Colossians 2:2-4 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
Colossians 2:4 (TPT) I want you to know this so that no one will come and lead you into error through their persuasive arguments and clever words. (Col 2:4 footnote: By implication, this “error” would be the teaching that Jesus is not enough, adding something to the all sufficient Christ.)
Interesting Lord. What say you? I wonder (about receiving opinion from a person) if in respect and honor we sit and listen and get the overflow of their heart to know what they are believing and their perspective. Can I listen and be still and slow to speak, slow to anger? Not need to defend or explain? “That’s an interesting perspective; I’ll take that to the Lord.” Or “That is an interesting idea, opinion. I’ll take that to the Lord.”
Thinking on, when did the disciples understand fully the plans of the Lord? He told them they were his friends, communicated with them, shared time with them, but still his arrest looked like breakdown, his death looked like defeat at the cross and not victory. Peter tried to take matters into his own hands and took the ear off the guard. Jesus responded by healing his enemy’s ear. That fellow certainly knew the truth of Jesus from experience. What happened to him?
What if the truth is we are right where you want us? We are hearing you and you are proud of us. And now someone offers to talk and offers solutions. How do you see this? Thinking you want me open, tender hearted and listening, honoring, respecting. How are you glorified in this?
God (G) – Love. Recognize any thought, opinion, judgment, plan, solution, does not change truth. Knowing I will bring clarity. I do not confuse. I bring wisdom. It is safe to go in with me and listen. Yes, you are mature enough with me to discern and slow is good. Ok not to react, speak, think, opinion and ok to have notebook and write questions, thoughts to take back to me. Record points. Listen. Yes, I could bring a solve from man. You will know me in it. Not confusing.
Beth (B) – Open to listening is a way to honor another’s experience, walk with you, business mind, money experience but also ok to be heads up without expectation. Need to carry my toolbox with love, peace, forgiveness, no judgment. Surprises, ok to be surprised and know you God are not surprised. Show us your way in this. I feel like I can do this with you. Lord, I pray you would have your way in every area Lord, your way. Reminded as I think on things that still seem unresolved and unfinished in our story and how things looked over with Jesus but it wasn’t the end, in fact, it was a completely different ending, from death to resurrection and forgiveness of sins and relationship with God. So, if this is not the end, if the truth is even better than what I can picture…
G – Breathe easy. The time is coming, and all will be clear. Clearer and clearer. Keep standing strong in my word, not with a stubborn heart but in love. We have built a great thing. You are ready for it and I am sharing in the jubilation. It is all falling into place with order and sense and currency, much currency, and it will be incredible and tremendous. Rest easy. It is ok. Yes, let them deliver their words, listen and rest, breathe, relax. It is not about you. Let me show you what I see.
B – Yes Lord. I have asked for this, and it is different than I expected, the ways you are showing me. Help me to be and see and breathe and trust the process. I was thinking on mess and swirl, but I think that exposes my eyes on circumstances and not eyes on you. I see mess and you see order. I see swirl and you see moving parts on purpose for your glory and my good. Nothing wasted. You know my heart, Lord. I just want to place my beating heart in your hands and trust you with it all, every facet, piece, every bit. Lord, your way.
The fast Lord, what does it look like? I had this funny feeling like (giving up) complaining (words) wasn’t enough based on notes (from Pastor about fast). I sensed this measuring stick of a “real” fast. I am laughing, sort of, as I know whatever you ask me to do is what I choose, not man’s opinion, guide, observation, but again, clarity Lord. What does the fast look like for me? How praying? Time with you? Food/drink? My media?
G – Each day, check in and let’s decide. Each day is a chance to check in and hear.
B – Yes Lord. I love that. That feels like freedom. Hearing you. No decision. Not mustering up. Just today, Lord. What does today look like? Wow Lord, you are amazing. That makes me giggle.
Excerpt from Truth In Hard Places