God's Wisdom In A Nutshell

Hi all, I hope this post finds you well

I have another little story that I want to share with you…

I have a rosemary plant that I keep outside in the spring, summer and fall. It’s a culinary herb that I use to season different dishes. If you don’t know what rosemary looks like, it has a rather tough branch with almost pine needle type leaves and it smells like pine.

During the winter months, I bring the plant inside so that it won’t die. I recently noticed this winter however, that the new growth was really whimpy – the leaves were flimsy and it’s not as robust in smell either. Actually, it really doesn’t resemble rosemary at all and it’s not useful to me anymore.

When this plant was outside enduring wind, rain, hail and extremes of temperatures, it stayed robust, grew strong, and I could use it to season food. Yet when I brought it inside and it was coddled by the constant warm temperatures and lack of harsh winds, it became whimpy and not useful anymore. I’m sure the plant was much happier inside, but I was much happier when it was outside because it was strong and robust and I could use it.

In much the same way, we can be of more use to the Lord if we aren’t coddled in life. Harsh conditions in our lives can help us relate to another person’s pain. In effect, our pain can become a gift to another if -after we get through the rough season-we step outside of ourselves and learn to look at how we can help others.

Living a life of luxury sounds great. Hmm… what should I do today, go out to lunch, have a massage, look at Lear jets to purchase, maybe visit my travel agent to book a safari in Africa…

After awhile, this self- indulgent life can be pretty depressing. We as humans, are hard wired to help others. The Bible states:

“Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Pillippians 2:4).

Whenever God gives us direction like this, following through will increase our joy. May I suggest that you go out this week and look for someone to help. You may just be the answer to their prayer, and remember, when you meet someone else’s needs, you can be sure there will be help for you one day – it’s God’s truth.

A PROMISE FROM GOD

“Give and it will be given to you, a good measure, pressed down, shaken together will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38 NIV)

Simply put, this means that our generosity will always come back to us in some way. God can stir up the hearts of others to help us when we are in need –  as a repayment for the kindness we have done for others.

MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL

“My Own Little World.” by Matthew West

Thanks for stopping by….In God We Trust