Fertilizer.. It always finds a way to hit the fan..
It seems prominently to be the aftermath of a “some what good” intention combined with ill sought advisement .. which sadly concludes to an unwelcome response..
Yet even “it” seems to serve a purpose..
Conflicts are inevitable, resolutions are not.. Our response to “it”, is what ultimately shapes and defines our character.. It’s easy to turn and burn the bridges you leave behind.. Yet that ineptly equips you for conflicts that soon arise..
Reconciliation doesn’t require fondness.. however it does call for courage..
Yet.. it is that very courage through the adversity, that foster growth and maturity.
“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die..” Philippians 1:20
As I read and reflect on the words of Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit..I am convicted of Pauls captivity.. Not the physical chains and imprisonment he suffered.. but his sole & devout affection for the Heart of Christ.
A heart held captive by the depth of love and mercy that pour uninhibitedly.. To be utterly consumed and captured up to the point of complete and perfect submission..
And from Paul’s ransomed heart, lies a strength of divine and complete authority.. His words, are no longer his own.. His actions, bear fruit of one much greater than he.. His thoughts, take heed to an all knowing King..His courage, bold and reckless.. Nothing will stop him, not even death..
I have been praying about moving forward with a Leadership Development process in my church recently.
I’m calling it “Roots” which is a campaign designed on bringing people from the fringe, into the core.
The heart of this campaign is to change the spiritual climate, by developing people that can model spiritual growth and foster that change in others.
In order to impact the “body” as a whole, change must be fostered through a core of people that model it. Change cannot be forced or manufactured by programs or processes.
It must simply take Root in the heart of men and spur on the heart of others…
The markings of a beggar..
Lined with pain and brokenness..
Each wound sealed by the scarring of shattered trust..
and hope deferred..
A heart once sick..
Now found purged ..
Forged through suffering
