Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Imitators of God

I have been working through Ephesians for Gather Inspirit. I have been so busy with life and getting ready for this vacation that I didn't get a chance to post on Ephesians 5.

Actually, I started to write the post, twice, and I still have not gotten past the first half of the first verse.

In my NIV Bible it says,"Be imitators of God. . ."

I immediately wen to the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

The first thought when I think of imitating God is these nine words. Before I started to beat myself up about how I am not a very good imitator of God I decided to check out this verse in a few different translations.

The Message Bible says, "Watch what God does, and then you do it".

The New Living Translation says, "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do."

So I am to Watch God, and Imitate God, in everything I do.

I go back to focus on the Fruit of the Spirit. Each week I am going to spend some time focusing on each of the nine words above. I will start with LOVE.

This should be an easy one this week. After all, I am on vacation with my family in the Place Where Dreams Come True, right?!

Well, it isn't always easy when you are with your family for 24 hours a day in a condo, many miles from home. We are doing pretty good so far. I am trying to watch my tone with my girls. (Sometimes easier said than done). I am trying to love my husband when he is slow getting out the door and I have a schedule I am trying to keep.

I am going to spend my quiet time this week thinking about Christ's love for me. My love for my family and my love for those that I find it difficult to love.

I will move on in Ephesians 5, there is so much more to share in this chapter, but next week I am coming back to Ephesians 5:1 to tell you how I did with loving others. Next week I will focus on joy.

Last night I got to experience pure joy when I got to meet to amazing women with beautiful hearts. Stop by and visit Stacey and Stef. Read the wonderful words that they have to share.

5 comments:

Stef said...

honey - I have to watch my tone, and I'm NOT on vacation! You are doing awesome!

So fun last night - I saw this in my reader and shouted, "that's me"! Thanks for taking the time to meet us!!

{HUGS}
Stef

Anonymous said...

i LOVE this!! great post ... great reminders! {and i'm with stef ... aren't we all watching our tones ALL of the time?} ;)

and i LOVE seeing stacey & stef ... how totally fun!! great photo of you guys! and YUMMY cheesecake!!! ;)

Stacey said...

It is true, I ate the whole piece of oreo cheesecake and I had the best time.


Awesome to spend time with you! Enjoy the rest of your time! I really hope your 4 year old got to meet Mickey Mouse finally!

Blessings,
Stacey

Alaina Frederick of Dinker and Giggles said...

Wow - imitators of God

love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control

All things I am not right now. I've been so angry lately. I don't know at what - perhaps myself that I haven't been any of these things. Even with my kids. I have lost patience, I have lost the joy and peace that typically comes every time I look at their faces. Instead I'm filled with regret and that is NOT what a mother should feel.

That is not what a Christian should feel.

That is not what a human should feel.

Instead I'm the opposite of God right now. I am everything he is not impatient, angry, resentful, self-controlless, joyless, at war, and the list goes on and on.

I need to get out my Bible and spend some time reading.

Thanks Amy for sharing you! For a long time I've been so into the "business side" of blogging that I've missed the personal connection and the personal journey.

Kim said...

I live here in the Orlando area and wish you and your family a warm, warm welcome. Have a great time!