Comments on: New Wineskins for New Wine

By: rachel h

rachel h — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:41:44 +0000

Great post! This past Sunday, our pastor brought it in worship service. He preached out of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 those verses stuck me so profoundly. As he read them, I thought to myself, “yes! THIS is what 2010 to look like for me.”

So this year, instead of making a resolution, this is going to be my passage for the year. I’ll put it in prominent places in my home and car (just not in front of the gas light!) We’ll see how it goes!
.-= rachel h´s last blog ..christmas recap 2009 =-.

By: Lavonda Pflug

Lavonda Pflug — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:48:36 +0000

This post is short and sweet but packed full! Thanks, I needed that slap in the face. :)
Do I find myself in the same place year after year? Sure. (In some areas) Why?
Maybe it is because I don’t really want change as badly as I say I do. Maybe it is because I try in my own strength to change something that only God can change and I don’t ask for His help. Maybe I don’t want His help because I know the change will come at a price I’m not willing to pay. Maybe I DO ask God for his help then sit back and expect him to just ZAP me into the “new me” without any effort on my side.
I guess I don’t really know the WHY…But I do know it is frustrating. So frustrating that giving up and staying the same ol’ me is pretty tempting. (That’s what Satan would just love, now wouldn’t he?)
When you get it figured out, you know, why we get stuck back in the same old rut, let me know. I’m always up for lasting change. (In the meanwhile, I’ll be praying for some fresh new skin.) ;)
Blessings!
.-= Lavonda Pflug´s last blog ..A different perspective =-.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:29:21 +0000

Hello Lisa,
I’ve never met you and came across your blog via links from some other blogs I follow. I enjoy reading your posts and learning about your ministry.

As I have struggled with addiction for most of my adult life, I can testify to the futile cycle of resolving to change, striving to make the change, and ultimately failing to change. I have arrived back at my original starting point (and often worse) more times than I can remember. Of the three “F” grades on my human report card (fear, failure and futility), I think futility is Satan’s most subtle weapon. It keeps the focus on our own efforts rather than on the One who has made all the effort we need. Futility is a grinding process that dulls the sharp edge of our spiritual weapons. Futility is a thief and a liar (the very characteristics of Satan) in that it steals our joy and persuades us that we are incapable of real growth or change.

Progress comes when I remember that I am a “new wineskin.” I am new because I have Him…Jesus. His faith, His love, His compassion, His strength. He fixed the “old” when He brought beauty for my ashes and personal ruin, oil of joy for my mourning of past failures and loss, and a garment of praise for my spirit of condemnation. Satan would gladly have us hold on to our old wineskins that have lost their elasticity and cannot respond to the newness of the grace upon grace He brings us.

Everyday, I have to choose to believe Him. And deliberately and specifically remove the other imposters (no matter how harmless they may seem).

Blessings to you in 2010!

Sharon

By: Pat Layton

Pat Layton — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:06:44 +0000

Hi Lisa,
It has been a while since I spent some time visiting blog friends. It was so good to stop in to see you tonight. Feels like visiting a friends house. You are sweet and transparent and I love that.

I must be a bit weird but I love making New Years Resolutions, even when I don’t keep them all. I just think that we are always to be pressing towards higher goals and dreaming big dreams as long as God gives us a tomorrow.

My resolutions this year are just as big as ever. Yes, some are the same as last year but I figure, God has blessed me with the turning of another calendar so I figure I can keep on trying, right!!??

Blessings to you sweet lady. Can’t WAIT to read your new book. Glory!! Now thats an accomplishment!!
xoxo
Pat

By: Marsha

Marsha — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:21:01 +0000

i have no resolutions. at least not for 2010. those kinds of things never work out very well for me. if, however, i am resolved in something RIGHT NOW, i have a much better chance of it sticking! praying that God blesses you abundantly in 2010, Lisa. safe travels and i hope you get your laundry done before it gets undone! .-= Marsha´s last blog ..A Closer Look =-.

By: Crystal

Crystal — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:10:11 +0000

I am right there with you Lisa! I wish I could listen in on you sharing all that God has/is teaching you about this… please share when you get a chance.

I do too much “I’m gonna change this.. and do that and blah, blah, blah” This year, “Lord, change me.” Yeah, that will be good enough. I can just feel that He is going to knock my socks off! He’s awesome like that!
.-= Crystal´s last blog ..Real Peace =-.

By: Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:21:06 +0000

Y’all are some fabulous women. I can relate to all of you on so many different levels. Here’s praying 2010 is a banner year!

By: Nancy

Nancy — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:09:25 +0000

I usually like to make a change by picking something small and do-able, while my husband likes to pick a huge task and doesn’t care if he flames out — the big push is invigorating for him. :)

At the end of this year, my DH has had a very difficult few months. I sense that I’m supposed to be learning something about how I respond (between me & God, not with my husband) when hard ministry times come. But I don’t know exactly what it is yet. So I guess my resolution is to listen and find out what that is.
– Nancy
.-= Nancy´s last blog ..2009 year-end quotations =-.

By: Patty

Patty — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:56:19 +0000

I can’t believe you are going to be close to me this weekend!! Have a blast at Extreme!! I agree with you, we need to make a date in 2010 for a reunion!! We.have.to. :)

I think that I find myself in the same places because I am trying to do it, or trying to change on my own when I need to pray and let God do it through me. Apart from Him I can do nothing.

Love you,
Patty

By: wanda

wanda — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:50:02 +0000

I just finished reading Luke 5. From the miracle of fish overflowing (and the reminder of “lost” all around me) for Simon Peter…..to the paralytic man on the mat (with friends devoted enough to do a little something to help a brother out)…..the leper who spread the good news and the banquet with sinners (oh yea, I need to step out of my Christian comfort zone too). Then ending on tearing up the new garment….and ruining it. I’m certainly getting a fresh new word this morning.
Thanks Lisa. And have fun in Gatlinburg! What a great weekend!

I don’t want to taint anything good God is doing in my life…..it’s up to me to make the changes necessary to obey God and follow Him completely!
.-= wanda´s last blog ..Just what I was waiting for =-.