Monday, January 12, 2009

Day 5 - Seeing Life from God's View

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DAY 5

Point to Ponder: Life is a test and a trust.

Verse to Remember: "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones." Luke 16:10a (NLT)

Question to Consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?


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4 comments:

  1. Recently, I think that family conflicts have been a test from God. Maybe how I will react and how much faith and reliance I have on him. I think some of those tests I have failed miserably, and some I have done well. I know 100% that God has protected our family and kept us safe and under his care the whole time. I also think my housework can be a test. There are times I get concerned with t.v. or movies or a book and I could be spending that time on much needed chores. There's a hard balance between giving yourself some down time and deciding that you really need to watch hours of t.v. when there's things to be done.

    The greatest matters God has entrusted to me are my children and their care. Parenting is a huge test. I succeed and fail all the time. Also being a wife and fulfilling God's commands for my marriage. Every moment of a relationship is a choice to love or a choice to make it all about me. I can't say that I always choose love- but I'm working on it :)

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  2. I like the illustration about the owner and servant. The owner says, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness."

    I believe we miss out on so many blessings and happiness when we limit the amount of responsiblities God gives us. I need to remember not to be a complainer- having a negative attitude when there is hardship or challenges in front of me. If God is trying to grow me spiritually, I want to make sure I do well so he can give me more and more blessings.

    I (along with Lynn) have been faced with a slough of attacks and pain from relatives. At first, I handled the situation out of anger and frustration, but during the process, I/we gave it over to God in prayer and he has shown his abundant love and protection on us and our kids.
    We have a new-found peace and strength in our family because of it.

    God has entrusted me with a wife and kids that I need show more patience and love towards. I love my wife, but I can let life's issues take first place over my love for her. As for my kids, I need to remember they are a work in progress and they deserve LOVING instruction and gentleness. There is much I need to work on...

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  3. When Jess and I were finishing FPU, our last class (arguably the most important) was about giving financially from what God has given us. Dave Ramsey states that we are all just managers - we don't own our possessions or money; God allows us as stewards to manage them, which in turn makes it easier to give. It's always easier to spend someone else's money, right?!?

    So money is indeed a test for me, making sure I'm not selfish what what God has given us. I believe the greatest thing He has entrusted me with is my beautiful wife. As Lynn said, every day is a test of whether I will show her the love she so rightly deserves or if I will be selfish or speak harshly instead of in grace when the waves rise.

    I think God is testing Jessica right now while she is seeking a new job. The important thing is that we are both relying on His provision (as He has always been faithful in the past) and guidance in our lives.

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  4. After reading this chapter I told Sean that he needs to remember to close Gods kitchen cabinets :)

    Honestly, This chapter put things in better perspective for me. I am opposite of JW, regarding spending other peoples money. It's way easier to spend mine, I have no one but myself to explain why I am broke. But if it's someone else's money, Like Gods, I have to justify spending it. Looking at it in this new way will help me to make better choices with my finances.
    As for the test God is giving me right now? It could be how diligently I study, it could be that Sean's Financial Aid is still not in, it could be this new cat that keeps eating all of Gingers dog food!
    No matter what the test might be, I pray that I have patients through it and hope for a "do over" if I get it wrong the first time around.

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