Faithfulness

In the ladies Bible class I attend on Wednesday nights at the church of Christ in Sunray, TX, we have been studying the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Tonight's lesson given by Nancy Grundy is about the struggle to faithfulness.

Galatians 5:17 - it is a daily struggle as we deal with life. It takes a lot of energy.

What keeps us from being successful in that struggle?
- too tired... I can't... physical struggle
-- Philippians 4:13 - I can with His strength in me!

- laziness... I don't want to... mental struggle
-- Matthew 25:40 - we're doing everything for Jesus
-- Colossians 3:23 - remember who are we really doing everything for
-- Proverbs 31:27 - do not eat the bread of idleness

- hopelessness... why try... who cares
-- Joshua 1:9 - God is with us, do not be dismayed
-- Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's faithfulness is with us everyday

- procrastination... I'll do it later... later never comes
-- Ecclesiastes 9:10 - be mindful while we're working... later will never come

- rationalization... someone else will do it... someone else will help...
-- 1 Timothy 3:11 - faithful in all things... not just some

- apathy... I don't care... spiritual numbness
-- Mark 10:45 - the Lord gave his life as a ransom for many (us included)... how can we not care when He did that for us?

- rebellion... I won't... hardness of heart
-- Proverbs 29:1 - if your heart is hard, you will be destroyed without remedy.

Psalm 139:23-24 - every morning, say this in your prayer before you begin your day.

Psalm 27:1 - the Lord is the strength of my life. If He is my light and my salvation, how can I not walk faithfully?

1.  We must strive to be faithful.
2. Evaluate your life in the area of faithfulness.
3. When you see a need for faithfulness, make that a matter of prayer and concrete action.
4. Be faithful in small things.
5. Rely on God's help and be willing to study.
6. Remember the reward for faithfulness... Matthew 25:21 - if we want to share in His happiness, we must be faithful... Joshua 24:14a... fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness.

These are just my notes from class 😊

Blessings, Ronna <><

December 22, 2017

Scripture: 
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting his child.
~ Luke 2:4-5

Observation: 
I cannot imagine what it would have been like to live in that time, not married, and expecting a child while still being a virgin (unbeknownst to everyone except my family). The things that must have been going through Mary's head... What will people think of me? What does Joseph think? Will I be raising this child alone? Is this really happening? 

Application:
Mary maintained a brave face as far as we can see in the Bible. Joseph maintained being the supportive husband-to-be. They worked together to ensure the child Mary was carrying was able to live to be the Savior that would, one day, save us all. I need to live knowing God has a purpose for me and my family and do what is needed to make His purpose for me a reality.

Prayer:
Lord, I pray that every day, for the rest of my life, I strive to be the person You created me to be. I pray that I help guide my family in the way that glorifies You. In my incessant times of weakness, please help me to find You again. In Your son's name, Amen. 

Blessings,
Ronna