I recently, like this weekend and today, have been bombarded with thoughts concerning direct family and relationships. We often let things of other's lives just drift through ours like chaff in the the wind or we dominate every little minute by the drama of our family's problems and the dysfunction of our relationships. Venturing away from letting the things of others lives effect mine directly I noticed I became a little less caring and more callus concerning others problems. In this I found that Jesus gives us the perfect example to go by. In my reading in the book of Mark, really all the gospels, I read of Jesus going from town to town healing and preaching. Not one time do I find in text that Jesus sat down with the Pharisees and said, "I know what you mean this is a drag, you know everyone ALWAYS needing me and stuff." or "How are you doing?" then being ran over by the rundown of all the people's problems and what ales them. No Jesus just simple gave them a wise parable that through the translation of the parable by ones self could come up with the direction in which they should go and where they should put their trust and where to stay away from and what not to put their trust in. Or the wonderful "Be healed", or "be whole" then go tell everyone what the Lord has done for you this day. He didn't have one negative outlook on peoples problems or his own. He knew God's divine plans for him and for the people of God and of this world. He never took part in idle gossip or not willing to help someone out. He was about his Father's business.
That being said I feel us as Christians, or if you're not of faith reading this, which would be a surprise to me but welcome!, we need to take direction from Jesus in the gospels for our own lives, I mean that is what he was sent here for, to show us how to live in this world and be about the business of God. When I took notice of this I strayed from focusing on my own problems, (NOT ACTING LIKE I DIDN'T HAVE ANY) just not making them MY main focus. I made my focus helping others. NOT PUSHING MY BELIEFS OR LIKE I HAD ALL THE ANSWERS. But as they came to me with a negative give them a positive. When they ask where do you find your happiness? I tell them the Love of God gives me peace and that is what breeds my happiness. Showing them by my own life that even though you go through the most pride bashing, ego killing, heart breaking situations in life, you can still SMILE. Some people out there know our situation and some don't but its not my job to go about telling you so you can feel sorry for me or throw your love and caring around, but I don't bottle it up either, I take it to God. God gives me my own REAL LIFE parable, I am the parable. He shows me the knowledge and understanding of my real situation. I take him my malfunctions and he makes them function. I take him my hurts and he heals them. I take him my worries and he gives me peace. He's Jesus, same one that walked the earth, dealing with me and so many others the same ways he did so many years ago. Why? because that's who he is. He walked around knowing the whole time that he was there to fulfill prophecy and to be beaten and die for us. All the while healing and caring and guiding everyone he came in contact with. Making the most of his short life here on earth to make an impact on mankind for generation and generations to come. He didn't focus on his problems that he knew for certain would come to pass anyway, he used it for the advancement of the kingdom spreading the life and joy and word of God.
Our purpose is very simply put in
Luke 1:77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins,78 through the tender mercy of our God with which the dayspring from on high has visited us 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of darkness.
Don't allow yourself to be consumed by others problems or your own. You are called as Jesus was to be light to the dark and give knowledge of salvation to all those who you come in contact with. This also let's us know that whatever you have done or are doing isn't all that big and bad and ugly for God to take away from you and forgive. It says remit your sins and he has tender mercy. Don't be ashamed...Be glad knowing that there is more out there for you, and that family or friend that you so much want to help out.
If you rely on others to give you happiness or protection or those drugs to give you comfort and your seclusion for that hiding place, or know someone that does, remember this, God will be your stronghold in trouble, your shield, your faithful and shall bring things to pass IF YOU put all your trust in him and with that comes peace, knowing he is faithful and all powerful with the VERY BEST LOVE&MERCY!
+Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
+Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with ALL people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
*He requires us to pass peace and holiness onto others as he gives it to us. That thing you asked forgiveness for? Forgive someone that has done wrong to you. That mercy he's given to you? Pass it on. That Love he's given you? Pass it on. It's not a choice it's a requirement!
+John 14:22 "Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
AWESOME!!
hope this helps :)
mnixon33
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