by Gina Moroney on July 28, 2010
If you’ve ever been stuck in snow or mud, you might be familiar with the term, spinning wheels. Living in Colorado all my life, it’s so frustrating when the wheels of my car are rotating but I’m getting nowhere. In fact, the more I accelerate, the further my wheels dig into the snow. I can’t get enough traction to pull the car out because my wheels are in a rut instead of on solid ground.
It’s summer now, yet I still find myself spinning wheels when I’m not careful. I accelerate to get the gears going, but sometimes I go nowhere. Today is one of those spinning days for me. I have lots to accomplish. People are waiting for my response, a scheduled meeting, an email, or a phone call. I’m working hard, but I’m not moving forward.
Out of frustration, I hurled an SOS to God. “God…I’m trying to get it all done, but I’m in a rut and getting nowhere. What should I do first, next, and last?” God gave me the answer I didn’t expect. I wanted a “to do” list, prioritized and sealed with His approval. Instead He said, “ Spend some time with Me…alone.”
I logged off my computer, went to a quiet room, and simply sat in His presence. The Holy Spirit calmed me down, and suddenly I was on solid ground instead of in the rut I created by accelerating too fast. If you’ve been spinning YOUR wheels, then “log off” and grab some alone time with God. He’ll put you back on solid ground again where you’ll have good traction, you’ll actually move forward, and get where you need to be.
by Gina Moroney on July 10, 2010
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to capture great and lasting peace and then bottle it up for sale? You couldn’t manufacture it fast enough…the orders would come flooding in at all hours of the day and night. People everywhere are waiting for such peace to come onto the markets.
Life is packed full of challenges and hurdles. Most people, even some of God’s children, are running their races exhausted from the previous challenge, yet determined to jump the new hurdles and find peace of mind somewhere in their midst. It’s never ending when you have to do it on your own. You simply won’t find lasting peace that way.
There is a difference between peace of mind and the peace of Christ. Peace of mind would be okay if it lasted, but it’s tough to manufacture and doesn’t always endure. The mind struggles with circumstances and can’t always come up with lasting peace; it seems to come and go. But the peace of Christ is more like a gift from God. It endures the circumstances, braves the storms, and never comes up short. It is long lasting, and it sustains. All you have to do is simply ask God for it, and He’ll give it to you freely.
It isn’t a matter of IF the challenges will come…they will come alright, and oftentimes quite unexpectedly. WHEN they come, what will happen? Will you snatch a temporary fix of peace of mind? Or will you accept a fresh batch of God’s gift to you…the peace of Christ? Both sound good, but only one comes freely and endures the test of time. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.”
by Gina Moroney on July 5, 2010
This year more than ever, I’m really grateful for our country’s independence. With the constant barrage of events and the uncertainties we face, I realize just how wonderful my freedom in this great country really is. It is not to be taken for granted…that’s for sure!
Then, when I ponder my freedom in Christ, I realize just how amazing THAT is. I am free to live and enjoy life as God created it to be…through the eyes and life of His Son. What does that mean? It means…fireworks!! It means starry eyes and wonder when I enjoy the freedom I have in Jesus. But the key is, “in Jesus.” There’s no real freedom outside of Him.
The fireworks only go off when we’re in His presence, His will, and His pleasure. Everything outside of that is a counterfeit of the real celebration…a celebration of dependence upon God. In this world of a “do it yourself” and a “make it on your own” mentality, some would argue and say that dependence upon God takes your freedom away. But I caution you about their worldly woes. They bring no peace or assurance of heaven.
Your only peace and assurance comes when you live in a right relationship with God, knowing Him for Who He really His. In that place of intimacy with God…sitting in His lap like a little child, you are filled with His purpose and love. I could spend days commenting on purpose and love…but for now, simply climb into the lap of your Father and be fulfilled. Celebrate your dependence upon His Son and let the fireworks begin, for this is definitely not something to take for granted…that’s for sure!
If you’ve ever been stuck in snow or mud, you might be familiar with the term, spinning wheels. Living in Colorado all my life, it’s so frustrating when the wheels of my car are rotating but I’m getting nowhere. In fact, the more I accelerate, the further my wheels dig into the snow. I can’t get enough traction to pull the car out because my wheels are in a rut instead of on solid ground.
