Do I need to say it again??

How many times as a mom do you repeat things to your children?  I know with my three little ones, I feel that I am saying things over and over and over and over and over...well you get the point. Most days my kids will hear me (after about the 5th time), obey and follow my instruction until the next morning. Then its back to teaching and repeating all over again. Anyone with me?

So, as I was complaining to my mom about this exact problem, it occurred to me that I am just like my kids. I hear Gods commands and I hear them over and over- and most days I will try to remind myself to follow his instructions. But some days I wake up and fail. So that day, I need to hear it again and again and again and let that sink in to my little human brain.

God provides two amazing teaching guides. One, the Bible- Gods word of truth. The second, the Holy Spirit. They go hand in hand. Like peanut butter and jelly, like coffee and creamer, or hugs and kisses. So with one, you will grow the other- the Holy Spirit never leaves you once you have it, but it will grow so much stronger as you read the bible. The bible is a great place to start if you are not so sure what you believe or think- and you will be guided the more time you spend there, pages open and all. If you just need help understanding what you are reading- pray about it and get involved with a bible study that focuses on learning Gods word. A great place to do that is www.bsfinternational.org

 

But I find myself needing to be there every day and if I miss, I forget how to live the life I want to live and need to be reminded that I need that instruction for my life..because life seems to get too stressful, or I am not at peace, or I make mistakes I shouldn't. Just like my kids.

So, as your children have to be taught and told how to behave, how to treat their friends and family, how to take care of themselves- how to think, we too are like them. God is our Father, and he is constantly shaping us, our hearts and minds to produce fruits of the Spirit. To live a life to love Him and to love others. To share His word and be a testimony of how he loves us and changes us on a daily basis.  He wants a relationship with us, and how can we have that if we are not listening to his teaching or choosing selective hearing on things he wants us to hear? (my kids will selectively hear too, and they miss the big picture!)

The next time you find yourself frustrated with your little loves for repeating yourself for the 100th time, remember we are shown patience and love from our Heavenly Father every day and we too need to show them patience.  Learn and live.

 Colossians 3:12  says this:       

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience