CROSSWORD CLUES

10/8/12

2 Down. Self importance. 3 letters.

Last weeks USA Today’s crossword puzzle clue had an easy answer. EGO.

This week as I have been preparing a lesson from James 4:1-10, I’ve come face to face with the sin of prIde, which is the result of an over-inflated ego.

An ego, simply stated, that……..

Edges

God

Out

The remedy for that sin, given both in James and Philippians, is humility. A “more of Thee and less of me” concept.

Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. ;(Philippians 2:3, CEB)

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; (Philippians 2:3, NASB)

Putting self before God and others is sin---the clues to that truth are found in God’s word. 

Who inspires all scripture?

Three letters. Starts with G.

Unfulfilled Expectations….

6/22/10 ….are expectations sometimes imposed by others sometimes self-inflicted. An acquaintance might casually say, “Let’s get together soon.” A lonely person might cling to that only to be disappointed. “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick:” Proverbs 13:12a. Or as one ages, the reality of some hopes on her “bucket list” no longer being attainable can also bring disappointment. A sadness of sorts. Though “Miss Berta” learned to water ski in her 80s, most folks reach physical limitations as they age and begin realizing that certain physical feats are now beyond them.

One might have to give up the expectation of reading all the books he/she once vowed to read or traveling to all those “10001 places to see before you die” mandate given by those who do travel.
We can assume (though wrongly) that life will always be perfect/easy if we do all the “right things”. Then, comes the reality/loss---often it’s the loss of those false assumptions or unrealistic expectations. Judith Viorst wrote an entire book on change and adaptation---necessary for different seasons in our lives. Necessary Losses: the Loves, Illusions, Dependencies, and Impossible Expectations That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Grow. (Even to grow up spiritually, I think.)

These past few weeks I have been striving for perfection in a world of messy imperfections and have had several “come aparts.” I had to give it up and grow up. I had to give up those self-imposed expectations, which really were unrealistic, and once again learn to live in the moment. I want to be fulfilled and realistic. I want to give up my pride--- E.G.O. is edging God out---and live up to His expectations. Remember the verse from Micah 6: 8 where we are told His expectations? And what does the LORD require of you 
but to do justice, to love kindness,
 And to walk humbly with your God?
Now that’s realistic!