Respect

As sad as this is, people judge people for thinking and believing they way they do. We are we to judge? Judgement is not a new word to my vocabulary. I know I've used it alot lately. Unfortunately, I'm just realizing a lot. Years ago I was told that I'll never get what I dream for in a spouse because all my thinking is "fairytale". I believed it. Then I realized... Respect, honor, loyalty, honesty, etc. are not wrong to believe for. We should want that. My God is not a fairytale character, how dare someone doubt the power of the God who gave us life? I do take offense to that. I've learned a lot from that.

We learn alot from the situations we've been dealt. I thank God for that. I am much stronger than I ever thought I would be. Sure, there are things I have regretted, but I've grown, and with God's grace and mercy I have been forgiven. I'm not perfect, and never will I be, but I do strive to honor and please Him with my thoughts and actions.

Jesus, thank you for restoring my vision on these things.

1 Peter 2:17

'Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.'

Just as it is stated, show respect to everyone. This honors our Father in Heaven. It's not too much to ask for. I've been jotting down thoughts lately about respect and the way we treat each other. There's always room for improvement. No one is perfect in this. I know I'm not, but I would like to say that I try my best.

I look at my guy friends as a future spouse to someone. I don't want to take away something from them by flirting, or whatever else you want to call it. They deserve the same respect I do. We have to be careful about the way we interact with each other. I have not always thought this way, it's been a learning experience, and I am so thankful to the Lord for opening my eyes and my mind to this. I want myself and friends to be holy and honorable to the one they will marry. I know they have to want this themselves, but by not entertaining it, it helps.

We should make it our ambition to lead a holy life. A life that is pleasing to God. For God did not call us to be impure before Him. He has warned us about that. If you read in 2 Thessalonians 4:1-8 we are instructed to control ourselves before each other.
I'm not saying steer clear of everyone, don't come close to me. I'm just saying, we have to be careful. Be wise. Make smart choices.

I don't want my actions to take away anything that does not belong to me. Our relationships should be honoring to our Father. The longing of my heart is to please Him. This means my heart has to be pure and I have to cling to His word for strength and the courage to stand up. I want to be strong in my beliefs and understandings.

I was praying not long ago and telling the Lord that I want to be in a place where I am strong and on the right track with Him before He sends someone my way. If my relationship with God is not where it should be, then I know that I would not be able to handle a marriage. I want to be ready and in the right position with Him when that time comes. If I can't handle a relatoinship with the Lord then how could I handle a marraige? I don't think I could. -this isn't the only area I have to be on track in, but it sure is one of them-

Give us strength, Lord.

He freely gave His love to us. He's given us everything we have. It should be an easy relationship to maintain. We make it hard because we always want something more. It should be simple. Why can't we just be satisfied in Him? We are selfish. The world entices us. The world wants to control our thinking. Don't give in. Hold tight to what you believe. Be happy with what you have.

Jesus, help us be content with you. You are all we need.

We have to keep bettering our relationship with Him. Let Him be our center. Find yourself in Him. He gave you life. He is jealous for you. He wants you. Don't give up on Him. He will never give up on you. He longs for us, He wants us to understand. There's so much more to life.

Humble yourself before Him.

Forgive us, Father. We need you.