Becoming like Christ?

How do we do this? David was a man after God's own heart. We are told to have the same attitude of Christ. We are to be followers of Jesus and live a life that seeks to honor God in everything we do. But how, as fallen man, do we become like Christ? It is an impossible task, but yet we are told to try. I have become frustrated many times over the past three weeks with this task. I get myself on this become like Christ mode where every little mistake I beat myself up over and constantly overthink every little thing I do, thinking that this particular aspect of my life is not Christlike. Many times these things are not necessarily wrong, it's just not using discernment in a certain situation.
So what are we to do? We can't expect ourselves to be perfect. One of the attacks of Satan is that we must be perfect. But we must remember we are to be like God, not be God. Of course we will fail, but it is important to learn from these failures, but not by dwelling on them. It's identify the lies that we are led to believe, and looking for the Truth that exist. We need to ask for the Holy Spirit to dwell within us everyday, that we may be an extension of Christ, serving our part in the body.
We each have received unique gifts and talents that we are to use to help further the kingdom of God. This brings us back around to community, fulfilling our role, not every role, but helping each other out by knowing our weaknesses and allowing others to fill those weaknesses. It's also about making sure that we have that intimate time with God every day. Isn't it incredible that the creator of all there is, the Alpha and Omega, has invited us into this direct communication with Him, that He would wrap His arms around us when we need it, despite our constant failures.
One of the most encouraging things for me over the past five days has been a little square of paper that a friend made that simply says "Jesus Loves Me=)" with the smiley face upright of course. Over the past days this has sunk in more than ever before. Jesus LOVES me, a sinner, a man struggling through this life, through these questions, struggling to have a heart after God's own heart, but this is what it is all about, the Love of Jesus. My prayer is that we all can truly recognize the grandeur of prayer and the Bible and that God would come down to us and directly communicate with us, having His hand in our lives, and that we may recognize the awesomeness of the words "Jesus Loves Me".

Fear of the Lord

Where has our fear of God gone? We hear a lot about grace and love and forgiveness of sins, but we rarely talk about God being just, about fearing God. Sure it is great to hear about the love God has for us, but what about the wrath of God and that being satisfied? What about El Qanna? How come we never discuss this? Sure God does show us grace and mercy, but God is a jealous God and He will have His Glory fulfilled.
Lately I have been reading through Numbers and Deuteronomy, and like many I wonder why God has the Israelites following all these laws and commands. God is calling the Israelites to be set apart from those around them. God in return shows Israel His favor. Why does He constantly do mighty and great works through the Israelites? To show His power and might, so that all may glorify Him. Did you read that, that they may Glorify HIm! God will make His power known. What else is discussed in these passages? Well God tells Moses that they should fear HIm and that through seeing His power and might firsthand, that they may fear the Lord.
So how are we seeing God's power and might in our lives? So many times we take for granite the things God does for us. But God is displaying His power all around us. Look at the order that is all around us. You think that just came to be? No, that is God's power and might, still at work in our world.
What is our live? We are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This life is short. At any time we can pass on from this life. Does this not give you a sense of urgency to make sure we are right with God, to reach out to those around us that are being held captive by Satan, or to finally fear the Lord.
We call ourselves a Christian nation, displaying on our coins "In God We Trust", but we fail to truly fear God. Sure we do have some respect for God, trying to make sure God is on our side. Is this enought though? No, we must really fear the Lord, saying that we are nothing without Him. This requires totally dying to self, and allowing the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives, to guide us, give us discernemnt, and to grant us wisdom.
So my challenge to you all: take up this sense of urgency, come to know and serve El Qanna, and to truly fear the Lord!