It’s easy to move through life, more or less, in an automatic way. Sometimes, it’s even essential. Consider small children learning how to walk, one wobbly step at a time, with lots of falling down in between. With practice, the wobbles turn into muscle memory, and soon they learn more complicated moves, like running or dancing. Or take a moment to think about your breathing. It’s going on all the time, but most of us rarely notice, even though this automatic action is literally keeping us alive.
But if you’ve ever had a respiratory illness, even mild one, you know how it feels to work for breath. And if you’ve ever arrived home at the end of your work day with no memory of the trip there, you can recognize how the complex, dangerous movement of driving a car needs an attention-check now and then. In some ways, the Christian life is kind of like that too. Our basic life skills of kindness, gentleness, and peacemaking are mostly invisible to us, and the muscle memory we must develop begins somewhere deep in our hearts.
As his letter to the Ephesians was winding down, Paul ended with some of his customary pastoral advice: “Pay careful attention, then, to how you live—not as unwise people but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). He had given some practical advice and would continue to get more specific, but a list of things to avoid and behaviors to modify isn’t the answer. When it comes down to it, Paul’s instruction to “pay attention and be wise” is at the core of this message; it’s what we really need to know.
God desires good for us. Good, not evil. Life, not death. We can learn to live into this goodness through deepening our wisdom and keeping our minds sharp. We learn how to stay sober when we’re tempted toward distraction and numbing, cultivate generosity instead of reckless living, and practice gratitude instead of grasping for more. And this wisdom shapes our whole lives, from the inside out. Even if we don’t feel like we are doing great things for God, we can still “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). In our work, in our play, in our worship, in our chores, we receive God’s generosity and share it with each other.
It’s not easy. Neither is walking, at first. But as we pay attention to the way one foot moves in front of the other, it won’t be long before we can dance. It’s the same with living out the goodness God wants for us, as the flourishing kingdom takes root in our hearts, transforming us for abundant life.
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66 thoughts on "Consistency in the Christian Life"
Love this explanation of the work of the Holy
Spirit, 3 in one, the fullness of God through the Trinity!
Also a model for us as we are one body in Christ.
Reminded of the song
“ We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord”
❤️
Gone I pray that I have your discernment in my going out and coming in?
“Quit numbing myself”.. a good reminder for me today…thanks “Gwineth52”. I needed that.
Hello Shes, me again.
Just finished reading through the comments & was struck by how naturally, freely, organically Sister Shes “ break out in song”! Sharing titles & lyrics & musical prompts & references.
As Paul asks:
“speak to one another in psalms, hymns & spiritual songs, singing & making music with your heart to God”. (Ephesians 5: v 19)
And Again:
“Let the Word of God dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching & admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3: v. 16)
My pastor likes to say, “When we sing, we pray twice”!
Cue the tambourines!
Hello Shes
Note to self:
Pay attention.
Be careful.
Beware false temptations that distract & discourage.
That’s not dancing with delight.
They’re dangling & damaging.
Lord, I pray to receive & reciprocate
Your generosity.
In all ways.
And quit numbing myself!
“ beware, false temptations, that distract and discourage”
I need that
Thank you for all the prayers listed up for me and Gene this past week. Trying to treat him at home was extremely challenging and exhausting. Praise the Lord, we seemed to have turned the corner! Last night we had a good sleep and several naps today. Most of today he’s been able to care for himself. There were tears and laughter. Friday and Saturday night I was crying help me, Lord. I can’t do this anymore. Also laughing when Gene asked me where Linda,his wife was. I simply told him I was right there and did he think anyone else would be doing what I was doing for him! Hahaha
Also, since I’m just now catching up, I have a story about dressing style. In our 1st little church in TX first VERY cold day I wore the only winter coat I owned.
(sorry if this is on here twice. Looks as if disappeared). It was wool with fur collar and cuffs, A Christmas gift from my husband 14 years earlier. A gentleman came up to me and told me where I could get a new coat… Goodwill. This sent me in a downward spiral for several years until God woke me up to the fact He made me and gave me my style. Since then for nearly 50 years I have dress for my husband’s pleasure and edification and to God’s glory. Each of us should God’s wisdom and not seek to please others. I don’t have to like your style or you mine, we are God’s creation and seek only to please Him.I love and pray for each request❤
It was one my husband had given me for Christmas 14 years before. A very nice wool coat with fur collar and cuffs. I had a gentleman comes up to me and tell me where I could get a new coat…at Goodwill! Sent me in a downward spiral for several years as I tried to dress to please. God finally woke me up to the fact He made who I was and my style was his gift to me. I dress for my husband pleasure and to God’s glory. I know what looks best on me and look for bargains. I may not like your
Sorry about the double partial post
Love this, Linda! So happy you could insert humor into that confusion! Thankful you both had a good night and a good day today! No worries on the duplication. It happens to me too. ❤
Dear Linda, I am so glad the GI problems have gotten better! I know that feeling of “I can’t do this anymore” and laughing when there’s nothing else you can do. Sometimes I just have to laugh to keep from crying. I pray for you and Gene every day. I know what a hard road you are on and our precious God does too. Love you, my sister! ❤️
Is my Christian Life on autopilot? Do I just do my daily readings because I committed or am I really devoting thought and depth to my studies? What areas am I walking without a purpose? What is my default muscle memory? Is it to react to my feelings or welcome everything with a gratefulness? Lots to ponder today! Feeling super convicted by Paul today. Lifting up everyone’s prayers! Happy Monday ✌️❤️
❤️
Hey Allison
Joining you in your spot-on “ convicting” questions. Even as I come a day later, on Tuesday. Scurrying to catch-up in my readings from Saturday past. Instead of sitting with & in the Word. So. Help me God.
Thinking about whether I make the most of my time and how I can use my time better. It really hit me just now that one of the best ways I can make better use of my time is to quit worrying so much about what others think but instead seeking the Lord and what he wants me to do
I did some digging on “be filled by the Spirit” and found a helpful study note in the NET Full Notes Study Bible (freely accessible on Biblia dot com). It explained that the Greek verb for “to fill” is always used in connection with a member of the Trinity:
– In Ephesians 3:19, Paul speaks about the fullness of God, likely referring to His moral attributes like love, holiness, and righteousness.
– In Ephesians 4:10, Christ is described as the agent: “the one who fills all things.”
– Finally, the footnote suggests that Ephesians 5:18 brings the argument to its climax: believers are to be filled by Christ *through* the Spirit, with the content being the fullness of God.
—
Instead of the traditional interpretation that views the Spirit as the content of the filling, this interpretation presents a more nuanced understanding, where the Holy Spirit is the means by which believers are filled with God’s presence, Christ’s gifts, and God’s moral attributes.
Everything starts with Him, is sustained by Him and ultimately reflects His glory! Christ and His church—a mystery indeed! (Ephesians 5:32)
—
Praying for all the requests as I read through them. Be blessed with the fullness of God today!❤️
Good Monday Morning Everyone! I’m reading on my phone this morning which doesn’t let me comment individually. Read though all of you wonderful comments. Praying for all of you. Safe travels for those traveling, peace for hearts that are hurting. Another day of great readings. Have a wonderful week. ❤️
Notes from Warren Wiersbe-
5:15-17
The Greek here carries the idea of precision and accuracy. “See that you walk circumspectly,” that is, with exactness is the meaning. The opposite would be walking carelessly and without proper guidance and forethought. We cannot leave the Christian life to chance. We must make wise decisions and seek to do the will of God.
~~~
5:20
The word “gratitude” comes from the same root word as “grace.” If we have experienced the grace of God, then we ought to be grateful for what God brings to us. “Thank” and “think” also come from the same root word. If we would think more, we would thank more.
~~~
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
~~~
Wiersbe’s statement about precision and accuracy really spoke to me. Got me thinking about armies marching with precise steps. If I say I am ‘in God’s army’ how could I expect less of myself. Father, help me to be more mindful of each step I take, fill me with Your wisdom as I read and study Your Word. Thank You for walking with me, correcting my missteps, and directing my path. Amen
~~~
Proverbs 3:5-6 comes to mind!
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
~~~
Joining in prayer for each of you! TAYLOR, it is so good to see you. Great post today! ❤
Tanner was in the hospital for a month when he was losing his transplanted kidney. I would get him to walk the halls. I remember him singing, “put one foot in front of the other and soon you’ll be walking cross the floor”! I love when memories pop up of my son. He had humor when he needed it most. What a great attitiude to have. He was tired of being in that hospital. 29 days. So I have learned to keep putting one foot in front of the other and hoping to transform for an abundant life in my Father.
I love that! What a special memory!
Put on as God’s chosen ones kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness and love which binds everything together in perfect harmony and let the peace of God rule in your hearts! This was such a beautiful description of how the Holy Spirit clothes us! I pray I will yield to His leading today!
Praying for you Mia, praying for Jeff’s treatment to not be delayed any further, praying for Taylor, for Victor and all the others! Thank you for your prayers!
Searching thanks for reminding me of this song! This is twice that I have heard it in the last two days! So true – I can truly say that All My life He has been faithful!
Good Monday Morning! I am ready to get out of this RV and head back home, sad to leave my son and grands, but ready to get back to my routine back home!! I am such a routine person, which I wouldn’t have thought in my younger years. But I like it. You can find me and know what I’m doing. Structure is good. Being rooted and grounded in the Lord, there is nothing better or beneficial. Letting him guide our steps and be a lamp on our path. The song right now playing
“If I Got Jesus” by Ben Fuller. So good. If I got Jesus, I got everything I need. I keep my eyes on Him, I might fall, I might bend, I might cry, I might feel defeated and discouraged…BUT HE WILL lift me back up, He is my solid rock. Nothing is more important in life. If I give it to Him each moment and don’t let any negative take my mind captive, I will prevail.
My small group is just finishing up a study this week called “Giant Killers” by one of our pastors- Angi Jeffcoat. It is really good about all the things that try to defeat us in every day life.
Thank you for the prayers for safe travels today!
❤
I love how the words today talk about moving into after transforming ourselves through Christ, into a dance! What a beautiful way to look at life from God’s lens. Have a beautiful day she’s!
“…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything…”Ephesians 5:20
_________
I read this verse and I know it is God’s desire, it is His plan. But to be quite honest, I’m finding it hard to be “thankful for everything” this morning.
Today was the 4th time over the past two weeks that Jeff’s radiation treatment has been canceled due to the machine not working. It is so very discouraging for him. It’s not just missing the treatment and getting behind, but every morning he has to prep for the treatment – drinking 6 glasses of water so that his bladder is full and also making sure that he is “cleaned out” He has to get up extra early to be prepared for his 7:30 a.m. appointment, and to do all that and then have them cancel…so, so very discouraging!
We have vacation plans in Oct. starting on the 14th. He was to be finished treatments by the 7th but now that is being extended because of the missed treatments and that’s making him anxious.
Please pray that from this point on, the machine will work every day as it’s supposed to with no more interruptions — and that he will be encouraged.
___________
Thank you in advance my dear sisters…continuing to pray for your requests as well, and most recently – prayers for you @Rhonda J. as you make your way back to Fl, that you will have safety in your travels and that your back will hold out. Praise the Lord for a good trip and time with your family!
@Taylor – it’s good to see you back again! Continued prayer for your job and for your singleness.
Love you all!❤️
Dear Sharon, I just read Psalm 62:5-6. He is our rock when things aound us are shaking! He knows our frustrations as we rely on him. Praying that this is the last delay for Jeff’s treatment.
Thank you Sharon! That must be so frustrating for Jeff and you! I know I would be just from trying to down that much water!! Prayers that they get that machine going! There must be more people getting frustrated as well!
Oh, Sharon, I am struggling to word a response! Prayers for patience as this issue is resolved. Why would they make the appointment when they know the machine is down?! Praying, too, that you can work around those vacation plans when treatments are back on track. Sending empathy filled hugs! ❤
I don’t have time to look through the various translations right now, but I know that at least one (and maybe not this verse) says “IN all things, give thanks.” That might feel a bit more do-able. Also, prepositions are the absolute hardest things to translate from one language to another. God knows your heart, sister. He doesn’t expect the impossible.
Oh Sharon, I can imagine the frustration. I understand the “getting ready” because my husband did the same. I think it is awful that the machine breaks down this often. It isn’t right when someone is in need of treatment. You are in my prayers.
Sharon I’m praying that the machine works moving forward! I’m just wondering if there is another place to get treatment? I know you are in Metro area. Not sure where he is being treated but I know when my husband was at Sloan, he had different options for locations. I’m sorry this is so frustrating! It’s not right to add more stress to an already stressful situation.
As I pay attention to the way one foot moves in front of the other, next thing I know I’ll be dancing! LOVE this! One-step-at-a-time. Going back to the basics when I feel a can’t move forward. This morning I really felt to pay close attention to those basic skills of kindness, gentleness, and peacemaking especially at work and with my mom. At work I don’t want the children to think of me as a “mean teacher” but I also need to let them know whose in charge BUT with kindness, gentleness and peacefully. Sigh!!! HAPPY MONDAY sweeties!! It was HARD to get up this morning.
Sharon I’m praying that the machine works moving forward! I’m just wondering if there is another place to get treatment? I know you are in Metro area. Not sure where he is being treated but I know when my husband was at Sloan, he had different options for locations. I’m sorry this is so frustrating! It’s not right to add more stress to an already stressful situation.
Mari the good thing about being a teacher is we have lots of opportunities to practice these skills daily. Lol
Dear Mari
Lord God, Help us to remember:
“Every day is a new day…to begin again”.
To live within Your Goodness in what
we think, say & do.
Amen & Amen!
I needed this scripture this morning. Please pray that I will know and follow God’s will for me. I will need to sell my home and I found a house that checks all my boxes. But there are several things that make moving a challenge right now. Praying for wisdom and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Moving can be challenging in the best of circumstances. Doing so in the rhythms of deep grief and family upheaval, all the moreso. May the Lord’s strength be near, His wisdom and guidance lead you. Have prayed for you, sister ❤️
♥️
Oh Mia..that is really hard. I know after my mom died my dad had such a hard time being in “their” house. She was everywhere and made him more sad. But then selling it and packing up their life was even more draining and sad. Praying for you in this season that is very depressing, but God…he has plans and good for you. Cling to Him.
fajth, prayers that Gid will clear away the challenges if this move is His will. ❤
Back for another Monday! It’s so good to start my week in the Word. A few notes I wrote:
“God desires good for me. Good, not evil. Life, not death.” Like I mentioned last week I’ve been feeling discouraged in my singleness. I’ve been on a few dates in the last few months that seemed promising, but didn’t really progress anywhere. Rather than slipping into the mindset of “what’s wrong with me?” I’ve been challenging myself to think maybe God is protecting me. He knows what is best for me. He has a plan. I can trust Him and His timing.
I’ve also been challenged today to practice gratitude in this season “instead of grasping for more”. I have so many good things in my life. Great family, friends, my health, my job, etc. Instead of getting stuck in the mud of what I wish I had, I need to remind myself of all the blessings in my life.
Love to all and praying everyone has a great week <3
Yes Taylor!
I am so happy that you are looking for the positive spin on still being single. I wish we all could always have this view and not allow
our day to day circumstances let the negative thoughts take over in our heads. I struggle with negative self-talk and really work hard to let God’s goodness drive it out. Have a great week my friend!
Taylor, I pray every day for our single gals. I know that waiting is hard but God is definitely working (sometimes behind the scene) for what’s best for us. Be encouraged and keep up that healthy attitude! ❤️
Your gratitude will get you everything. Such an important lesson – I needed your encouragement today. I can get lost in what I don’t have, instead of what I do have.
♥️ Agreeing with you (and all our dear single sisters) in prayer… no matter what our situation, we find community in this vast group of women who love Jesus! While i can’t always pray for each one by name… my consciousness is aroused to lift my single friends, my caregiving friends, my parents of prodigals, my grieving friends, my friends with debilitating illnesses and physical issues, my friends with depression and other mental illnesses, my friends with “church hurt”, my friends who are in difficult marriages, my friends who are struggling with doubt and lack of faith…I’m SO THANKFUL that God know our names, (and remembers each one)… and meets us where we are… not where we wish we would be… Holds us, comforts us, encourages and equips us for the life we are living… not the one we’re dreaming of!! BUT GOD, Sisters… BUT GOD!! ♥️
YES..Amen Carol!
Are you in a small group at church Taylor?! That would be wonderful to put your focus there with other singles? I love the song by “Wait on You” by Maverick City!
Taylor what a great way to take what could go negative and make it positive! I wish I would have trusted God in His timing when I was young instead of pushing things that I had no business in. Prayers sweet girl.
Hey Taylor
“ I’ve also been challenged today to practice gratitude in this season “instead of grasping for more”. I have so many good things in my life. Great family, friends, my health, my job, etc. Instead of getting stuck in the mud of what I wish I had, I need to remind myself of all the blessings in my life.”
You read my mind & said it aloud!!
Praying we both become over-comers!
Great Outlook friend!
Muscle memory of kindness and goodness…love that. I pray that all of the fruits of the Spirit become more “natural”, engrained in me as I become more like Jesus and walk in step with the Spirit!
Good morning!
Such a great reminder today to look for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all areas of our day. It reminded me of the song
Hymn of the Holy Spirit by Pat Barrett
Holy Spirit, guide my vision
Help me see the way You see
Always Jesus, ever Jesus
Christ in all is Christ in me
Holy Spirit, guide my speaking
Words of grace in truth abound
Let my lips be filled with stories
Of the mercy that I’ve found
Have a blessed day!
I just saw Pat Barrett in concert Saturday night…and he was so good and has so many great songs! I kinda hate fan girl as we did a small meet and greet with him. He clearly loves the Lord and writes adoring songs for Him!!
That’s awesome! I’m going to see him on Friday actually :)
This is what I needed today as I continue to walk through the trials of this world.
Holy Spirit guide me, fill me. In Jesus name, Amen
Thank you, JEN YOKEL for reminding us that we should be … living out the goodness of God, as His kingdom takes root in our hearts, transforming us for abundant life.
–
First verse & chorus – Goodness of God
.
I love You, Lord
Oh Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
.
Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
(Bethel Music, Writer(s): Benjamin David Fielding, Jason David Ingram, Edmond Martin Cash, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson)
–
Eph 5:20 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
– for ALL things, praying that thankfulness would be my first response, and not the one I eventually arrive at after all the grumbling.
–
RHONDA J – praying for safe travels and easing of back pain
MARTHA HIX – are you still considering a move nearer family? Praying for wisdom ❤️
LANIE H – thank you for your testimony of the next step class impact
HERSH – praying for your daughter’s feet
LINDA IN NC – praying Gene’s GI issues have resolved, praying for healing of your back pain
ALEIDA – continuing to pray for your family and Victor’s move back to OR
LYNNE IN AL – praying, dear sister. ❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️
Searching…I love that song!
Thank you for asking about my moving and praying for wisdom for me as those are my prayers as well.
I have lived in Boerne for 44 years and 25 years in this house… a lot of sweet memories and working through emotional closure that takes time. I am noticing a shift in my being ready.
Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and prayers.
How are you feeling ? I’m praying for you as well. ❤️
I like the title of this section, “Consistency in the Christian Life.” I often feel as though I can be a boring person because I tend to be scheduled and routine. I have had to work on being more spontaneous, more in the moment. My husband can be, well, chaotic. Very spontaneous, up for anything. It makes him seem more interesting and he draws others into his excitement and chaos. He struggles with routine. It can be a rub for us, no doubt. I have had to accept that God made us both different and also that God brought the two of us, complete opposites in so many ways, together in marriage. So we learn and grow from each other. But I have learned to appreciate the consistent personality that God gave me. I can see how He has used it to develop disciplines in my life that have helped me to grow spiritually, helped me to stay physically healthy, kept my family organized and on time and up to date on things. I can sit here today and appreciate those God-given qualities that seemed kind of boring as a younger person. I appreciate that this innate quality in myself is God-given and I need to pay careful attention to using it to be wise for God’s ways, not just here on Earth with my family and friends. I want to be consistent and wise in how I navigate this World today. To be mindful that God made me to be a light for Him. To consistently show love and kindness and mercy to His people. Help me to be mindful of Your will today and every day, my Lord.
Yes, that’s good Laura! I am a very routine person…well in my old life! In my young life I very spontaneous and liked fun and adventure. Now, you can know where and what I am doing at any given time and day, lol. But I like how you point to how it kept your family running smoothly and up to date when you were a mom through those years. The one best consistency is in the Lord of course. I love that I come to SRT first thing every morning, I go to church every Sunday, I have my groups…they are all my lifelines…everything else is just the icing on the cake!!
“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days” (NLT).
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Lord, give me eyes to see the opportunities around me and the courage to do what you want me to do in each case.
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CHERYL BLOW – praying the Lord encourages you today and that He strengthens you to continue with your PT.
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THEBESTISYETTOCOME – thanks for the update on the court hearing. Praying the judge seeks God’s wisdom.
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SEARCHING – praying for you to have solid sleep.
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LYNN FROM AL – praying for the Lord’s peace for you and Jack.
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LINDA IN NC – praying the Lord strengthens you as you care for Gene.
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SHARON, JG – praying Jeff’s treatments can resume this week.
Yes, great verse to pick and try to adhere to!! MAKE the most of every opportunity!! They are all around us ALL the time…Spirit lead me!! I am always so bummed every year when we have many wasted passes to our fair that get thrown away on Monday morning, and here we are again left with like 15 or so…I wish I could have given them out and brightened someones day..but I was to caught up to remember. A big opportunity wasted!! Don’t let me waste the opportunities.
Love this muscle memory idea. It’s so true when you look back over your Christian walk too! Have a good day lovely ladies x
This song by Christ Tomlin comes to mind this morning:
Your love has captured me
Your grace has set me free
Your life, the air I breathe
Be glorified in me
Your love has captured me
Your grace has set me free
Your life the air I breathe
Be glorified in me
Praying for you all. Have a blessed Monday.
❤️