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Saturday, January 18, 2014

Get Up And Keep Going

This past week God has used people to remind me, and His Word to remind me, of many things.  I am thankful because I can't always get myself out of the pit I allow myself to get into.  You see I had let many things get my attention off of the Lord and my life with Him.  Events in life can get you down....people in life can get you down.  But most of all for me....what I see as my own defects....for lack of a better word....can really get me down.  One thing I hope I have learned from this time is....

These things should never pull me away from God.  They should always push me closer to Him.  I was reminded this week that whatever circumstance you find yourself in....when you think you just can't keep going....you have to, and you can, because of the Lord....because He is with you and won't leave your side.  One thing that was hard for me was to read the Word.  I stared at it....finally read it....got nothing from it.  In fact it was just like a blur of words.  But I was also reminded that I must read it anyway....no matter how it made me feel or not feel.  I tried it.  Good advice.  At first nothing much had changed but eventually the blur went away and the Word started to break through....the Lord started breaking through.  So I am making a new habit in my life....

This week I have started taking a Bible to work with me and I am reading at lunchtime.  It's a good time because by then I need to hear something good and positive. 

I was also reminded that you have to work out your own salvation.  No one can do that for you.  I like the way the Amplified Bible says this verse.  I don't always understand so this one explains to me....more fully....exactly what the verse means. 

Philippians 2:12-13

12 Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).
13 [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

I am thankful for faithful Christian friends that God has placed in my life.  God speaks amazing things through them.  We just have to listen and be willing to accept the words He has given and then act on them.  

Most of all I thank the Lord for the grace and forgiveness He gives us.  He forgives us....loves us....and is for us.

until we see JESUS....face to face


6 comments:

  1. Hi Chelle,
    lovely translation of 'working out our own salvation'. Sometimes we can be a bit like the 'prodigal', every one of us,but the minute we turn back to Him, He runs to us to greet us. His love for us is beautiful.

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    1. Yes it is Brenda. I really didn't understand fully what that meant. Yes, I sometimes think "once a rebel, always a rebel"....or prodigal. But thankfully in the Lord doesn't see us as we see ourselves. I want to thank you for always commenting and being a good blogger friend. You encourage me mor eoften than I say.
      Blessings to you....Chelle

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  2. I remember when I worked at a factory many years ago...There was a guy who always read his Bible in the break room. I was a believer back then too, and I was in awe of him...he got made fun of, and everyone avoided him...But I would always smile at him whenever I sat down at my own table...I hope he knew that it was out of respect for his quite time with the Lord and not that I was avoiding him like the others...I have never forgotten this. I remember a certain math teacher that my daughter had who kept his Bible on his desk...If we were a bigger school district, he probably would not have nbeen allowed to do that...These people are good examples of a life committed to faith...even in the work place.
    Two years ago I commented to my doctor's receptionist how nice it was she was listening to Family Life radio in the office...She replied that she felt blessed to work in a place where it was allowed.!
    I like how you are posting more often...I hope to do this myself.
    Thanks for your love and encouragement...You mean so much to me!
    ~Blessings and love~ Lisa

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    1. HI Lisa ~ Good to hear from you today. I too enjoy seeing people reading the Word and listening to Christian music when they are out in the world. somehow it has a calming effect on me just knowing that I am around other believers.
      I'm looking forward to more posts from you whenever you can. What you have to say is always very encouraging!
      Love you ~ chelle

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  3. Good morning Chelle! I know how sometimes the words don't sink in for me too, but we must be diligent in His Word...always. They are vitamins to our soul; sometimes slow to heal and encourage, but they always keep us healthy and alive!

    Wishing you a joyful and feel-good day!
    Denise

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  4. Hi Denise ~ Vitamins to our soul...good way to say it! I found that what is important is we give them the chance to get in and do the healing work!
    Blessings ans love ~ Chelle

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