Expressions...

Believe and Follow His Lead

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:30:00 +0000

I don't know what has captured your attention of late, but I spent a good part of last year on an in-depth study on the book of James. Oh my what a challenge!!! I was barely into it, when I began to have "Ah ha" moments and conviction handed to me in equal measure.

One portion in particular jumped out at me regarding being double-minded. If you are an old church girl like me, you grew up hearing not only that phrase, but these very verses in James 1:6-8

"But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the seas, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything form the Lord; he is a double-minded man unstable in all he does."

Throughout my life, I have hated the thought of being considered unstable and have done much to prove through my actions that I am as solid as they come. However, in the same manner in which I occasionally risk gazing into a 10x magnification mirror to assess enlarging pores, and more recently my aging skin, (ugh!) I risked the same up close assessment of my own heart and found some areas that clearly need treatment.

As I worked through the study, a few sentences from my lesson cut me to the quick, "Faith receives more than it asks. Doubt loses more than it disbelieved." (Whoa!!) We are double-minded or as interpreted in the King James double-HEARTED if, when we go to God, we don't hold fast in faith that He will give us exactly the wisdom we are in need of.

Though all of this seems pretty simple, the biggest "AH-HA" that grabbed me was just how often I gravitate towards human leadership while remaining oblivious to the fact that I was bypassing the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I am in no way implying that human leadership is a negative, it's not. It's just that in the manner of first things first, why wouldn't I seek the wisdom / leadership of God before any other? After all, it's available with nothing more than a simple request!

Man did I feel foolish, and yet in James, this is also penned, "without finding fault." God not only generously gives me wisdom when I ask, but He goes so far as to say that He will give it without making me feel foolish for not coming to Him first. Now that is what I call giving generously. How amazing that only God in His wisdom, has the ability to remove obstacles like shame, embarrassment or feeling foolish before they even has the chance to get in the way. If He doesn't find fault...neither should I.

So how bout it? Would you like to join me in making a change? I'm making a commitment to ask God differently.... with expectancy and complete certainty.

(Check out the Beth Moore "James" study for a more in-depth look on this topic.)

Hello Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:48:00 +0000

I started writing this morning by asking the Lord how to even begin. I know that it has been a long time since I have written and this morning I am writing out of simple obedience. In short, I know that God is asking me to.

This last year, 2012, has been a year of quiet silence for me. I've had to walked through some pretty tough things. Never in my life have I faced a year of such drastic change. I don't think there was a corner of my life left untouched. However with the start of this new year I have been able to clearly see the lessons that God, in the midst of everything, blessed my life with and subsequently, all the difficulties and change that 2012 held became elevated to a place of pricelessness.

As I start out fresh in 2013 my goal is to share some the lessons I've learned. Perhaps they'll help you as they have helped me. I want to make a commitment, here in a place of open accountability, (that would be those of you who read this :*) to share an honest dialogue on the things that so many of us face and begin to walk out the lessons I've learned so that they are not wasted. And let's face it, I don't want to have to learn them again! :*)

Thank you, to those of you who have taken the time to read the few words that I've written. I hope you will continue to share words on the page with me, that more will join us and that God will be glorified in the process.

Julie

P.S. First new post tomorrow!

The voice of truth...

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:56:00 +0000

The world is filled with so many different voices. Lately, while traversing the plains of life, I have found myself repeatedly faced with the voices of others, their opinions and the search for truth. Some say that truth is subjective and while I definitely don't agree with that, some things are open to interpretation and I often find it difficult when perception is factored in and truth is seen for its faceted self when viewed from many different angles.

It's tough, especially in the process of finding our own way in life, living true to who we are and who we have been created to be. While I have no desire to hurt or wound another living soul sometimes it happens because of my perception of a reality which directly affects what I believe to be truth and sometimes I am the one hurt or wounded when faced with the reverse.

So what is the answer? Is it just to be "right"? At the end of the day, I cannot give up freedom I have begun to find in the life long quest of responding to the still small voice within. It is so easy to discount or diminish that internal God voice. Because we are all so different, the only thing I am convinced of is that this compass, this God leading, is the only space of sanity I can depend on. (No I am not discounting the Bible...it is the source of all God leading).

I can't say I have perfected the process but I have learned that denying my own internal (honest - self aware) gut check leads me directly down the merry path of resentment and agitation. Life shouldn't be lived that way. In the end I am reminded of this verse:

Philippians 2:12

The Message (MSG)

^12-13What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give HIM (emphasis mine) the most pleasure.

Which means that in the end, I give an account before God alone.

To help my process I have begun to ask myself this question at the end of day: If I were to stand before God alone on the decision I just made, action I just completed or opinion I just voiced would I be uncomfortable (convicted)?

By asking this, I have found that I can live true to who He created me to be and feel His approval speaking peace to my soul.

A Winter Season....

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:41:00 +0000

There has been a lot of talk lately about wholehearted living within the circles of my life. My relationships have discussed it, the books I've been reading have proclaimed it a worthy goal, and my own inner examination has revealed the need for it.

What I know for certain is that I am not alone in my need for soul-heart repair. So much of life seems specifically designed to puncture and blister wounds, into the very portion of the anatomy we were designed to live from. As I have sought to make an honest assessment of my soul-heart, I have rediscovered a rhythm still beating out, with staccato accuracy, the cry for freedom.

If you, like me, have found a similar pulse beating within your heart, I would like to encourage you to embrace that awareness and go with it. Don't view the fact that you may have areas of wholeness yet to reach as a negative. See it simply as fact and be willing to walk, as best you can, in a season of searching. I've set myself that task as well. Who knows what depths of freedom are yet reachable?

Some have called these portions of life a "winter" season, to which I must agree. It feels barren and cold, dark and lonely. However, winter always leads to spring; the season of growth and redemption. As I have been processing my way through this "winter" I've been finding strength in a quote by Albert Camus, "In the depth of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."

In this journey to wholehearted living, I am embracing that aptly worded hope by Albert. I have been finding encouragement not only there, but within the pages of Psalms, called by Calvin "An anatomy of all the parts of the soul." I have reacquainted myself with David there, embracing his own "winter" season. I have also discovered that winter was not the sum total of his life. As "a man after God's own heart" he found within HIM an invincible summer. My goal is to do the same.

Transition....Transition...Giving thanks for a life in process.....

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:05:00 +0000

I remember so clearly the first time I heard a message on transition. The speaker was passionate, eloquent ....and the message captured my heart. I prayed that day, and for many days after, that God would always keep me in a place of transition. It became so engrained that even my children began to quote me on it.

Quite a few years have passed since that first message, and the romance of the process has long since worn off. Transition, being the change you want to see in the world, is messy, hard, and often lonesome. It is definitely a road that not everyone is willing to travel.

Transition means so many things to me. Keeping a teachable heart. Looking inwardly first when faced with a tough situation. Growing in character. Lancing wounds. Having grace for others unwilling to change. Learning patience (ugh) while embracing the journey.

But years later, I still have a hearts cry to live a life of transition. To be willing to look at the hard stuff in my life... the hurts, the areas of character development, the risks God wants me to take, are still what drives me.

The reason? God meets me in the process. After all of these years of life with Daddy-God, living out transition has brought a closeness, an intimacy and a desire for more of Him than I have ever known. He has set me free from so much of what held my life in bondage.

As I look towards this Thanksgiving season I find myself thankful to the pastor who first taught me this wonderful truth. I'm thankful for those I live life with who have also embraced being teachable for a lifetime. My heart is full of gratitude for the wonderful grace, growth and redemption that God has provided in the process of transition.

So this morning once again, I breathe deeply, close my eyes, gather my courage and whisper, "One more time God, help me to transition and grow. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart willing to............."

Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Listening, Believing and a Kick in the Pants!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:38:00 +0000

I have spent a great deal of time lately alternating between kicking myself and being my own cheerleader (aka encouraging myself in the Lord).

This morning I have taken some much needed time to review life and it's most recent lessons. The conclusion I reached is this: I need to believe God differently.

Have you ever had those times in life when you just know God has whispered to your heart and promised you a few things? Perhaps you were reading a verse and something in it captured your attention. Maybe you were sitting in a church service and as the pastor made a particular point, an inner response said, "Hey....I'm talking to you."

Me too! (I declare while wildly, waving my hand back and forth here at the kitchen table). I am no different when it comes to acknowledging that I've heard. My struggle is to keep believing when whatever I think God has told me, does not immediately happen.

Picture this. God speaks a word and the slightest thing happens to bring confirmation of it. Suddenly you are doing the happy dance around the kitchen table basking in your great faith. Then, five minutes later, you're sharing it with someone and the person you've shared it with doesn't have, shall we say, your same level of exuberance. Doubt, that nasty devil, lands on your back and the happy dance suddenly turns to a kick in the pants. We are now silently berating ourselves, wondering what in the world we could have been thinking. Head down, we take a second look at our "great faith" and wonder just how small it must be, since mustard seed size is supposed to move a mountain.

Perhaps it's just me. Maybe I am the only one who struggles not to doubt a word from God. However, in case I am not alone, here are a few tips I have learned in the process of gaining mustard seed faith.

Spend time with the Lord daily so He can bring clarity to His word and so that your view matches His.
Remember that satan "comes immediately to steal the word" so be choosey about who you share your heart with.
Keep in mind that life is a process. Just because something doesn't happen immediately doesn't mean you were wrong. It is more than likely part of the "equipping" or character building process.
Remember that those He "calls" he not only equips, but he qualifies and what He considers a qualification is usually pretty different from us.
Never forget that you are not in it alone. We are called "the body" for a reason so link arms with those God places in your life and enjoy the journey!
Finally, keep God as your primary focus. Regardless of how wonderful and amazing God's plans for your life are (and they are wonderful and amazing!) IT IS NEVER ABOUT US. It is quite simply about advancing the Kingdom of God and seeming HIM glorified.

Keep Believing!!

Julie

The Expression....

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 03:38:00 +0000

It is hard to believe that a busy summer has come to an end and a new season is beginning. As we are about to enjoy the beauty of autumn, it is also time for women to enjoy the beauty of God’s expression within.

The Expression is a two-day conference that empowers women to “Live True” to who God has created them to be. So mark your calendars for Friday, November 12^th and Saturday, November 13^th 2010. We are inviting women, 18-years of age or better, to join us for a time of worship and fresh impartation of worth, value and identity in Christ.

Session topics:

* Illuminating the Shadows ~ Julie Gutierrez

* Finding Your Voice ~ Caroline Crawford

* Discovering the Treasure ~ Kelli Plater

* Embracing the Present ~ Tracee Wargo

* Be Still & Know ~ Kym Hibbard

* From Weakness to Strength ~ Peggy Milam

You won’t want to miss this fantastic conference where you will experience deep renewal and an opportunity to embrace your own unique expression. For more information please contact us at 810-689-8362 We look forward to hearing from you.

See you in November!

The Expression 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:08:00 +0000

As hard as it is for me to believe, the time for our first Expression conference is almost upon us. Advertising has started, registration is open and most importantly hearts and lives are being prepared.

It has been an incredibly interesting year gearing up for this event. As with any opportunity to share truths from God's word, this one has come with God's school of learning in order to live it before teaching it. God has been faithful to release my own unique expression more fully within me this last year. Truth has gone deeper, lessons have been learned and wounds have been healed. In a nutshell... growth has happened.

My heart and prayer is that each woman who attends this conference will have the same experience...growth into the expression that God has designed for her. Make no mistake about it; God has designed, knit into us, a unique, individual expression for us to live out of. Removing the masks we so often wear, breaking off unrealistic expectations and embracing God more fully is a life changing experience.

Romans 8:19 "The whole earth groans for the manifestation (expression) of the people of God." This verse is no joke. If you don't think the earth is groaning, I challenge you to slow down and listen. It is groaning and we must rise to meet the call to be the women God has declared us to be. All other voices be silent. There is no hidden agenda, no small print or red tape, just simple truth. Allowing God to impart whatever is needed and LIVE an expressed life to the glory and grace of our great God.

Another generation......

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:34:00 +0000

My last time as a church camp camper was over twenty-five years ago. Last night, walking into an overheated, humid, slightly odiferous, crowded room, it all rushing back. I stood in silent awe, my throat closed, as I watched another generation of kids worshiping at summer camp.

I saw kids seeking with all they had, to be the best version of themselves. I watched as boys and girls went forward, praying that they would take home, all that God was doing in them. Young women supporting each other as they prayed through hurts and heartaches. Young men hugging a friend's shoulder and whispering, "You can do it man. I got your back."

I watched as my fifteen-year-old son moved towards the front with his hands raised in praise. I smiled as my eighteen-year-old daughter stood towards the back worshiping, while keeping a watchful eye, as a new team leader.

Another generation coming to know Jesus. Another generation living to sing His praise. Another generation that will rise up and bring the kingdom of God to the nations. Another generation....each extraordinary, each unique, each irreplaceable. I want to cheer them on, help them fly and have their back. Another generation.......

Stepping In Wet Paint!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:49:00 +0000

The smell of fresh paint wafted towards me as I opened the front door. My husband, splattered from head to toe, was busily painting the living room floor. Being the particular guy that he is, he decided to draw a red line down the center of the hallway so that we would know where the old paint stopped and the fresh paint started.

A short while later, not paying any attention to the red line, he stepped right into the middle of the wet paint! His aggravation was evident. He was angry that he missed the meticulously clear red line he had drawn.

A few moments after that, you guessed it, I did the exact same thing. Hooting and hollering from down the hall, I could hear my husband laughing as I washed the paint from between my toes. Stepping carefully from the bathroom, feet now clean, I glanced at my hubby. Sitting with a huge grin on his face, I asked if he felt better that I had "followed in his footsteps" so to speak. He did.

Later that evening, as I was getting ready for bed, I almost stepped right back into the wet paint. What I found interesting was that it was not the red line, so carefully drawn, that stopped me. It was the footprints.

As I thought about this, I was surprised to realize that what has affected and shaped my life are the footprints of others that have walked before me. Many of those footprints have had paint, mud, muck and mire on them. Some of the footprints have shown me where not to step. Some have lead to places I've longed to go. Interestingly enough, both sets of feet have had dirt on them. But the ones that have been washed are the ones I want to follow.

Jesus was no different. He ignored every red line that the Pharisees drew. Jesus preferred to follow in the footprints of His father. He stated that He does only what He sees the Father do. Rules and regulations did not govern Jesus. The footprints of His father did.

If you would like to see some amazing footprints, take some time and read through Matthew, Mark, Luke or John and look for the footprints of Jesus. Not only will you find the footprints marked with red letters to be far more affective than red lines; you will see that Jesus is also an expert at washing feet.

Love Loud

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:06:00 +0000

This last Sunday my pastor started a message series called "Love Loud." The challenge he gave was to love people as Jesus loves. He challenged us to remove the labels of sinner and saint and simply be about the business of loving people. The challenge has already had an impact in my life.

It is so easy to love the ones who have already woven themselves into our heart. But what about the people we come into contact with that tend to rub us the wrong way?

I love to look at the life of Jesus throughout scripture. He clearly loved everyone he came into contact with, but he did so without compromising who he is. He continued to walk out love with healthy boundaries. Think about it. Though he challenged the pharisees, he did so while loving them. Some might have called this type of display "tough love."

No matter who Jesus met, he knew how to speak their very specific love language, as well as, the love language they needed in order to hear and grow. Love wears many forms and faces but when given with the heart of Jesus, it carries a walloping impact! Big, little, easy or hard, labels removed, I am committed to take the Love Loud challenge and watch what Jesus does with it. Wanna join me?

Sassy

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 02:00:00 +0000

I have sassy kids. My kids aren't brats by any means, actually I'm crazy about them. But sassy.....whew baby.................Especially my daughter Taylor.

Taylor is pretty unique. She is the kid that everyone loves and most everyone likes, but boy did she come out sassy! I always know when a zinger is coming. She looks at me with the same little face she had a three, and with a twinkle in her eye, she nails me. She then has the nerve to look me square in the face, as she confidently whispers under her breath, "I'm you."

The truth? I love it!! After one of her love filled pokes, I often run to the phone to proudly tell a friend what fresh remark she made, just like when she was little. I love that my daughter has inherited my sassy. I love that she actually likes to claim that she is in some way like me.

Why spend time commenting on this? Well, besides noticing this about my daughter, I had a conversation with a friend the other day. While we were talking, she zeroed in on a comment that I made. "I may not be a lot of things" I said, "but I know I make God laugh. He likes that about me."

She stopped an entire table full of women and asked, "Why don't more of us think like that?"

Between these two things, it really made me wonder. Why is it we don't enjoy the same fun things with God that we do with our kids? What sassy, joyful, unique, fun thing has God put in us that we fail to recognize as something wonderful? How can we fail to recognize that He has a really great sense of humor? What gets in the way of how we see Him? What gets in the way of how we see us?

I have to ask, what trait do you secretly love about yourself? Do you ever wonder where you get it? Try thinking past your mom, dad or crazy Aunt Harriet and see what you come up with. You just might end up seeing yourself, as well as God, from a whole new perspective. You might even share a sassy laugh together!

FYI, as you can imagine, Taylor loved that I wrote this about her. She even had some sassy remarks to make about it.......and I laughed.

Thinking like Him....

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Mon, 31 May 2010 12:32:00 +0000

I read a profound statement on the back of a book today. "God wants to redeem you, not exchange you." (John Ortberg) When reading that statement I swear my toes curled and I grew a couple of inches. Statements like that continue to unlock something inside of me. I actually come away feeling like God not only loves me but likes me. Imagine that!

The unspoken laws of legalism seem to come with the understanding that I am a worm and should feel like one at least nine-tenths of every day. What man made rules never seem to take into account is that I am a created being. Yup created, by God Himself. As I was thinking about this truth (Psalm 139) I had my own profound thought. "When God created me, I don't think He had my "sin nature" in mind."

It makes me wonder more deeply, just how God thinks about these things. I need to know because His is the only perspective that matters. I know "He knit me together" and "knew every one of my days before I had lived a single one", but what was on His mind? Was He thinking of every failure He knew I would make? Every sin that would plague me? My thorns in the flesh?

Personally, I think God is a bigger God than that. I think perhaps He saw the shed blood of Jesus over my life and knew between how He made me and Jesus' blood, I had limitless potential. But how do I attain it? By thinking what He thinks. By everyday "throwing off the weights which so easily beset me." Renewing my mind, if you will.

Folks, we need to quit beating ourselves up. I think we will grow deeper in Christ and actually flourish if we will begin to come into agreement with God. Song of Solomon 1:5 says, "I am dark but lovely to God." We are so quick to acknowledge our sin and shortcomings and we should be, (1 John 2:1-2) but we should also acknowledge at least equally if not more..... I am lovely to God. In the original Hebrew that word lovely means; lovely, fitting, suited which means God thinks all those things about you and me. Lovely to God....doesn't this thought bring joy?

What leads me to sin? The Law. It's very purpose was to point out the fact of sin and how we cannot overcome without the shed blood of Jesus. But with the shed blood of Christ..... limitless potential and the ability to bear much fruit for His glory (John 15:8).

As I deal with my junk I am going to remember, "God wants to redeem you, not exchange you." I'll think on that for awhile.

The Embrace of Grace......

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Sun, 30 May 2010 21:18:00 +0000

A new bridge is being built in my town. Strangely enough, there is already a perfectly good bridge in the exact same location. At least it gives the appearance of being perfectly good. The construction has been frustrating. It has caused traffic backups, created chaos, confusion and an incredible amount of inconvenience. It takes longer to reach a simple destination. Tempers flare and irritation flows faster and stronger than the river the bridge is covering. Though as residents we know that we will be thankful when it is completed, we are just selfish enough to resent the invasion.

Over the last few years my Christian life has been no different. Being raised in a small denominational church I became very familiar with the bridge of religion, legalism, and performance. As a youngster in the church I was duped into believing that this is the bridge that Christ created for me to walk across, to create relationship with Him. But it's not. The bridge Jesus built was one of grace.

As God has been tearing down the old bridge of legalism and performance in my life, it has been frustrating, created chaos, confusion and an incredible amount of inconvenience. I will even admit I have complained. Embracing this life of grace has not been easy. After all, the laws and standards of man was something I understood and could even contribute to. Since it was in the name of Christ it was hard to see that "my righteousness is as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). While legalism kept me trapped in excellent performance, it also trapped me in the desire to have a part in my own salvation. Failure through legalism made me hang my head in shame not run to the foot of the cross.

As the grace of God leaked more and more into my conversations, some fellow Christians felt the need to inform me that this "grace" I was embracing was no more than permission to sin. At first I was intimidated by this "encouragement". However, God and time have proven faithful.

As I have embraced grace, my relationship with Christ has deepened. He has made me safe in transparency and vulnerability. He has shown me how personally He cares for me and I have never had less desire to sin. (Legalism would never permit me to admit to such earthly battles.) Aahhhhh sweet grace. This gift of grace has brought me into a broad place with Jesus. I can with boldness share that I am not perfect, but rather, in my weakness, utterly dependent upon my Savior. This bridge of grace is now one I willingly run over. And thankful for the continued construction of my Savior, I daily walk into the embrace of grace.......

Acts 20:24 (New International Version)

24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

I count all things as loss..... Philippians 3:8

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Gutierrez) — Fri, 28 May 2010 14:33:00 +0000

So many difficult seasons have brought this verse to the forefront of my life. Circumstances that make me have to face once again what I am willing to count as worth a life of surrender.... and so once again... I am sitting here pondering the verse, Phil 3:8……I count all things loss….I have suffered the loss of all things…..that I may gain Christ. To my understanding gaining more of Christ is simply continuing, in even the worst of circumstances, to believe that God still plans only for my good and walking out that trust in Him.

I have always thought of the “loss of all things” as being what I was willing to give up. House, car, job, selfish ambitions. What was I willing to give….to count as loss, in order to gain more of Christ? Would I be willing to leave hearth and home and travel to the wilds of Africa and count all things loss so that I might gain more of Christ?

Well the fact of the matter is, at this point, that would be easier. Simple, really. Because today as I ponder this verse once more… my perspective has changed. I am no longer thinking what I might give up but rather, “What might be taken from me.” Am I willing to count what is taken from me against my will to be worth the loss in order to gain Christ? What about betrayal that wounds you so deeply you can hardly breathe, let alone have a coherent thought? Am I willing to count those things worth the price of gaining Christ?

Lamentations chapter 3 tells about drinking the drink of bitterness against your will. Feeling as though circumstances have been thrust upon you…….and here is the fact of the matter…. some circumstances, some loss, suffering, a dark night of the soul are things we have to face simply because of the choices that others make. When this happens we have a choice to make….. will we let the circumstance work in our life so that we might gain Christ?

For me my answer is yes. Really what choice do I have. When hard trials come that create a wound, we have two options. We can let the wound remain and fester….or we can count it. We can say, “Yes I have been wounded…something has been taken from me…I have been betrayed….. I HAVE SUFFERED LOSS…..but I must make a decision in this moment to, “count all things lost as rubbish that I may gain Christ.”

While this is not an easy choice to have to make, it is very clearly the only choice. What would be better? The drink of bitterness is not a drink that I enjoy… and while I also do not enjoy this current pain…I believe the promise that sorrow lasts for the night but joy WILL come in the morning. So again, here in this moment, I chose to gain Christ.

Whether we like it or not, we are all faced with this decision countless times in our life, to choose the gain of Christ, a deeper walk in relationship with Him and the fellowship of His sufferings. We will also continue to face this decision throughout our lifetimes. It will not come dressed in the same wrapping every time. Sometimes it comes as a sifting in your own life that you must face. Other times it comes as a sifting in the life of someone close to you and you have to face that as well, whether you like it or not……but chose…… chose to gain Christ.