"The giant step in the walk of faith is the one we take when we decide God no longer is a part of our lives. He is our life." - Beth Moore
This quote challenged me to really reflect on rather God was truly my entire life, or just a part of it. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to live our lives in accordance to His Word and guided by His Spirit. Personally, I know that I'm not always faithful to do that. What does that look like for you and for me on a daily basis?
Take a moment to read 2 Peter 1:3-11. This passage provides for us a spiritual development plan. These are wise words for us to follow as we step back into our classrooms and schools, knowing that others are watching. When your co-workers, students, and school community look at you, do they see the fullness of who God is in you?
He does not leave us alone to figure out the plan and be able to follow it on our own strength or wisdom. In His provision system he says, "I have given you everything you need for life and godliness" (see 2 Peter 1:3); I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5); "I will supply all your needs according to my riches" (see Philippians 4:19). It's all about following -- following His lead.
In what ways is He calling you to follow His lead?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Share Each Others Burdens...
"Share each others burdens..." Galatians 6:2a (NLT)
"There are times when all of us find ourselves in the trenches in life -- those deep places we can't seem to climb our way out of. Sometimes those places involve decisions of our own, where we made a conscious choice to do something that wound up hurting us. Other times, someone made a decision for us that put us there, without our permission. Either way, there is a need - a need for someone to understand, someone to listen, someone to be available for us, to grieve with us and cry with us -- no matter how dark it may be.
A speaker once shared how in her community, it was not unusual for poeple to sit with one another for up to seven days during times of loss and grief. How important and amazing that aspect of community could be to us in our greatest moments of pain -- those moments we find ourselves in a deep trench from which we won't easily emerge.
"Share each others burdens..." refers to this beautiful aspect of friendship. For the believer, this is not a suggestion. It is something Jesus expects us to do as we represent Him. One of the best ways we spread the love of Christ is through our selfless acts of love and serving another. It's not easy to share in someone else's burden, but it is what Jesus does for us." (Lisa Whittle - Encouragement for Today)
As this school year begins, let's keep our eyes and ears open for the opportunity to get in the trenches and share in the burdens of another. Perhaps it will mean taking the time to pray with another believer who is in need, giving a hand to a co-worker who is overwhelmed with teaching responsibilities, or listening with an open heart to a student who who is struggling.
Dear Lord, we are grateful that there is no trench too deep, no place too dark that you can't reach us. it is because of You we are never alone. Thank You for Your care and faithful love. Help us to share in the burdens of another, and seek You in our greatest moment of need. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"There are times when all of us find ourselves in the trenches in life -- those deep places we can't seem to climb our way out of. Sometimes those places involve decisions of our own, where we made a conscious choice to do something that wound up hurting us. Other times, someone made a decision for us that put us there, without our permission. Either way, there is a need - a need for someone to understand, someone to listen, someone to be available for us, to grieve with us and cry with us -- no matter how dark it may be.
A speaker once shared how in her community, it was not unusual for poeple to sit with one another for up to seven days during times of loss and grief. How important and amazing that aspect of community could be to us in our greatest moments of pain -- those moments we find ourselves in a deep trench from which we won't easily emerge.
"Share each others burdens..." refers to this beautiful aspect of friendship. For the believer, this is not a suggestion. It is something Jesus expects us to do as we represent Him. One of the best ways we spread the love of Christ is through our selfless acts of love and serving another. It's not easy to share in someone else's burden, but it is what Jesus does for us." (Lisa Whittle - Encouragement for Today)
As this school year begins, let's keep our eyes and ears open for the opportunity to get in the trenches and share in the burdens of another. Perhaps it will mean taking the time to pray with another believer who is in need, giving a hand to a co-worker who is overwhelmed with teaching responsibilities, or listening with an open heart to a student who who is struggling.
Dear Lord, we are grateful that there is no trench too deep, no place too dark that you can't reach us. it is because of You we are never alone. Thank You for Your care and faithful love. Help us to share in the burdens of another, and seek You in our greatest moment of need. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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