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| (Thanks, Delmar Schroeder, for this glimpse of Colorado fall) |
I cleaned off my desk yesterday––a much needed task––and ran across various notes I'd written during the last few sermons at church.
It was revealing.
Some of the notes I'd forgotten I'd even written. But gracious, did they ever resonate…
It was revealing.
Some of the notes I'd forgotten I'd even written. But gracious, did they ever resonate…
"Any system of "dos" or "don'ts" that earns us points or recognition is in opposition to God."
"I cannot do anything to make God love me more. I didn't do anything to draw his attention, so what makes me think I can do something to keep it?"
"You'll never miss a thing by being humble."
"Am I praying for strength to endure a storm in my life? Or am I asking God to remove it?"
"When I come into contact with a "difficult person," am I asking God what I'm supposed to learn by the encounter? Or am I asking him how I can serve?"
"I wonder how I would be changed if I knew the deepest hurt of everyone I came into contact with. Would it make me more patient? loving? grateful? considerate? forgiving? The fact is…we all carry "deepest hurts." Lord, I don't have to know everyone's hurt in order to love them well. You already know every hurt. Let that be enough for me."
It was good to review those scribblings, and to spend a few moments reflecting on what I'd written down then had promptly set aside in the busyness of life.
There are moments when I'm keenly––painfully––aware of how far I have to go to really look like Christ. I mean on the inside. Deep inside. But there are an equal, if not greater, collection of moments when I'm cognizant of wanting with everything in me to bear more of His likeness. To turn and glance at the reflection of my soul and catch a glimpse of my Lord's compassion, his insight, his perspective on this life, his love for others, his burning desire for truth. His ultimate desire to do his Father's will no matter what. This excites me and spurs me on. Because I'm confident that "he who began a good work within [me…and you!] will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6)
When you read those statements above from my notes did any of them resonate with you? If yes, then I want to read your diary! Hey, turnabout's fair play! ; )
Looking forward to hearing from you today, friends. And for those of you affected by the storms in the east, know that you have our love and prayers. Please let us know how you're doing.
Tammy
I commented on this on your blog but I always like to pop over here and say hello. Or maybe I just like being stabbed with conviction twice before my coffee's even kicked in! LOL
ReplyDeleteSeveral of these resonate with me, but I think I'm particularly going to be mulling over that last one for a while.
The one that resonates with me is the comment about God's Love.
ReplyDeleteIf we were truly in our hearts convinced that we could not earn God's Love, but that we already have possession of it because God IS Love, then loving other people would come easier. We wouldn't have to work as hard at loving people. Being patient, kind, long suffering and gentle would eventually become second nature,no?
Didn't God promise that we there is a river of life flowing out from us? Isn't the key, then, to renew our mind to the fact that we can earn nothing to gain God's love, and conversely, do nothing to loose it either? Don't we want to become someone who's love is poured into someone else's life?
The key I think, is renewing mind to believe God's love, until our heart (not just our mind) 'gets it'.
As, for Sandy, it's snow-raining sideways here today... feels like getting a pack of stick pins thrown in your face.
Thanks for sharing these thoughts, sweet Tammy. I think the one that resonated the most with me was the thought about asking God to remove a storm in my life, or do I pray for strength to endure it--and sadly, too often I'm afraid I *politely* ask Him to remove it--or I try to figure out a way to "fix" the problem (HA! He must shake His head at that one). I know I should always pray for strength--in a storm or any trying situation. A favorite verse that I LOVE is Psalm 61:2. That particular verse has been a comforting reminder to me (many times) to call out to HIM, rather than depending on myself. ~ The love of Jesus shines through YOU, dear Tammy--in sooo many ways, and I am thankful for all the heartfelt posts you share with us. ~ Continued prayers for all those being affected by the east coast storm. Hugs, Patti Jo
ReplyDeletep.s. Am later getting on computer today because I just got home from Hugh's biopsy--praying for good results (dr. said it might take 2 weeks to know if cancer is present).
Pj--prayers for Hugh and you.
ReplyDeleteTammy, the one about knowing others' "deepest hurts" resonated with me. We guard and shield our deepest hurts because they've made us so vulnerable... yet that very vulnerability is what makes us most human, most relatable, and prompts compassion and understanding. Imagine a world where we all saw each other through God's merciful and loving eyes!
Cathy (who doesn't keep a diary)
Hey friends, I'm just now online after a busy day. A good day, mind you, just busy.
ReplyDeletePatti Jo, we're all joining you in prayer for those results. May God give you peace as you're in the "waiting room of life" yet again.
Great thoughts, friends. All of them. I'm so grateful for the way the Spirit resonates in all of us, binding us together, knitting our hearts into one. And just think… This is only the beginning!