Embracing Fundamental Truths: The Second Quarter

When last we met it was the end of the first quarter. The Second Quarter has now passed as well and we have stepped into the third. And here I sit, still upon the Potter’s Wheel. Perhaps this is the way of life. We are each day being formed and shaped into the person he sees.

I’ve since began a new job, and have spent one full year in a new state. I feel as though the wheel has slowed down quite a bit. Honestly, I’m not sure it’s still spinning. What is the Potter doing? I’m not quite sure. And so, I remember the Five Topics Father had me taking stock of in the First Quarter. I rewrite them over and over again, so I do not forget. I suppose I am remembering that Yahweh told the children of Israel to write His words upon their forehead and speak about them to their children as they walked down the road, in their rising up, and in their lying down.

I shall remember the deeds of Yah; surely I will remember your wonders of old. I will meditate on all your work and muse on your deeds.

Psalm 77:11-12

And so, as I’ve been faithful to do this, these five have grown to Seven. They have become what I call “Guiding Principles” for my life. Basic Beginnings. Fundamental truths I have certainly failed to meet in my past. Thus,

1. I will remember the abundant grace and mercy of God. I will be grateful for his mercies which are new every morning. I will be a believer who is full of both grace and mercy, for I have been shown unimaginable grace and undeniable mercy so that I can demonstrate such grace to others.
2. I will embrace stillness and true rest in my life. His Rest has been created for me. Rest brings renewal and peace. I am a carrier of Peace. I position myself IN HIM. This is my identity. Not what I do, but simply being with I AM.
3. I will be a person who walks humbly before God and Man. I will act justly and love mercy. I will position my heart humbly before my God.
4. I will love without expectation, regardless of the response. This is how Christ has demonstrated his love for me-he laid his life down for me.
5. I will be a person who does the will of God according to I Thessalonians 5:15-18.
   • I will not repay evil fo revil
   • I will seek what is good for others
   • I will rejoice always
   • I will pray without ceasing
6. I will practice joy by being rooted in and cultivating the measure of faith given me. I will do this according to the scriptures which teach me how to cultivate joy to my life by:
   • encouraging others
   • clothing myself in humility
   • I will clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. (Colossians 3:12-15)
   • I will let the peace of God rule my heart
   • I will be thankful
   • I will let the Word of Christ dwell in me richly
   • I will do everything as unto Christ
   • I will set my mind on things above and not below. I will let go of things below, such as anxiety and worrying, grumbling and complaining. I will practice gratefullness. I will flee from evil. I will think on whatsoever things are true, noble, honorable, right, pure, and lovely.
   • I will rejoice in hope and in the Lord always,
   • I will seek Him that I might know Him. I will remain IN HIM.
   • I will embrace the measure of faith planted in my life
   • Though it is difficult, I will not dwell on my past faults and failures. Instead, I will focus on what lies ahead, knowing that my Savior is doing a new thing in my life (Isaiah 43 and Philippians 3). I won’t tell my story here, but if you want to know more, here are a couple of links: Fighting for Repentance; repentance
7. I will cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit in my life (Galatians 5:22-23)

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And so, I sit upon the wheel, waiting in the hope which does not disappoint, that He who began the work will indeed complete it.