Saturday, April 26, 2008

Gossip or Take Thoughts Captive?

We think nothing of passing on information without a thought as to whether it is; gossip, second or third hand information. There are times when we must pass on things that could keep someone safe, even if it is from a second or third party. But we must be careful of chatting about others. God does hold us accountable for the things we say,* whether spoken, written or even thought.

I am aware more now than ever that the thoughts and ideas of others about people we know can sway my thinking and also my response to those people. Am I so shallow? Is it possible that I can be so swayed that even God’s purpose can be affected? Yes, our thoughts and feelings can get in the way of what God would have us do. Perhaps that is why He warns us in His word not to gossip.

How are we to be a true witness of God’s love if we are easily swayed by the remarks of others? We must take care, search our hearts and prayerfully live our lives in the way God leads, through His word, His ministers, His voice speaking to us and His Spirit leading us.

Now when the days are so stressful and there is much to just getting through a day we must seek God in the morning and trust Him to get us through the day in a way that will bring Him glory. I realize now that more than ever I must watch, guard my thoughts** and the words I speak. If they do not uplift, encourage and speak love then I am not helping God’s cause.

Though these thoughts are simple there is a lot to consider. I must take the time to consider my week and see if there is any sin there. Let me know what you think.

*Matt. 12:36 **2Corinthians 10:5

Friday, April 18, 2008

My Idea Is Better

We always think our ideas are the best.

Learning to accept the fact that though my thoughts are good and often led of God, I can not possibly be right all the time. Not all of my thoughts are good, unselfish, without an agenda or led of God. Nor are they all to be shared with others.

Once accepted how do we convey this truth to our readers and keep them reading?

Prayerfully crafting a story is the only answer. Allowing God to move our thoughts through a story line as He moves our fingers on the keyboard can craft such a story of compelling characters that the reader is captivated by the thoughts therein. Can you tell I’ve been reading Jane Austin?

Her portrayal of Darcy makes you; like him, sympathize with him and care what happens. That is why we keep lifting the book from the shelf or putting the DVD in. To read or watch, again and again. What other characters can you think of? Why did you like them, why care what happened, did they truly deserve what they got, even the vilest of foes?

We write what we know and continued growth is important to us, for ourselves and for our work. It keeps us moving forward, striving for a better approach or a better tale to tell.

What thought God has recently given that has helped you in your work?

Thursday, April 3, 2008

The List

Confronting those things which hold us, captive in our own self made prison, is earnestly needed. It is urgently needed and should be desired by us all, though it can be one of the most painful things we ever do. But then growth is often painful.

I don’t remember the painful growth of bones and muscles when I was a little girl. One thing I do remember is the pain I experienced, when growing into a teen, of being teased and relegated to the fringes of school life as if unworthy of inclusion. I felt it deeply. Yes, words do hurt.

I feel just as deeply, now, the need for confronting those things that turn me towards food for comfort instead of my heavenly Father. As I began to pray I listed the words that came to my mind so I could confront, study and turn from them. At the top of the list was anger and this was directed at; myself, those people who had hurt me, even God.

As I prayed for forgiveness I felt an indescribable lightness filling my spirit along with hope that as the days progressed and I confronted all those other items on "The List" I would begin to feel a true freedom in Christ.

Hope is a heady sensation and one that I pray will take root in my soul. May it be so strong within me that it will never waver in the days and years to come.

Confronting our attitudes, motives and ideas is a good thing, don't you think?