Is it Really Real?

Perception is not reality unless we choose to live as if it is......

So often we move along living in what we believe to be reality only to later discover that just perhaps it wasn't so much reality as it was our perception at the time.

You know, those pesky emotions can be so very deceiving if we are not careful.  We become tangled in a web of emotion surrounding a circumstance which is oh so large in our mind and we begin living out actions based on what we feel the reality of the situation is.

Is it really reality?  Or is it a skewed version based upon a small portion of the truth that we see?  Is it possible that we are responding more from our past experiences, hurts, perceptions?  Is it just possible that perhaps we are too close to see clearly?

I am finding, more often than not, that perception is a tricky little thing that can easily skew what is truth and have us quickly step off the path of righteousness and obedience.

So to see clearly, we must do one thing.  Open God's word and do a simple check.  Does this align with the Word of God.  If not, guess what??  You got it!

I know, I know..... I am not any more enamored with learning this lesson than you.  However, we are reminded often that true love displays true obedience.  Not just partial obedience.  Not just doing those things that are enjoyable.  But full, raw living, obedience.  You know that "love thy neighbor" stuff the Bible is so big about.  (heee heee)

So what does living in true reality look like?  It means taking a moment to put a gate on our mouths and live out the following: Lev 19:17-18 Love for God and neighbor are inseparable.  In other words, we are to love God and love people similarly to how we love God.

This means that rather than point out wrong, we love them in a manner that they can hear the truth.  We slow down the light speed at which we jump to judgement instead we choose to open ways for restoration and reconciliation.

Whew....  That might be enough for one day, one week, one month!!

So this is me, continuing my dedication to living raw and honest in front of all.  Working to show less of me and more of God in every minute of every day.  Thankful for His hand which is quick to lift me when I fall, correct me when I am wrong, and to always search out the best of me.

Have a blessed day folks...

The Secret You

Proverbs 23:7
As he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Ever wonder why we should take that time to pray in secret?  That "alone" time?

If we look back at the life of Christ, we can see that time and again He retreated to a place alone to pray.  Naturally, we should do the same.

Why?

Let's face it, we all enjoy being loved and respected.  To know that those we surround ourselves with, think well of us.  But being valued by others should always be second to humility and sincerity in our service to God.  We should always remember that God is our audience of One.

While we are striving to be dead to self and pleasing God, sometimes we can get caught in wanting that acknowledgement that we are doing well, making right choices, living what we say.  But we should take a step back and realize that prayer is never meant to spotlight the person praying but to place the focus on God alone.

When we retreat to our secret place and we bow before the King, it helps us stay humble, be real, and to seek no other reward for our time with Him other than knowing, loving, and glorifying Him more.
Powerful statement I read in today's study stated, "Your true heart is best revealed in secret.  In other words, the secret you is the real you."  HARSH!  There are so many times that I would like to believe myself to be better than I am.  A better Christ follower.  A better wife.  A better mother.  A better employee.  A better leader.  But the secret me, the me that only God knows fully, knows that all too often I seek my will above His.

As I sit here, determined to not let this day stray away from a focus on service to God above all and others above self, I know that I will fall short.  That saddens me!!  But I also know, with full assurance and no doubt, that Father God will meet me as I fall, lift me up, and He will strengthen me to continue on.  After all, "faith of a mustard seed."

So as I leave to begin my day - I leave you with this:

The secret to your success will come from your secret place.  And the secret to your failure will come from your failure in the secret place.

Pull up those boots and keep walking friends... together we have accountability, together we have strength, and in our secret places, we will find victory!!

me