Ever learning. Always failing. Forever weak. Yet eternally saved. From a price to pay. Which I could and can not afford. Learning to live life. Learning to love life. Growing into shoes larger than my own. Finding meaning in Your name. Love and peace.
Today was the first time that I was encouraged by God's word in a long time, because it was so personal and so comforting.
Ezekiel 36:25-27 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.
A prophecy by Ezekiel, who spreads the message that God will repair the damage done in us. When we will no longer suffer from Adam and Eve's mistakes, but be reconciled with God through Jesus Christ. His Spirit will dwell in us and we will be refreshed, keeping to His commandments and obeying His will.
I was encouraged simply because I've felt so dry for a while. The works have become greater than my faith and I have high expectations of everything and everyone. My perspective became skewed and I was struggling to keep myself together. But God reminded me today that He gave me His spirit, so that I don't have to struggle alone. When I need advice or need console, I can look to Yahweh, my maker, creater and lover.
But I have to stay in His presence, so that His promises would come to me. I have to seek His Kingdom, before I can receive the benefits. It doesn't always just fall into my lap, as if deserved. Rather, it is God's grace that we can be in His presence and in His Kingdom.
When I'm down and out and everything is terrible, with contracts being signed bearing unknowing consequences and necessary contracts not appearing, work life comes to a halt. Love life is a struggle because I don't feel I can support her, I don't listen or care about her. I have no passion. I have no motivation. I am in a pit and I am in "the dark place", where so many of us tend to find ourselves. Jobless, broke, no direction and no potential, no value in the world, no friends to rely on...it's a grim picture that I splash on the canvas.
Before you spare a moment of sympathy, and consider leaving a word of encouragement, let me ask you one vital question: do you NEED a reason to encourage someone else? Do you treat someone according to their product? Do you say "well done! keep it up!" like a master to a well trained dog, if they do what they were supposed to? And as logic follows, do you then berate them if they do it wrong; "YOU'RE USELESS!" The question stands; do you NEED a reason to encourage someone?
The verb "to encourage" stems from the Hebrew word "chazaq", of which has many meanings along the lines of to strengthen, prevail, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm and many others. To strengthen someone else, to help them become strong, or help them prevail. Giving them the courage to grow and become firm.
Luke 4:18 - Jesus was teaching in synagogues and it was prophesised that the poor will hear the good news, the oppressed will taste freedom. Blind will see and deaf will hear. All because Jesus was encouraging and teaching people he didn't know.
Phillipians 4:8 - encourage others to think Godly, wholesome subjects and love the Lord always.
2 Thessalonians 2:17 - encourage our hearts, strengthening us in every good work and deed. Just as God gives us courage and hope, shouldn't we also strengthen our brothers and sisters?
I've listed a few things here. I feel there is a distinct lack of encouragement in my life.
I've said enough. Time to slump back into the shadows again.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
「€Œ 8:23 am 」 » 
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