Sunday, November 16, 2008

Ever just want to scream?

Life has it's ups and downs and can even hit you with an old rumor from the past (as it has done recently) In trying to deal with this, I am reminded of this passage from the Bible. The passage is from Ephesians 4:17-32 and Ephesians 5:1-20

Instructions for a Chrisitan Living
17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin"[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you

Ephesians 5:1-20
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.
8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My personal struggle is to remember that God has a plan for me and at times the past will be brought up to deal with even if they are old ugly rumors. There are times that in order for me to move forward in my walk with God I need to address areas in my life, wether the issue was true or not. I am aware that as I testify to the truth there are ones out there that it will not believe or choose to believe what they want to believe. Praise the Lord that I do know of several that know the truth and are supportive.

4 comments:

in-between said...

I'm sorry to hear about this struggle - but it sounds like you are doing well to rise above it. I know it is hard to remember but rumors are only created by people so insecure that they have to try to make other people feel bad. Stay strong miss!

Michelle said...

Rumors are so hurtful, I'm sorry you have to go through this. Sending positive thoughts your way. This will pass, whatever it is, and you'll be stronger because of it.

Suds to Love said...

Stay positive and strong and you'll come through this trying time... I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

A Dusty Frame said...

Hey:) I just found your blog tonight while looking for soap blogs:).

I live a life that is constantly about rumors and people talking about us;).
You're so right that you have to realize that God knows. Usually the people who truly love you know and the rest could know if they cared enough to find out the truth.
(Either that or it's none of their business anyway;0!)

Lizzie
www.adustyframe.com