You can read Random Thoughts Part 1 and Random Thoughts Part 2 that were previous posts.
Here are more thoughts, leader to leader. Most of these come on a daily email I get from a friend here at Lifeway. Sometimes I get them and they stop me in my tracks. I just have to save and re-read each one. Comments in italics are my own musings about the thoughts. I pray these will bless you as well, especially during the rush of this holiday season.
1. “There are no disappointments to those whose will is buried in the will of God.” (Frederick William Faber) This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for [your] benefit, who leads you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17 (HCSB) Please help me to see from your perspective and desire your will, Lord, rather than getting my own way.
2. “The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.” (Kahlil Gibran) But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. Phil 2:16-17 (HCSB) Teach me more about you in each sorrow I face. Thank you that sorrow turns into joy in your timing and through your grace.
3. “Christ was never in a hurry. There was no rushing forward, no anticipating, no fretting over what might be. Each day’s duties were done as each day brought them, and the rest was left with God.” (Mary Slessor) So when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. Then after that, He said to the disciples, “Let’s go to Judea again.” John 11:5-7 (HCSB) Lord, as I begin to “hurry” through this holiday season, trying to get it all done, please help me remember how you lived life and served the Kingdom!
4. “Complaining is the absolute worst possible thing you could do for your health. The worst!…For the next 7 days, I challenge you not to complain at all.” (T. Harv Eker) Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. Phil 2:14-15 (HCSB) May I learn to stop complaining so I can shine like stars in your world, even if everyone else around me is complaining!
I pray these will speak to you not only as you read today, but as you go through the holidays and face maybe some challenging days and schedules!
Helpful Resources:
Whispers of Hope, Beth Moore
Journey (devotional magazine for women)
