Joy in the Disappointment

I was in an argument with Jose last week over lost keys. Ive seen the ugly in me and its so broken! Ive seen what my own insecurities, need for control, and disappointment can breed. I was completely BLIND to my sin, justifying my poorly behaved selfish wrath and fury. As I am preparing to be a wife for Jose, there is PLENTY to grow in. I am writing this so I can look back the next time Jose and I argue (which I know there will be MORE of!). There will be lots of times he lets me down, his character disappoints me, and Ill just want to give up. Well thank God I will Lord willing soon be in a marriage covenant-the one that shows that's Jesus will never leave his wife (the church)... EVER! There is such a sweet hope in Jesus where I can rest with all my burdens. Two applications to follow once feeling disappointed are to 1. Obey James 1. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials fof various kinds" AND 2. Obey 1 Thessalonians 5. "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." When I am feeling on the verge of frustration, anger, bitterness, disappointment, I must obey these two commands immediately or as closely as I can by God's grace. Some consequences if I fail to have joy in Christ overflow to the way I communicate with others. In time, Jose may become bitter at me for nagging, or reminding him a mother type figure. Instead I can speak bible verses to him and pray myself before speaking out of emotion. Ahhh such good helpful stuff from my pastor. Hope it's helpful for y'all too!

Fishers of Men

God really blessed me today through the preaching today. Just had to share because it's set a fire in my soul!

Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. (Mark 1:16-20)

I heard this passage a few times. It's always been something I've been trying to apply to my life- to evangelize, to make disciples of Jesus, and call dear friends and family out of darkness to marvelous light.

But man, it was so convicting asking myself, am I really a fisherman if I don't catch fish.... I need to be preoccupied with catching fish. I need to be doing it in my home, city, work place, and across the world. My missions needs to be making disciples to help missionaries in the field! Growing in prayer, growing in giving, growing in going! Then, I need a clear calling to go overseas! So good,

Jesus is calling us to ultimate allegiance (to be an ally of Jesus above family, friends, work, status), a unstoppable promise (to be fisher of men), and undistracted focus (in seeking first gods kingdom and magnifying Jesus, being called away from homes, jobs, family, status)

But what was so AWESOME was seeing that just as simon and Andrew left their father to follow Jesus, JESUS left His God the Father to be fishers of men. He left His throne, he became a slave and servant and give his life a ransom for many. He dropped the nets. He died on the cross for our sins for us and rose from the dead.  MAAAAAAANNN JEEEESUUUUSSS!!!!

I am following someone who is worth it all. Jesus is worth it all.