The other night I found myself saying to Sampson, “I love you, baby, but you’re not getting any more food. In fact, it’s because I love you that I won’t give you what you want.” Then it hit me: How often must God say that to me? And how often do I not understand that sometimes that which I am sure is imperative, that I have to have right now is not right for me at that moment? I want what I want when I want it! Don’t we all? Particularly in this culture of instant gratification, patience is not something with which we are very comfortable. I think David’s understanding of our tendency to grow impatient is what prompted him to write Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the Lord! Be strong and take heart! Wait for the Lord!” Twice he implores us, “Wait for the Lord!”
It can be a struggle for us to wait on God’s timing. But the Lord reminds us to rely on His promises daily and hope in His word (Ps. 130:5) – He asks us to trust in His plans. (Jer. 29:11) He tells us He is able to do more than we can ask or imagine.(Eph 3:20) We are promised peace when we lay our burdens at His feet. (Phil 4:6-7) He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecc. 3:11) As we choose to delight in Him our Father gives us the desires of our hearts.(Psalm 37:4) I promise, more importantly, He promises, He can & will show you great things (Jer. 33:3).
Today, I pray that in all things, God gives us the strength, the courage and the patience to wait for Him. And while we wait, let us rejoice in this day that the Lord has made! (Psalm 118:24) Lord, give me more of your Spirit so that I may remember your promises. (John 14:16)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Always Full of Grace
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”- Colossians 4:5-6
"Let your conversation be always full of grace..." Ooops - messed up on that one just this morning as I was complaining about someone who it seems is always complaining! How easy it sometimes is to tear someone down, rather than build them up!
Yet, we are commanded, of course, to love - and "Love is patient...it is not rude..." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV) or put another way, "Love has long patience...it does not behave in an unseemly manner..." (Darby translation). 1 Thessalonians 5:11 calls us to "encourage one another and build each other up."
There's something beautiful that happens when we encourage others, we find that we ourselves are encouraged. When we give grace, we celebrate the grace that was so mercifully extended to us by the Father. "He who refreshes others, will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25
Even more beautiful than that, in refreshing and encouraging others - we refresh our Master! "Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters." Proverbs 25:13. We, His messengers, in serving Him and communicating His message have the awesome opportunity to refresh the Spirit of our Lord.
Father God - how I could use more grace in my attitude and conversation! Lord, let us be wise in our actions towards others. Teach us Your ways that we might communicate Your love to those around us.
"Let your conversation be always full of grace..." Ooops - messed up on that one just this morning as I was complaining about someone who it seems is always complaining! How easy it sometimes is to tear someone down, rather than build them up!
Yet, we are commanded, of course, to love - and "Love is patient...it is not rude..." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV) or put another way, "Love has long patience...it does not behave in an unseemly manner..." (Darby translation). 1 Thessalonians 5:11 calls us to "encourage one another and build each other up."
There's something beautiful that happens when we encourage others, we find that we ourselves are encouraged. When we give grace, we celebrate the grace that was so mercifully extended to us by the Father. "He who refreshes others, will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25
Even more beautiful than that, in refreshing and encouraging others - we refresh our Master! "Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters." Proverbs 25:13. We, His messengers, in serving Him and communicating His message have the awesome opportunity to refresh the Spirit of our Lord.
Father God - how I could use more grace in my attitude and conversation! Lord, let us be wise in our actions towards others. Teach us Your ways that we might communicate Your love to those around us.
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