I love the way the NLT bible puts this verse. KEEP AWAY from ANYTHING that MIGHT take God’s place in your heart. This verse shows how important it is to keep God first above everything and to protect ourselves from the world’s distractions or maybe the distraction is even ourself! God’s proper place of order is ABOVE ALL, including our spouses, kids, jobs, or *place something or someone important to you here*. Has there been something you’ve been putting first before your relationship with God? What is your first priority? What way can things be put in proper order? Too much of a good thing can become idolatry. Start with a small amount of time and go to your quiet place and spend time with God. Get an accountability partner if this is something you struggle with. A little encouragement can go a long way!
Also, a really awesome book to go along with today’s devotion is- God’s At War by Kyle Idleman.
I have really been thinking about my Grandma Dorsey within these past couple weeks. To the point where I woke up out of a deep sleep. I’ve been up since 3:30am, reminiscing all the wonderful memories we shared together. One thing that has really stuck out to me since she passed in October of 2016 is how my relationship with God has flourished. Back in 2016, I was still struggling with addiction. I didn’t know who I was. I struggled with my purpose of why I was even here. In February of that year, I just left Harbor Oaks, a hospital for suicidal thoughts. I was saved that February and through the many talks with my Grandmother, she continually loved & supported me in my walk, even with not being at a Catholic Church. She struggled with it for a while. Always telling me how I was welcome back and she knew I would come back. Towards the end of her life here on earth, one thing really stuck with me. It was how she grabbed my hand and said, “Now, you stay at that church. It’s okay. Whatever way you focus on what’s important, that’s okay with me.” My Grandma saw that unity in the church was what God was really after. We were all loving on the same God. We were all loving on Jesus. She also knew and saw the change in me before I ever did, Holy Spirit. When I went before a rather large group of people at her showing, something I said really has continually proved itself over the years.
“If I can love her as much as I love her & she can love me as much as she loves me….I can’t even imagine how much God loves us.”
My grandmother showed me the unconditional love of Jesus. She lived every single day like her eternal life depended on it. My grandmother’s love brought me to having a relationship with God.
When she went home, I could no longer depend on her for understanding of biblical principles. I couldn’t depend on her prayers anymore. What really got me was the fact I couldn’t hear her voice and her wise words every day like I used to. But, her work here was complete.
I really believe God used my Grandmother’s passing, to bring me where I am today. She died to save mine. Just as Jesus died to save us. I know that God works everything out for the good for those that are for him. Even in these instances, death.
In the past 2 years God has completely flipped my life upside down. He has changed me from the inside out. My heart is no longer cold or misunderstood. I have the blood of the most high king pumping through my veins.
I am forgiven.
I am loved.
I am healed.
I am precious in the sight of Abba.
I know my purpose .
I am God’s masterpiece.
I am free.
I am a Child Of God.
If you would’ve asked me where I saw myself in 2 years on Valentine’s Day of February 2016. I couldn’t have been able to tell you because my suicidal thoughts haunted me every single moment of every single day. My past taunted me. I used drugs and alcohol to cope. I looked for my value in other people’s opinions and guys who didn’t care about anything other than what I had to offer physically.
Valentines Day, February of 2018 I am in Louisiana, laying next to my wonderful husband that I prayed for since 2014. (Yes, I prayed for years! Totally worth the wait!) While my puppy that I always wanted is laying on the floor. I am currently being discipled to be a Youth Pastor. I am writing a book along with this blog. I have saw miracles of healing and revelation run through my hands and out of my mouth. Holy Spirit has done some work these past 2 years as God called me to be obedient. I will be returning to college and going to Lee University for Ministry Leadership With Emphasis In Counseling. A dream I had before God was at the throne of my heart is now going to be used for his glory.
If my Grandma wouldn’t of went throught what she went through and went to her eternal home when she did, I’m not sure I’d be here today. If I would’ve successfully taken my life when I wanted to, God wouldn’t of had the chance to make me into something beautiful. I feel like some of the greatest people, with the biggest futures, are blindsided by satans lies and take their own life. If my Grandmother wouldn’t of displayed Christ’s love and continually prayed for me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I have gotten a few love taps from Holy Spirit this week. He has brought me great conviction in my life. I used to be very apprehensive about correction, discipline, and criticism. However, as I read through scripture I know when I am convicted, God gives me mercy to repent, and grace because I am forgiven because his son Jesus. I have learned throughout scripture over and over how wonderful it is to be corrected. “Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline;whoever learns from correction is wise.”-Proverbs 15:5Â
Though, as I am convicted, let’s be honest, it doesn’t feel the greatest! Often times, my heart is heavy, and I may even cry. What we do after conviction is what really counts. We are called to be obedient to God and repent, ask for forgiveness, and ask for his guidance to direct our steps and guide us through this lesson. Are these lessons easy? No! But, what is worth having, that is easy? One of the tools I use is an accountability partner. Having that fellowship with people who let you know if you are doing wrong, is a great tool to have. Of course, these accountability partners are to do everything in love! Accountability partners also edify you and build you up when you need it most.
The common themes among Proverbs 15 is correction, the tongue, and anger. (There will be more posts to come relating to Proverbs 15) We see that wise people take advice. Make sure, this advice you are taking of course lines up with the Word of God! (Including this blog, read the word yourself!)Â Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. -Proverbs 15:2
A lot of the time, my conviction comes with one on one time with Abba. Sometimes, it comes from people who are close to me, or some random person on facebook. (I hope you chuckled at that one!) We all have different types of relationships, which call for different types of boundaries. If the person on facebook, who you randomly met 3 years ago through a mutual friends cousin, is giving you parenting advice on whether or not you should vaccinate your kid…I would listen. Do not disregard what they say…But, It doesn’t mean I would take their advice, unless God laid it on your heart to. If your husband or wife, parents, or anyone who is close to you, speaks to you with concern, and it’s in a loving manner. Listen to them. The truth may hurt, but rejecting truthful and loving insight will only hurt you in the long run. ‘If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.”-Proverbs 15:32
When it comes to correction, it’s not the most warm and fuzzy thing you feel on you Walk With God. The by product, the fruit that grows from the lesson, is worth the discipline. What Father doesn’t want what’s best for their kid? What earthly Father doesn’t correct you when you are wrong and redirect your steps? Not to compare our earthly Fathers, to our Heavenly Father…but if our earthly father can do this for us, surely Abba will. God’s nature is loving and gentle, but just. The conviction will be at the perfect time that you need it. Do not disregard what God is speaking to you, even when it is hard. We have to deny our flesh daily and follow Jesus. “Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”-Luke 9:23-24
Don’t give up either! You can do this! Just don’t try to do it alone! Use God’s strength and ask Holy Spirit to lead the way. Use an accountability partner. & Remember, God is your #1 cheerleader…He loves you and is always rooting for you to try again, even if you make a mistake.
