I am really ashamed about not posting to the blog at least 4 times each week. This is not who and what I want to be right now.

It is interesting when I look at my current situation. For those of you who know me, you know that my weight has been a constant battle. I have gained 15 pounds since May. This is not who and what I want to be right now.

I have not been in prayer daily. This is hard to say but I feel like I need to be totally honest with you. I know that depression is a problem I have faced in my past. The weird thing is that I am a happy depressed person. Weird but true. I let depression steal things from me. It is stealing my time with God, my prayer time and my health related goals.

I really needed to read these chapters this morning. Chapter 8 has been my battle cry as I sit and reflect on how the last weeks/months have been.

Here are some truths that I needed to hear today:

-The Spirit intercedes for me in my weakness.
-God created me for a purpose.
-God is for me, not against me.
-Nothing can separate me from Him.
-I am a conqueror.
-Nothing I have done can take His love away from me.

I really needed this reality check today. I am making a plan to get back to my best me. I know that I can count on your prayers and encouragement as always.

If you are not your best self right now for whatever reason, give it all to God. He knows. He loves. He wants us to fulfill the calling from Him.

Thanks for letting me be raw and honest today. Thanks for the love and kindness you show me here.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czxd5oa-gi0

Romans 5 & 6 - Freedom and Hope

There are several people I know right know dealing with some very serious things. One is facing a life threatening health issue and one is facing the unknown today with a family member that is missing.

There are really no words to describe how each of these families feel.

But, God knows.

I am so reassured this morning that God's grace, love and mercy is wrapped around these families. While we pray for complete healing and safety we wait to see God's will for them unfold. In the waiting we can be reassured by Romans 6:23, "The gift of God is eternal life". That is His promise sweet friends.

We sin, fall short, forget to pray, make time for other things rather than be in His word, worry, stray, forget and sin. The beautiful thing about God is that he loves us despite ourselves.

While we were still sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

He is not just Lord when things are great and we are obedient. He is Lord during the sickness and sadness that we face. He is Lord when we sin daily. He is Lord when we are far from Him. He is Lord.

I am so thankful this morning that I have been set free from being a slave to sin and now am a slave to righteousness.

Please join me in praying for Randy Davis. He is a member of my church. He had a severe heart attack earlier in the week. I don't know Randy well but what I do know is that his voice is from Heaven. When he sings in the praise choir or does a solo, you truly feel God's presence. Praise for a successful procedure last night and prayer for complete healing.

Please also remember the Beasley/Pierce family. The grandfather of students at the school I taught at last year is missing. There will be a volunteer search effort today. Pray for all things to come together according to God's will and for God to be glorified in every step taken today.

I pray that these sweet families are resting all of their hope in God alone. I pray that as I face today that I will do the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNRFumI2ch0

Romans 3 -4 - His Faithfulness

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

Every day.

This morning I am reflecting on God's faithfulness in my life. Today I start a new job as a 6th grade resource teacher. For the past 7 years I have been a preschool special needs teacher. Some of those who know me very well know that I have said hundreds of times that I would NEVER teach middle school. Clearly that was not God's plan for me.

I sit here and think back to all of the times that he has covered me in His protection. I have been accused of things I didn't do, assaulted verbally and physically. and faced with difficult situations that were out of my control.

I have also made mistakes, hurt people's feelings, and have lived and worked outside of His will.

Through all of that he has forgiven me, protected me and sent people to encourage me.

I know this is all because I "believe in him who raised Jesus from the dead. He was delivered over to death for Mandey's (our) sins and was raised to life for Mandey's (our) justification".

I really don't know where I would be without my Lord and Savior. I can remember times when I was far away from Him but I can't imagine not knowing Him at all.

My prayer today as I have a fresh start at work is that I will live my life at home and at work to honor God and all that he has done and continues to do for me moment by moment. Great is thy faithfulness!