I wonder if you are like me sometimes….
As I examine my life, my attitude, my decisions, my responses or reactions—are they pleasing to God? There is an inner drive, a push from within, an impulse to do better; to build my life on a foundation that will not be shaken.
I know I have imperfections that are being refined; always being brought to the forefront of my mind and heart, challenging my soul to do better. Better is not like a test where I want to achieve and “A” instead of a “B”. No, it more about making choices to propel all that God is doing in me, making this life ready for a grander reward. A change that will please God and allow him to keep building me even as he strips the gravel that I am standing on. He wants to build me so that my feet are on stable footing.
Most recently every thought is a challenge, every decision I make, especially when those decisions can be life altering, I find myself asking—which direction Lord? Oh, how I cry out for the Wisdom of God!
This morning Mercy (my kitty) was making all kinds of noise by the front door. As I looked to see what all the fuss was about, a little dove was walking all over a pile of leaves and twigs that my husband had recently gathered together as he was cleaning the yard. This dove was very particular about what it kept in its beak. I am assuming that he’s trying to make a nest; a home that to me seems pretty flimsy, yet to the dove he knows exactly what he needs.
He is digging with determination! He will soon join the female dove and lead her to potential nest sites. The female will choose the location. Wow! This is what I discovered. The male dove does the searching for the nest material. Once he selects the correct twig, grass blade or conifer needles (woody plant branches) he brings his findings to the female dove who then builds the nest. The male dove is not too far; actually he positions himself on her back and begins to pass his findings. That gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “I got your back” doesn't it?
It’s beautiful, and this courtship dance begins.
This is very interesting to me. I liken myself to this female dove. As I try to build am I waiting for the Lord to bring to me all that will be needed to establish a secure home, every decision and choice I make; allowing his counsel and peace to lead me? He passes treasures to me and I find them in his Word. I read what he spoke through the Apostle Paul, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you”. (Philippians 4:8-9)
This too is a delicate dance; the Lord & I. He leads and I must follow.
Lord I need your wisdom! Help me to build wisely; help my decisions to be led by You! Help me to be like the wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)
This little bird will trust that her companion will bring all that is needed to build their nesting place. She doesn't question if his choice is correct. She has learned and actually had been created to trust him.
Lord, remove the faulty ground where man wallows. Keep our feet secure and remind us that the Counselor is present; he encourages and instructs us in all that is needed to keep our feet firm and secure; how to discern every thought that comes our way. I have been created to trust you, but sometimes my trust gets intercepted. I want to see and perceive your Sovereign Hand in all I do. Instruct and Construct; I’m listening!
A pleasant surprise in my findings is this: as part of the material used to construct the dove’s nest; the conifers—these little plant needles actually release pleasant scents. I suppose the doves are enjoying a secure nest and a pleasant aroma!
Lord I want to be a pleasing yielded sacrifice, obedient; a sweet aroma wherever you lead me to spread the Good News of who you are!
May they believe the Message and this messenger that is leaning and learning daily to trust in You! Build me up Lord—Build me up!
As I examine my life, my attitude, my decisions, my responses or reactions—are they pleasing to God? There is an inner drive, a push from within, an impulse to do better; to build my life on a foundation that will not be shaken.
I know I have imperfections that are being refined; always being brought to the forefront of my mind and heart, challenging my soul to do better. Better is not like a test where I want to achieve and “A” instead of a “B”. No, it more about making choices to propel all that God is doing in me, making this life ready for a grander reward. A change that will please God and allow him to keep building me even as he strips the gravel that I am standing on. He wants to build me so that my feet are on stable footing.
Most recently every thought is a challenge, every decision I make, especially when those decisions can be life altering, I find myself asking—which direction Lord? Oh, how I cry out for the Wisdom of God!
This morning Mercy (my kitty) was making all kinds of noise by the front door. As I looked to see what all the fuss was about, a little dove was walking all over a pile of leaves and twigs that my husband had recently gathered together as he was cleaning the yard. This dove was very particular about what it kept in its beak. I am assuming that he’s trying to make a nest; a home that to me seems pretty flimsy, yet to the dove he knows exactly what he needs.
He is digging with determination! He will soon join the female dove and lead her to potential nest sites. The female will choose the location. Wow! This is what I discovered. The male dove does the searching for the nest material. Once he selects the correct twig, grass blade or conifer needles (woody plant branches) he brings his findings to the female dove who then builds the nest. The male dove is not too far; actually he positions himself on her back and begins to pass his findings. That gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “I got your back” doesn't it?
It’s beautiful, and this courtship dance begins.
This is very interesting to me. I liken myself to this female dove. As I try to build am I waiting for the Lord to bring to me all that will be needed to establish a secure home, every decision and choice I make; allowing his counsel and peace to lead me? He passes treasures to me and I find them in his Word. I read what he spoke through the Apostle Paul, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you”. (Philippians 4:8-9)
This too is a delicate dance; the Lord & I. He leads and I must follow.
Lord I need your wisdom! Help me to build wisely; help my decisions to be led by You! Help me to be like the wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)
This little bird will trust that her companion will bring all that is needed to build their nesting place. She doesn't question if his choice is correct. She has learned and actually had been created to trust him.
Lord, remove the faulty ground where man wallows. Keep our feet secure and remind us that the Counselor is present; he encourages and instructs us in all that is needed to keep our feet firm and secure; how to discern every thought that comes our way. I have been created to trust you, but sometimes my trust gets intercepted. I want to see and perceive your Sovereign Hand in all I do. Instruct and Construct; I’m listening!
A pleasant surprise in my findings is this: as part of the material used to construct the dove’s nest; the conifers—these little plant needles actually release pleasant scents. I suppose the doves are enjoying a secure nest and a pleasant aroma!
Lord I want to be a pleasing yielded sacrifice, obedient; a sweet aroma wherever you lead me to spread the Good News of who you are!
May they believe the Message and this messenger that is leaning and learning daily to trust in You! Build me up Lord—Build me up!
God bless you!~Liz
www.lizrod.com
