Walking with a Limp

"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself!" -Paul, 2 Cor. 12:7

I love Hugh Laurie's character in the hit TV series "House". In fact, I haven't met anyone yet who doesn't like him. It makes no sense. He's downright mean. No tact. Sarcastic. Everything a girl despises. Yet, he's smart, witty, funny, and he almost always figures out a solution, no matter how intense the situation.
 
I received a prophecy recently from someone who said, "The things that you've been walking through over the past few months are the very things that are going to bring you into the destiny that God has for you."
What?!?!?!?
 
How in the world could the things that torment me bring me into the promises of God?
 
You see, when House got his limp it was because a doctor had mis-diagnosed him. From that point forward, he was determined to not let it happened to anyone else. His limp actually helped him walk into his destiny.
It is our circumstances that shape and form us into who God has destined for us to be.
 
How will you respond? Let His power and love shine through the holes in your heart, and have the tenacity to pursue your passion with everything you've been given.

Avoiding Self-Righteousness

"What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people's faces. You won't go in yourselves, and you don't let others enter either." -Matthew 23:13
 
Have you ever been around someone who seemed to exude self-righteousness? Often it's difficult to respect or get on the same page with someone with that kind of posture because it's hard to relate. Jesus tells an interesting story about this using the example of a Pharisee and a tax collector:

"Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 18:10

The truth is, we all fall short, even if we think we're doing everything right. But how do we respond to those who we feel are at a different level of faith that we are? Do we look down on them; do we reject them? Or are we humble and gracious, like Jesus was with the tax collectors and prostitutes? 

There is a fine line between being holy before God, and becoming self-righteous. Jesus warned of the dangers of looking to our own actions for our salvation. The key is always looking to Him for redemption and remaining humble. The grace that Jesus give us is the key to everything that we fall short in in our lives.

Second Chances

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  -James 4:6 & 7

Some days I wish I could start my life all over.  I feel like I have fallen short.  Other days I am immensely grateful for all I’ve been given, the grace & healing that God has given me, and all of His second chances. 

When we trust God for our lives and repent for our mistakes, He gives us second chances.  This is what I take from the life of David.  Even though David made many mistakes, even adultery and murder, God still gave him a second chance. God gave David grace because he had a repentant heart.  He was a "simple fool."

The Bible talks about the difference between the wise and the foolish.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) A simple fool is someone who is able to change direction, apologize and repent for his or her actions.  A hardened fool is someone who makes poor decisions but for whatever reason does not repent. (Ps 53:1)

Saul was an example of a hardened fool.  Although he was given several warnings, he decided to go his own way.  (1 Samuel 15:11) Because he decided not to turn back to God, he became a hardened fool.  

Aren’t you grateful that God gives us second chances when our hearts are soft toward Him? Take that chance and make something of it today.