Monday, March 11, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Monday, Monday

2 Timothy 2:15 teaches, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

 
My husband, his mother and his sister all have beautiful voices. Once on a church family cruise, they decided to enter the talent competition. All three of them did a wonderful job as they sang in an auditorium of more than 1000 cruise guests.

Sadly, another gentleman in the competition allowed his nerves to get the best of him. His voice began to shake as he sang the song, "Monday, Monday." Instead of encouraging him, the cruise director grabbed the microphone and imitated the participant with a shaky rendition of the song.

The guy was horrified. To top it off, the talent competition was played in every room on the Cruise Channel for the rest of the cruise AND dvds were sold! That was a great thing for my husband and in-laws, but a horrible reminder for this fellow.

I am sure he couldn't wait to get off the boat and that his prayer was to never see these people again.

Have you ever felt like this person? Everywhere you turn is a reminder of your past mistake or of a time of humiliation... You feel as though your past is being broadcasted for all to hear and see?

I would like to encourage you today that you are not on the boat alone. Romans 3:10 says, "...There is no one righteous, not even one." The Bible goes on to say in Romans 3:23 that "...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Does that mean you should live life without concern of what others think? No way.

Today's verse reminds us that we should always strive to present ourselves in such a way that would please God and be a testimony to others.

Sadly, we can't change past mistakes and although God forgets, people are not always as kind. However, I challenge you today to continue to embrace God and His Word and live a life of holiness before Him. Over time, people will know you for that new lifestyle instead and will see what God recognizes in you!

Regardless though, God's truth always trumps the opinion of man.

Dear Lord, I thank You that You have forgiven me for my sins and that although people and events may remind me of my failures, Your truth of who I am is ALL that matters!

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.