Thursday, October 25, 2007

Established

I have noticed lately that everything in the known world is now tagged as “established”. Restaurants, hotels, computer blogs, private homes, schools and many others use the term that used to be only used when speaking of churches or historic landmarks. Psalm 112 speaks of the man (woman) who fears the Lord. In Psalm 112:8 the Bible tells us “His heart is established, he shall not be afraid…….” Recently as I read this verse, the word ‘established’ caught my eye.
Wikipedia states that “a government defines its date of establishment by its declaration of independence from a now-foreign power”. As I read this it occurred to me that when we are truly repentant and accept Jesus as our Savior, we declare our independence from the now-foreign power of satan.
The Webster’s definition of the word is “established (adj.) - firmly based, settled, permanent, beyond question…”. When I think of this definition in regard to my heart and attitude toward God, I wonder if other people see me as an established follower of Jesus Christ or as a wishy-washy flip-flopper. I want my heart, my tongue, my attitude, and everything I am to be established and settled on Jesus and only Jesus. So many times (and I mean so MANY), my flesh takes hold of my tongue and I say things that I shouldn't say. Then other times, my attitude is taken over by the devil (or maybe its just taken over by my sinful side) and I become negative. Oh, sure I want to say that my heart is established, but I really think that I have a long way to go in that area. Maybe I need to tatoo the word 'Established' on the back of my hand so I will remember the goal.
I want so much to be able to ALWAYS deny flesh and speak straight from my established heart. November 16, 1986 was the day I was saved -- that's when I opened my heart for business with Jesus. I so want to be able to live in the Spirit even when I am mad, sad, frustrated, etc. etc. My prayer is that people will see Jesus through me and that they will know that my heart is estbalished and permanently, beyond question, settled on Him.

5 comments:

Renee said...

This is great. Thanks for the inspiration today! You have such a sweet heart for the Lord, and you are a blessing!

He Knows My Name said...

just wanted to say i read your comment on fran's blog. i could tell that about you are an encourager. you too are so sweet and i really appreciate your encouraging words they always lift me up. thank you and i am glad to know you.

have a good weekend. ~ janel

Fran said...

Can I get that tatoo with you??? That was good Bethanne. I want to be established in Him through all things...good and bad. I fail so many times. Thank you Jesus that you are established in us and you don't go anywhere!
Love,
Fran

AbbyLane said...

"when we are truly repentant and accept Jesus as our Savior, we declare our independence from the now-foreign power of satan"


...thanks sweet friend...i needed to read that tonight..

Alana said...

Oooh, I like that! What a great observation.

Hope all is well with you. Sorry I have been away so long, but I'm getting caught up now!

Congrats on your award!