Since I fell behind, I am finishing with a triple, but I am finishing. I hope to spend May visiting the other A to Zers because I fell behind on that as well. It's called a challenge for a reason, but it's also a fun way to stretch myself. I'd like to thank Arlee Bird again and all the team of A to Z helpers. You all are a wonderful inspiration and encouragement. Thank you for putting this together and inspiring so many. Here goes:
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| A to Z Challenge |
XYZ
- eXamine Your Zeal. When you think about what’s been breaking out in cities
across the U.S. right now, the riots and the mobs and the protests, can you help
but wonder what’s going on? Is their zeal well grounded or unfounded? What is
under it or behind it?
I
believe within each of us there is a need, a desire to be part of something bigger
than ourselves. We may not know it or see it or understand it, but it is
there and it shows itself in someway. I believe we are witnessing the ugliness
that it can produce when we misidentify what that bigger something is. That the
need was placed in us for a purpose. Yes, we have a real need which fuels a real desire, and it is for the something bigger that we were created for, God Himself. We were created to belong in the family of God.
However,
we also have something else naturally in us, a rebellious nature. So when that
need for something bigger intertwines with our nature to rebel, it can produce
the kinds of things we are witnessing in our society. We search to belong to
something bigger in all the wrong places. Only God Himself can give us what we
long for, what we are created for, relationship with Him. The Bible tells us God has made Himself known within us.
For the wrath of God is revealed from
heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the
truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within
them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His
invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly
seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without
excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give
thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart
was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory
of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of
birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
Romans 18-23 (NASB)
We
should eXamine what we are Zealous for. With what do You Identify? In what do
You find You Reality? How do You determine Truth? What is You Ultimate? Are You
Equipped to defend or offer an Apologetic Your Worldview? Can You Lay it Out
for someone? How do You deal with Your Doubts? Are You willing to make some Observations to Make the Most
of the Quality of Your Life?
EXamine
Yourself and direct Your Zeal towards the One You were created for. You were
made to be an Heir of the kingdom of God. Jesus has made a way to restore us to
what we were intended for, Glory as children of the King of Kings.
God bless, Maria
