Thursday, December 29, 2005

Reflections

I have really enjoyed being home. I needed that refreshing, seeing the folks that have helped me grow spiritually and who have spent so much time praying for me. I know people have put in hours on me. Quite possibly people I do not even know. I am very grateful. Yet, I feel as if I have fallen so short of the mark of service for God. I am nothing good. I am dirty, rotten, no good, sinful flesh. I have failed so many times. Psalm 34:19 say "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all." I am thankful that the Lord already knows that I will fail, that I have and will sin, that He forgives and will guide me in His way if I let Him.
This evenings service was what was needed by many, especially me. Mr. Johnson spoke on how (generally) Christians do not thank God for all of HIs goodness. I am afraid that I fall into this category. I am very ashamed of this. God has given me SO much, but I, unfortunately, take much of it for granted. Psalm 107:8 says "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men." The trials are for testing and purification. I know this, but I don't. I often question and doubt God on what He is doing in my life. It is something I need to work on.
I want to do the right thing, the Lord's will for my life. I do desire that. I also know that I have much to work on. I know this can't happen over night, but that it is a process, even a work in progress. The Lord knows my heart.
I am reminded of the song "Count Your Blessings." They are too numerable, but here are some":
Jesus Christ dying on the cross
The blood of calvary
redemption
forgiveness
the virgin birth
the Holy Bible (KJV)
WBC
FBC
Mom
Dad
Nessa
AJ
Logan
Laura
Lucas
My education
college staff
my pastor
the many folks who have and are praying for me
my extended family
all the friends I have made
justification
saving grace
Christ's humility
Christ's compassion
being an American
my salvation

This is not a complete list because "daily he loadeth us with benefits."
The Lord has been so good to me. How have I been to Him?

1 comment:

Courtney, Jer.33:3 said...

Nicole,
I to have failed the Lord many times, but it's such a blessing to know that He is always there waiting for us to come back to Him. One verse that I like is, "The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down." Psalm 145:14