Showing posts with label gleaning wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gleaning wisdom. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

if only He would hurry up


I like things to happen when I think they should happen. Let's just be honest. If God followed my timeline, then He would have fulfilled all of my valid desires yesterday. Or the day before.


Sadly I watch my three-year-old writhe on the floor--an emotional wreck--and I see me. Granted I hide the temper tantrums better than he, but my mind can easily throw a fit demanding my way. Demanding He hurry up.





But "He does not make haste." Another wise word from the woman I want to be like when I grow up.


His movement is precise and timely. He waits until every single piece of the puzzle lines up exactly as He desires. All the while He actively cultivates the ground of our hearts, building character and faith. And once we finally settle, resting in His Father hands, the rains begin to fall.


The promised flowers birth.


He has not forgotten. Those desires He buries within us will indeed make their way into our days. In His time. However He redeems our moments. Even the "waiting" is purpose-filled, intended for our good and His ultimate glory.


He does not make haste.


Bringing it home...

Are you waiting on Him to move?

How do these wise words from this precious woman encourage your own heart?



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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

the choice we have in every single moment


"We remember what we rehearse," words of wisdom yet again from this precious soul. Say them, slow and purposed.


If we rehearse in our minds the insults from another, then the wound stays open, soon to be infected with bitter.


If we rehearse in our hearts the lies successfully sold to this world, then all Christ died to give is stolen and replaced with despair.


The choice is in the rehearsing. The repeating.






If we rehearse blessings and intercessions, handing life to another, then love creeps up and out and onto those walking beside us.


If we rehearse Truths revealed by the Maker's tender will, then our sword becomes sharp in preparation for the faith battle.


The choice is in the rehearsing. The repeating.


The choice is in the moments of this day.



Bringing it home...

What are you rehearsing?

Practically speaking, how can we change what we rehearse?



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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

the secret to peace when others are living your desires


We spoke on the phone and she said it in passing. Without any loud to-do. But it stuck with me. Her wise word, laced with grace and humility, hung in the air of my days.


I introduced you to this precious jewel last week. She has walked through some rough terrain that could easily tear open our fragile soles. Yet her word to me was contentment.


Contentment. The secret.








"Lara, I have learned to be content. My God only gives His children what is ultimately best. So I trust Him fully, come what may."


I felt that lump in my throat. I want to commune with Him like that, wholly content with the hand I have been given. Rain. Or shine.


Discontentment declares of my Lord, "You do not know what I need. You must not love me as much. You surely have forsaken." All lies.


The cure: inhaling trust and truth, exhaling fear and envy. Knowing that where He has me today is ultimately for His greatest glory and my greatest good.


Content.


"For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound...

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:11-13



Bringing it home...

How have you struggled with discontentment?

What truths about our God empower us to rest where we are today, contented?



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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

I want to be like her when I grow up


I want to be like her when I grow up--because she looks so much like Him. I told her that yesterday. We met on an ordinary Sunday just after I stood at the podium humbled to think that I could teach her anything from the Word.


She reminded me of my own grandmother.


After my teaching, she came over and smiled. She grabbed my hand tight, then spoke a word of blessing. It left me near speechless.





He is knitting her onto my heart. What a gift.


She speaks and I want to sit low and listen. She shares pieces of her life--even those severed pieces--and I am awed at her solid faith. She reads books of heavy theology, knows Him deep, and spreads grace. And pours me a cup of hot tea.


I want to be like her when I grow up--because she looks so much like Him.


We need the wisdom of those older in the faith. In a world that races by, treasure lies in their stories of knowing Him.


If you don't already, ask Him to bring someone into your life who is years beyond you in faith. Then take the time to listen to their stories. Let them affect you.


I plan on telling you more of this precious jewel...




Bringing it home...

Do you have someone like her in your own life? How have they blessed you beyond words?



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