Stop Bothering MePosted by Patrick Scott on October 30th, 2008

Temptation is something that I struggle with. Bondage is something I do not have to struggle with. Praise God!!!! A couple of weeks ago I was tempted to fall back into sin that had me in bondage a while back. What does this have to say about my spiritual growth? I had not been tempted by this in some time, and now it was rearing its ugly head. I was at a point of choice. Temptation is not wrong but it is the product of that temptation that can be wrong. I felt a sudden desire to get into the Word. I made my choice and went to the Bible, and God needed to show me something to encourage me. I have a new found understanding of what temptation is to me, maybe it is God just tapping me on the shoulder because He needs to show me something in His Word. Maybe your temptation is just God wanting to show you something, we just need to stop saying to Him, “Stop bothering me”.

Will I ever get it right?Posted by Patrick Scott on October 23rd, 2008

Just when I think I have started to grasp God’s direction in my life, He shows me something new.  The answer to my question is no.  None of us will ever get it right as long as the I is in the question.  This is the constant battle between the flesh and the spirit.  I have looked long and hard at my life and discovered that no matter my intent I has reared its ugly little head.  Understanding God’s direction, I have discovered, is aligning mind, spirit, and body to be in harmony in ones pursuit of God.  If we are still in control of any one of these then we are susceptible to a defeated life.  God promises victory.  If I do not allow God, how can I justify disappointment.  If I do not believe God, how can I ever take the appropriate steps.  It is I that allow myself to feel defeat.  It is I that sees failure.  The only I appropriate in this conversation is one of complete sacrifice that will allow Him to get it right.

ObservancePosted by Patrick Scott on October 20th, 2008

I was reminded, the other day, about how incomplete I am.  As I have pursued, and will continue to pursue my Creator, I should never forget where He has brought me and where I deserved for Him to leave me.

If it were not for Him in my life I would not be able to think clearly, wait patiently, or have the courage it takes to keep on going.
I am not capable of anything but blessed with everything that God sees fit to allow.
For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
There may be days that are harder to walk than others and moments more challenging than some , but I know you are God.

I want to be complete.  I do not want to falter.  I want to be the good and faithful servant.  I owe you everything.
You don’t need me but want me.  I turn and you chase after me. You remind me you are all I need.

Thank you for sustaining me, speaking with me, and lifting me because I am weak.  I do not deserve you and you deserve more than me.  Your love is.

Wonderful MusicPosted by Patrick Scott on October 17th, 2008

When you play guitar, the first month is hard on the fingers.  You develop callouses but you have to play on in pain.  The more you play through pain the more focused, dedicated, and skilled you become.  Then one day you forget about the pain and enjoy the music you can now play.

Many of us are facing battles right now.  Some our spiritual, emotional, and physical.  In our pursuit of Christ we will face many of these battles and the only way to not lose ones mind is to remember His promises.  Things of this world are going to pass away, and He will be victorious.  We who are with Him will also be victorious.  I know this may not lessen the pain one may encounter during a battle.  Continue on, persevere, and know that the pain you encounter now is preparing you for the victory that lies ahead.

I am developing callouses right now and am anticipating the amazing music that lies ahead.

Here are two verses to encourage you.

Isaiah 40:31 and II Timothy 4:7