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Out of Control

Feeling depressed and anxious for many things these days.  I was thinking, contemplating, why?  What is up with all these feelings of being out of control?  

Then I was reminded that I “am” out of control. The minute I gave my life to Christ I was no longer in control.  He is. He has always been in control actually. Since time began and before time He existed.  He Was, and Is and Is to Come. He is the great I AM..

It is when we surrender and realize that we are not in control and give freely to His will, surrendering ALL, that He may be foremost in our lives.  

Here are some great Bible verses:

Job 12:10

In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.   

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

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Living a Life of No Regrets

“Living a Life of No Regrets”


To live a life of no regrets sounds like a tall order.  How many times have we said to ourselves, “I should have.. I could have… I wish I only had…” the sentences ending in any number of hopes, dreams and wishes that never came to fruition?

As I get older I can’t help but reflect on my life.  I think the key word is “reflect” and not “regret”.  We have to be careful not to get caught up in condemnation of regret and instead focus on the reflection of what “was” and then make an honest attempt to learn from the errors and mistakes of our past.

“Regret” is defined as

“an intelligent and/or emotional dislike for personal past acts and behaviors.

Regret is often felt when someone feels sadness, shame, embarrassment or guilt after committing an action or actions that a person later wishes that he or she had not done.”

There is nothing the enemy wants more than to bring condemnation, guilt and shame into the believer’s life.  These things will hinder our spiritual growth.  

To “Reflect” on the other hand is defined as

            “to think quietly and calmly; to express a thought or opinion resulting from intent consideration.”

Through reflection, we learn from our mistakes, and we mature and grow in Him.  We run the race that is before us (Hebrews 12:1)… with the prize in “front” of us, having learned how to overcome the obstacles of our “past”.  No condemnation, not guilt, no shame, no “regrets”.  Remember what Jesus said in Luke 9:62, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”  I would contend that this verse is very much applicable to “Living a Life of No Regrets.”  May he find us faithful!

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Muscle Memory

Muscle memory. So important when training for combat, whether it is with a gun, a knife, or with the strike of a martial artist.

This training of repetition and the never ending ‘perfect practice’ of such, results in one being ready for combat. “The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war” is what we used to say in the Marine Corps. 

Continual training for combat, whether it is physical or spiritual, will build the muscle memory we need to defeat our enemies.  We train so that our response to the threat in front of us will not just be deflected defensively but will be eliminated offensively.

For those of us who battle anxiety, our battle is one of mental, emotional, spiritual and physiological characteristics.  We need to arm ourselves with the word of God, the word of Truth. We need to blend our physical, mental and emotional responses to these battles, with spiritual truths.  

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,  but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

The threat to our lives is real, though the war has been won, the victory sealed; the daily battles rage on.

Let’s arm ourselves with the word of God and train as if our very life depended on it; because it does.

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Beginnings

Sometime last year, I was thinking what I could do to be more purposeful in my fellowship with God.  I always get up early and like clockwork am out the door, in my car listening to a podcast of a teaching/sermon.  By the time it ends, and before I arrive at the office, I have time to think about what was shared and also time to pray. Now one may think that this is all well and good, however, I didn’t feel so “complete” in my quiet time.  Between the road noise, the distractions of the wild animals, there just wasn’t much ability to focus on Gods word.  I finally decided to hit the pause button on my routine and just sit quietly and read my daily devotionals; read the bible and just pray and listen. I needed the time to simply be still, wait and listen. Why not with a Cup of Coffee? Begin, Coffee at the Cross! 😉