Scripture:
2 Corinthians 10: 13 & 17 "But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 17: But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD."
Observation:
When we are put into a new environment, we get very timid, and of course we have million things running in our head as to how to get accepted. Even within church, though it should be the friendliest and unbiased place for people to unite, it is not all that the case. I see that church can get more clinging then any other environment. As new comer, I wonder what it must feel like wanting to be accepted and notice.
For example, our typical conversation when meeting new people evolve from where we are from to what we do. Within the discussed, do we over exaggerate or agree on something that you are not totally passionate about because the crowd you want to be accepted is in consensus of it? Do we constrict some of the truth with lies?
I think we all been in that position once in our life, where we might say something that is semi truth to it to ease the relationship. Or even like my experiences with the family back in Oregon, my aunts (Jeong & Yom) and her daughter (Amy) will go into small church group meetings and the discussion would be how my parents has steal and coned them. Even blaming their previous responsibilities were not successful because of my parents. Now the question is how much of it is truth to it? Would this conversations be accepted by God?
Do we wrap our self in this pretty gift paper so that God will like us for what we are? I believe not, God wants us to speak in his grace. Don't extract the truth into something over the top discussion. He wants us to speak from our heart, and know how to judge what is the righteous ways to boast versus maybe not saying anything is the best way to respect yourself and right ways which God has planned for you.
The ways you boast and get the acceptance or embed the image amongst the peers that you want, how good does that feel knowing that God does not approve a bit of your ways of boasting? We should only contain what the truth is, and versus speaking of others, think and boast of how great God is in our life, what he has blessed us with.
Application:
Though I am trying to change, it is definitely tough challenge to keep my head and heart straight to God everyday and every minute. Like today's sermon we do get lead into temptation, exaggerating or over emphasizing a small fact about me to others thinking I may get accepted or liked.
I do feel afterwards, because it is partially truth of me. I know and been challenge to keep my mouth in silences if I rather not over emphasize it. Rather be truth what little that might be and God will plan out the next step.
My daily discussion should be God emphasis not "Margaret" emphasis. I need to try to speak in who I am today or is working to be despite of all the problems because of God. This will measure the truth and may lead to more God oriented day to day.
Prayer:
Our Father, Heavenly Father, thank you for your blessing today and pouring out your love for me and my family. Thank you for providing so much blessing and healing in me and my family. LORD we continue to ask for your guidance to forgive and love those who have betrayed us, please lead us not into temptation. I pray you would open our heart and soul to seek you and prioritize you in our life, as you are the utmost precious thing in our life. Help us that the words come out of our mouth will be humble and in your righteous path.
Thank you for dying on a cross to save me and wash my sins away. Father may you use my hands and mouth and feet for your great plans. That I will not contaminate the flesh you have given with lies and sins, but I would seek to you for your guidance to walk the path you have planned for me.
Thank you for surrounding your Holiness around me and my family, and keeping us save and protected throughout where we live.
LORD pray you will continue to mold my heart and soul to be cleanse and find the heart to forgive and love again. In your gracious name I pray AMEN!
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