January 3, 2014 - "Let The Umpire Decide"

Good morning. I have heard from several of you who have snow.......I LOVE it! There is something special about the picture snow brings to my heart and mind. I am praying for one good snow here in Georgia this year! Please connect with me if you are coming, and bring a friend, to our Healthy 4 You Life Group on Sunday evening. Excited to open my home. See you at 6. This morning I re-read the 1st and 2nd chapters of Joel and the Lord really clarified some things for me. Sometimes I will feel something in my spirit and then read about it in His word. The 1st chapter is really intense - but the 2nd chapter describes the autumn and spring rains. I am excited to watch and see what the Lord does here. There is a call to repentance before the rains come and I feel this is going forth across the land. I will share more later. But this morning, I want to chat briefly as I drink my coffee from Colossians 3:15. This is one of my favorite characters as the emotions listed become part of a real-life story of taking off and putting on. Let's consider the verse from the AMP: Colossians 3:15 Amplified Bible (AMP) 15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. I want to draw your attention to the word umpire as it refers to PEACE. Now, maybe you are never tossed around by your emotions. But I am certainly not without fault in this area. I wish that were not true - but it is. So what does an umpire do? They judge and evaluate the events and call them into order. I love that! Have you ever been tossed and bounced around by your emotions? Instead of handing them the moment, stop and ask for the PEACE of God to arise and confront the moment. When we allow God's Spirit to control our thoughts and motives, harmony arrives. At first, there could be a bit of storm as our emotions claw their way to "their desired victory," but I am really determined this year to SLOW down and evaluate more closely situations and my response. I am committed to allow the PEACE of GOD to umpire my daily events and then work desperately on following His commands and decisions. I can argue with the umpire, but if PEACE is allowed to have its place in my day and in my heart, the roller coaster of emotions will become more of a scenic train ride through the beautiful land God has given me. You too. Have a great Friday - we'll talk on Monday, PK