I asked myself today, "Why are we so apt to believe the negative words that people speak to us and not the positive affirmation that comes from God and others?"
"Jesus is the ultimate garbage man. He wants all of your garbage not just some of it." - Amy Williams from MCC
Ok, here's a bunch of quotes from a sermon by Pastor Joseph Garlington. This is some good stuff. Let me tell ya.
"The Christian journey is always complicated by those who are 'trying to get somewhere.'"
"The process is just as important as the destination."
"God is getting you ready for what He already has ready for you."
"When you discover how much God did in the place that you didn't like, then you can look back on it and laugh. And if it's going to be funny later, it is funny now." {I have to give a little context here. Pastor Garlington is talking about finding joy in even the hard moments of life. We always seem to be able to laugh about them after the fact. Why then can't we find joy in the midst of them? I think it is because we are so herea and now focused. Paul was able to be content in all circumstances because his joy was never in his circumstances. It came from something else - resting in God's power and trusting in God's plan.}
"Faith is a byproduct of our relationship with God and not something that you find on its own apart from intimacy with God."
"Faith is adjusting myu feelings to the facts."
"If God said it, I am obligated to believe it."
"Sometimes people don't want information. They want formation that happens as we listen." {Pastor Garlington is talking about when people come to share something with us as a friend or loved one. Most people have, including me, have the tendency to give advice. But many times what the person wants is just someone to listen and be a sounding board as they verbally process their feelings. Usually if people want advice, they will ask for it.}
"All progress in the Christian life is by faith." - Derek Prince
These random thoughts are brought to you by the letter "S" for Sunday. May they inspire you and push you to look more like Jesus.
