I've learned something recently and that is how to be out of my mind, and love every minute of it. (Ok, maybe I wasn't done with the funnies, cause I can't stop giggling. I crack myself up.) Ok, what's the point really? It's this:
A few months back, I saw a notice in the church bulletin about a class billed as "Learning Leadership." I thought to myself, "I'm a leader, and as far as I know I've never led anyone astray, despite all the wrong turns I make, so this looks interesting." I decided to take part. What I didn't know is that it is indeed a class that helps with leadership skills, but not in the manner that I had anticipated. This class was really called "Clarity in Christ" and has taught me how to listen and heed God's voice rather than my own. Now, I'm not talking some booming voice from somewhere over my head that tells me what I should do. And I'm certainly not talking about any of the voices in MY head. (HA, HA! LOL.)
No, what I'm talking about is concerted, purposeful time in prayer, worshiping, thanking, talking to and listening for that indeed "still, small voice." For too long now, I've listened to self talk, and the voice of the deceiver. I've listened to my past and my heart, when I should have been turning firmly away from both. Many of you know that my past is what many would imagine hell to be like. But that isn't where God intends for me to live. God intends for me to live with an eye to His future, and the good He has planned for me. He may have to lead me through some "valleys" but He will be with me through all of them. So without going into too much more detail, and without subjecting you to any more of my warped sense of humor, I'd like to share with you a verse that is very meaningful to me. My hope is that if ever you are hurting, if ever you are scared, if ever you are anxious, if ever you feel unworthy, that you will think of this verse as well.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 NKJVThe emphasis being on meditating on the things that are "pure," "of good report" (in other words, true), and "if there is any virtue." At least for me, this is where the emphasis is. If I focus on what is pure, not fleshly desires, but wholly of God; if I focus on what is true- what God says is true, and if I focus only on what is virtuous; then I cannot be anything but "out of my mind." For this I thank God, for He is good. In this, and in so many other areas. Be blessed my friends.
