People I love so much!
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
and Philippians 4:4, 6-8:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
I won't be anxious anymore. I'm taking my hands out of this situation. It doesn't matter how much it hurts me to not to have the control of things, to not to be able to talk with you when I want to... you need time, and I'll respect that. I think it's also part of showing my love for you - showing how much I respect you. I'm placing you in the hands of the Lord that has brought you to me. I'm placing you in the hands of the Lord that restores all things and uses them for His glory. I'm placing you in the hands of the Lord Who has called us and redeemed us. He loves you more than I could ever do... and He knows you better than I do as He has formed you... and He has your life now.
Louie was talking about things we could be praying about in this new year that has started and pointing goals with God - they were:
1. Think about who God wants you to be;
2. Trust God with all your dreams - release it and submit it and give it to Him... don't try to make things work on your own - that will just cause you anxiety and stress - in the Word we read "Be anxious for nothing!". Make your requests known to God... allow God to be God.
3. Work always as if God is on your side - that in all things! Do your best as doing everything for the Lord and not for people. Some things can be below your dreams... but not below your character. All that matters is your obedience to Him, respecting and honoring the work He has placed in your hands... no matter how small you might think it is. Honor Him in small things... so then He can grant you your dreams... greater things.
4. Give generously:
Ephesians 4:28: He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.
Proverbs 11:25: The generous man will be prosperous,
And he who waters will himself be watered.
Your money, your time, your energies, your resources... give everything to God! In the American culture, we are taught to do the least so then we can get the maximum... what God wants from us is doing the most and getting the least - let's transform this culture in the culture of generosity!
For my friends who are reading this... please pray for both of us - for direction, wisdom, patience and growth in the Lord... for the development of our relationship and fellowship as I'm here close to Him, for knowing how to deal with being close after being apart for over two years... God is faithful and is already working on that!
