Mouthwash

This morning, before I started to brush my teeth, I reached into the bathroom cabinet to grab my mouthwash. I decided I should probably use some, since I hadn’t in a few days. As I was getting it, I thought to myself; “What good is it if I don’t use it?” That question made me start to think about other things we have, but don’t use. The number one thing being the gifts and talents God has placed in each of us. We may use them on the surface to a certain extent, but do we really stretch ourselves, passed our comfort zones, to do what God created each of us to do? I know I don’t. But I find that when I am stretching myself and using my gifts for God, that, that is when I feel most alive and joyful.

So why do we, as humans, have such a hard time with getting out of our comfort zones and using these gifts? I think it comes down to the words safe and comfortable. We like to stay in the familiar. Crossing into unfamiliar territory is scary. Let’s face it, we all have our fears. But when we completely surrender those fears to Jesus, that is when He can really start using us.

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10

I encourage you to pray and ask God what ways He wants to use you. Make a list of the gifts that God has given you, and pray for clarity and direction how to use them.

I pray right now that God will take the things that He has placed in me and use them for HIS glory, that it will NEVER be about me, but ALL about HIM! I pray that You will give me the courage to step out in faith, because that is so hard for me. I want the amazing, abundant life You have for me. Help me to obey You. Help me to trust You. Help me to surrender all of me and not just part. I want all You have for me. I love You, God. Amen.

1.      Loving and compassionate towards others.

2.      Music/singing

3.      Teaching

4.      Creativity

Back to the mouthwash. I have the Glamorous Clean kind. And that brought another thought to me mind; How do we truly live a glamorous clean life? Obviously it’s not possible for us, as humans, to live completely without sin. That will not be possible until we get to the Kingdom. But how do we live this so called glamorous clean life? I think it starts by reading God’s Word every day, faithfully. Honestly I struggle with this. I’ll read consecutively every day for a while and then I’ll skip a day. And that just starts the downward spiral to not reading it for 2 days, 3 days, and so on. I’ll start a new book, and neglect my Bible. Even though they are Christian books that contain scripture, I should still probably make time to read my Bible alongside these books. The Bible clearly states that it is the sword of the Spirit. We must put on the FULL armor of God each day, including God’s Word. We must have the Bible to fight against the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17

I think alongside reading the Bible, we must stay away from things that go against Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

My mom made up a song to help us remember these essential things; it goes to the tune up “Are You Sleeping?”

“True, Noble, Right, Pure. True, Noble, Right, Pure. Lovely, Admirable, Lovely, Admirable. Excellent and Praiseworthy. Excellent and praiseworthy. Think on these things. Think on these things.”

We are all on different points in our spiritual journey. Some days I feel like I’m farther along, and some days I feel I’ve taken many steps back. Each day is a challenge. Following Christ is not easy; it takes a lot of work. And much of the time I’m too lazy to put in any effort. It’s sad to admit, but it’s true. I don’t want to get up early and spend quality time with God. My heart wants to, but the rest of me wants to stay in bed and sleep as long as I can. And maybe that’s what’s holding me back from being completely free.

What’s holding you back from being used totally by God? Is it fear? Laziness? Complacency? Comfortableness? Uncertainty? Whatever it may be, I pray that we, myself included, will break free from these chains! I so badly want to be completely free!

What must I do, Lord? I cry Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. Who was and who is and who is to come! Thank You Jesus! Thank You! Your love endures forever!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11