Heartbeats Part III

It's Monday and I need to write.


If you've been reading along, the Lord's directive on March 28 was to spend the following 30 days meditating on n Phillipians 4:1-9.  Specifically He asked me to apply verse 8 to my relationship with Him and my role as wife to Ron.


In Heartbeats Part II we peered at "whatever is honorable" as displayed in my husband's life.  As I recounted how he lives out this attribute God asked ."what about you?"  His questions are recounted in that post.  Most of the questions the Lord asked me require a "laying down of self"; to be "others focused".  Whew!  It's been a time of testing, trials and temptations!  Anything and everything it seems, to keep me focused on me; my feelings; my concerns...me, my and mine!!!!


Practicing good manners, being patient; extending kindnesses; listening with my heart; a genuine interest in the lives of others; dependability; responding to others needs; praying for others; all require a heart dedicated to putting others before your "Self".


What does Jesus say about being His disciple :

And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, (herself) and take up his (her) cross daily and follow Me.  Luke 9:23 NAS


When life starts to take over and we begin reacting rather than acting as Jesus would...Jesus Teachings are what keep me upright.

For the past several days I have had many opportunities to see how many times day to day that I have extreme difficulty putting this word from Jesus into practice in my marriage relationship. To put aside my rights, my wants, and my feelings for the rights, wants and feelings of  someone else , especially the man the Lord has given me to share my life with is especially difficult too many times.  I'm apalled at what the Lord has let me see!

The bible teaches that woman (that would be me) was created to be man's (that would be my Ronnie) helper.  Now I have to admit that I have taught this many times.  With a repentant heart I confess that I have not lived it out as God intended. 


So, this morning I listened to the news instead of my praise music and gave my husband my attention as he readied himself for another day with deadlines and difficulties that he wishes he didn't have to face.  I also bit my tongue when tempted to verbalize a litany of my daily aches & pains.  After some bible study I cleaned his newly renovated bathroom.  I know that these actions are probably very ordinary for you dear reader and they are not new actions for me.  However there is a difference.  I have had a heart shift.  I have made a commitment to my Lord Jesus to apply His Word to my marriage. 

It's a new beginning......I'll keep you posted!

Praising Jesus...He IS the God of second chances!

Hugs,
Judy