Spring Training: Accountability

     This post is dedicated to my cousin and best friend, Amy, on her birthday!  I could not have a better friend and confidante, and the only thing that would make it better would be if we lived closer to each other!  I truly thank God for her.  This brings to me accountability.  Being accountable means being able to answer to someone or for some action.

"Iron sharpens iron;

so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend

(to show rage or worthy purpose)."

Proverbs 27:17 Amplified Bible

     Even more than holding somone to a moral obligation we need to focus on the covenant rather than the condition.  I want to sharpen the people around me, help them become better, pull on their strengths.  Who do you talk to regularly that you can confide in and lifts you up?  Who makes you feel better, but doesn't just say that whatever you do is ok? 

     Amy is encouraging, and we are constantly sharing what is going on in our churches and spiritual lives.  We have children of similar ages and can relate on the levels of being wife and mother.  I know that if I have anything going on she will stand in the gap for me and cover me in prayer.  And we will easily call each other out when we get too whiny! 

     If you don't have one of those friends, ask God for one.  Don't shy away from an intimacy of friendship when you have a peace about it.  (Note: this should be a same sex friendship!)  No man is an island, and we are called to lift each other up as a body of believers! 

Spring Training: Rejoice

     Joy comes in the morning, and we are to rejoice continually!  Not always easy.  I am finding that it can be easy to fall in to condemnation of myself.  God forgives us when we repent.  It is that simple.  Accepting it, and not beating yourself up for being so stupid can be another matter!  (Maybe I am just preaching to the choir here!).  I think, "I am a mature Christian!  How could I do that? What was I thinking- how could I let my feelings take me there?"  (There flares that pride again!  lol)
     Did you remember that you are human, prone to failure?  Yeah, we have the Spirit of God living inside of us, but you probably won't get it every time.  Hold on, I am not being a negative nancy here!  When this happens take a breath and step back into sync with God.  It may not seem easy, but it is.  Take off the hair shirt you put on and wipe the ashes off your face- they do nothing for your complexion!  Put on the garment of praise.  Go to the throne of grace, cause you need it!  Put on some worship music and rejoice, soak in His presence.
     The definition of rejoice is: 1 to be glad; take delight in, 2 to make joyful; gladden.  When you rejoice you are taking delight in who God is, with a thankful heart.  How awesome is He, even when we screw up?!  It is so much easier to go through my day being thankful for who God is than focusing on each step and trying not to make a mistake, thinking about everything I shouldn't do.  You may not be where you want to be, but you are on your way! 
     I think that rejoicing is a vital part of "remaining in Him".  I mentioned John 15 in my last post, and I just have to quote more!

"You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." v. 3-4

     Do not disconnect!  Rest in His grace, accept His mercy.  Rejoice in that.  The fruit is coming!  

Spring Training: Pruning

     So, this humbleness thing is really getting to me.  It has been two weeks and the same issue keeps coming around, and the thing is- it's not alone.  Pride is usually accompanied by resentment and hurt, or offense.  And these things tend to be some of the first that get in our way when we have spiritual goals and callings.  That makes it even harder!  You can easily get into a cycle of condemnation of yourself, because we should be glorifying God in ministry, right? 
     Regarding my current battle to tamper down my inner selfish little brat who is screaming "it's not fair!", well, I've been there before.  What got my attention last time was when God asked me to step back from that situation.  Oh, it stung a little, let me tell you, but I was much better for it.  John 15:1-2 was what got me through:
  

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

     What an awesome promise!  Bottom line?  For me I need to let go and forgive, and that can be hard when you don't think someone will change or you will be suddenly recognized.  I need to cut off those feelings of offense and hurt, and when they are pruned they will no longer be in my way!  New shoots can grow, because there will be room!

     This works with physical things too.  There are so many things that can drain your energy and time (reading, for me!) and everything else suffers.  Take a look at the things you spend your time on.  Assess what your attitude may be towards an area that you feel called to minister or serve in.  Are you aggravated with what is or isn't happening, or with who is involved or in charge?  Ask God to give you solutions to what you can change, or how you can think differently. Humble your self and put yourself in His hands!