July #jammed: Grace serves.

Day 189: Never an empty glass.

” …a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace.” Romans 8:6b ( VOICE)

“Moooommmmm,” a questionable tone hesitantly summoned …

“What?” I responded.

“Can I have one more drink of water?”

Bedtime routines are endless some nights. One more drink of water, a towel so my hair doesn’t get my pillow wet, turn my night light on, read me one more story ….sing me “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star….”

Some nights, I am happy to oblige, because at six and eight they are so cute it’s hard not to. But other nights, when life’s agenda is pressing in onto the limited amount of time I have to complete it, it’s not so cute.

“That’s it!” I’ll declare. “It’s over …no more …I love you … good-night!”

No, it’s not effective. One of them always comes crawling back down the stairs after an abrupt good night.

Today’s verse reminds us that when we are focused correctly, we will have peace. It’s something my kids pick up at bed-time. If the day ends in a rush, they can’t settle in and sleep peacefully. But when we take the time to read, pray together, and allow extra drinks of water and hugs with an abundance of patience …then all is right with the world and they drift off to sleep easily. With in minutes. It’s time well invested.

It blesses me when I slow down to honor the time they want to spend with me. I need to be reminded of how important my role in their lives is. It’s more important than most other things I do in life. And this stage of it is fleeting.

Let’s look at this verse in context to it’s neighbors:

“If you live your life animated by the flesh—namely, your fallen, corrupt nature—then your mind is focused on the matters of the flesh.

But if you live your life animated by the Spirit—namely, God’s indwelling presence—then your focus is on the work of the Spirit. 

A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace. 

You see, a mind focused on the flesh is declaring war against God; it defies the authority of God’s law and is incapable of following His path.” Romans 8:5-7

Listen, the bed-time patience that I spoke of earlier …that’s not “of the flesh.” That’s “of the Spirit.” That’s the newness of new life in Christ. Less of me and more of Him, allows me to live more like Him.

Father, Praise You for new life. Thank You for Jesus’ death, that lends us the opportunity to live it. Forgive us for forgetting to stop and pray though situations that require more of us than we are capable of, and send Your Spirit to strengthen us in those ways when we need it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Get the conversation started by commenting below, and let’s encourage one another as we face life in 2017 armed with grace! 

#greatgrace17

Happy Praising,

Megs

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