Here it is, Wednesday night, and while I have a few ideas for a Thoughtful Thursday, I totally lack the energy and/or interest for writing. I have a lot of thoughts going around in my head, but formulating them into words and sentences is beyond what I can handle right now.
I have been listening to Paul Washer recently...
Through his sermons, God is showing me that I need to grow in relationship with Him. How dare I expect Him to fulfill any request unless I'm satisfied with Him and Him alone? How could I expect that if I got what I wanted, I would be satisfied with it, without being fully satisfied with Him? How arrogant am I to think I deserve for God to grant me my requests? It is only by His goodness that I receive anything good.
Through his sermons, God is showing me that I need to grow in relationship with Him. How dare I expect Him to fulfill any request unless I'm satisfied with Him and Him alone? How could I expect that if I got what I wanted, I would be satisfied with it, without being fully satisfied with Him? How arrogant am I to think I deserve for God to grant me my requests? It is only by His goodness that I receive anything good.
Even though I long for a family of my own (which is a good and God-given desire, as we all know), I am learning to appreciate my family more the longer I am with them. God has placed me in this family for a reason and it has not been wasted time.
We visited with good friends of ours this week, and the mother talked about the dynamics in their family. About how she and the oldest daughter are so very different, and so there are misunderstandings and friction, but that in that relationship, they learn the most about themselves and each other. My mom and I totally identified. It's the same with us. We are different and think about things differently. This causes misunderstandings and friction. But that gives us opportunity to learn another persons perspective and other ways to do things. And shows us that we are sinful human beings that need to repent and be forgiven. Iron sharpens iron, right?!
Don't get me started with my interaction with Natalie-Rose...I'm learning more and more each day exactly what people mean when they say that children learn by example. If I don't like the way she is behaving, chances are, I'm not behaving the way I should be. It also makes me think, "What am I expecting of her, that I'm not expecting of myself?" God knew He would be accomplishing more than just giving a child a home when He sent her to us. She has been such a teaching-tool for me.
These sermons that I've been listening to by Paul Washer are on Biblical Courtship, but he covers everything any christian needs to know. Not just the ones looking to get married. He starts with foundational teaching about everything pertaining to christian living, because he makes the point that you can't just tweak one area of your life, say getting married, and follow a formula and expect everything to be perfect. Being a follower of Christ should affect every aspect of your life. And slowly, as I listen to these and read the Bible more, I'm seeing just how much I need to grow in Biblical thinking.
Lord, please renew my mind as I seek to learn from Your Word.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:1-2
Well, so much for not having the energy for writing tonight. I guess just getting started is the hardest part.
If anyone is interested, here are the sermons I've started listening to. So far, I've only heard Parts 1 and 2. I'm sure the rest will be just as good.
Wow! Another great, convicting post!
ReplyDelete"How dare I expect Him to fulfill any request unless I'm satisfied with Him and Him alone? How could I expect that if I got what I wanted, I would be satisfied with it, without being fully satisfied with Him? How arrogant am I to think I deserve for God to grant me my requests? It is only by His goodness that I receive anything good."
Very well said! In my human sinfulness, I often have to redirect the thoughts that I deserve anything from God. In our "want it now, get it now" culture, it is easy to forget that we are only dust and deserve nothing. But that we serve a gracious, loving God who delights in giving us the desires of our hearts... in His timing. I am looking forward to listening to these sermons. Thank you so much for sharing this! It is exactly what I needed today! ~Jordan