Spiritual Sunday #4
I am once again participating in Spiritual Sunday. Go here to read other posts on Spiritual Sunday.
YOU'RE A W.I.P.
"The surest way to get discouraged is to compare yourself with others. The Bible says, "Don't compare yourself" (Gal 6:4 CEV), because some people will look like they're doing a better job and you'll get disheartened, while others won't be as effective and you'll become proud. "Concentrate on doing your best" (2 Ti 2:15 TM). That way, "You will get the satisfaction of a job well done and...won't need to compare yourself" (Gal 6:4 NLT). All the apples on a tree don't ripen at the same time. Paul says, "knowledge and understanding" take time (See Php 1:9-10). One successful author says, "When I began writing, I found myself fumbling with that part of myself. 'I want to be a writer,' I'd think, 'but I have to get this number of books published and this number of good reviews first.' It can take years and many successes in any new area...before we can confidently say to ourselves and other, 'I am'...what has God called you to do? Don't wait until you're successful...Start now by saying you are what you want to become...Yes, you've much to learn...and you may not be an expert...but you don't have to be, to say those two little words I am." "John writer: "Now we are children of God, and we have not yet been shown what we will be in the future." God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines and imperfect people to do His perfect will. So, push ahead, cut yourself some slack, and remember you're a W.I.P. -
a work-in progress!"
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This was one of my devotional reading this Sabbath morning and it was so good I wanted to share it here. It is taken from "The WORD for you TODAY"
12 comments:
So true Susan. This is something we all should strive to remember and do. Thank you for the encouraging post.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Yes, arent we all a work in progress and lately i have been celebrating my imperfections.
Thanks for sharing.
♥ Claudia ♥
Very encouraging post of a true reminder of how God sees us. Individually!!!!!
And thank you for sharing this wonderful devotion today. Only if rooted in Christ can we achieve that balance. God bless.
I agree with you. This is good and needed to be shared. Thank you for doing that.
AMEN!!!!
Thank you so so much for sharing this! I mean it. This spoke volumes. So, many times when I look around, the thing that hurts me the most in our Christian community is that so many Christians are irritated and exasperated with other Christians. There is a lack of patience and love. Instead of encouraging, building up and "restoring gently" as the Bible tells us, there is a prideful sense of "Well, if you're not doing it this way then you're obviously not as spiritual or as close to God." And I'm sitting there thinking "Really, are you hearing what you are saying?, Because I don't hear God's Gracious Mercy and Love comming out of your mouth." And my insides are screaming, "We are going to lose these people if you keep acting this way in front of them. Because if I can see it, they can see it and feel it. It breaks my heart. And all you can do in a situation like that is pray. Pray hard!
-Now mind you, I'm not talking about preachers and teachers within ministry that have been ordained, equipped and blessed by the Lord to speak His truth, whatever truth that may be that He has laid on their heart to preach, teach and share. Because sometimes the message from the Lord is not soft and fuzzy, but, more of a correction or disicpline from the Lord. -I am talking about us in the flock, tearing each other up like wolves, when we should be gentle like lambs.
The apple analogy is such a good one and I'm going to use it. And the stick one as well. Because we are not all equipped with the same talents and spiritual gifts. And we are not all at the same place in our walk with the Lord. But, Praise the Lord, He still uses our imperfections for His perfect plan and as long as our hearts are in it to bring Him Glory as well.:) Such a good good word for the day!
I need to work on this everyday. Thank-you for these scriptures. It is so nice to have you back.
God Bless,
Ginger
Thanks for that uplifting word.
I like that! And how fitting a thing to remember for us cross stitchers!
I love this.
This is one of the things that the Lord is really helping me get free from. My dad and I were just talking about this only from his more worldly psychological stand-point. Basically not to think more highly than we should of ourselves.
Great devotional Susan! I am definitly a work in progress!
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