Who Do You Reflect?

Genesis 1:27

²⁷ So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

John 15:1-5

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Joshua 1:8

⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

Make the Cake

I read this meme on Facebook today that said, “People pray for the cake. Then God gives them the batter, eggs, oil, icing, a pan and an oven. But yet they get frustrated and leave the kitchen. Let that sink in. Sometimes you have everything right in front of you but how bad do you want it?” God created us in his likeness. He created us to be kind, patient, understanding, and loving. These are all things we associate with God and if God are these things shouldn’t we be too?

In the day and age we live in now it seems like people are just getting further and further away from God. We blame him for our troubles and struggles. We blame him for our illnesses and mental weaknesses. He has become the human race’s punching bag. Why doesn’t God cure all sickness? Why doesn’t he stop all wars? Why isn’t everything perfect? He could come down in an instance and show himself and then everyone would be a believer?

He hasn’t gone anywhere. We are the ones who have fallen away. BUT we can be redeemed. Just like the meme says, he gives us everything we need. He takes care of us, but as it says in Joshua 1:8-9, you must meditate (think deeply or focus, consider) to be prosperous and successful. He gives you the tools. We have the Bible, prayer, the Holy Spirit… just to name a few. All we have to do is put in a little time and energy. He made us in his image and he gave us everything we need. Even the animals he made on the same day are here for our benefit.

Think about it this way? People say, “oh, why can’t I just win the lottery so I can retire?” because that will solve all of their problems. Well, you still have get in your vehicle, go to the gas station, pay for a ticket, and check the ticket. You don’t win the lottery by wishing for it and not putting in any of the effort.

God is just waiting for you to see him in your reflection. When you meditate on his word and his goodness, you can’t help but be transformed into the loving, patient, helpful being he created you to be. All the ingredients and tools are there, you just have to make the cake.

-Alison

Worksheet

1. Do you feel like your life reflects that God is inside of you?
   
    
   2. Do you experience frustration thinking God isn’t doing enough to better your life? What are some steps you can take to enhance your relationship with him?
   

Challenge: When you look in the mirror this week list the characteristics of Christ you want to see in yourself. Write these down as goals to strive to.