He makes nations great, then destroys them; he enlarges nations, then leads them away. He strips understanding from the leaders of the earth, and makes them wander in a pathless waste. They grope in the dark without light; he makes them stagger like a drunkard.
Reflection, self-evaluation and goal-setting have long been part of my year-end process. What’s new is showing myself some TLC while allowing myself time and space to process my life.
Through Jesus, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
In all the ways life comes at us, in the countless ways we analyze our lives, we rarely give ourselves the benefit of wonder.
When was the last time you felt surprise and wonder at the beautiful creation you are? When was the last time you embraced the unfamiliar and inexplicable in your life?
I think that’s part of the reason the first line hooked me, I lean not on my own understanding. I’ve been caught in a loop and unable to see beyond the current cycle.
“He had 99 problems, but death wasn’t one. And it wasn’t any strangers, He sent His only Son.”
Desert of Solitude is for the dreamers and strivers. The people who may have achieved nothing, something or a great deal, but that “one thing” continues to elude them. What is it that you want from life, in life or through your life? What do you think you’re missing? What do you believe will complete your existence?
It doesn’t matter. Whatever “it” is, you are enough for your life as you are now.
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Read We know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom […]
We can hold our thoughts up to a greater truth. For me today, that Truth is the Word of God. In my youth, that truth was what I thought of myself – or who I knew myself to be.
God is already at work in us doing a new thing. It’s not something in the future. It’s springing up now. We can’t see it yet, but it’s in motion. God’s work of new life within us happens every day.
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The nation that has no reverence for man is also lacking in reverence for God and need to be instructed.
Proverbs 27:12 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
If we can’t be transparent with one another then there is no way we can grow (sharpen) each other.
If we are afraid to be transparent because of shame hidden away in our life then transparency should be an encouragement for us to move beyond what brings shame and into a beneficial and strengthening relationship. See Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
On the other hand if we are afraid to be transparent because of self-doubt or shyness then we may be robbing those around us of blessings and encouragements. 1 Corinthians 14:26 “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.”
Your description of Christ is on the mark. He had little patience and was very blunt with those who should have, or professed, to know better. Yet, with the poor, sick, weary, and those truly seeking him he had compassion and kindness.
Your words are encouraging to me but also convicting. Nicely said, uhh Kindly said? Well put! 
This is so touching. I am glad GOD is using you in such amazing ways. You left me wanting to read more. God Bless!!
Thanks for writing and sharing your heart. It read transparent, which made it all the more encouraging and empowering… God continually bless you and reward you with the desires of your heart because you have made Him your God!
