THE CENTER. (March 12th)

The blogs I write-- they're always because it is a word I NEED. And I can only hope that it will bless others while it is TEACHING me. I desire a lot of help in the area of character and reputation... 

and after a discussion with my dad last night and reading through these verses, I just felt God flowing through me.. asking me to heal my past and redirect my future. This blog has taught me today.. and I pray it blesses you.

Who are you when the church isn't looking? Who are you when you walk out the door of the sanctuary? Who are you in the privacy of your home? Who are you when the congregation you just sat in a pew with on Sunday isn't looking?

Are you still that man or woman trying to best the person you can be for the Lord?

Are you still living like God Almighty designed us to live?

Or does that flee as soon as people cannot see it?

Does that end as soon as you're at home with your family?

Does that stop as soon as you're at the store?

Isaiah 48 says, "And now listen to this family of Jacob, you who are called by the name Israel: Who got you started in the loins of Judah, you who use God's name to back up your promises, and pray to the God of Israel? But do you mean it? Do you live like it? You claim to be citizens of the Holy City; you act as though you lean on the God of Israel, named God-of-the-Angel Armies...." 

You ACT as though you learn on God.

You CLAIM to be citizens of the Holy City.

DO you live like it?

The author asks a lot of questions in this chapter about the motive behind the family of Jacob. You ACT like you lean on God, but behind closed doors... it's another story. You CLAIM to be citizens of God, but when the church isn't around, it stops. He tells them they've never been good listeners. They have a history of ignoring God Almighty.

And while reading these verses it got me thinking:

What would everyone (outside of the church/your church) say about you? How would they describe you?

Would they describe you as a tender hearted person? Giving? Loving? Compassionate? Calm? Slow to anger? Honest? Forgiving? Loyal? Faithful? God-centered? Joyful? Good? 

OR

Would they describe you as harsh? Rude? Selfish? Unfaithful? A liar? Angry? Quick to lose your temper? A grudge holder? Self-centered? Sad? Evil? A gossip? Unfriendly?

I know it shouldn't be all about people's opinion of you- BUT your character and reputation should be cherished.

According to Proverbs 22:1, "A sterling reputation is better than striking rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.'

What is your reputation?

Is it what you've always wanted it to be? 

If not- what can you do to fix it?

Romans 12 says, "Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out.... God brings the best out of you... Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it.... Don't let evil get the best of you, get the best of evil by doing good."

I love the part that says: love from the center of who you are.

Today, lets plead the blood of Jesus over our hearts and minds that God will create a pure spirit within us. That who we are during our prayers is who we are walking down the street. That God will let His sweet, compassionate spirit pour out of our souls in every situation. That we will be changed from the inside out. That people will have positive, good things to say about our character. That God will shine through us so we can be who He wants us to be. God, help us to love from the center of who we are.. and we pray that the center of who we are is full of goodness, gentleness, peace, love, joy... all good things! Purify us Jesus! 

Who are we when the church isn't looking?