Though the Lord is high, yet he has respect to every lowly, humbled sinner; but the proud and unbelieving will be banished far from his blissful presence. Divine consolations have enough in them to revive us, even when we walk in the midst of troubles.

And God will save his own people that they may be revived by the Holy Spirit, the Giver of life and holiness.

If we give to God the glory of his mercy, we may take to ourselves the comfort. This confidence will not do away, but quicken prayer.

Whatever good there is in us, it is God works in us both to will and to do. The Lord will perfect the salvation of every true believer, and he will never forsake those whom he has created anew in Christ Jesus unto good works.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Psalm 138:8

Monday, November 10, 2008

My Choice is Submission - to God

Yesterday, at Church, I attended the Women's Fellowship class where I had visited a couple of months ago. It's a great class and everyone is so welcoming! I think when I attended the first time, I just wasn't ready for the fellowship, but now I welcome it!

We focused our study on Philippians 3:13 - 14:1 and I'm sure that God led me to this class on this day. I certainly needed the lesson and several scriptures really spoke to me.

This year - from the very beginning has been a "season" for me that I did not ask for, nor would I wish it upon anyone. I know that God has used this season of my life for a purpose and for that, I'm thankful! I have learned so much about myself from God working through others He put into my life, prayer and study! and the lessons have given me a deeper understanding of God's love, His forgiveness, His grace and His mercy!

I have struggled with past hurts, relationships and living in the present. Yesterday's lesson was a lesson for me!

Philippians 3:13 says, "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead."

That definitely hit home! I have carried the pain of past experiences with me for a very long time. I forgave, but couldn't forget. I know that carrying that pain in my heart has caused a lot of anguish that I never released. I release it now and know that God will give me comfort and peace and the help I need to move forward, by choice, each moment!

Philippians 3:16 - "let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind."

One of the women in class commented on this verse by saying that without knowing, really knowing each other - we can not be of the same mind. That gave me such clarity and direction because I have, especially this year, avoided relationships. Because I carried the hurt from the past, I have been afraid to put myself out there to others for fear that I would be hurt once again! How I have cheated myself . . . and others of the gift of friendship!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

I matter to God and how will I know if I matter to others if I'm not willing to be a friend?

It is my choice to submit myself to the will of God and as someone in class put it, "it is a moment by moment choice".

I am choosing at this moment to submit myself to the will of God. It is my choice to serve an awesome God!

In His Love and Blessings
annb
Posted by ann at 6:47 AM
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