As Luba and I move on in our scripture memorization we come to 1 peter chap4. Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. Wow these verses hit me hard. As I continue to grow in Christ I often make things so complicated of my purpose as a child of God. When I go through times when I feel a lack of the Lords presence in my life I try to get back to a closeness with God and in doing this I always overshoot the reasons why I am having these feelings. I think that in the deepening of my relationship is this complicated thing that I can't figure out how to get there. Christ came for us, when he was in the flesh he showed us how to grow closer to him, to try and become MORE like him every day and to witness.... that is it. In him coming in the flesh he suffered everything we could suffer or will suffer in this life, And still sinned not. When I want to dive into a conversation or a feeling that is ungodly the choice is simple...you don't do it, you don't give place to the flesh by dwelling in those places. It is the will of God for us to be conformed to Jesus image. Romans 8:29. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his SON, that he might be the first born among many bretheren. Before He created the world it was his plan for all of us to be saved and to be conformed (or made alike) Christ. So I have to stop myself and see is what i am doing Christlike? Can people see Jesus more or myself more through my actions? anywhoo I guess the long short of it is just trying to remind myself that it is not complicated, it is hard though. I have to turn to God for strength, but if I am not in the humble place, right where God wants me...he can't use me. If I am stuck in the place where he can't use me. Hanging on to emotion, or ignoring his voice, or being unwilling ...whatever you will it is all SIN...no matter how big or small in my eyes, it is the same in His. Good thing He loves me and always has open arms. So if anybody is feeling distant from God keep it simple, Are you being like Christ? Weed out what is not like Him and pray for more that is like Him( fruit of the spirit).
On a lighter note, here are some pictures of life as of late. Luke is working back in the union as of right now. The boys and I will be headed to Idaho from the 5th to the 18th for my sisters first baby.
