No discipline seems pleasant at the time…but I am not just talking about finals…

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11

I have been reading over this verse as I study for finals. It pretty much sums up studying for me – it isn’t pleasant, in fact, it can be pretty painful at times. But, I know that it will all be worth it, and I will feel at peace when all my finals are done.

However, I don’t just want to talk about finals in this post. I want to touch on some more important things in life as well.

The verse above is found in Hebrews 12, a passage about how God disciplines us for our spiritual good. There will be trails in our life, and we will be bogged down by sin, that is why looking to Jesus and keeping our focus on Him is so important.

Sin. We all commit it, sometimes without even knowing we are committing it. A sin that is easy to miss is one that I find myself personally committing on a regular basis – selfishness.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4

Being selfish has to do with being too focused on me instead of on Him and how He has called me to bless others.

So how do I stop being so selfish? Maybe by thinking of one thing nice I could do for someone else today, instead of freaking out about how much studying I have to do to get a good grade on this exam. Maybe it is focusing on what gifts I will bless others with this Christmas, instead of making a list of all the things I “need.” It is hard to take the focus off yourself, but remember…

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11

Now time for the best part of this post (and a time for a sentimental moment) – recognizing a few people in my life from the list of many that have done such a great job of taking the focus off of themselves, and in the process, blessing me greatly.

First is the worst (I hope you know I am kidding, I love you!)

 Zach – Thirty-one months ago you came into my life, and I couldn’t be happier. You have blessed me with your many puns, and on a more serious note, the way you care about me. Thanks for being my best friend.

First and one half (if that makes sense)…

Zach’s family – Along with dating Zach came meeting all his family, what a blessing! Some people don’t particularly like meeting their significant other’s family, but I have absolutely loved the experience. You have welcomed me into your home and invited me to family gatherings, shared stories, and blessed me by your kindness. Thank you. 

Second is the best.

Rachel – I can see God’s joy radiate just by being around you. You have definitely blessed me in more ways than I can count over my lifetime. If you could stop growing up I would really appreciate it.

Third is the one with the treasure chest.

My Family – Thanks for always being there, to laugh with me when things are funny and to support me and love me when things aren’t so funny. You don't get to choose your family, but I would have chosen you guys in a heartbeat if I had to make the decision. 

As we receive His blessing, and then in turn, take the focus off of ourselves to bless others…

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2

May He be your One Strength. All glory to Him. 

In Him

Spending time with God, being in Him, looks different every time. Often times after a busy week, I make sure to block off time to sit down and have protected time with God. I sit down someplace, usually with a cup of coffee, with expectations of exactly how this time is going to look, but it rarely ever goes exactly how I plan. God has different plans. I end up giving someone a call or writing a friend an email, or getting up and going for a walk instead of sitting down and solely reading the Bible or writing. And this is ok, because when God leads me a different way during my quiet time, I remember that I am to be a blessing to others. To get outside of myself, and interact with the world around me. To take His blessings and pass it on. It is a reminder that no matter where we are or what we are doing, we can always be in Him. We just have to make that simple choice to follow Him and where He is leading us.

This Christmas season…

Let’s remember to remain in Him. Making time to remember what the season means, and that without Him we cannot do what He has called us to do.

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. – John 15:4

Let’s learn to be content, in all circumstances. We can get caught up in “if only this could happen or if I could just get this for Christmas, I would be so much happier.” God has provided us with so much already, let us remember to use what we already have to bless others, not get caught up in having more.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. – Philippians 4:12

Let’s remember that because we are in Him, we can overcome. Reflecting on past holiday seasons, remembering those special people that won’t be joining us at the family gathering this year, can sometimes bring up feelings of sorrow. The realization of what is happening in our world today may bring feelings of fear, and thinking about what is ahead for the next year might make us feel anxious.

I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

We are to be blessed, be satisfied and be in Him.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  – John 10:10