Day 9 - "Wuv, true wuv"...name that movie...

The scripture for today on the www.awake21.org website is Romans 8:5-6:
         
"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."


The "Melissa translation" of that verse is this:


We all have an emptiness inside that can only be filled with God. If we try to fill it with things, people, places, food, etc, we are left feeling empty, depressed, anxious, sad, etc. But if we fill it with God, we are left feeling joy, peace, lovable, capable, hope, etc.


I was also came across 1 Thes. 5:23 in another book I am reading right now:


     "May God himself, the God of Peace, sanctify you through and through...."


According to dictionary.com, one of the definitions of "sanctify" means to "purify". So it is God that is doing the changing and the purifying in us and not ourselves. I think too many people try to "do" for God instead of letting God "do" through them. I visualize humans as being lamps. If we are plugged into the source of our light (the electricity from the socket), we shine and are actually a light in the world. I don't think that light shines to say "look at me, I am super spiritual, blah, blah, blah". It shines to encourage people, love people, accept people just the way they are. I feel like a  lot of people, are walking around, not plugged in, but "doing" for God. Unless God is shining through us, we are pretty dull and not that bright. 


Whatever we focus on gets bigger in our life. If the focus is on our problems; what we should have done, what we didn't do, what we did do, etc. those things grow bigger...at least in our minds. But if our focus is on God, then he gets bigger in our life. And who is God...God is love. OMG, I sound like a freaking hippy that has been smoking pot, talking about loving everyone. I'm getting on my own nerves!


Peace out :)
Melissa