Gaining Tools, Counsel, Consequences -

Most times we want to deal with the consequences right away, but sometimes waiting is better.  One it sends a message for the offender to really think about what their actions were. No one likes waiting for “bad news” we want to deal with it right away, but we also need to think about what we are doing. As we are renewing our minds to be more like Christ, we will have more wisdom and understanding. With patience, the two can talk without being defensive or loud and there is clarity and focus to understand; because it was not from a place of reacting.  

In Proverbs 15:1 it is written; A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Sometimes consequences do not happen right away for us as sons and daughters of the Most High either. It could be why at times we forget why we are enduring the things that happen.  We forgot the choices that were made months or years before.  But God! Yes, He is merciful and loves us through those challenges and consequences. 

The Father doesn’t leave us during that process either, we leave Him when we are angry or frustrated. We thought He was going to remove us from our circumstances when He is saying I love you, but you chose to be where you are. I have a way for you to get out, but will you submit to My ways now?  He waits on us patiently.  He waits for us to get to the end of ourselves to cry out to Him. He waits for the honest pleas. He waits for the open heart and listening ear and like a earthly parent who still loves their child and knows they have to discipline them. Our Heavenly Father has to correct us, He disciplines those He loves, like in Hebrews 12:6. It is love that endures all things. It’s loving to discipline because whether in parenting or a relationship with God the wiser one knows what the other is need of.We continued to discuss what was going on during the week and how these conversations are overlapping. 

Here are just some tools from this position of growing in Christ.

• Not easily or always offended

• Having more humility

• More self awareness

• Healthy boundaries

After meditating about the Word of God is not just ink on paper; it’s the Living Word and it transforms us, but we also have to be doers of the Word, like in James 1:22-25; 

James 1:22-25 goes on to say: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

 As we are being awakened to what the Spirt of God is doing and the Truth He is revealing; we are seeing something different. It is important to help each other do this together.  We should bring back accountability partners, but from a place of love, meekness, gentleness, support and pairing up to say I will walk this with you, because I too need accountability. I too need someone ahead of me with Godly Counsel, Wisdom and Understanding. It’s this continual cycle of needing help and giving help. 

As we take a look at the refiners fire, purification, using our toolboxes and yielding to the Holy Spirit we allow that space for the work to be done and all these things are happening in tandem. Resting in the Father, is another tool, we don’t think of it as a tool because we think about “WORK” and tools, but think about this…when we rest we trust Him, no matter what else is going on, we know what God says and that is enough.

Trust is faith, faith pleases the Father and we go from faith to faith and glory to glory…then we mature in Christ and utilize these tools to break these patterns. Now breaking the patterns and allowing Abba to do all these things in us and through us all at once. We move from being a new creations who are set apart to be refined, purified, to being sons and daughters of the King, to kings and priests. 

Through all this we are choosing humility, obedience and honor to our Mighty GOD!

Beloved, since we are more like Christ love like Christ, have compassion like Christ, serve like Him and it begins with one another. This is how unbelievers want to be part of our family, Abba’s Family! It takes time for this to happen, but let’s start with the first step. A long time ago someone told me, some days you will just stand, not move in any direction and it is far better to stand in the right direction, than to move in the wrong. That has stayed with me ever since. It is Scriptural too..when you have done all you can…just stand.

We are just beginning beloved, we have so much more the Father wants us to do. Let’s be interdependent..let’s work together in the Spirit and let the power of the Holy Ghost move so

it becomes effortless on our part.  Let’s rely on the Father and His timing. Let’s stand on His promises and show the world God’s Love. 

We can do it, this is the will of the Father that we unite and that He will dwell with His sons and daughters. What a beautiful and glorious picture…can you see it? 

Start stretching your imagination toward the Father. Draw toward Him and He will draw close to you. We pray that this is encouraging and we are praying for each of you.  Know that you are loved by a Heavenly Father that has amazing plans for you and we do too!

In Christ,

Leah