I hope & trust this post finds you having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn on the Texas Gulf Coast.
On my desk at work, right next to my phone, I have a little sign that says:
“And why quibble about the speck in someone else’s eye—his little fault[a]—when a board is in your own? How can you think of saying to him, ‘Brother, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the board in yours? Hypocrite! First get rid of the board, and then perhaps you can see well enough to deal with his speck! Luke 6:41-42(TLB). It is covered by a piece of glass. Right next to it is a little mirror. Above it all it says, "What Do You See?" It is a reminder to me that when I have challenges/difficulties I can look out the window and try to find faults in people, situations or I can look in the mirror and become better. Think of the quote that says, "Don't pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men."
For the last couple of weeks in particular, it has been the cry of my heart that I would grow in wisdom. I haven't spent time praying people or situations would change. No, I have been praying that I would grow, that I would recognize my faults and correct them, that I would grow to be all God has created me to become. This morning I simply want to share some scriptures & quotes that have really spoken to my Spirit over the past couple of weeks...perhaps you will find some meaning in them as well! :)
Luke 6:43-45(TLB)“A tree from good stock doesn’t produce scrub fruit nor do trees from poor stock produce choice fruit. A tree is identified by the kind of fruit it produces. Figs never grow on thorns, or grapes on bramble bushes. A good man produces good deeds from a good heart. And an evil man produces evil deeds from his hidden wickedness. Whatever is in the heart overflows into speech.
James 1:2-8(TLB)2 Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.
If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way and then that. If you don’t ask with faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.
Hebrews 12:14-15 (TLB)Try to stay out of all quarrels, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for one who is not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God’s best blessings. Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.
Hebrews 12:1(TLB)12 Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.
Psalm 112:7-9(TLB)7 He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid but can calmly face his foes. He gives generously to those in need. His deeds will never be forgotten.[a] He shall have influence and honor.
And a few quotes:
"We judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions. We need to offer grace to all, because we all need a little grace." - Dr. Jayce O'Neal
"Listen. Pay attention. Treasure every moment." - Oprah Winfrey
"Inner improvements create outer ones." - Steve Gutzler
"Make a difference with the people that are right in front of you. Impact them. One person at a time." - Jon Gordon
"We tend to live up to our expectations." - Tim Fargo
"Accountability is essential to personal growth, as well as team growth. How can you improve if you're never wrong? If you don't admit a mistake and take responsibility for it, you're bound to make the same one again." - Pat Summitt
"You are a piece of the puzzle to make this planet better - live your purpose - your greatness." - Steve Gutzler
A personal favorite of mine and another message to you this morning! :)
We all have problems, challenges & struggles. The question is, "What Do You See?" Do you look out the window and find fault in people & situations? Are you telling others what they should do, how they should act & who they should be? Please remember the quote that says something like, "When you are talking you are simply stating what you already know. When you listen, you grow." OR are you willing to take a look in the mirror? Are you willing to pray that YOU grow, that YOU will become better, that YOU will see things in a new light? I pray that you & I will continue to seek wisdom every day of our lives and that we will have humble, teachable hearts & Spirits.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families.
Kev
No comments:
Post a Comment