A
BBtJ.Org
Site
Bring Back the Joy --- B B t J . O r g
|
CHANGE OF HEART
In Our God will Supply my Needs , I wrote that I hoped to become the sort of older woman that younger women can look up to. I've been questioning how I can develop my character to become such a woman. Of course, the answer isn't that it is something I can do--but what Jesus Christ will do in me. Several weeks ago our prayer group had an anniversary of its founding. Several former members of the group attended with the current members for an evening of fellowship and prayer. One of the things which we did was to pray for each other. Of course we've prayed many times for various concerns of group members. But we had never taken the time to actually pray over each other: for health, happiness, peace and prosperity. In one of the prayers uplifting me to the Lord, one of the ladies said that she had noticed a change in me over the last few months. I was so encouraged by her comment and prayer. I wish I could remember her exact words. I have begun to question what has changed. To begin with, at the end of August, I had a ministry session with the Pastor Lou of Redeemer Community Church. He encouraged me to question my values and to learn submission and fine for peace in Christ for myself and my marriage. I've done a lot of soul searching since that day. I believe an answer is that my life has become more Christ-centered and the fruit of the Spirit is becoming more evident. I do plan to write articles on the fruit of the spirit and how it is becoming manifested in my life. However, today's topic is that the key to manifesting these is to change one's heart. Proverbs 23:7 (part a) declares "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." This is a familiar passage. And a very true one. While the chapter is talking about hanging out with "evil men," one can still apply it to oneself. Am I being influenced by evil and not being the type of person others should hang out with. While that sounds like going overboard...we still need to consider what is going into our brains. What am I thinking about. Are things I'm reading or watching on TV influencing my life and reactions? II Cor 10:5 cautions us that we should corral our thoughts so they are in obedience to God. That doesn't mean that we would be "goody two-shoes" (where did that expression come from anyway?) It is simply wanting us to come into alignment with God and let him guide us. Being aware of and controlling our thoughts is one way to do this. To give an example of how these two scriptures apply to life. At one point in my life, I was working at a place where some of the employees used inappropriate words. After I while, I realized that my vocabulary had become enlarged. I had to start taking my thoughts and emotions captive so I would quit using "4-letter words." It wasn't easy. I've heard that people swear more when they are under stress. I'll testify for that because I still occasionally say words that I probably shouldn't use. However, I also think that it is somewhat hypocritical to use some of these "substitute" words that many Christians think are okay instead of using a swear word. But to get back to the topic... How does one change one's heart? What have I been doing differently these last few months? The most dramatic thing I can relate is my daily walk with God. Mark and I have been taking a video correspondence course from Charis Bible College (formerly Colorado Bible College) from Andrew Wommack Ministries International . We watch tapes of the classes daily on various topics. In addition to class studies, we are required to read the Bible through in a year's time. This is easy to do if one will take a few minutes each day. Bibles with daily readings can be purchased at any Christian Bookstore. Scripture lists for daily reading can be found online; search under "daily Bible reading." If you have never read through the entire Bible, I highly recommend this. There are many ministries and churches that have material online. With little or no cost, it is easy to study the Bible. I have been diligently praying that I come to understand the heart of Christ. That I will absorb, internalize and understand the teachings of the Bible. I've asked the Holy Spirit to comfort me; to nudge me as to the way I should go. I believe that if one submits one's heart to God, He will lead and guide. I've spent many years in negativity. I don't want that any more. I want to be joyous and loving. When various things come up and I find myself "harping," I try to ask myself where this came from? Why am I reacting this way? And even if the situation isn't the best, most of the time I find I should be responding in a more positive way to diffuse the situation rather than to aggrevate it. My husband and I were watching a movie the other day; he paid me the compliment that even on my worst days I'm not as bad as the female character. I'm not so sure he could have said that 16 years ago when we were first married. I believe that my heart is slowly changing as I open it to God and release the negative way of thinking. It's being an interesting journey. Although what I've said above may not be what Laura meant, I also have something else to add. You know how you look in the mirror see yourself (or rather a reflection of yourself). As I've gotten older, grayer, and fatter, I've had to chuckle that I'm seeing my mother in the mirror. While nothing is wrong with that, there has been a lack of recognition for several years. The person I've seen wasn't how I pictured myself. In recent weeks, I've been noticing a subtle transition. I'm not any younger, thinner or less gray. It's not something I can really explain. Something about the eyes. I believe that it's been the transition of finding an inner peace and joy in my life. Finding contentment in the life I have. I'm beginning to see "me" looking back at me. All I can say is "Thank God." |
> Click Here to find out about Partnering with BBtJ.Org > Click Here for links to supporters who asked to be listed Advertisements: BBtJ.Org does not control the content of the following ads, please use at your own discretion 
If you come back to click here first every time you shop Amazon, it would be much appreciated. It won't cost you any more, but BBtJ.org's finances would benefit. Thanks for your support
|