Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Matthew 10-15

Since I'm reading through the New Testament today's assignment was Matthew 10-15 and BOY, have I been convicted nearly beyond which my heart can bear.
I feel as though the correct way to serve God is unknown to me.
I feel like I've never seen it with my eyes and that I have no hope of ever living for God in a way that would honor Him.
Conviction is good.
It prods me to read and learn more.

Some points of interest that jumped off the page to me today:

The words of Christ:

Matthew: 12:36-37
But, I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.

I have no problem condemning others with my mouth, but am always too hesitant to use my words to edify, encourage and praise the Lord. I am overwhelmed at the thought of this.

Matthew 10:37
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

Yeah...I totally live as though M, A and S are the Sun, Moon and Stars to me. I tell the Lord I love Him but do not live as if I do. I do not talk about Him as if I do. I do not spend time with Him as if I do.

I am so thankful for the privilege to read His word.
I fall so short of the mark.
May the Lord give me strength and courage to live in a way that honors Him. And, friend, if you are reading this, may you hold me accountable for my over-zealous tongue and my unloving heart.

3 comments:

Ree said...

Oh Michelle, to read and understand the way you do would truly be a gift!! Most times I read it and I'm like, what?

I am drawn to your second verse, Matthew 10:37, as I am the same as you! My mom used to right 'PRAISE THE LORD' somewhere on every check she wrote out. When I was younger, I thought she was weird, but as an adult I do find myself doing similar things. Whether it be a religious symbol on your checks or a fish on the back of your car, it is most definitely a start!! But there is SOOO much more to do!!

Please keep doing posts like these because it truly helps me to understand!!

Also,I have never witnessed an over-zealous tongue or unloving heart in your presence.

Coach Prentice said...

The Word of God is a sword. I loved this verse that Beth Moore pointed out to me today...

Deut. 30:6
The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.

SarahV said...

oy. those verses sting a little. thanks for sharing!