The Reflection of God in the Mirror

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (Genesis 1:26)

Our natural minds may often find it difficult to comprehend the truth behind mankind being created in the image of God. However, there are instances clearly showing distinction between the imperfect and perfect likeness. As Christians, we are to be visible representations of God. Although we have not yet been perfected, we still embody Godlike qualities. So how are we like God?

- We have a desire to love and be loved. God is a God of love. He is much more tolerant, gracious, and patient than we deserve. We were created to worship Him, there in which, we express our love towards him. God desires for us to spend time with him, albeit through reading the Bible, praying, or simply just talking to Him. Similarly, to someone enjoying spending time with the person they love.

- We love to behold beauty. Revelation 21 speaks of Heaven shining with the glory of God. It is as brilliant as jasper and as clear as crystals. It likens Heaven to be as precious jewels and speaks of glorious angels. It gives us details about the walls being made of every kind of precious stone. The bible further details Heaven being like a “city” which is made of pure gold. So pure, that it has the resemblance of pure glass. It depicts gates made of pearls and streets made of pure gold. What a beautiful picture to behold! Yes, it is apparent that God himself enjoys being surrounded by beauty, and that includes His creation. That includes you.

- We have a desire for all that is good and pure. We have a respect for those that carry themselves in a moral and ethical manner. When we ourselves act in a manner that is impure, we tend to hide and cover our actions. There is an overwhelming desire to walk in the purity and likeness of God.

None of these qualities can be found in mere animals. God has impressed a seal upon us in which we bear His image.

So next time you look in the mirror, don’t criticize those puffy cheeks, balding head, or daily increasing wrinkles. Do not be in disbelief or disillusioned. Remind your heart of who you are. Do not forget that you were created in the image of a beautiful, caring, and loving God.

Surviving Grief and Sorrow

Grief and sorrow are very real emotions that grip the soul of the person going through the experience. God expects us to grieve and deal with the pain that will eventually bring sorrow. When pain is not dealt with and is simply "swept under the rug", the result can manifest itself through deeper emotional and physical ailments.

Grief and sorrow are not emotions that are confined to the experience of the death of a loved one. Grief and sorrow can arise from the "loss" or disappointment of a relationship, job, finances, betrayal, possessions, marriage, or health. However, there is still a GREATER promise that comes to pass even through our grief. God promises to "restore and make all things new". As believers we must remember that our grief and sorrow is only for a "season".

Soon the fruit trees will blossom once again...

Soon the flowers will bloom with their sweet fragrance...

Soon the sun will burst forth through the dark clouds...

God promises in Isaiah 61 to replace "mourning" and the "spirit of heaviness" with victory, joy, and dancing. What a promise! Even through grief and sorrow, remember that your healing will come through God's unfailing, unrelenting love for you.

For the "Working" Woman

A woman who is employed outside her home has many challenges and knowing how to juggle all her responsibilities can become an obstacle. A woman must evaluate her priorities and her decision-making process:

- Careers are usually based on contracts that are temporary, family relationships are covenants and are eternal. Employers come and go but family and God are with you for the rest of your life.

- A career plays a very small part in a woman's identity. A woman is not what she does but who she is. Who she is largely determined by her relationship with God.

God's criteria for success is faithfulness. (Regardless of how the "world" or the American "system" defines success). God is so merciful that He honors not only our efforts but our intentions. Neither your family members or your colleagues in the workplace see the big picture of your life, only God does.

In addition, a Christian should not be found slandering or gossiping about her employer (see Titus 2:3). However, an employer has no right to ask an employee to lie or deceive in any way. A woman does not owe her employer participation in any activity that is dishonorable. This includes any social occasions marked by lewd conversations and sinful behavior.

While a woman owes her employer an honest day's work, she does not owe all her time and energy. This leaves her with nothing to give to her family when she returns home. God created and expects a balanced lifestyle with family, home, and the workplace. Priorities should be firmly established according to His divine order.

Heart Surgery

HEART SURGERY

Jeremiah 4:4 (New King James Version)

“Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, And take away the foreskins of your hearts, You men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Lest My fury come forth like fire, And burn so that no one can quench it, Because of the evil of your doings.”

This scripture reveals the necessity of a deep, radical repentance. It is demonstrated by the call to circumcise the heart, a radical change in the total inner being.

To circumcise is to “cut off” that which causes “bacteria” and further contaminates (the heart). If feelings of envy, strife, unforgiveness, covetousness, greed, bitterness, etc are left undealt with, it can spread and infect others.

All these feelings are not from the Lord and He speaks of it so seriously, that He calls it “evil” and says that the fury of His fire will come forth. That’s serious! Once those feelings are dealt with and permanently cut off, it should be a done deal. No sense of trying to attach that thing you no longer need. Do not allow an issue or situation you have already dealt with to come back creeping into your hearts!

We must ask the Lord to reveal, cleanse, and wash our hearts from those feelings that are not of Him. The longer those evil thoughts lodge within us, the more damage the Destroyer will do.

Without allowing the Lord to do “heart surgery”, we will have further pain and will not be able to hold our peace.

Be obedient and ask for God’s perfect will in your life. That, my dear friends, is the first step to allowing the Lord to give you a circumcised heart.

See My Articles Written for the Examiner!

Dear Readers,

The RLM blog is still active however, we are expanding! We are still in business, we've just made a few changes here at Relentless Love Ministries. Please visit www.examiner.com/christianity-in-houston/christina-hollensbe to find many new articles about what the Lord is doing in our area.

Please take time to browse this site, I would love your feedback. I am excited about the new things the Lord is doing this year!

In His Name,

Christina