Sep 17, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Frankly, On Faith.
So often the world says we can’t do this or we shouldn’t do that, and if we try, it has to be a blood bath competition.
The Bible says, softly, we can do all things. But we do these things through Christ, who will give us strength.
When we focus on the Father-Son-Spirit Trinity, our souls learn to recognize that while we can do all things, it’s not always advisable. With true faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. We can do what we once thought impossible.
His strength can also come to us as we don’t do something. His strength can refrain us from losing our tempers, feeling negative, or reacting badly. His strength in us is welcome to transform us into being the person He created us to be. Even at times when we believe we are creatures of habit, that we can’t change, that we’re no good. Or the times we feel stuck, unguided or misdirected.
When we’re not sure we have anything to offer, we can offer ourselves to Him, and let Him lead us.
“For I can do everything through Christ
who gives me strength.”
~Philippians 4:13 NLT
Frankly, On Faith: We Can Do All Things
When we step away from what we think or feel, and give God room to do what we don’t understand, things happen. When we tell God, “I don’t know, but you do,” and take our hands out of the mix, He has more room to do inconceivably more than we could have imagined.
This week I challenge you to not be led by “stinking thinking” but instead pause and let God show you what He can do on your behalf. Will you let Him?
TWEET THIS: Will you let God conquer your stinking thinking? @RealMojo68 #franklyonfaith
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Apr 23, 2017 |
Frankly, On Faith: Do All Things
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, On Faith.
We live in an era that glorifies differences. We’re on one side of the fence or the other, but rarely are we perched atop in perfect balance.
Worse, that fence is not often wire. We can’t, or choose not to, see through to the other side. Our vision is blocked by hard wood or brick, or we’re only allowed a glimpse through holes or slats.
It’s sometimes the same with our actions. We don’t always see how what we do affects others. We don’t always care. We keep heaping our own plates higher and higher, with minimal consideration for “all things in moderation.”
We martyr ourselves in our own minds; believing we have it worse because we feel alone. Unloved. Uncared for. We separate ourselves from our community.
We can’t see the other side of the fence.
It makes it hard to see the other person’s story, to walk a mile in their shoes.
When I’m in a moment of frustration or anger toward someone else, I remember how God forgave me. How He bundled me up, healed my hurts and kissed my forehead. Then, He set me back on my feet and gave me a pat. “Go and make disciples of all the nations.” (Matt 28:19a, NLT).
He didn’t ask me to be perfect, to know everything, or to see the horizon before I took a first step. He just asked me to go. And to do so in a spirit of acceptance and forgiveness.
“They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
~John 8:7, NLT
Instead of using stones to hurt, or to build more walls, try laying a path.
This week, I challenge to take one step closer, to stretch your hand out farther, and to smile at a stranger. Step outside your thought-box and see things from a different perspective. Give someone the grace you would like returned to yourself.
How will you begin to tear down your walls?
CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, On Faith: Cast the First Stone
With stepping stones and a peaceful heart,
~Molly Jo
Frankly, On Faith: Cast the First Stone
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Jan 15, 2017 |
Frankly, On Faith: Spiritual Groanings
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, On Faith.
You know those days. Those oxymoronic, Lord-keep-my-mouth-shut days when what you want to say comes out all wrong? Or worse, when what you don’t (or shouldn’t) say, comes out of your mouth anyway?
What about that disconnect between your brain and your tongue when there’s little translation going on, and it’s just one big, hot mess and you sound like Frankenstein trying to sing?
Ain’t gonna lie. I kinda hate those days.
Those days that sap the language right out of you, leaving you with a foggy head and bewildered thoughts.
And you want me to pray through this? I can’t even . . .
Thankfully, God knows what we need. I mean, He always does, right?
But did you know He has an interpreter to help make sense of our nonsense?
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” Romans 8:26, NLT
The Holy Spirit takes our crazy, our chaos, and straightens it into a direct line of communication between us and God. The Spirit is our go-between, our translator who speaks both languages and gets the point across.
The next time you don’t know what to say or how to say it, or want to know where to start, ask the Holy Spirit to breathe in you. He’ll take your messages straight to God. And bring God right back to you.
CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, On Faith: The Holy Spirit straightens the line of communication between us and God.
With some sweet tea for your beautiful voice and headphones for listening,
~Molly Jo
Frankly, On Faith: Spiritual Groanings
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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