5 Things I've Learned From Larry...

Larry is a Truth Counselor. Truth meaning the truth of our significance in Christ. That truth is this: "Lord, you have examined me and know all about me..." Psalm 139:1 And He still loves me! If the Creator of the world, who knows all the wickedness of my human heart can love me, then does it really matter whether I fail or succeed according to the "World's" standards?

NO!

The truth is that I was created even before the foundation of the World! Doesn't that make me superior in God's opinion? And isn't His opinion the only opinion that matters?

Absolutely

Truth # 1: Lean into the truth...ask yourself, "what is the truth?" The only truth in our life is the truth of God's love, and God's commands, and God's expectations.

Truth # 2: Just Say No! Say "No" to self-talk. Don't listen to the conversation in your head...if it's not the Lord's voice you're hearing, the conversation should be abruptly halted! No "re-hashing" or "rehearsing" - just say to yourself, "I'm not talking to you about this anymore!" That also goes for talking with someone else (maybe family, friend, or foe) who may be talking about someone or something that is not Godly or edifying. Just say, "I'm not going to talk about this..."

Truth # 3: The ultimate goal of our walk with the Lord is that we would be transformed into His image (Romans 8:29)... and that does not come without suffering. We will suffer, because Christ suffered. But God allows our suffering and uses it to draw us closer to Him. So, instead of asking, "God, why are you doing this to me?" Ask, "Lord, what would you have me to learn from this? May you use this suffering to put your glory on display."

Truth # 4: Pain consumes Pain. This truth concerns those people in our life that cause us pain. Most of us "normal" people have someone in our life that causes us pain, either through words or actions. It is very hard to be Christ-like toward such a person. But, I have learned that the people who create pain, are themselves in a great deal of pain. Pain consumes pain. Pain needs pain to continue on its path of destruction. So, in knowing that truth, we can be liberated from wanting to "punish" those who "punish" us because, first of all there are no "paybacks" in Christ, and second of all, we can pray for those people. I have found it's very difficult to be angry with someone who is hurting. Prayer transforms...

Truth # 5: Don't jump into the pool! One of greatest truths I've learned... Let me set the stage. Someone is drowning in a pool, what happens if you jump in to help them? Whether it's your mother or your child, they will always pull you down to save themselves, always! So, unless you're a VERY strong swimmer, who's had a lot of training, you don't jump into the pool. You stand along the edge and do everything you can to help from the outside.

Basically, try not to get involved with things that you really are not equipped to fix. You are more helpful in those situations through prayer. So, for instance your mom calls to complain about your father or your brother, try not to jump into the "pool" with her. Try to change the subject, or tell her you'll pray about the situation. Do whatever you can to stay out of it and keep yourself accountable to God.

All of these truths go hand in hand, and they work for me when I remember to "lean into them."

Just a little Spiritual Food for thought today...