Just As Your Soul Prospers

Something amazing has happened the last several mornings. Many places get hot during the day but at night they cool off really well, not Texas. Usually our lows during the summer is in the upper 70's and sometimes even the lower 80's. I have thought for a long time that if only we could have a few cool mornings it would refresh our souls and help us get through summer. And I was right! The last several mornings the temps have been in the 60's and it has been glorious! I have been able to open up my windows and air out the house and enjoy the cooler weather. The only problem I have is that I'm not able to go walking. That would make these cool mornings perfect. But for now I will be thankful for this time with my Granddaughter. Not everyone has the blessing of spending a good amount of time with their grandchildren .

As I was working on a recent post I cam across something I couldn't resist sharing. It's about the desire of God for every human being. I hope it blesses you as it did me!

 

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 

3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.

3 John 2-3 

"Satan Destroys; God Restores. The Saviour in His miracles revealed the power that is continually at work in man's behalf, to sustain and to heal him... 

Sickness, suffering, and death are work of an antagonistic power. Satan is the destroyer; God is the restorer....

The desire of God for every human being is expressed in the words, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as they soul prospereth:(3 John 3)." MH112,113

Howard and the Dragon Fly

Recently I learned that dragonflies eat mosquitoes which has caused me to really like them and appreciate them more. When I googled this fact to make sure it was correct before sharing about it hear I learned that in the aquatic larval stage the more damage is done to the mosquito population. The site I was reading said this larva stage can last up to six  years~Wow!

A couple of weeks ago I went to a funeral. Howard was the husband of my son's teacher. He was a quiet man and I hadn't personally gotten to know him. As I listened to the testimonies of his large family I learned that this man, even though he was quiet had been a great, uplifting example to his family and friends. And as I listened to the little stories I was reminded of the importance of all of our choices, big and small. As we live our lives, those around us can't help but see and are influenced many times by our choices. And just like the dragon fly we may be doing more good for our environment than is realized.

Construction Comparisons...part 3

Does a house build itself? Have you ever seen a house putting its walls up? Have you seen a house putting on a rook? Or maybe you have seen a house paint itself? Silly questions aren't they? But what is even sillier than that is us thinking that by our own strength we can build a character similiar to that of Jesus. The only think we can do is to become like clay in the potters hands.

"Potter and Clay. The great Master Worker desires to mold and fashion us. And as the clay is in the hands of the potter, so are we to be in His hand. We are not to try to do the work of the potter. Our part is to yield ourselves to be molded by the Master Worker." MH472

But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8

Just as a house can not build itself, neither can we transform ourselves. The good news is that God does not expect us to do this work. He provides everything needed to be like Him.

I leave you with this beautiful song about being in the Potter's Hand. :O)

Construction Comparisons....part 2

Last time we talked about constructing a home and how it is very similar to the construction of a Christian. We talked about how a good foundation is very important in both and that all the work is not done all at one time. It is a step by step process till it is finished.

In building a home sometimes when the weather is unfavorable- construction stops and waits for weather conditions to clear up. But in the Christian life some of the best work is done in unfavorable conditions.

"Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and precious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of faith, meekness, and love often matures best amid storm clouds and darkness." COL61 

But even through the trials which are working out God's purposes, we can find peace.

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

"Untangling Our Lives. Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. In perfect acquiescence there is perfect rest. ...Our lives may seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves to the wise Master Worker, He will bring out the patter of life and character that will be to His own glory." DA331

I had to look up this word to see what it meant in order to get a better understanding of this quote:
Acquiescence ~ to accept. comply, or submit without open opposition.

The Lord will [a]perfect that which concerns me;

Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;

Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Psalm 138:8 NKJV

Construction Comparisons

For many years we have had an empty lot next door. It belonged to our elderly neighbors. After the husband passed away a couple of years ago they started cleaning up the land and then sold. Then it set empty for a couple more months.

Several months ago they began the long process of building. I enjoy watching the show "House Hunters" and "House Hunters International." Many times people bypass a house for the main reason that there is construction nearby. Now I some what understand why. It disrupts the peace and serenity but it isn't all the time that they are working so it has been bearable. In fact, I have learned some lessons by watching them build the house.

I have learned that a good foundation is important and that there is a certain order that things are done. I have also learned that sometimes they have to stop working when weather conditions are not favorable. They finish much of the out sections of the house before working on the innards of the house. Many of these things are also important in the Christian life.

It is very important in the Christian life to have a solid foundation.

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 NLT 

The work is not done all at once but done one step at a time.

 "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Philippians 1:6

Having a house built next door can be noisy and unpleasant at times but it won't last forever. And not only do I get to watch the process, I get to learn valuable object lessons by watching and listening to the Holy Spirit. We can learn many lessons in life if we are listening. Whether its a house being built, watching my chickens, working in the garden, or what ever we are doing - there are lessons to learn. So let's be still long enough to hear.

Stay tuned there are several more post to come about the comparison between the construction of a house and construction of a Christian. :O)