A New Constitution

We are so excited to begin this amazing year of growth and restoration. Now that all the disorder, confusion, and chaos of 2011 are out of the way, let’s consider our blessings rather than our losses.

The devil will remind you of all you don’t have and never reminds you of what you do have. Take inventory of all you have been through and have overcome. Instead of complaining, lets thank Him for getting us through.

We need to begin the year in control of our mouth. I am particularly knowledgeable in this area of struggle. My mouth can be a curse or a blessing. I could share endless stories of how it has gotten me in trouble, frankly due to the fact that talking is my favorite pastime. It’s like a hobby. Now, I know all those who know me are at this very moment chiming in with a hearty “Amen!” Be encouraged though; He who has begun a good work will complete it.

Consider all you do have. Philippians 4:8; Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Speak of the blessings God has given us, such as our family, freedoms and resources to help others. Focus on the goodness and speak positive in your life and about others. We now need to get over our differences and look for good in one another, seeing each other as God sees us. He doesn’t look at our imperfections. He loves us just as we are, He just desires to see us make right choices that line up with His Word, to give us a better life than the world has to offer.

This falls in line with our new logo and branding this year. Note our front cover: Cornerstone Connection “Connecting Our Community With A Positive Message.” Each one of us can be powerful. Together we will be dangerous to impact the world for good. Let’s stand united, supporting one another, in prayer and encouraging words, coming together as a family. The disciples led by example. Let’s follow their lead and pool our resources together supporting one another through God’s love and stand together as one. Ephesians 4:16 states from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

There is a freedom in knowing all you have, and will ever have is the Lord’s and not ours to walk freely in faith, to support our family and those God has put in our path. Let’s determine to be there for one another. I know this is the road less traveled. We like to take the path of least resistance, least effort, as we are too busy. And then after all, not everyone is easy to love, but this is where we grow, when we are being stretched. Doing the right thing when we don’t feel like it is how we grow. This is the constitution of our faith. Faith is not given to us to avoid difficult situations, but to go through them with stability, allowing God to be God through our circumstances, getting us through impossible situations.

When we see imperfections in others, we tend to want to judge that person, rather than consider that their flaws came from their past injuries, and our offensive response now only further injures this already wounded prey. Sadly, some Christians can be the worst to react with a judgmental attitude, as too many think committing our life to Christ makes us somehow above sin; we have arrived, using it as our newfound weapon. For those who have been wounded in this manner, I ask you to please forgive us. You were not in the wrong; we failed you as we are to be in control of our tongue. Though be encouraged, as God is not finished with us yet. When Christ took our nails/inequities at the cross, He took them for us. When we join with Him we are in agreement to die daily. My flesh doesn’t enjoy that at all. It is a daily walk and I fall short every day, in some way. It takes a conscious effort to be a paintbrush, instead of a chisel.

We need to see each other the way God sees us and love one another through our transgressions. They will know us by His love. Galatians 6: 1-2 says Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass; you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.

We have all been hurt in life by someone, infecting our heart image; it becomes hardened and cracked. These broken places numb the senses. These sharp, offensive edges make us react to circumstances that are not in our control, cutting away the very core of Gods purpose for our lives, looking for the negative in everything and everyone.

This is my prayer for all of us in 2012. Lord, heal and restore our faith, hope, and joy. Give us a new heart, Your heart that we may reflect Your love at All costs. May we join together as one body, one purpose, to love one another to fulfill the purpose and plan You have called for our lives. Soften our hearts, making us one with You. Teach us how to rest; to let go and trust You for all that we need, as you bring us back into order, aligning us with Your Word, for this amazing year of restoration, blessings and favor. Watch His miracles unfold in our lives, as we walk in His grace and love.

Expecting Great Things,

LuAnne Anderson