Follow Through

Have you ever been a situation that you needed someone to pull their weight with a project, or they promised you something & then didn't follow through?  One of the things that drives me crazy is people who say they will do something and then don't do it.  Something has happened to me recently to see what God says about it, because both sides of this coin are very important.

If you are the person who has said you will do something, do it.  It doesn't matter what it is.  Be trustworthy.  I went to one of my favorite websites, biblegateway.com, and looked up trustworthy.  The first time that word is used is in the book of Exodus.  God had saved the Israelites from Egypt, and Moses' father-in-law, Jethro came out to meet him at the base of God's mountain.  Moses was do everything himself and not letting anyone help him.  Read what Jethro tells Moses in Exodus 18:20-22, about finding people to help him: 
"Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you."

We were not meant to do life on our own.  When we choose to do it by ourselves, we are robbing others of God's blessings.  This is a very hard concept for me.  I have been left holding the bag when others don't do what they said they would do.  But, like Jethro tells Moses I need to pray for wisdom in choosing those who will be sharing my burden, because the load will be made lighter.

On the flip-side, if I am the person who says I will do something, I need to make sure I understand what is required of me, and do it.  When I decide not to follow through several things happen:  1.  People know I can not be trusted to do what I say; 2.  I will not be asked to handle bigger responsibilities, and grow my relationships with my fellow man and God; 3.  I can ruin my testimony of Christ.  Of all the consequences, ruining my testimony for Jesus is the worst.  If someone can't trust me in the little things, how can I be trusted with something bigger?  It doesn't matter how small that responsibility is to you, because it matters to someone who is counting on you. 

Lord Jesus, You had the ultimate follow through.  You could have decided not to die for me on the cross, but You finished the job so thoroughly and have allowed me to approach your throne.  Thank you for Your example.  Help me to be willing to trust my fellow man and when it's my turn to be trustworthy, let me follow Your lead and do it for Your glory.  Thank you Jesus for all You have done for me.  You are my precious Lord.  Guide me in all I do.  In Your name, Amen

In Him,
~ashley

A Light in the Darkness

I don't like walking around when it's dark.  I hear creaks and bumps in my house & I'll rush to turn on the light.  If I'm outside I feel like I'm being watched.  It's creepy.
Have you ever wondered why we feel more comfortable during the daylight instead of the darkness?

In the light it is easier to see where you're going.  In the light nothing is hidden.  The light gives us security the darkness tries to take away.

The bible talks a lot about light and darkness.  As Christians we are told to walk in the light.  To not know Jesus is to be living in darkness.  1 Thessalonians 5:5 says:  " You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness." 

We were not supposed to be bothered by darkness.  When satan decided to do his own thing when he was in heaven is when the trouble started. I think that's what boggles my mind more than anything.  He was the most beautiful angel in heaven.  He was put in charge of worship, and I would imagine he hung out with God a lot.  His one major problem is that he wanted to be God.

In the book of Revelation it talks about the light coming from heaven as shadowless.  Meaning this light shines in all directions, and permiates everything. The light is God's holiness shining.  Can you imagine a shadowless light, it is hard for me to.

I want to be a child of light.  I want the light of Christ to shine through me.  I want people to not see me, but see Christ in me, and I want to help show other the miracle of Easter.

Lord Jesus, I love you and want to follow you.  I want to shine your light in the darkness of this world.  Use me Father to be a difference maker for your kingdom.  Draw me close to you and shine Your light in the dark places in my life.  Help me be a child of the light. I am so thankful for all my many blessings!  In Jesus name I pray, ~Amen