No Excuse!

By Pat

Someday, I will stand before God and give an account of my life on Earth. I wonder if God will want to hear the lame excuses I use to try to justify some of my behavior? "But Lord, I only yelled at him because he yelled first!" "But Lord, I HAD to lie to keep from getting in trouble". "But God, I just couldn't be nice to her. She was no nasty to me!" "But Lord, I tried to forgive, but I just couldn't. The offense was too bad and the hurt too deep". And the list could go on and on. BUT, BUT, BUT.

However, something tells me God will not be intersted in hearing the "buts." God's words are very clear, and they leave no room for doubt as to how I am commanded to conduct myself. I HAVE to forgive. No ifs, ands or buts. I HAVE to treat others with kindness and respect. No buts, no conditions. I am to love my neighbor as myself, tame my sharp tongue, give without expecting something in return, turn the other cheek, love unconditionally the way God loves me. No excuses, no buts.

God is not going to be interested in the reasons why I acted as I did. God only cares about my REACTIONS TO others, not the actions OF others. So it's time to stop allowing the circumstances around us to dictate our behavior. It's time to show those around us everywhere what Jesus looks like when faced with adversity and trials, because the only person God wants to discuss with each of us on judgment day is US.

What Are Your Special Gifts?

By Pat

How Can You Use Your Gifts To Help Others?

James 4:17 tells us "anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." That is, to me, a very frightening statement--one I need to not just ponder from time to time, but commit to memory and be spurred into action! It's very easy to fall into the wrong mindset, thinking of all the things I DON'T do wrong, the sins I don't commit. I try very hard every day to obey God's commands of not lying, stealing, coveting. Of treating my neighbor as myself. And then I pat myself on the back for being a good girl! But the Bible clearly states that more is required of us. God has given each of us our own unique, individual personalities, gifts and talents which are to be used to further His kingdom here. Therefore, I must make it my priority to seek God's guidance in using these gifts in the manner in which He intended, so that someday I will hear the words I so long to hear..."Well done, good and faithful servant!"

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