Would you describe your daily life as "fresh" and "flourishing?" Is your life rooted and established in God's love and grace, or is it rooted in your own performance and fleshly attempts to please God? Could that be the difference?
Hey Joel, thanks for reminding us of our flourishing life. Aren't those exactly the kind of people we're attracted to -- radiant, glorious, and full of life?
Interesting analogy--the palm tree not bearing fruit for the first 10 years or so. If I remember correctly, when Paul had his "Damascus experience" he wasn't preaching until 14 years later? Sometimes, I feel like I should get ready for 'take off', that God's fixing to totally rearrange my life, and then sometimes I feel like I'm in a rut. Feelings aren't what we go by, though. Thanks for sharing this, Joel. You've given me things to think about :-)
I often think of Paul as well in the same regard. Most people don't think about the fact that, as you say, Paul didn't just go off and start "ministry for the Lord" right after his Damascus Road experience!
People are in such a rush these days, and I've been a part of that so I can relate, but we really need to just slow down and rest, relax, lighten up, etc. :) It is God Himself who is at work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure, and I just can't picture Him running around all flustered and frustrated that we're not 'growing' fast enough. :)
Hey Joel, thanks for reminding us of our flourishing life. Aren't those exactly the kind of people we're attracted to -- radiant, glorious, and full of life?
ReplyDeleteYep indeed, Jim... those things most certainly draw people in!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder. . .
ReplyDeleteInteresting analogy--the palm tree not bearing fruit for the first 10 years or so. If I remember correctly, when Paul had his "Damascus experience" he wasn't preaching until 14 years later? Sometimes, I feel like I should get ready for 'take off', that God's fixing to totally rearrange my life, and then sometimes I feel like I'm in a rut. Feelings aren't what we go by, though. Thanks for sharing this, Joel. You've given me things to think about :-)
ReplyDeleteI often think of Paul as well in the same regard. Most people don't think about the fact that, as you say, Paul didn't just go off and start "ministry for the Lord" right after his Damascus Road experience!
ReplyDeletePeople are in such a rush these days, and I've been a part of that so I can relate, but we really need to just slow down and rest, relax, lighten up, etc. :) It is God Himself who is at work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure, and I just can't picture Him running around all flustered and frustrated that we're not 'growing' fast enough. :)