Not The Me I Know

This journey of becoming like Christ has revealed things in me that I never expected and I find myself doing things that I wouldn't normally do.
The more Christ teach me to live His way, I see less and less of what I thought was undeniable me, and more and more of who I am supposed to be. It is not easy to recognize that new me, and there are times the process is very painful, and misunderstood.
I worry less and less how I will explain changes in me, and more and more I see myself, with courage that can only come from God, allowing God to just have His way and proudly saying "it is God in me".
I use to worry that others would think of me that I am trying to be more spiritual and holier than they. I would worry that they would respond in mild disgust that I am mentioning God again.
However, no more. I like this new me. More courageous to live for God and represent Him, but not being arrogant at what God accomplishes through me. How can I! It is His work in me.
I don't have to worry about becoming arrogant,  because my focus is on Him, and He is in me, and He opposes the proud.
The new me surprises me daily, and I like it. Keep doing your work in me God. I like what you are creating.
What is God creating in you?

Building Tents

Matthew 17: 1-5 tells the experience Peter, James, and John experienced on top of a mountain when Jesus was transfiguration before them, and Moses and Elijah joined Him and were talking with Him.
I recently read this scripture,  and I realized, after all these years, that I have 'made tents' like Peter suggested in verse four. What initially came to mind was that many leaders of ministries and organizations today have built these same tents and shift focus from what God was saying. But, as I thought more on the verse, the word became personal. God told me that I have built tents sometimes over the years. It didn't result in mega ministry or organization or even a big church, but it was tents none the less. In verse five came God's response to Peter's suggestion:
Mat 17:5- 'While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them. And suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
Peter didn't even get his idea pitched to completion when God interrupted it and spoke what He wanted. God wants us to listen to His beloved Son. When we get a revelation or experience a glimpse of heaven, we are not to build tents to capture the moment and stay there, we should instead enjoy and then keep listening to 'God's beloved Son, Jesus'
These days I am learning to keep focus on God and not get distracted even with promises fulfilled, or victories won. I also am learning that building tents can be good ideas, and meet the need- good things. But God is interested in our obedience,  not our good deeds.
What are you focused on? God or what He has done for you? Or the gifts He has given you? He wants us to focus on Him. Why run off with one fulfilled promise, or stay (build a tent) with one victory or gift, when we can be connected to the source of all this 24/7.
God offers Himself. We must stay with Him, not what He gives, to experience Him and keep receiving what He gives.

Remaining Close

John 15:4
Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.
Watching God work things out in my life is quite an amazing experience. Of course I must make sure I don't interfere, rushing in to do things my way, or saying what I would normally say, or responding selfishly.
That is usually hard for me. However, as He changes me and I learn to live life His way, I see the fruit He talks about that we will produce.
It comes so naturally as long as I 'remain in Him' or ' stay yoked with Him' and always being obedient to what He is saying.
It is a challenging path to walk, but the rewards are great. And I am not only talking of heaven when I die. I am talking now- the peace, rest, comfort, joy, love, security, stability and the list goes on. I only get that when I remain in Him.
You can experience this too. Walk with Him. Choose His way now.