Not Able!


green leaf tree on top of mountain during daytime

The Apostle Paul stated: “who is sufficient for these things…” (II Cor. 2:16). He also reminds us that “our sufficiency is of God” (II Cor. 3:5)! He has placed DREAMS [as with Jacob] in our hearts and minds at very early stages in our lives. He has shown many of us what we will be and do, many years prior to those things coming to pass. Others of us have destinies waiting to be fulfilled and things yet to be realized. God has placed quite a few of us in undeserved places, and given us the ability to perform way beyond what we could have been or done on our own. His Spirit patiently directs those who are led by it and He gives us glimpses into the mind of Christ to perform the will of God. Who then is sufficient? Who is able? Who knows the mind of God? Yet…God reveals His plans by His Spirit, bringing us to new vistas…new dimensions. Even when we falter, He is ever present to strengthen us for seemingly insurmountable tasks. God is our strength! We come to learn that we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us! And if we need encouragement…there is a spark in our lowly spirits that God has shown us where He alone continues to ignite in His times!

You are not able! You do not qualify to boast of your abilities. They are God-given and without Him we can do nothing! Be humble! Wait on the Lord, and be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord!

The Lamp of Truth. A Great Poem for Leaders Who Lead With Humility.


 

grayscale photography of hand

Lamp of Truth

He held the lamp of truth that day
So low that none could miss the way;
And yet so high to bring in sight,
That picture fair – the world’s great light.
That gazing up the lamp between
The hand that held it scarce was seen.

He held the pitcher, stooping low,
To lips of little ones below.
Then raised it to the weary saint,
And bade him drink when sick and faint.
They drank the pitcher thus between
The hand that held it scarce was seen.

He blew the trumpet soft and clear,
That trembling sinners need not fear.
And then with louder note, and bold
To raze the walls of Satan’s hold,
The trumpet coming thus between
The hand that held it scarce was seen.

But when the Captain says, “Well done,
Thou good and faithful servant, come,”
Lay down the pitcher and the lamp,
Lay down the trumpet, leave the camp,
The weary hand will then be seen
Clasped in those pierced ones – naught between.

–  Unknown

 

A Test: How Well Are You Doing With Your Love?


I Corinthians 13:4-7

Circle one answer for each question. The answers are:
Yes / No / Most times / Sometimes.

alphabets cubes letters love

This is not a standard test that will give you points to see where you stand or show you your progress on a scale. This quiz is not meant to compare you with someone else. The following Q & A is meant for each person to reflect and evaluate themselves without a score.

The “Yes” and “No” answers don’t mean that you “always do” or “never do” what the questions are asking. (We understand human nature and it is almost impossible to always do or never do something.) If you circle a Y or N answer, it basically means it is or is not your practice.

You may find yourself struggling with answering
the following
questions, but BE TRUTHFUL. The
author of this article has taken the quiz and found some
things that were hard to answer, as well. So…here goes:

LOVE is patient, love is kind.

  • Do you often find yourself wanting to control or constantly lead others in conversation?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you refrain from conversation because you have little patience with others?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you really listen to others?    Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you frequently interrupt others in conversation?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Are you short-tempered with people who need your help?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you just have “attitude”?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE does not envy, LOVE does not boast,

  • Is it hard for you to see other people blessed?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you overdo it about your successes, accomplishments, etc.?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE is not proud.

  • Do you treat those in the service industries (i.e. – waiters, hotel, staff, etc.) with respect?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you tend to look down on others who appear to have accomplished less or have less than you?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE does not dishonor others,

  • Are you prone to belittle others (in different ways) in their absence?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you find ways to negatively express your feelings about people who are in authority?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE is not self-seeking,

  • Do you find time to help others without expecting something in return?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you pretend to be concerned about others?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE is not easily angered,

  • Do you display annoyance with other people?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Are you quick to “fly off the handle” and tell others about themselves?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE keeps no record of wrongs.

  • Do you often remember past faults of others?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Have you truly forgiven the wrongs of a particular person?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

  • Do you look to get revenge?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you hate what is false (which is a good thing – Ps. 119:104)?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE always protects,

  • Do you cover the faults of others when those close to you are gossiping about them?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you have no problem spreading news about someone that has fallen?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE Always trusts,

  • Do you try to give people the “benefit of the doubt”?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Are you overly suspicious of most people?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE Always hopes,

  • Do you easily give up on people because of the way they act negatively?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you have a “prodigal” that you are praying for?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE always perseveres.

  • Do you give people “second changes”?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you quickly “write off” people if they don’t meet your expectations?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

HOW IS YOUR LOVE?
(Prayerfully submitted)