As I stare out my kitchen window, I see that autumn is making it's final touches on the landscape. My weeping willow sways to and fro in rhythm with the movements of the chilly November wind, and my maple tree is now vulnerable and bare as it's splendor of lemon and russet leaves have fallen softly to the ground.
This portrait that stairs at me from my backyard, along with the changing of the time, makes me realize that we're about to settle in for a long winter. For me, winter is a time of reflection and change. Just like the mighty oak tree, I too feel vulnerable and somewhat uneasy as to what winter time will bring.
In the follow verses we read how Paul is telling the people of Corinth how they used to live in depravity following after the desires of their flesh, it's because of this that they deserved the wrath of God. However since God sent his Son to die on the cross for their/our sins, they are now alive in Christ through the mercy of God, it is a precious gift that he has given to them/all of us. Paul also states, now that we are his. we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Did you catch that last part? He has good works that he wants us to do.
Just like the ending of fall and the beginning of winter,where the old is dying and a new work is taking root; so we too have let go of our old desires and are now ready to live in the new as we follow the desires of the King.
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." ~ Ephesians 2:1-10
I want to spend this winter preparing, dying to self, letting go of the old, and putting on the new. I want to put aside anything that holds me back, I want to strip bare anything that God doesn't want in my life. I want it to be all about him, because he, my Savior, is all that matters. I don't want to let sinful desires of the flesh to get in the way of what his Word says is true. I want my life to be a living example for him. When others look at me, I want them to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is something different about me. I want them to see no darkness of sin but rather Jesus' light shining in me.
I want to make an eternal significance in whatever way, or whatever situation that the Lord calls me to.
I want to challenge you friends to begin by praying to God, reading his Word and worshiping him everyday. Then with all your heart, seek what his will is for your life, and then be prepared to walk forward with the God as you too make an eternal significance, one that will honor the King.
It is time for the Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesday Link Up. We desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories in their comments.
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Thanks so much for hosting every week!
ReplyDeleteShari, me too! I want to walk in the good works He's prepared for me and let God bear lasting fruit through me. I seem to pick up fruitless leaves of activity. I love the picture you drew for us. Winter is a good time to reevaluate.
ReplyDeleteThis post really resonated with me, Shari! I, too, am making some changes in my life even though the choices I'm making may not be the most popular. I really identify with what you said here, "I want to put aside anything that holds me back, I want to strip bare anything that God doesn't want in my life. I want it to be all about him, because he, my Savior, is all that matters."
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this post, Shari! It really resonated with me as well. My life in retirement is less cluttered than it had been, but it is still incredibly full and busy and I feel a stronger nudge for more time with Him for reflection and listening to His voice! Amen to all you said here!! Thank you!
ReplyDeletePam
Winter is a great time to settle in and develop some positive spiritual disciplines. I think most of us can us a striping away of dead things, the things we clutter our life with. Thank you for the encouragement, Shari!
ReplyDelete