I love tomatoes, and here we are at the peak of tomato season!
Diced and topped on nachos, chopped and spooned atop bruschetta, or sliced and layered on sandwiches, there are few things better than a ripe, juicy tomato.
Tomatoes are one of my weaknesses. I’m also weak when it comes to episodes of Say Yes To The Dress, sales at J. Jill, the red “Hot Donuts Now” sign at Krispy Kreme…
Those things are fairly harmless (the hot KKs notwithstanding), but I have some other weak areas that are not-so-harmless. Things like being impatient, irritable, selfish, quick-tempered, critical, argumentative, undisciplined…
It’s ugly, isn’t it? I’m just glad I’m not the only one. I found some interesting company in Judges 14-16.
Scripture paints a picture of Samson as having all those traits and then some: spoiled, bratty, disrespectful and in need of some anger management counseling! This one-man wrecking crew had a serious weakness: women.
Image courtesy ImageryMajestic, FreeDigitalPhotos.net
“She pleases me well,” he told his parents.
“Get her for me.”
His first wife was whiny and needy, crying the entire seven days of their wedding feast. His famous wife, Delilah, was conniving and exasperating:
“With such nagging she prodded him
day after day until he was tired to death.”
~Judges 16:16
Samson’s story fascinates me in many ways. Set apart for God’s service before his conception, the Lord continued to use Samson even when he didn’t walk faithfully.
I can’t help but wonder how different his life might have been if he would’ve disciplined himself and been obedient. Sadly, I look back at my own life and wonder the same thing.
But PTL for GRACE!
I don’t have to be shackled by my weaknesses. His new mercies every morning allow me a fresh start.
And I have access to Someone Who can help: the Holy Spirit lives within me, molding me into the image of Christ, using me for God’s purposes. But if I want to grow, I need to cooperate with Him.
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
~1 Cor 9:27a (NLT)
Athletes understand the importance of having strong muscles, and they know that any weak area can keep them from performing to their potential. It’s important for Christians to understand the same thing.
For example, a common problem in the Church is gossip (often referred to as “sharing”).
- What does the Bible say about it? plenty
- In what situations am I tempted to gossip? Email, phone, community group?
- How can I avoid those situations? Hmmm…
- If I can’t avoid the situation, what can I do to NOT gossip? Hmmm…
- What scripture can I learn to battle this weakness? Ps 141:3 for starters
Whatever our weakness, we can always find help in scripture.
God’s Word first transforms our mind, and then transforms our actions. <– Care to tweet this?
But it takes effort, focus, and discipline.
The same things it takes to stay away from Krispy Kreme 
What about you?
Do you have any favorite transforming verses?
Click to read other posts in the series, Leaving a Godly Legacy.
To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:22-24
Sometimes I don’t recognize my own weaknesses until I start pointing it out in other people first. Ouch.
A transforming post, Susan. Thanks!
Love Eph 4, Cathy – the whole chapter is applicable! And I’m with you on pointing out the splinters
Thanks for stopping by today!
Yes! PTL for GRACE and for Krispy Kreme!!
Fabulous post! Love you!!!
My sister Monica (in W-S) has the KK app for her iPhone. It tells her when the “Hot Now” sign is on!
Love you
One of my favorites is: “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things” – Phil. 4:8
And YES….PTL for God’s grace and mercy!!!
Oh, btw….I tweetled!!
Phil 4:8 is Steve’s favorite verse! Great minds…
Thanks for tweetling, Sandra Kay!!
2 Corinthians 9:8 ” God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work!”
(exclamation point added, because I like it!)
Oooh, good one, Di! I bold and cap and italicize ALL in that verse when I pray it
There are so many how can you just pick one? But for today, I think it would have to be my blog verse 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Oh…and I totally know what you mean about the KK donuts. The good thing is I can only eat one…any more than that and my stomach rebels! Ha!
Yes, it’s hard to pick ONE but you picked a good one, Mindy! Thanks for stopping by and sharing that one
Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Great verse, Nancy. Glad you stopped by today!
Susan,
What a powerful message this morning! After having returned from a six day trip, I am feeling physically worn out…so that’s the weakness I face this morning. Yet I know this is like the letting down of eagles wings after they have soared to the heavenlies. This is when I rely on one of my favorite scriptures. Those who wait upon…hope in…believe in…trust in…the Lord will renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.(Isaiah 40:28-31) So as I wait, I’m also praising God for the joy of knowing Him through times of weakness…that’s when His power shows up best. Thanks for your words of encouragement this morning, Susan. God bless you!
Isaiah 40 is full of great promises! So glad you stopped by today, Glenda. Glad you had a nice visit with your family, and blessings to you as you get back to normal!
I love this verse, Glenda. My husband has been having a particularly challenging time at work in his new supervisory position. I wrote this very verse on a little card, along with a note of how proud I was of him bringing such light, compassion and ability to this new job. I hid it in his lunchbox, so he found it midway through his day. He called to say how much it meant to him to have had me write it.
A very powerful verse!
Kim and Susan,
Isn’t God’s Word so powerful!! It doesn’t matter what our situation, his promises are always right on target within the context of our everyday walk. Kim, what a sweet encouragement you are to your husband as you write those notes of love and promises on those little cards.
Susan, thanks for being faithful to write His Words. God bless you!
Susan,
My post this morning is about Samson as well… funny we were on the same wave-length. I’m so thankful I can lay my weaknesses at the feet of Jesus to be made strong by His redeeming grace and mercy. One of my favorite verses is found in Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This verse helps me to be more forgiving of people, particularly in those times when an apology is not given. When I’m reminded that I wrestle against satan and not flesh, it’s easier for me to accept imperfections in others and myself that wrought an imperfect world (I know at whom I need to be pointing my finger).
Thanks for the powerful post this morning, Susan… you’re always such a blessing to me!
Marisa
That’s a great verse, Marisa, and your application is spot-on. Satan loves to use his minions to try to trip us up, and sometimes they do. But PTL we have the Holy Spirit to brush off our scraped knees, help us to our feet and show us what’s really going on.
“Oh for grace to trust Him more!”
Oh yes, Praise God for Grace!
I was going to mention Eph 4, but see other great minds have shared it. Then I was going to list 2 Cor 9:8 — what I prayed this morning, but see you have a lot of lovely readers!
So I’ll stop trying so hard.
Every morning I wake with Lamentations 3:21-24 on my lips:
To remind myself His mercies are new for the grabbing that day. And oh is He ever faithful… It helps me start my day on the right foot!
Thanks, Nikki – Don’t you love the great minds who read my stuff? It’s humbling! I love the Lamentations verse, too. What a gracious God we have!
I am stuck on the hot Krispy Kremes and Grace. A winning combination. Great post, friend. I love reading your readers comments. Its a great walk through Scripture. Thank you for doing what you do. Its great visiting over here in your world.
Yep, hot KKs and grace are a great combo! Thanks so much for visiting and commenting, Elizabeth. I’m honored to be encouraged by so many sweet, godly friends.
Susan, I knew we had a lot in common! I also love watching SYTHD!
But seriously, once again you echoed my heart and I am also so thankful for God’s love, grace and mercy each and every day.
Psalm 19:14 is one of my favorite “transforming” passages: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Thank you, Susan, for blessing me so much today!
Here’s a {{{HUG}}} for you!
~Anna
Thank you, Anna! Isn’t SYTYD fun?? Thanks for sharing Ps 19:14. What a great prayer. It should be on our lips every morning before our feet hit the floor
{{{HUGS}}} to you too, my friend!
we make homemade kk’s here – since the nearest store is a very long ways away! freshly made, they really taste like ‘em, too!
my favorite transforming verses:
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I think what was so tranforming in these verses for me was the “clothe yourselves.” These are the “items of clothing” that I need to intentionally put on every day before I’m presentable to go out in public… The significance of these words truly touches my life in a very real way, every day… well, at least on those days I get dressed!
Great thoughts you shared today. Thank you.
Wow, Richelle – I just took a break from a piece I’m working on, and the central verse is Col 3:12! Thank you so much for taking time to share that fabulous passage. You’re so right — we choose to clothe ourselves in those graces, because it’s not my natural response.
So glad you stopped by today!
Richelle, Are you familiar with Kelly Minter’s book The Fitting Room? It is based on Colossians 3:12. It’s a warm and wonderful read.
I am at Seattle airport and I love your post..
esp during travel we need all the patience & happy face.
I love Eph 4:29. When I am about ready to spit something
not nice I try to remember this. On the side note,
my frozen sockeye salmons almost didn’t make it
I put it in a styrofoam cooler
& they dont allow it but they were kind to put it
In a box for me.
Thank you God!!
Wow, Anita – sockeye salmon?? YUM. I’ll bet you have a great dinner planned! Love your Vancouver pics on Facebook!
Eph 4:29 is a great verse — no unwholesome or unflattering speech. Easier said than done somedays, isn’t it
Enjoy your travels!!
Speak on sister.
You rock, Denise
Effort. Seems to me that “effort” gets a bad wrap in modern Christianity. Since we’ve been set free by Martin Luther’s proclamation of “saved by grace” we sometimes shudder at the thought that we must exert any “effort” whatsoever in order to live a godly life. But you’re so right, Susan. We’re to “fight the good fight”, “finish the course” and “press on.” Effort is definitely required.
Thanks for reminding me today that it is a worthwhile pursuit to apply a little elbow grease to my spiritual walk so that I can live a life that more accurately reflects the glory of my God. I need to get to work on a few things…a few of the very things you mentioned here!
You’re a wise woman Susan. I enjoy your blog very much, even on the days I don’t leave a comment
You’re always such a blessing, Kay. I appreciate your taking time to read, and especially comment! You’re a great encourager!
And you make a GREAT point about effort. It DOES get a bad wrap in Christian circles because we’re encouraged to claim promises and walk in liberty, which is right and good. But there are a lot of things that, like you said, take a little elbow grease and work on our part!
That’s why I love your blog so much. You give such practical tips that help us press on and fight the good fight. Thanks so much for sharing your insights!
One of my verses is 2 Timothy 1:7….”For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind”. I sometimes struggle with fear of what is going to happen or not happen in the future?
Ahh, good one Judy
So glad you shared that!
I often remind myself that I have to be proactive about redirecting my thoughts; deliberate to stop rehearsing negative, critical dialogue in my mind, with 2 Cor 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
I love that verse. It pairs well with Phil 4:6-8
Thanks for stopping by, Claudia!
Visiting through Leaving a Legacy Thursdays.
One of my favorite verses is Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
So glad I stopped by today- very encouraging post and I have also enjoyed reading all the comments- so good to “fellowship” with the body this morning over God’s Word.
God bless you.
Thanks, Rachel! Romans 12 is such a powerful chapter, and verse 2 is so convicting. So glad you hopped over today
Getting rid of the old self can be so hard. It’s a daily process. But it’s so worth it so we can become mature and grow in His likeness! Thank you for linking up.
Blessings~
Shari
Thanks, Shari! Hugs from VA
I am fond of “Whatsoever things are true…” Philippians is altogether lovely. I find when I “think on these things”, my thoughts are elevated to think more charitably of others, which equals more building up and less gossip:)
Good one, Mandy. Phil 4:8 is my husband’s favorite verse! And you’re right — thoughts turn away from gossip and to concern. Amazing, isn’t it?
Thanks so much for stopping by today
For me, it would have to be “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will set your paths straight.” Prov. 3:5-6 It we trust him fully, our lives will be transformed…but trusting takes out of this world discipline! Leaning on my own understanding develops a whole host of not so worthy character traits.
Thanks for the honest post! I can so relate!
Thanks, Jeannette — I pray Prov 3:5-6 for my family every single morning!
I must say when it comes to temptation I love 1 Corinthians 10:33…paraphrasing says: Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. This verse represents God’s grace to me—he allows us to learn and grow from our mistakes. And btw…J.Jill is my weakness too. I have on a new J.Jill outfit right now that I bought Friday (on sale of course
That’s a great verse, Celeste, and a great application. And J.Jill… I keep deleting the emails I get about the sales, but it’s getting harder and harder
I’ll bet your new outfit is adorable!
I’m late to the party! Thanks for linking up! I was fascinated with this story as a child! Great application to our lives.
Glad you enjoyed it, Mary Beth! And you’re never too late to my posts
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Hi Susan,
This verse “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NASB
always reminds me of the importance of letting God’s word change me from the inside-out.
Thanks for your focus on His Word! Linked up behind you at Jen’s …nice to meet you
My list is so long and changes with my needs of the day. Here are three I love.
As a blogger, this one hits home. 1 Corinthians 8:1a: Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Important words to live by.
As one walking a new path, Jeremiah 29:11 speaks to me deeply: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
(And my addition to that is God saying: So, Kim, stop being afraid and doubtful. Just trust and follow me!)
And last, because I can get so excited about sharing new information with folks: Colossians 4:6
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Great post, Susan. You always get me to thinking!
Thank you so much for your words of encouragment! I am so glad that His mercies are new every morning. I would be in trouble other wise.
Blessings~
Shari