FEELINGS AND FACTS - 7.15.2014

FEELINGS AND FACTS
Have you thanked Him?
Have you praised Him?
Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?
Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?
1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)
1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Our feelings do not affect God’s facts. They may blow up, like clouds, and cover the eternal things that we do most truly believe. We may not see the shining of the promises—but they still shine! His strength is not for one moment less because of our human weakness.
- Amy Carmichael

I talked a little last night about the “challenge” we all tend to have at one time or another with our feelings. Not only can they be faulty and fickle, they also can be a little demanding. Our feelings often want to dictate our actions, create rationalizations and justifications. Our hearts often are deceptive, they even lie to us and our feelings more times than we would like to admit want center stage.

The trouble is our feelings are not good barometers for action. And left unchecked and given free reign they can even prove damaging!
Proverbs 14:30
A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.

That is why I love that little quote from Carmichael above.

Our feelings, though sometimes very strong, even justified do not affect GOD’s facts. So even though sometimes our feelings tell us to “retaliate”, GOD’s WORD says that is HIS job. Even though our feelings can justify us to be “bitter”, GOD’s WORD says forgive. Even though our feelings can sometime leave us feeling betrayed and alone, GOD’s WORD promises a constant and forever faithful GOD is always at our side.

So we must do our best each day to not allow our feelings to cloud the TRUTH of GOD. We must work diligently to not allow them to take the place of GOD either.

“Don't let your feelings be a God to you.” ― Joyce Meyer

So today I want to offer just a simple instruction; an encouragement if you will for when those pesky feelings decide that they want to be in charge.
2 Corinthians 10:5
…(fit) every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.

That is right!
Instead of letting our feelings have run of the house and mind today, let’s step back, take a breath, count to 10 and pray; give GOD a chance to help. Ask yourself that old but VERY effective cliche'. "What WOULD Jesus do?" And if you are not sure what HE would do...then pray.

Philippians 4:7
…Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds (and FEELINGS) through Christ Jesus.

This should put those feelings back in their place and allow GOD’s facts to dictate the response and our actions.

I love you all.
Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney