It doesn't take much to get sluggish in the fast-paced, packed full of activity, world that we currently reside in. As a matter of fact, the Bible tells us it only takes "a little" to get to a difficult place.
"I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man."
You notice it doesn't say a lot of sleep.... a lot of slumber.... a lot of folding of your hands. And also take note how poverty snuck up on him. A great plan of our enemy don't you think? I mean he is a deceiver. He does make himself the master of taking something our Lord meant for good...."rest"...and twist it in a way that it becomes harmful.
Why is it so important to have spiritual stamina? In 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Paul warns us of Godlessness in the Last Days.
....people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
I want to make something very clear, Paul, a man of sound doctrine, confidence, steadfast faith and endurance and enduring love was not saying we should hate on these people or even talk badly of them. What he is saying is to be spiritually alert to recognize how toxic this can be for you to allow this to influence you. Yes, sometimes you just don't have a choice but to be surrounded by it. It's in the church, it's at your work, and sometimes it's in your family.
Take heart though! The Lord always provides what you need. Proverbs tells us that YOU need to pursue it. Studying and meditating on God's word is as vital to our souls as food is to our bodies. Without food we feel sluggish, shaky, grumpy, and often sick. It is the answer!
"All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." @ Timothy 3:16-17
But after that....you gotta do something with that! We can not be Christians who just read a lot of His word and sit on it. It might hurt and get messy to actually use it. The analogy of the vineyard with weeds and thorns would have meant someone had to take care of that when they saw it. We've got this and He's got us!
Don't fool yourself and pretend that your vineyard is in tip-top shape if it's not.
Living this out daily,
The Mrs. Pastor
p.s. I'm close to hitting 6000 views on my blog. Who would have thought this would go anywhere?
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Sunday, February 8, 2015
The Blacklist
We all have this list of weaknesses that we wish not to talk about. Let's call it our "blacklist". It's those things that you would gladly get rid of in a heart beat. When someone is on a blacklist you know it's just a matter of time before they are removed or confronted. It's not something anyone looks forward to.
It's like that famous interview question that is uncomfortable for many. You know the one...."list your weakness" It's even worse when they put a number out there....list 4!!!! You might give a cushy answer because you are afraid your blacklist is just too black. NO ONE wants to admit their weak areas, but here it is, if we don't, our enemy will. He will expose every single one and find just the right moment to bring us down with them. He did this with King David.
I wonder if David surrendered these areas daily to the Lord , making himself accountable to God, he might not have committed adultery, arranged the murder of Uriah, disobeyed God by taking a census of the people, and ignored dealing decisively with the sins of his children. The strength of David is that he accepted the consequences and learned from his mistakes. He did not sin repeatedly. Can we say the same?
If we really mean the scripture "search me, O Lord, and know my heart" then we must take what comes with it....truth. If WE are the problem at work, then WE need to fix it and quit blaming it on others or making some excuse to lift ourselves up. If WE are the problem at home, then WE need to fix WE. If WE are the problem during worship, WE need to not blame it on the music. If WE are the problem in our spiritual life, WE don't blame it on "not being fed"....feed yourself. The church is only responsible for setting up an environment of worship, fellowship, teaching, giving, and serving. The majority of your growth should take place in your own space at home with God's word in your lap. If WE are the problem, it doesn't mean others don't play some type of role but if I've said it once I've said it a thousand times. WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OURSELVES. The rest is up to God.
God wants to bless his children. He wants his children to grow daily. He has plans for good, BUT we play an important role in that plan. As much as we pray for His blessing, we should pray that He is pleased with us. In proverbs it talks about the first step of great wisdom is the fear of the Lord. That is referring to such great respect for His thoughts and ways that is has a great influence on our daily decisions.
Today's verse to stand on:
" O Sovereign Lord, you are God!" Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever." 2 Samuel 7:28-29
Check that list.
The Mrs. Pastor
It's like that famous interview question that is uncomfortable for many. You know the one...."list your weakness" It's even worse when they put a number out there....list 4!!!! You might give a cushy answer because you are afraid your blacklist is just too black. NO ONE wants to admit their weak areas, but here it is, if we don't, our enemy will. He will expose every single one and find just the right moment to bring us down with them. He did this with King David.
I wonder if David surrendered these areas daily to the Lord , making himself accountable to God, he might not have committed adultery, arranged the murder of Uriah, disobeyed God by taking a census of the people, and ignored dealing decisively with the sins of his children. The strength of David is that he accepted the consequences and learned from his mistakes. He did not sin repeatedly. Can we say the same?
If we really mean the scripture "search me, O Lord, and know my heart" then we must take what comes with it....truth. If WE are the problem at work, then WE need to fix it and quit blaming it on others or making some excuse to lift ourselves up. If WE are the problem at home, then WE need to fix WE. If WE are the problem during worship, WE need to not blame it on the music. If WE are the problem in our spiritual life, WE don't blame it on "not being fed"....feed yourself. The church is only responsible for setting up an environment of worship, fellowship, teaching, giving, and serving. The majority of your growth should take place in your own space at home with God's word in your lap. If WE are the problem, it doesn't mean others don't play some type of role but if I've said it once I've said it a thousand times. WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OURSELVES. The rest is up to God.
God wants to bless his children. He wants his children to grow daily. He has plans for good, BUT we play an important role in that plan. As much as we pray for His blessing, we should pray that He is pleased with us. In proverbs it talks about the first step of great wisdom is the fear of the Lord. That is referring to such great respect for His thoughts and ways that is has a great influence on our daily decisions.
Today's verse to stand on:
" O Sovereign Lord, you are God!" Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever." 2 Samuel 7:28-29
Check that list.
The Mrs. Pastor
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
The Ultimate Mentorship
I have learned a tough lesson in the last couple of months but can not express the gratefulness of my Savior and the gentleness He chooses to use to mentor me (and others who call Him Lord and Savior).
I have been like the children of Israel and Judah....His servant and yet so blind! I'm the person who has read in Isaiah and thought to myself, "How could they be so close to God and see so little?" And our ever so patient mentor says:
"Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of The Lord? You have seen many things, but paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing." Isaiah 42: 19-20
Man....such a downer Mrs. Pastor! PLEASE, stay with me. I promise not to leave you on this note. be patient and walk through this lesson my mentor was so gentle in walking with me.
I had what we call "partial blindess". We see but we don't take the time to understand. That word "understand" is huge. If anyone is in Proverbs long enough you read it often. Understanding takes time, energy, and outside our little brain. It is possibly seeing things differently like you never have before or connecting pieces from other sources. I am speaking from a teacher now. I encounter little brains everyday that must challenge their minds to understand. Sometimes understanding comes easy and often it's a challenge. I often pray my students will hang with me and not give up but the reality is that some do give up.....and THIS IS WHERE MY LESSON COMES IN.
In my 22 years of ministry and 15 years in education I have taken ownership of my work and efforts. I have used passion, hard work, and committment to help define who I am. I have taken the product and have made it a reflection of me. If the product fails, I have failed. If the soul turns away from Christ, I have failed. If the student doesn't excel on every level, I have failed. If the marriage doesn't work that we have helped, I have failed. PATHETIC isn't it? How could I be so blinded? Why did I feel like I needed to take on such responsibility? I have only hurt myself and others along the way. Some of this I know goes way back to childhood. The hurt that I had to cover up as a child as a victim of a word I still cannot type out. Then shortly after my world turns even more upside down, my parents divorce, and I move halfway across the country. I was "determined" to be someone successful and yet I was still so lost.
BUT my mentor had plans for me. He would be patient with me, teaching, guiding, and whispering to my heart even at the age of 44. He continues to place people in my path and is hoping and cheering for me every step. Today, I stand on this scripture (and hope you will do the same):
"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice (the right things in the right way) to the nations (His people). He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets (do it in his own way and take it on himself) .....
This is what God The Lord says- he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk in it; (He's reminding you who He is ) I, The Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand (meaning He doesn't expect you to take on the outcome...just be His servant) I will keep you (you are safe) and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles (you will show people Jesus) to open the eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." Isaiah 42: 1-7
I'm so regretful of situations I could have handled differently, but so thankful at the same time for the love, grace, and patient kindness of my mentor Jesus. I will go into this new year with a lighter step and joy in my heart. I will follow the example of my mentor in order to mentor others. I will stay connected to His word and in prayer and intercession listen to His voice. I will seek to understand, which will require things of me I'm not familiar with or comfortable. I will go to another level spirituually in order to accomplish His purpose in my life. I will seek compassion on a level I have never known before.
praying for you all to have a mentoring moment!
The Mrs. Pastor
I have been like the children of Israel and Judah....His servant and yet so blind! I'm the person who has read in Isaiah and thought to myself, "How could they be so close to God and see so little?" And our ever so patient mentor says:
"Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of The Lord? You have seen many things, but paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing." Isaiah 42: 19-20
Man....such a downer Mrs. Pastor! PLEASE, stay with me. I promise not to leave you on this note. be patient and walk through this lesson my mentor was so gentle in walking with me.
I had what we call "partial blindess". We see but we don't take the time to understand. That word "understand" is huge. If anyone is in Proverbs long enough you read it often. Understanding takes time, energy, and outside our little brain. It is possibly seeing things differently like you never have before or connecting pieces from other sources. I am speaking from a teacher now. I encounter little brains everyday that must challenge their minds to understand. Sometimes understanding comes easy and often it's a challenge. I often pray my students will hang with me and not give up but the reality is that some do give up.....and THIS IS WHERE MY LESSON COMES IN.
In my 22 years of ministry and 15 years in education I have taken ownership of my work and efforts. I have used passion, hard work, and committment to help define who I am. I have taken the product and have made it a reflection of me. If the product fails, I have failed. If the soul turns away from Christ, I have failed. If the student doesn't excel on every level, I have failed. If the marriage doesn't work that we have helped, I have failed. PATHETIC isn't it? How could I be so blinded? Why did I feel like I needed to take on such responsibility? I have only hurt myself and others along the way. Some of this I know goes way back to childhood. The hurt that I had to cover up as a child as a victim of a word I still cannot type out. Then shortly after my world turns even more upside down, my parents divorce, and I move halfway across the country. I was "determined" to be someone successful and yet I was still so lost.
BUT my mentor had plans for me. He would be patient with me, teaching, guiding, and whispering to my heart even at the age of 44. He continues to place people in my path and is hoping and cheering for me every step. Today, I stand on this scripture (and hope you will do the same):
"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice (the right things in the right way) to the nations (His people). He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets (do it in his own way and take it on himself) .....
This is what God The Lord says- he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk in it; (He's reminding you who He is ) I, The Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand (meaning He doesn't expect you to take on the outcome...just be His servant) I will keep you (you are safe) and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles (you will show people Jesus) to open the eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." Isaiah 42: 1-7
I'm so regretful of situations I could have handled differently, but so thankful at the same time for the love, grace, and patient kindness of my mentor Jesus. I will go into this new year with a lighter step and joy in my heart. I will follow the example of my mentor in order to mentor others. I will stay connected to His word and in prayer and intercession listen to His voice. I will seek to understand, which will require things of me I'm not familiar with or comfortable. I will go to another level spirituually in order to accomplish His purpose in my life. I will seek compassion on a level I have never known before.
praying for you all to have a mentoring moment!
The Mrs. Pastor
Saturday, December 6, 2014
I Have a Question.....
If I had to make a top 10 list of the biggest struggles in our world, #1 would obviously be sin but a close #2 would have to be personality conflict.
So I have a question....How is it that we were all created in God's image, can have faith to move mountains, have compassion for the lost and hurting, go to other countries on a missions trip and yet we butt heads with our neighbors, co-workers, family and extended family. Don't get defensive, I'm talking to myself as well.
This is a topic I would like to do a deep study on and teach. So for now, the scripture I go to is this:
Psalms 139:23-24
"Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
I am responsible for me. Nobody else but me. We all know this but it doesn't make it any easier. Lately I've been put in situations that have been difficult for this mrs. pastor. It's so ironic that God had this path for a little girl that struggles with social skills. I've used my silence most of my life to protect myself and yet it backfires and comes across in a negative, unapproachable way. So, I pray to God to give me the strength to break this pattern that can be offensive to others. Then there is my high expectations regarding work ethic. I expect this from my own children and my students at school. This comes from being raised in a single parent home and being on my own since 17. I wasn't going to get anywhere sitting around and making excuses or blaming others. If I wanted to be successful then it was up to hard work. Then I became a Christian and learned that it was in His word to work as unto the Lord, to let your light shine so others could see your good works and glorify your father in heaven, to be trusted with little and God would give you much more. But, this isn't always taken well either. ugh! conflict.
I know there was personality conflict in the bible.....paul and barnabas decided to part ways on their missionary journey. Both godly men. We know it happens and can happen peaceably but sometimes not and we have to be ok with that too. I have to be ok with me, and be completely open to an honest evaluation from the Holy Spirit....not the critics because there will always be critics (even loved ones). We need to be careful not to become critics ourselves. BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ME.
Hebrews 12:14-15
vs. 14 "Make every effort to live in peace (only you know if you're putting effort) with all men (did you get the "all" part?) and to be holy (that means like jesus); without holiness no one will see The Lord (no excuses, you either are or you aren't). "
Now wait for it.....
vs. 15 "See to it that no one misses the grace of God (hmmmm misses?) and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many (hmmm defile?)"
So it isn't that easy. It takes much effort and digesting of God's word. It's the only way.
make every effort,
the mrs. pastor
So I have a question....How is it that we were all created in God's image, can have faith to move mountains, have compassion for the lost and hurting, go to other countries on a missions trip and yet we butt heads with our neighbors, co-workers, family and extended family. Don't get defensive, I'm talking to myself as well.
This is a topic I would like to do a deep study on and teach. So for now, the scripture I go to is this:
Psalms 139:23-24
"Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
I am responsible for me. Nobody else but me. We all know this but it doesn't make it any easier. Lately I've been put in situations that have been difficult for this mrs. pastor. It's so ironic that God had this path for a little girl that struggles with social skills. I've used my silence most of my life to protect myself and yet it backfires and comes across in a negative, unapproachable way. So, I pray to God to give me the strength to break this pattern that can be offensive to others. Then there is my high expectations regarding work ethic. I expect this from my own children and my students at school. This comes from being raised in a single parent home and being on my own since 17. I wasn't going to get anywhere sitting around and making excuses or blaming others. If I wanted to be successful then it was up to hard work. Then I became a Christian and learned that it was in His word to work as unto the Lord, to let your light shine so others could see your good works and glorify your father in heaven, to be trusted with little and God would give you much more. But, this isn't always taken well either. ugh! conflict.
I know there was personality conflict in the bible.....paul and barnabas decided to part ways on their missionary journey. Both godly men. We know it happens and can happen peaceably but sometimes not and we have to be ok with that too. I have to be ok with me, and be completely open to an honest evaluation from the Holy Spirit....not the critics because there will always be critics (even loved ones). We need to be careful not to become critics ourselves. BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ME.
Hebrews 12:14-15
vs. 14 "Make every effort to live in peace (only you know if you're putting effort) with all men (did you get the "all" part?) and to be holy (that means like jesus); without holiness no one will see The Lord (no excuses, you either are or you aren't). "
Now wait for it.....
vs. 15 "See to it that no one misses the grace of God (hmmmm misses?) and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many (hmmm defile?)"
So it isn't that easy. It takes much effort and digesting of God's word. It's the only way.
make every effort,
the mrs. pastor
Thursday, November 27, 2014
On a Scale From 1-10
"What is your pain on a scale from 1-10?"
This question has probably been asked of all of us at one time in our life. It is a difficult one for those who like to be exact. Each person has their own level of pain. I've seen a child fall to pieces over a scrape on the knee and a grown man not able to function over the flu.....and then I've seen a women receive a toxic chemical in her body to fight cancer and go to work that very same day. I've experienced a level of pain that I'm positive if you asked me at the time I would have said 10, but looking back I can see God holding me saying " you're ok, I've got you."
The Lord not only grows us during these times, but is showing us how important discipleship is in our Christian walk.
"If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength,!" Proverbs 27:10
I was in a spin class the other day and the instructor tells us to turn it up to a 7 or 8.... Then after so many minutes she'd tell us to bring it down to a 4 or 5. This can be difficult. I question myself and think, " is this a 7?" How small is my strength? What is a 10?
I'm thinking a 10 is "I can't function". So.... Unless I'm dead, and even then, I'll be in the presence of my Savior, I'm not at a 10. In all areas of my life, I don't want anyone, especially my Lord, to say, "how small is your strength!"
This is why time in His word is so vital. Not the word that the pastor gives on Sunday morning. That's just extra. It's our personal, one on one, focused time with God that prepares us for that question " what is your level of pain?" Again, everyone's perspective can be so different unless we see things through the lens of God. Look at Jeremiah as he questioned God because of the trouble he faced. God asked how he ever expected to face big challenges if the little ones tired him out ( Jeremiah 12:5) this tells me God must have had a different perspective than Jeremiah. Jeremiah must have thought his pain level was an 8 or 9 and God was saying.... "Let's try a 3 or 4!"
We can't do this thing called life without Him my friends! I often ask myself how people do it without Christ. The answer is, they do.... It's just so sad, such a struggle and a mess and it doesn't have to be. Let's not think just about ourselves and help others have this same perspective. But before we can help others, we ourselves need to be healthy in this area. This holiday season feed yourself on God's word.
In His Strength,
The Mrs. Pastor
This question has probably been asked of all of us at one time in our life. It is a difficult one for those who like to be exact. Each person has their own level of pain. I've seen a child fall to pieces over a scrape on the knee and a grown man not able to function over the flu.....and then I've seen a women receive a toxic chemical in her body to fight cancer and go to work that very same day. I've experienced a level of pain that I'm positive if you asked me at the time I would have said 10, but looking back I can see God holding me saying " you're ok, I've got you."
The Lord not only grows us during these times, but is showing us how important discipleship is in our Christian walk.
"If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength,!" Proverbs 27:10
I was in a spin class the other day and the instructor tells us to turn it up to a 7 or 8.... Then after so many minutes she'd tell us to bring it down to a 4 or 5. This can be difficult. I question myself and think, " is this a 7?" How small is my strength? What is a 10?
I'm thinking a 10 is "I can't function". So.... Unless I'm dead, and even then, I'll be in the presence of my Savior, I'm not at a 10. In all areas of my life, I don't want anyone, especially my Lord, to say, "how small is your strength!"
This is why time in His word is so vital. Not the word that the pastor gives on Sunday morning. That's just extra. It's our personal, one on one, focused time with God that prepares us for that question " what is your level of pain?" Again, everyone's perspective can be so different unless we see things through the lens of God. Look at Jeremiah as he questioned God because of the trouble he faced. God asked how he ever expected to face big challenges if the little ones tired him out ( Jeremiah 12:5) this tells me God must have had a different perspective than Jeremiah. Jeremiah must have thought his pain level was an 8 or 9 and God was saying.... "Let's try a 3 or 4!"
We can't do this thing called life without Him my friends! I often ask myself how people do it without Christ. The answer is, they do.... It's just so sad, such a struggle and a mess and it doesn't have to be. Let's not think just about ourselves and help others have this same perspective. But before we can help others, we ourselves need to be healthy in this area. This holiday season feed yourself on God's word.
In His Strength,
The Mrs. Pastor
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
It's a choice
One thing that we all have in common is choices. We have to make them everyday. Some choices are just so natural we don't even think about them, while others may take deep thought and courage. I wish I could say that as we got older we make very little wrong choices but this isn't always the case either.
In order to make the best choices, to walk in His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, we must die to our "human" nature. That means to be in-tune with His spirit that lives within you. Sometimes we will need to do things that just aren't natural for us.
"I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High." Psalms 9:1,2
It just seems weird to praise when we are surrounded with conflict. It isn't natural to tell of His marvelous works when tragedy strikes. I don't jump up to sing when circumstances look hopeless. How can I be glad when I'm looking at sad?
Answer: I choose! I depend on my Lord and Savior with all my heart. I look my circumstance in the eye and say " I will". I die to myself and plead for The Lord to take over where I have no strength in myself to handle it in the best way possible.
At the end of the day, I just want to represent Him well. Will I mess up? yes. Am I perfect? no. Will some people seek out to find something to fault in me? yes. But everyday I fall on my face and ask my maker to forgive me for anything I've done to bring shame to Him and ask Him in His grace to continue to mold me in His image!
I will.......
will you?
-The Mrs. Pastor
In order to make the best choices, to walk in His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, we must die to our "human" nature. That means to be in-tune with His spirit that lives within you. Sometimes we will need to do things that just aren't natural for us.
"I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High." Psalms 9:1,2
It just seems weird to praise when we are surrounded with conflict. It isn't natural to tell of His marvelous works when tragedy strikes. I don't jump up to sing when circumstances look hopeless. How can I be glad when I'm looking at sad?
Answer: I choose! I depend on my Lord and Savior with all my heart. I look my circumstance in the eye and say " I will". I die to myself and plead for The Lord to take over where I have no strength in myself to handle it in the best way possible.
At the end of the day, I just want to represent Him well. Will I mess up? yes. Am I perfect? no. Will some people seek out to find something to fault in me? yes. But everyday I fall on my face and ask my maker to forgive me for anything I've done to bring shame to Him and ask Him in His grace to continue to mold me in His image!
I will.......
will you?
-The Mrs. Pastor
Friday, October 17, 2014
Where do I go from here?
HEEELLLLOOOO all my faithful readers. Did you think I fell off the planet? We've had a few changes in our family dynamics....One moves out for college and my niece moves in to finish her senior year with us. So, two senior girls and one 16 yr old ready to get her license in the Lee house. Never a dull moment!
But let's get to the good stuff. The stuff I love to share....God's word. His powerful, life-changing, inspirational, strengthening word.
Today's scripture reading:
"How much better to GET wisdom than gold, to CHOOSE understanding than rather than silver"
Proverbs 16:16
What I love about this blogging thing is that it allows me to have a platform to live out what I have such a passion for: being a student and a teacher. The GREAT teachers are also great students themselves. They are constantly making observations not only of their own lives but that of others. These intentional people then use that information to educate themselves on how they can better educate their students. That was a mouthful..:)
This brings us to our verse today. Every single moment of our day is a lesson, an assignment if you will. We are either brainstorming (we call this reflection) ,drafting (we call this just living), revising (we call this repenting and making some changes) or we are presenting our final piece (this is a God ordained moment that He has prepared you for).
In each of these stages you have to make an effort to GET, to physically, spiritually, mentally "do". You have to make a CHOICE to understand the process leads to the product. It has taken me a long time to put such great importance on the process when all I wanted to do is see the result.
So, to all you "students" out there....can you slow down and GET this? Can you accept some instruction from this teacher? Here is my challenge:
1. make time in your day to understand the lesson or assignment.
2. once you understand, do something with it.
3. ask your teacher (The Lord) questions and for guidance.
4. be teachable and make changes, revision, when necessary. That's part of the process.
5. embrace the learning process and walk in complete confidence in your God-ordained moment! Publish your piece (whatever that looks like for you), He's got you covered!
Where do you go from here? Forward! It's a purposeful place to be moving....forward!
Thanks for not giving up on me during this last month,
The Mrs. Pastor
But let's get to the good stuff. The stuff I love to share....God's word. His powerful, life-changing, inspirational, strengthening word.
Today's scripture reading:
"How much better to GET wisdom than gold, to CHOOSE understanding than rather than silver"
Proverbs 16:16
What I love about this blogging thing is that it allows me to have a platform to live out what I have such a passion for: being a student and a teacher. The GREAT teachers are also great students themselves. They are constantly making observations not only of their own lives but that of others. These intentional people then use that information to educate themselves on how they can better educate their students. That was a mouthful..:)
This brings us to our verse today. Every single moment of our day is a lesson, an assignment if you will. We are either brainstorming (we call this reflection) ,drafting (we call this just living), revising (we call this repenting and making some changes) or we are presenting our final piece (this is a God ordained moment that He has prepared you for).
In each of these stages you have to make an effort to GET, to physically, spiritually, mentally "do". You have to make a CHOICE to understand the process leads to the product. It has taken me a long time to put such great importance on the process when all I wanted to do is see the result.
So, to all you "students" out there....can you slow down and GET this? Can you accept some instruction from this teacher? Here is my challenge:
1. make time in your day to understand the lesson or assignment.
2. once you understand, do something with it.
3. ask your teacher (The Lord) questions and for guidance.
4. be teachable and make changes, revision, when necessary. That's part of the process.
5. embrace the learning process and walk in complete confidence in your God-ordained moment! Publish your piece (whatever that looks like for you), He's got you covered!
Where do you go from here? Forward! It's a purposeful place to be moving....forward!
Thanks for not giving up on me during this last month,
The Mrs. Pastor
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