Living Above the Clouds of Life

Living Above the Clouds of Life

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

Copyright

July 2015 

Above the clouds

You and I are called and equipped to live a  supernatural lifestyle. I have discovered the supernatural life I am to lead as I have faced difficult circumstances, trials, conflict, misunderstanding, disappointments and being determined to discover what God is up to in those situations. How about you? Have you encountered any of the above mentioned things lately? How did you handle them? Did you waste the opportunity to grow?

The word supernatural is defined as above our circumstances, above natural or to exist above and beyond nature. We have a God given right to rise above our circumstances and paint a picture above the clouds or storms of life. Jesus rose above the storm in Matthew 14 and called Peter, an average guy, to do something that seamed impossible, to walk on water. What are you facing right now that seems impossible? Perhaps it is staying with in a difficult marriage. Maybe it is dealing with a difficult coworker. It could be letting go of a love one. I know at times I have said to myself or someone else, “I just can’t do this.” The truth is, I can not but when there is a greater dependency on God, I can. The key to a supernatural life is dependency on God.

Riding on a friend's plane

I was talking to someone the other day, and the woman made the comment that she was so stressed out. I have had my share of stressful situations and life will be stressful if we live in our circumstances, instead of the provisions God has for us.  God sent Jesus so we can find joy in life no matter what is thrown at us. We cannot control our circumstances. They come at us how they will.  We do not get any say  in most of life’s trials. However, we do have a choice in how we will respond. We can either react or respond.

Truett- Our grand boy

The Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:10 says, “On earth as it is in heaven.” (NIV) There is no stress in heaven, therefore, when we walk to the rhythm of thanking him, praying and then casting our cares on him, we learn to live life above the cloud of our negative circumstances. We live a supernatural life. 

I John 4:17 says, “ ...as he is, so are we in this world.” (NIV) Jesus is full of life and peace. There are plenty of people that lead stressed out lives., you an I do not have to be one of them. I want to be someone that is known for living a life of joy and peace. Jesus paid a great price for me to do that. I owe it to him to be responsible for my own development in not letting negative circumstances steal my joy and peace. This means I have to discipline myself to step back and live from the inside out, live from Christ in me. What about you? Do you need to discipline yourself a little more? Do you live in your circumstances preoccupied with the problem or step back into Christ in you and walk in peace?

You and I are called to reveal to those around us who God really is. We are are not called to lead normal lives but supernatural lives. Responding out of Christ in us is so much better than reacting to negative circumstances. God’s promises found in the Bible, and our confidence in who God will  lift us above the clouds of life. 

Princess Collins- Our grand girl

Will you join me in painting a beautiful picture above the clouds of your life and living the supernatural life available to you? 

Kathleen is a native of the Hill Country and is a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping people discover their value and worth. Contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com or visit her blog on www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com

The Price of Freedom is Often Forgiveness

The Price of Freedom is Often Forgiveness

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

Copyright July 2015

It is 4th of July season and as a proud American, I cannot help but think of the sacrifices our forefathers paid for the freedom so many of us now enjoy. I am also grateful for those in our military that keep us free. It is one battle to get free and another battle to stay free. Freedom  often comes at a great cost. 

Freedom in our personal lives has cost also. Life happens and we often encounter those that betray us, are unkind, self centered, take advantage of us or those we love, just to name a few. This can open the door of hurt, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Unless that door is shut, we can lose freedom in our hearts unless we 

forgive. 

Forgive means to cancel or pardon a debt, to stop feeing angry or resentful of someone for an offense. Over 20 years ago, there were several people that betrayed me. The hurt was real and the pain was deep and cut to the core of my being. I had read the Bible and knew I needed to forgive but really did not feel like it. I was mad. It did not seem to matter where I went in my hometown, I ran into my offenders. It did not matter if I went to the grocery store, church, a party or the soccer field, they were there. I remember sitting in my vehicle in tears at the soccer field

because I once again ran into them  and it pricked the pain that was in my heart. I sat there and asked God, “Why on earth do I keep running into them?” God’s simple answer to me was, “Kathleen, I am giving you the opportunity to forgive.” I sobbed a little more and then realized God loved me and wanted me free from the pain. I could keep pulling the victim card or I could choose to forgive.

Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Luke 6:37 states, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” 

We forgive because we need forgiveness for our sins. I knew I was not perfect and needed forgiveness from God, however, I was struggling with my feelings. I did not feel like forgiving and kept putting it off until I felt like it. I finally realized that forgiveness is a choice and God in his mercy kept giving me the opportunity and reminder I needed to chose his way, not mine.

I was honest with God and simply prayed, “God, I don’t feel like forgiving but I choose it as an act of my will to forgive  because you said to do it.” That was the beginning of the process of forgiving.

Forgiveness is not a one time event. Often times, it is a process. The greater the hurt or betrayal, the longer the process can take because we have more pain to work through. The key is committing to the process and the good news is God will help us. 

From the day at the soccer field and my surrender to God, each time I would encounter those that caused the hurt or replay the video in my mind, I would chose to forgive again, and eject the video. It took months for me to be fully free, but I can honestly say, the forgiveness was worth it and God healed the hurt. I am free. Since that time 20 years ago, I have had numerous opportunities to forgive many others in order to maintain freedom in my heart.

Forgiveness aligns us with trust in God. We do it because his word says to do it if we want forgiveness. We forgive for own sake, benefit and freedom. Who do you need to forgive so you can be free? Choose to do something good for yourself and forgive.