Even when we are focused on ourselves, we cannot take our focus off of God
Sitting Still
The following is posed in today’s message. “If a person, any one of us, were indeed able to sit still in a room, what would that tell us about ourselves that we need to know?” With this, the author goes on to say, “A person with these characteristics—a person who is at peace with himself, who has faced her own fears, who has perspective and right priorities in his life, and who likes her own company…”. Such a person would not be expected to cause evil, as described by Blaise Paschal, who said, “I have discovered that all human evil comes from this, man's being unable to sit still in a room.” We need to work to be uncomfortable with ourselves in solitude, to grow and be comfortable with dealing with our personal lives to further give others grace, knowing we all sin and fall short in this life.
Romans 3:22-23 reads, “…For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”. My sin is no less or greater than the next person, and neither is yours. We are works in progress, not perfection. Therefore, as written in Romans 12:21, let us not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This begins with working internally and exuding the same spirit towards others.
FMBC Weekly Reading: Psalm 78:56-72
The ongoing danger of forgetting God’s goodness
“Yet they tested the Most High God, and rebelled against him. They did not observe his decrees, but turned away and were faithless like their ancestors; they twisted like a treacherous bow. For they provoked him to anger with their high places; they moved him to jealousy with their idols. When God heard, he was full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel. He abandoned his dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where he dwelt among mortals, and delivered his power to captivity, his glory to the hand of the foe. He gave his people to the sword, and vented his wrath on his heritage. Fire devoured their young men, and their girls had no marriage song. Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows made no lamentation. Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a warrior shouting because of wine. He put his adversaries to rout; he put them to everlasting disgrace. He rejected the tent of Joseph, he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim; but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loves. He built his sanctuary like the high heavens, like the earth, which he has founded forever. He chose his servant David, and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the nursing ewes he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel, his inheritance. With upright heart he tended them, and guided them with skillful hand.”
In this passage, the people pushed their limits with God, ignoring and not respecting the Father and turning away from Him. No matter what we are blessed with in this life, and no matter how high in ranking we may rise, let us never forget how we received all that we have, for it’s only by God’s will, His grace, and His mercy.
Youversion Verse of the Day: 2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Whenever we feel weak, falling short of what we intend for ourselves or with what God is calling us to do, let us seek His power to strengthen us where we are unable to do things on our own.
Even when we are focused on ourselves, we cannot take our focus off of God, my friend.🙏🏽💚🦋🌈
