Less than perfect,
Yes, that is me,
When I lose my patience,
or say something mean.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me,
When my pride overflows
and I just want to be seen.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me,
When I yell at my husband
over something so silly.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me,
When I hold huge grudges,
and refuse to forgive.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me,
When I think the worst of others,
and let my critical spirit win.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me,
When I become offended,
over the least little thing.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me,
When I won't let go of something,
Because I want to be in control.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me,
When I give into temptation,
Instead of relying on His Strength.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me,
When I speak ill of my neighbor,
no matter the reason why.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me,
When I say harsh words to my children,
hurting them deep within.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me,
When I yet again overspend,
on some stupid shopping spree!
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me.
When I insist on my way
over the perfect will of Him.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me.
When I mess up yet again,
and beat myself down.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me.
When I am unforgiving and judgemental,
and unwilling to love others as He did.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me.
When I look to the cross
and see upon that tree...
One who is perfect
who gave His life for me.
So, when I'm less than perfect,
it's Him who sets me free
From condemnation and sin,
His Blood has made me whole.
I am less than perfect,
but I know the One who is.
He resides within my heart,
and is willing to forgive.
I may be less than perfect,
but I pray that on this day,
His perfection shines through me,
no matter what I do or say.
Less than perfect,
Yes that is me.
But today I pray that others
See Jesus Christ in me.
In His Love, Cathy
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Disappointment
Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:10-11
For me, this has been a week filled with disappointments... Yet again, I have learned that sometimes people will let you down or hurt you - even those you are close to. Funny thing, is, my personal devotion yesterday touched on the very subject of disappointment. Again, God beautifully orchestrating circumstances according to His wonderful timing.
When others hurt or disappoint, we can ALWAYS count on God for understanding, unfailing love, and forgiveness. I'm comforted knowing this promise. He understands when others don't - or refuse to understand. He forgives when others criticize, complain, falsely judge, or gossip. He loves when others hate. He is there in time of need when others aren't. He is your company when others ignore you. He is ALWAYS with us and, unlike people, will NEVER forsake us. What an AWESOME and AMAZING GOD we serve!
So then, what should our response be? To love others in SPITE of what they have done. Why?
- Because Love covers a multitude of sin. (1 Peter 4:8)
- Because if we hate, we are in darkness. (1 John 2:9)
- Because love covers offenses, while hatred stirs of quarrels. ( Proverbs 10:12)
- Because loving each other is the full expression of God's love in us. (1 John 4:12)
- Because God said so. (John 13:34-35)
We are to also encourage one another. How?
- By making everything you say kind and uplifting. (Ephesians 4:29)
- By reminding others what God can do and wants to do through and for them. (2 Chronicles 32:8)
- By complementing others for a job well done. (2 Chronicles 30:22)
- By helping others keep a close relationship with God. (1 Samuel 23:16)
- By sharing God's instruction and offer loving correction. (Titus 1:9)
- By avoiding gossip, negative critcism, and guarding your tongue. Gossip is erroneously judging others and speaking about others for things you know nothing of. (Matthew 7:1)
Our words and actions should be edifying, designed to build up others. Having a critical spirit or negative attitude has no room in godly relationships. To overcome this tendancy and build others up requires us to be willing to forgive others as He does. To encourage others as He does. To be there for others in time of need. To love others as He does. To understand others without flippantly assuming anything. And we are to do all of this IN SPITE OF whether they have done the same for us or not.
And when you are disappointed like I have been this week, remember, we can "Give your burdens to the Lord and He will take care of you." Psalm 55:22
Grace and Peace, Friends!
In His Love, Cathy
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Construction Zone
Working on revamping my blog layout. Ran out of time - didn't finish. Hopefully I'll have all of the links and other accessories up and running this weekend.
In His Love, Cathy
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, March 8, 2010
Thank You for the Birthday Wishes
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for the many sweet Birthday wishes I received yesterday. My heart was deeply touched by them. I'm truly blessed to have such wonderful family, friends, and students in my life. Who could ask for anything more?
God bless you on this day and throughout this week! I hope I can be a blessing to each of you! With all my love - and...
In His Love, Cathy
God bless you on this day and throughout this week! I hope I can be a blessing to each of you! With all my love - and...
In His Love, Cathy
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Power of Positive Thanksgiving
"Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. " 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19
What is the antidote to a heavy heart? Thankfulness.
It's hard to be thankful when our world seems to be crashing down. As our problems mount, we worry and stress. Our attentions are turned to our circumstances, to our heartache, to our insurmountable problems. We tend to hone in on ourselves, especially in tough times. We assume a fetal position, our difficulties dominating our thoughts and piercing our very souls. From this vantage, we hardly have the strength to do much else. However, it is especially in times like these that our attention should be shifted from ourselves to our magnificent and awe inspiring God. Thankfulness is the key to shifting our attention from 'me' to 'He.'
Paul says we are to be thankful in ALL circumstances - the good, the bad, and the ugly. We don't get to pick and choose when we should be thankful. We are to be thankful ALWAYS. There is power in thankfulness - in recognizing our awesome God and thanking Him for EVERYTHING He has done. In being thankful, we allow the Holy Spirit to do His great work within our hearts. I would even dare to say that when we find it hardest to be thankful, but do so anyway, is when the Holy Spirit does His greatest works in us. Conversely, this passage seems to suggest that when we are not thankful in our circumstances, our lack of thanksgiving actually STIFLES the Holy Spirit within us! Whoa! I certainly never thought of it like this before!
Each day, make time to spend with the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving. Thank Him for all of your blessings and in all of your circumstances. Even if you are at rock bottom, you have a lot more to be thankful for than you know. Examine your heart and your life, making a list of all that God has given. And no matter the circumstance, we all can give thanks for what Jesus did on the cross for us.
So cast off that 'poor me' attitude that flairs up in the midst of troubles. Replace it with positive thanksgiving! We have A LOT to be thankful for - for we who are in Christ are unshakable!
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28
In His Love, Cathy
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. " 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19
What is the antidote to a heavy heart? Thankfulness.
It's hard to be thankful when our world seems to be crashing down. As our problems mount, we worry and stress. Our attentions are turned to our circumstances, to our heartache, to our insurmountable problems. We tend to hone in on ourselves, especially in tough times. We assume a fetal position, our difficulties dominating our thoughts and piercing our very souls. From this vantage, we hardly have the strength to do much else. However, it is especially in times like these that our attention should be shifted from ourselves to our magnificent and awe inspiring God. Thankfulness is the key to shifting our attention from 'me' to 'He.'
Paul says we are to be thankful in ALL circumstances - the good, the bad, and the ugly. We don't get to pick and choose when we should be thankful. We are to be thankful ALWAYS. There is power in thankfulness - in recognizing our awesome God and thanking Him for EVERYTHING He has done. In being thankful, we allow the Holy Spirit to do His great work within our hearts. I would even dare to say that when we find it hardest to be thankful, but do so anyway, is when the Holy Spirit does His greatest works in us. Conversely, this passage seems to suggest that when we are not thankful in our circumstances, our lack of thanksgiving actually STIFLES the Holy Spirit within us! Whoa! I certainly never thought of it like this before!
Each day, make time to spend with the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving. Thank Him for all of your blessings and in all of your circumstances. Even if you are at rock bottom, you have a lot more to be thankful for than you know. Examine your heart and your life, making a list of all that God has given. And no matter the circumstance, we all can give thanks for what Jesus did on the cross for us.
So cast off that 'poor me' attitude that flairs up in the midst of troubles. Replace it with positive thanksgiving! We have A LOT to be thankful for - for we who are in Christ are unshakable!
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28
In His Love, Cathy
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Loving Like Jesus
"Do to others as you would like them to do to you. If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!
And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
"Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate." Luke 6:31-38
We must love like Jesus loves. We must love both the loveable and the unloveable -both the saint and the sinner. Besides, the only difference between a saint and a sinner is forgiveness. If we love only the loveable, then we are no different than sinners. No, we are to love others unconditionally just as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does. Though others may try to take advantage, we should have a higher perspective on the situation.
I am currently struggling with loving someone who is doing much harm in the lives of many people who are close to me. This person's actions have disrupted a family. There are children involved whose lives have been completely turned upside down due to this person's actions. HRS is now involved. It's a very serious situation. Yet, this person needs Christ more than any other person I know right now. As much as I'd like to write the person off, I can't. This is really tough for me because I'm emotionally tied to those involved. All I really want to do is give the person a piece of my mind and watch them sink in their own sin. However, I know this will accomplish nothing. In addition, there are too many other lives that will suffer if this person suffers. And even more importantly, despite what I think or how I feel about this person, God loves them just as much as He loves me! The only remedy to the situation is for this person to be changed from the inside out. The only person I know who can perform such a miracle is Jesus Christ. I am determined to love this person right into the arms of Christ! So I am choosing to love them and pray for them.
When people come to us for prayer or for help, they may not always be truthful and up front with us, especially non-believers. Their motivation may be rooted in greed, a need for attention, or to get as much out of us as they can. But in other cases, they may have genuine needs. Their lack of honesty may be because they are trying save face or they simply can't deal with the painful truth. As I told a friend today, our purpose is to love them as Jesus did, pray for them, and help without enabling them - taking them at face value at the moment. (Turn the other cheek, right?) That is not to say we should allow people to take advantage, just that they need Christ's love and we are to be the vessel in which His love is displayed.
Loving like Jesus is tough. In some cases, we may just plain out not want to. That's totally understandable. However, God expects us to be more like Christ than the world - and loving others is a big part of it. Otherwise, we are no better off than those who don't know Jesus. Loving the unloveable isn't without it's difficulties. It's no walk in the park. Christ knew this and he indicated how we are to respond - with more love - doing good to them and never expecting anything in return! And sometimes, the love we need to give will be tough love - loving without enabling. That is the position that I and others are having to take in the situation I mentioned earlier.
Just know that when the loving gets tough, the tough get to loving! In Christ, it is possible to love the unloveable.
In His Love, Cathy
And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
"Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate." Luke 6:31-38
We must love like Jesus loves. We must love both the loveable and the unloveable -both the saint and the sinner. Besides, the only difference between a saint and a sinner is forgiveness. If we love only the loveable, then we are no different than sinners. No, we are to love others unconditionally just as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does. Though others may try to take advantage, we should have a higher perspective on the situation.
I am currently struggling with loving someone who is doing much harm in the lives of many people who are close to me. This person's actions have disrupted a family. There are children involved whose lives have been completely turned upside down due to this person's actions. HRS is now involved. It's a very serious situation. Yet, this person needs Christ more than any other person I know right now. As much as I'd like to write the person off, I can't. This is really tough for me because I'm emotionally tied to those involved. All I really want to do is give the person a piece of my mind and watch them sink in their own sin. However, I know this will accomplish nothing. In addition, there are too many other lives that will suffer if this person suffers. And even more importantly, despite what I think or how I feel about this person, God loves them just as much as He loves me! The only remedy to the situation is for this person to be changed from the inside out. The only person I know who can perform such a miracle is Jesus Christ. I am determined to love this person right into the arms of Christ! So I am choosing to love them and pray for them.
When people come to us for prayer or for help, they may not always be truthful and up front with us, especially non-believers. Their motivation may be rooted in greed, a need for attention, or to get as much out of us as they can. But in other cases, they may have genuine needs. Their lack of honesty may be because they are trying save face or they simply can't deal with the painful truth. As I told a friend today, our purpose is to love them as Jesus did, pray for them, and help without enabling them - taking them at face value at the moment. (Turn the other cheek, right?) That is not to say we should allow people to take advantage, just that they need Christ's love and we are to be the vessel in which His love is displayed.
Loving like Jesus is tough. In some cases, we may just plain out not want to. That's totally understandable. However, God expects us to be more like Christ than the world - and loving others is a big part of it. Otherwise, we are no better off than those who don't know Jesus. Loving the unloveable isn't without it's difficulties. It's no walk in the park. Christ knew this and he indicated how we are to respond - with more love - doing good to them and never expecting anything in return! And sometimes, the love we need to give will be tough love - loving without enabling. That is the position that I and others are having to take in the situation I mentioned earlier.
Just know that when the loving gets tough, the tough get to loving! In Christ, it is possible to love the unloveable.
In His Love, Cathy
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