Ax Sharpening 101

S ~ If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success. (Ecclesiastes 10:10 NKJV)

O ~ Success is brought from wisdom. Less strength, more affect. Work smarter, not harder.

A ~. Thus i am reading. Simple application

P ~. Lord, as I read, please teach me and sharpen my ax.

Careful Hearing

S ~ Also do not take to heart everything people say, Lest you hear your servant cursing you. (Ecclesiastes 7:21 NKJV)

O ~ What an interesting scripture; it has reminded me of when Lucy read the book in the magicians home she was not supposed to read. She listened in on a conversation about her, that hurt her very much. Aslan explained why the girl said what she said, and Lucy understood. People say things they don't mean, mean things they don't say, and speak before they think.

A ~ It seems to me that this is a very applicable scripture - a little nugget of wisdom on how to go through life. Don't let hurtful comments stick. Even though words are powerful, don't give them more power than they deserve. If I hear, or remember, something unkind someone has said about me, remember the person ~ not the words. Remember I have no idea what they were going through when they said it, their motivation for saying it, or their actual meaning. It's a little bit, a very little bit, like 'Father forgive them for they don't know what they are doing.' It sure seemed like they knew, as they drove the spikes into the hands of Jesus. I've said things about people I don't really mean - even just yesterday; and hoped they would never hear what I said, for I didn't really mean it - but it could have done irreparable damage.

P ~ Lord Jesus, please help me to hear what people say about me, and learn from it - not be hurt by it. And please help me to be careful and kind with my words. Amen

Eyes Opening

S ~ the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (Ephesians 1:18, 19 NKJV)

O ~ I read this for the first time today; or at least with fresh eyes. Open eyes to know the future and purpose He has for me (the hope of His calling), to know the resources that are available for me (the rich inheritance), and the hugeness of His power (TOWARDS ME - not away from me).

A ~ I am learning to walk in the fear of the Lord, and to walk the life of a believer. To believe He is the same yesterday, today and forever. To believe that He is still able, and willing. To believe that I can do all things through Christ. To believe that my cities can be saved.

P ~ Lord, thank you for what you accomplished on the cross, and all that you have made available for me. May I walk in the power, the fear, the grace, the love, the provision that you have provided. And may You be well pleased, as Your kingdom advances in my life.

Amen

Reflections

S ~ As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man. (Proverbs 27:19 NKJV)

O ~ What kind of man am I? Look at my heart. It's a little bit like the sermon PJ preached, referencing when people say "God knows my heart". When we say this, it usually is referencing the good part of our hearts, however PJ pointed out that he also knows the wicked parts.

A ~ I think that I too often demonstrate the mean and selfish parts of my life - that I reflect those areas in my life. I come across as knowing the way things should be done - kinda bossy and critical. So as I need that to change, as I need my appearance to change, it starts with my heart. Even my words are tied to this ~ out of the abundance of my heart, my mouth will shoot itself off.

P ~ Lord, change me, change me, change me. I am unable to change myself. I need Your grace, Your Spirit, Your Word, Your power. Please help me to be a person that reflects your love.