Floral // It's Not Me!

   Hello dearest of readers! What are you up to this fine second day of June? I have been babysitting, photographing flowers and birds, making coconut milk ice cream, and blogging it up.

   

  Last Sunday's church ensemble was decidedly eclectic. That morning, I combined my floral midi skirt with a delicate lace-trimmed blouse, Persian orange jacket, and brown heeled oxfords. A dainty wooden pendant and ribbon necklace accessorized my look. The icing on the cake was my milkmaid braid updo. Altogether it was a quite a feminine look.

Outfit Details: Blouse ~ Thrifted via friends; Skirt ~ Yard Sale; Jacket ~ Hand-me-down from Mom; Necklace ~ Gift; Shoes ~ Payless

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   I have come to realize that, as a Christian, most of my faith actually has nothing to do with me. Yesterday I was going through the armor of God passage in Ephesians (verses 11-17) when it struck me that everything was actually from God. My loins are to be girt about with truth - the truth is God's truth. I am to have on the breastplate of righteousness - this is Christ's righteousness, not mine. My feet are to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace - the gospel is all about what Jesus did. The list goes on. None of the armor of God is about me suiting up in my own efforts! 

 

  You and I don't have to somehow muster up all the virtues and qualities of the Christian life. Our flesh has no power to do this. Galatians 2:20 says " I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Christ lives in us and we have the power of God in us to obey Him. 

   

  Now, I'm not saying that we don't have any choice in the matter. We can resist the Holy Spirit. We can decide not to do what God has laid out for us in scripture. We struggle against our flesh. However, our lives can become so much more peaceful when we realize that it is God who works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13), not our own weak efforts. After all, Ephesians 2:8 says our very faith is a gift of God!

   Take courage and comfort with me in these words today! Surrender to the Lord and let Him work through you. Don't do it on your own -you and I CAN'T live the Christian life in our own strength. Let's remember to instead live our life in Christ and cast all our cares upon Him. 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Ephesians 6:10