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Life on the Edge

This is the name of a radio program that I try to listen to each day. It comes on FLN at 12:30, and also on the Q at 1:00, so if I tune in late to the first one, I can catch the beginning as soon as it begins. Backwards, I know, but it works. Today the teacher, Chip Ingram, started a new series...about perspective. And it drove home just what a negative pessimist I am. And a lot of that has to do with where my focus is. He taught from the opening chapter of Philippians, which Paul wrote while in prison. He walked us verse by verse to show us how Paul responded to his circumstance - with an upward focus, an outward focus, and a forward focus. Needless to say, Paul wasn't focusing on his circumstances. Which I am so very good at doing.

I want to have a right perspective, which I think is probably one of the things that God is trying to teach my right now. I do so wish that the transformation was quicker though. I mean, I hear so much about how God can do a quick work, and I've even had it prayed over me [see-I'm even taking too long for other people].

Of course, how do we learn this - but by trials and aggravating circumstances{tribulations}!! BUT, according to Romans 5:3-5 "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Ha! Yes! How's that for perspective! I should tac these verses somewhere so that I can see them more often!

Comments

Jean-Luc Picard said…
A good post, that tells us a lot about perspective.
Ciera said…
James! James? What is it with James?! Everyone is preaching or teaching from James rght now. OK. I'll have to go look them up. thanks Flukey.

And uhm, I can be kind of irritating sometimes. That's why I said that. I don't know what it is I do exactly, but I exasperate people.

Jean-Luc - - - It all depends on how you look at it!!! LOL!
Ciera said…
Awh, Fluke - ya gotta understand -----I've been in the book of James since mid-September and recently, I kid you not, it seems like every single radio bible teacher is using verses from this book!!!!!! That was all I was saying.

And I looked the verses up. I might have to post them right along side the verses from Romans...either that or get a lot better at memorizing!!!!

Thanks for adding to it all. That's a serious and heartfelt thanks, not one bit sarcastic. :)

When my counselor told me to read James, he said what you said, "It's practical" Or something like that.
Anonymous said…
I know this thought process all too well. And not to make you depressed further, but here's something to keep in mind... when things begin to go well again, it can be just as easy to not be thankful to God for them. In other words, putting our faith in our circumstances instead of Who provides them.
Ciera said…
what? You mean I have a recogniazable thought pattern!!!! Amazing!

Ok, enough picking on myself.

U didn't depress me any more Rob. It was helpful, and also echoes what I heard on the radio today {which I might get around to porting later} {I listened to Part 2!}

Thanks.
Cliff said…
Hey, talking about perspective... I noticed that you often mention how you "irritate" or "exasperate" people. It's almost like you don't notice the times that you make people feel good. For example, when I told you that Dawn (For those that don't know, that's my wife)had sent that email that I thought was so important to the wrong person, and then you laughed at us, that made me feel much better. Your laughter gave me joy and relief. I thought that you might be upset with us. Instead, you laughed at us. And not only that, but you seemed genuinely entertained. It made me realize that I was being too serious with the situation. See that? No irritation or exasperation. And don't tell me it doesn't count because I'm your brother. It does so.
Stop taking so much notice of the negative effects of your actions (although don't ignore it either) and take more notice of the good effects. Like when you told Mr. Controlling and our dear sister to sit with the rest of us instead of on the other side of the room. They came and sat down, and she was not seperated from us. By the way, I think she enjoyed it. That was a good effect of your actions. As for Mr. Controlling, I don't care if he was irritated or exasperated. He has it coming to him because he sows it, and we all know that you reap what you sow.
Anyway, you effect people in good ways in this life. Take notice.

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