Examine Yourself, Before He Has too

I am sorry to repeat today's post, but thought I had lost the other one.  However, I think this topic is so important I am posting both. Enjoy

In reading Luke 7-10, I am again reminded of how far He has brought me and How very far I still have to go.  As I study God's Word, the Spirit reminds me, convicts me, encourages me, and causes me to examine my heart, mind and soul.  I wish I could say I always pay attention, but truth is some times I don't want to see, hear or act on what I have been shown.  Eventually conviction grabs hold of my heart like a pair of vice grips on a frozen bolt.  Ouch...

At times I find my vision is myopic, totally unaware of all that goes on around just focused on the center. This condition also causes my beliefs, perspectives, opinions, to be short-sighted.  This can cause problems for me and for those in my circle of influence.  Not a becoming garment to be worned by His child or children.  I have not only given out this fleshly product, but have been its recipient as well.  What we sow, we reap the scriptures say.  One cannot change this perspective if we are unaware.  Hence, examine yourself before the Lord and allow the Spirit free reign to share what He found.

Simon the Pharisee was myopic.  He neither saw the Lord correctly, nor the woman with the perfume.  Jesus was a great man highly liked, the woman a sinner both judged by his own vision problem.

In chapter 8, the people heard Him without really hearing, thus He gave us the parable of the soils.  Unfortunately, I can identify all four both in life before Christ and even now in Christ.  My hearts desire is always to be the fourth and good soil, bearing good fruit for my Lord and the Kingdom.  Why did these people in this chapter gather around Him, reject Him, welcome Him, and still not hear what He was really saying.  Yet, He never threw in the towel.  Is He my top priority or is it being busy?  Would I rather have a one-on-one with Christ or be with a throng of people expecting a show of miracles and signs? 

Christ equips me for His service to other believers and the world.  Do I trust more in what He gives me , spiritual truths and material good, or in Him alone?  He has blessed me with people to serve, a modest income, a home through the blessedness of others, He has allowed me to write a book so that other women will not only turn but run to Him and see themselves correctly not from the lies of the enemy or their past.  He enables and encourages us along the way as we confess Him as Lord and share the gospel.  He encourages when tired, hurting and cannot see the road ahead.  Why to trust and grow dependent on Him and Him alone.  Not on my career, home, funds, others, just Him!  He  endures with us,  I heard a talk by a pastor one time on the question God asked:  "Have you become weary of Me?  (Isa. 43:22); You have wearied Me with your iniquities?"  (Isa. 43:23-24).    This is the last thing I desire to do, is weary my God nor do I want to become weary of Him. 

Questions to ask?  Why do I serve?  In what do I rejoice?  What causes me to not get involved?  What causes me to listen not just hear? 

Thank you Lord for Your Son and Spirit.  Thank you for a new life one to bring glory and honor to you.  Thank you for where you for retirement and a filing body for it causes me to spend more time with you and your Word.  For in it is I find strength for the day, hope for the future, joy for my salvation, conviction to grow more like Christ, enabled to serve Your women, abundant grace and mercy to live each day for you.

Simon the Pharisee did not know the debt he owned; I do and like the woman pouring sweet perfume on Her Lord, help me always to give what I have and not regret what I can't.  Love you lord.