July 3, 2011 with 5 Comments

378.

3 Lessons I’m Learning

Every so often I try to step back and summarize what God is teaching me.

I’m a slow learner.  It takes me longer than most people to figure things out.

There are 3 lessons that’s taken me a lifetime to learn.

  • Horizontal focus impedes Vertical Growth. As long as my eyes are fixed on people, I cannot see what God is doing. I have a tendency to make people bigger than they are. I value what they say more than I should. The more I focus on people, the less I hear the Lord. That’s got to change because I’m committed to having a vertical focus in my life.
  • A Fruitful Tree takes years to Grow. Is it growing? Are there new buds? Is the fruit ripe yet? I have very little patience when it comes to trees, and not much more when it comes to life. Yet any seasoned gardener knows that it takes time and skill to grow a tree. God is working tirelessly to make me as fruitful as possible. He purges and prunes and waits patiently until I become as fruitful as I am meant to be. My job is to be patient and allow him to do the work – trustingly.
  • Coolaid is never a good substitute for water.When I’m really thirsty, only pure water will do. I can’t mix in cool aid and expect it to satisfy me. Gatorade won’t do. Even a diet coke is no substitute for a drink when you are really really thirsty. It’s the same in my life. Jesus Christ alone satisfies me completely. I can’t have Jesus and ________. It’s time I let go of anything else that I think will satisfy me outside of the person of Christ. That may even include good things like ministry and serving others.

That’s what God is teaching me right now.

What’s he teaching you? Don’t wimp out. Take a few minutes and think about the lessons He’s teaching you, then share them in the comments section. I’d love to hear what’s happening in your life.

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  • Gina

    Morning :) God is teaching me 1).to be more more patient with myself and others.this isn’t easy @ all. 2). To love God first and myself and then love to love others. 3). To never judge someone without getting to know them 1st. Never judge a book by its cover). 4). Being thankful for everyday 4 having God in my life&my family&my friends :) :):)

  • Denise

    To suffer well, to believe fully in His goodness and sovereignty, and to praise Him in ALL things.

  • Lin

    1.for months now he’s been teaching me about denying self. slow process but it’s sinking in sufficiently that i’m starting to make some conscious choices.
    2. that we are to persevere in our faith. Scriptures everywhere exhorting perseverance. the church is so incredibly complacent it’s shocking now that I see it. we’re coasting instead of running the race.
    3. to Crave God not food. on 3rd lesson in study with a couple of friends. interesting insights….

  • Gina

    Lin, I love what you said! :) Happy 4th weekend

  • Amber

    Amen! Well God is teaching me and my family to completely rely on him, with my dad out of work for now a year and half. We can’t do anything but trust God to take care of us. But on the other hand to see both my P’s reading their Bible is so cool. We as a family are in love with are maker, he will take care of us. He took care of us when my mom was very sick. So I;m just going to smile and stay in God’s word.