It has been Satan's forte in letting me forget that the church is a family, and keeping me distant due to the fact that I don't really know people- or so I think. But these last couple of weeks I've gotten involved with going to Cru on Thursday night, and then this last week- I went to a Cru Bible Study.
Both places have really been family-like and loving, and so I've realized that the family of God is to be like this.
Fun-loving-growth.
Yet in my church at home, there are cliques so I've missed the fact that this kind of large church family is possible- where everyone is equally ready to know about the other person and to get together and have fun.
It was sad, that I felt it was only God and I- and I couldn't depend on any human to help me, for that was not how He set up relationships here on earth for us.
Opposite of that, He has set it up so that we can go to Him and speak, and then lean on each other for prayer, support, encouragement, and revelation as well- for the Lord speaks not only from His Word but through His Spirit, which if other people are walking in the Spirit, can impact us.
Just so interesting. That the family of God is so peaceful and loving, even when there are so many people with differences. It shows maturity when we can be united in a bond of peace and in the love of Christ no matter what small things may happen.
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Also, this past week at Cru, I learned a lot about self control. Self control in all areas of life. Whether that be food, exercising with the Lord, mentally staying in the Lord's peace (when studying can get you down), or keeping your head level on the boundaries you have with your boyfriend, with friends, or with bad habits.
Self control comes up so much in the Bible, that it really is important, and necessary to live a life opposite of the world- and entirely according to God.
It is opposite because we do not think from our own interests, but from God's interests, therefore our actions and words are filtered in a way that builds His kingdom up, rather than our own. Which is totally different than the way people live day to day in the world.
This is difficult, but this past week, the Lord has challenged me- entirely -to step up to what He's wanted me to do, which is to live this way. I have been hesitating because I know it will consist of suffering. But as Paul says in his letters, suffering is inevitable.
Also, the Lord will take care of the mental change from self to God's Will. The bad habits of your false self can slip back up very quickly, but God is more powerful than Satan or your false self, so if you stay disciplined, talking with Him, walking in the Spirit and in self-control- then He will take care of it.
Which He has.
For it's by faith that we are victorious over the ruler of this world. It is by believing in God and making sure that nothing takes His place in your life that you are secure in Him.
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I also know that self control is what takes faith to the next level. It is what confirms that nothing take presidency over the Lord and trusts in God no matter what doubts may come to mind. Then you will know that the Lord holds you securely and you are sure He will not let you stumble, for even when things go wrong- you will give thanks.
For in giving thanks, it will not be a stumbling block between you and the Lord.
This morning, that happened to me. I'm a college student and have not gotten enough rest in the past four days, this morning I was only running on 5.5 hours of sleep, and knew that I need coffee to get through the day. It ended up that the Lord planted his seeds in me this morning to make a voluntary sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord.
And that held me through the day :)
Until the evening, where He kept me awake to do my readings, and until now- where I am awake in His Spirit, knowing that He kept me through each step in the day.
He is here, His love is here, Jesus is here. Have faith and self-control to press onward in His Spirit.