Dr H Reflections

Son of Encouragement ∙∙

Son of Encouragement ∙∙

There was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). – Acts 4:36

1 Thessalonians 5:11-18

11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

16 Always be joyful.

17 Never stop praying.

18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

An encourager is essentially someone who “inspires with courage.” They infuse others with courage while instilling spirit, hope, and motivation. They are akin to an excellent sports coach who inspires players to believe in themselves and do their best. Such coaches don multiple hats: they are trainers, counselors, confidants, nurturers, guides, leaders, mentors, shepherds, and tutors. Their objective lies not only in developing talent but also in character building.

Based in Austin, Texas, Coach ‘Em Up, LLC is a firm that offers year-round basketball and volleyball programs for elementary and middle school students in the Austin vicinity. Their business is built upon the belief in the positive impact of robust and precise coaching and the comprehension and importance of age-appropriate progression and instruction.

“Be an Encourager: When you encourage others, you boost their self-esteem, enhance their self-confidence, make them work harder, lift their spirits, and make them successful in their endeavors. Encouragement goes straight to the heart and is always available. Be an encourager. Always” (Roy T. Bennett).

“Yelling at living things does tend to kill the spirit in them. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts . . .” (Robert Fulghum).

In American culture, we might say that an acorn does not fall far from the tree, meaning that one is not that different from one’s parent. It can be expressed, “Kids are like their parents, a chip off the old block; like Father, like son.”

In the Jewish culture, a similar concept is expressed by the phrase “son of.” It highlights the distinctive qualities or characteristics which distinguish a person.

Acts 4:36 Joseph was one of the apostles nicknamed Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement.”

Perhaps Barnabas was a natural-born encourager, or maybe he had the spiritual gift of encouragement. He earned the epithet “Son of Encouragement” or “Son of Consolation,” indicative of his positive influence.

Upon closer inspection, the nickname Barnabas reveals some interesting nuances not readily apparent on the surface. The Greek word for encourager or encouragement is parakletos, so we might expect his nickname to be Barparakletos, not Barnabas. But Barnabas is not derived from Greek; rather, it is either Hebrew or Aramaic. Bar, in Hebrew, translates to son, and nabasis a variation of the Hebrew word for prophet.

This is even more confusing because prophets tend to be spokesmen and confronters, not comforters. However, at times, prophets were tasked with providing solace to people. Hence, the name Barnabas encapsulates this dual role of a prophet – comforter and confronter.

Isaiah 40:1-2

1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone, and her sins are pardoned.

When children of the King are born again, the Father sovereignly endows them with spiritual gifts. A spiritual gift can be described as a skill or talent that enables one to perform a specific task effortlessly and teach others to do the same. Billy Graham, for instance, had the gift of evangelism. He could easily spread the gospel to others and taught countless people to do the work of an evangelist.

So perhaps what we see in Barnabas is a man transformed from a harsh, confrontive prophet to a soft, tender, gentle, encouraging, comforting prophet.

Barnabas was recognized for his kindness and support towards others (Acts 9:26-27; 11:22-26; 15:37). In this way, he embodies the ideal of a servant-leader. Barnabas demonstrates that he is indeed a true disciple of Lord Jesus Christ, who was the ultimate servant-leader.

The apostle Paul implores each child of the King to encourage and comfort others.

1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Instead of belittling, criticizing, passing judgment, yelling at, tearing down, or intimidating others, we should set a goal and purpose to “coach ‘em up.”

REFLECT & PRAY

No doubt the “Son of Encouragement” was himself encouraged by the Father. Pause for a moment and consider what it would be like to be mentored by the Father through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Father, encourage me to become a source of encouragement and uplift others in the same manner You have encouraged me.

INSIGHT

Perhaps there’s a message of hope for each one of us here. We’re not bound by what we were born with. The Father has the power to bring about changes that go beyond the natural or normal. He is able to transform a person’s character and personality from the inside out. Every child of the King has the freedom and capacity to let the Father do precisely that for us. We are capable of becoming whatever the Father wants us to be. The Father has a beautiful dream for each of His children.

Take for instance, John and his brother James. At the beginning of the Gospels, they were referred to as the sons of thunder (Mark 3:17). They were known for their quick temper, zeal, and ambition. They were demanding, passionate, fiery, intolerant, brash, reckless, stubborn, and impulsive. They were ready and willing to call down fire on the Samaritans.

Luke 9:54-56

54 When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”

55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of;

56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”

How amazing, this same John became known as the Apostle of Love.

We observe a remarkable change in John. He is transformed from a reckless, quick-tempered son of thunder to the beloved disciple. His gospel is filled with his profound love for Lord Jesus Christ, and his epistles even more so. Initially, he wasn’t characterized by such love and compassion. This love wasn’t innate; it was cultivated. It was not the product of nature but rather nurture. He acquired it from time spent with the Lord Jesus Christ on earth and decades of walking with Him. The perfect servant-leader coached ‘em up.’

James 1:19-20

19 But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be, and he will become as he can and should be (Stephen R. Covey).

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Idealized idols ∙∙

Idealized idols ∙∙

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.- Romans 12:3

1 Timothy 1:12-16

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him,

13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief.

14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them all.

16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

Dr. Saul Levine, M.D. wrote “Our Illusions of Role Models, Heroes, and Idols.” It was posted on December 22, 2017, in Psychology Today.

“Idols who inspire and reassure us are ordinary people, both worthy and flawed. You remember ‘role models,’ don’t you? You know, those people we looked up to when we were younger, whom we aspired to be like, and possibly now, whom we want our children to emulate?”

“As young children, our first role models are usually our parents, and it takes years for us to see them as people with frailties despite their impressive qualities. Adolescents and young adults form relationships with admired mentors at school or work. They often idealize their mentor until the realization sets in that despite some exceptional talents, this role model is an ‘ordinary’ person with attendant faults. Accepting our parents and mentors – and ourselves – as worthy but flawed can at times be challenging.”

The Scriptures are replete with heroes and role models. They are often bigger than life, ancient superheroes. Consider Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Samson, David, Daniel, Paul, and Peter. Church history has more recent superheroes and role models: Jonathan Edwards, Fanny Crosby, Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, Watchman Nee, William Wilberforce, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Jim Elliott, Corrie Ten Boom, George Mueller, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Billy Graham. In all cases, they were indeed heroes of the faith, flawed but worthy of our admiration.

But when we look more closely, we often discover that they were ordinary people whom the Father used in extraordinary ways. For example, the prophet Amos herded sheep and was a fig picker.

Amos 7:14 I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs.

Moses apparently lacked self-esteem.

Exodus 3:11 Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?”

What’s more, Moses probably had some form of speech impediment.

Exodus 4:10 Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

Charles Spurgeon was often the object of extreme, dreadful criticism during his ministry. People had it in for him and were out to get him. Paraphrasing a bit, on one occasion, he suggested Brother, if anyone thinks poorly of you, do not be angry with him, for you are worse than he perceives. If he falsely accuses you on some point, be content, for if he knew you better, he might alter the accusation, and you would gain nothing from the correction. If your moral portrait is painted and appears ugly, be satisfied; it would only take a few darker strokes to make it even closer to the truth (Spurgeon – Volume 34, Sermons).

REFLECT & PRAY

1 Corinthians 1:26-28

26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.

27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.

28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.

Father, help me be clear-headed and balanced in my thinking about myself and others. Thank You for using ordinary people in extraordinary ways.

INSIGHT

A continuum of self-worth characterizes fallen human DNA. Some feel unworthy, while others think they are superior and far better than others. We tend to idealize our heroes, but they are all fallen creatures needing forgiveness. Are any of them perfect? No, not one!

Paul got it right when he advised the children of the King in Rome. They tended to think too highly of themselves. Paul warned them, “Don’t think you are better than you really are” (Romans 12:3). What is left unsaid, but equally valid, don’t think you are worse than you really are.

This concept can be expressed in many ways in different cultures. Do not think of yourself more highly than you could be rendered as “Do not think that you yourselves are so high,” “Do not think of yourselves with a big head,” or “Do not say to yourselves, I am so very big, when you really are not” (UBS).

Instead, he provided a very balanced approach.

Romans 12:3 Think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

The Greek verb translated as “think” is phroneo. Phroneo does not refer to the thinking process itself but rather to “the direction of one’s thinking, the way in which a person views something.” In this context, Paul uses the verb to denote how a person views themselves (Moo).

In contrast to overestimating ourselves, Paul encourages all children of the King to view themselves in a “sober” manner. The Greek word translated as sound judgment, sober, or be honest in your evaluation is sophroneo, derived from sophron – meaning sober-minded. It signifies possessing a clear and rational mind, exhibiting reasonable thinking, and exercising sound, discreet, self-disciplined, and sensible judgment.

We should view ourselves and others as ordinary individuals, each possessing both worth and flaws. While the strengths of others can be a source of inspiration, we should avoid elevating those we admire to a superhuman status akin to the gods of Greek and Roman mythology or the heroes of legends and myths.

It is wise not to let the successes or achievements of others make you feel ashamed or condemned. The Scriptures aim to inspire us by recounting the lives and deeds of faithful children of the King, ordinary people whom the Father used in extraordinary ways. These individuals lived, acted, and died in faith, demonstrating that the same is possible for each of us (Hebrews 11).

As children of the King, we are not to live horizontally, looking back to the past or forward to the future in this life. Instead, we are to focus on looking up!

Psalms 121:1-2

1 I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there?

2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

Revelation 22:20 “I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

It can be frustrating when the material you are accustomed to reading or hearing doesn’t meet your expectations and fails to enhance your walk with the Father. In such situations, consider changing your sources.

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Be kind ∙∙

Be kind ∙∙

The LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

Ephesians 4:31-32

31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind” (Henry James).

Since the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), communication has been a problem between people. It is perhaps worse today in our day of polarized and antithetical political views. Is there a universal language we could all speak that would allow us to communicate and understand one another?

The simple answer – is yes! Kindness!

Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see (Mark Twain).

Kindness is a state of being that includes loving affection, sympathy, friendliness, patience, pleasantness, gentleness, and goodness.

Some folks seem gifted with a tender heart and a kind spirit. You can spot them anywhere. People who need loving care, sympathy, mercy, gentleness, and understanding are attracted to them. Simply follow the crowd.

But for the rest of us, it is not so simple. We get hurt and offended, we bear grudges, we close ourselves off from human relationships, and we dry up inside and become hard.

Anger is an acid that can harm the vessel in which it is stored more than anything on which it is poured (Mark Twain). “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle” (Plato).

Of all the possible things we could do to please the Father, what matters most? The Father has made Himself clear on this matter. Kindness is at the core of what we ought to be and do. It is not a suggestion; it is a requirement. Simply stated, if we are not choosing to be kind, we violate one of His prime directives.

Micah 6:6-8

6 What can we bring to the LORD? What kind of offerings should we give him? Should we bow before God with offerings of yearling calves?

7 Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins?

8 No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 unequivocally answers the question. It rules out the possibilities of the previous two verses. Micah, the prophet himself, speaks for the Father. The Father tells us what He requires: to do what is just, show kindness, and live in humble fellowship with our God.

Without a right relationship with the Father, this is impossible, and all outward pretense and ceremony are useless and vain (UBS).

To act with justice and equity involves maintaining right and fair relationships.

The Hebrew term for kindness is “hesed.” It is often translated as kindness, lovingkindness, reliability, faithfulness, mercy, and loyal love. The third phrase is literally “to walk humbly with your God,” which means not insisting on our own way but readily doing what the Father desires of us.

Hesed is one of the most beautiful and fascinating words used in the Old Testament to describe the Father. It is profound and multifaceted. The Father has many attractive characteristics, personality traits, and attributes, but perhaps one of the most delightful of all is His lovingkindness.

The Father requires us to be just like Him when dealing with others.

REFLECT & PRAY

I’ve made so many poor choices. Is there one decision I wish I could change? Absolutely. I would have chosen to be kind and tenderhearted.

Father, it deeply grieves me that I have been hardhearted and resistant to simple acts of kindness and forgiveness. Help me to be tender, gentle, and accepting of others as You are with me. Let me start anew and walk in a new way.

INSIGHT

The Father’s tenderhearted, lovingkindness is seen in the story of the prodigal (Luke 15:11-32). The Father does not reject; He longs for reconciliation and restoration.

Luke 15:20-24

20 But while he was still far off, his father saw him, felt compassion, and ran, embraced, and kissed him.

21 And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy of being called your son.”

24 [And his father said,] this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found

The Father’s incredible compassion shines through in His gentle and tender approach towards those who have made serious mistakes and are feeling deeply ashamed and embarrassed. Instead of passing judgment, He extends forgiveness (John 8).

John 8:10-11

10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

We have been drawn to the Father through His lovingkindness. How can we possibly emulate His beautiful and magnificent tender kindness in dealing with others?

Peter shows us the way.

1 Peter 3:8-12

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude.

9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

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Be careful what you ask for ∙∙

Be careful what you ask for ∙∙

So he gave them what they asked for, but sent leanness into their soul. – Psalms 106:15

Psalms 78:23-25

23 But he commanded the skies to open; he opened the doors of heaven.

24 He rained down manna for them to eat; he gave them bread from heaven.

25 They ate the food of angels! God gave them all they could hold.

It seems that no matter how much we have, it is never enough. We might think this results from the overabundance of “things” in the highly materialistic, productive 20th and 21st centuries. However, “wanting more” seems to be part of our human DNA.

Beginning in the Garden of Eden, an impeccable, pollution-free, idyllic, temperature-controlled, perfectly designed environment, the cornucopia of things provided by the Father was just not enough. Even though every need was satisfied, Adam and Eve still wanted more. The adversary recognized this vulnerability and devised a cunning temptation that led to their downfall. Tragically, they succumbed.

Indeed, it is understandable that some may believe the temptation and the tempter were overwhelming, making resistance impossible. But that is not the case. Regardless of how strong the temptation may be, there is always another way. The onus is on each of us to seek that way out, muster the strength to resist, and ultimately break free from its grasp.

1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

What other layered, unseen risks are at stake in giving into temptation? Foremost among them was jeopardizing one’s relationship with the Father, the living God.

Regrettably, when we disregard the consequences, we often trade something precious for instant or short-term pleasure or gratification.

Psalms 78 recounts the story of the children of Israel’s lack of gratitude and discontentment with the Father’s miraculous provision. With limited food and water and such vast numbers of people, the children of Israel faced extreme scarcity in the wilderness. In a remarkable and supernatural act, the Father made accessible a miraculous provision: manna from heaven. This was sent directly from the Father’s hand to sustain them.

Psalms 78:23-25

23 He commanded the skies to open; he opened the doors of heaven.

24 He rained down manna for them to eat; he gave them bread from heaven.

25 They ate the food of angels! God gave them all they could hold.

What could possibly be wrong with manna? In a word, it’s sameness. It was predictable and boring! Manna, manna, manna, day after day manna! Roasted manna, boiled manna, sunbaked manna, fried manna, barbecued manna, no matter what you do with it, it’s always just manna.

Numbers 11:18 Oh, for some meat! We were better off in Egypt!

This single sentence is filled with layered ingratitude, defiance, and rebellion. The people remembered and longed for the “good old days.” The “good old days???” Did they forget that they had been slaves in Egypt for over 400 years? They craved and lusted after what they did not have. They were impatient and unwilling to wait for His provision in His time. Were they afraid that the Father would be unable to provide for them? Had they forgotten the magnificent miracles the Father performed on their behalf to free them?

Psalms 78:18-19

18 They stubbornly tested God in their hearts, demanding the foods they craved.

19 They even spoke against God himself, saying, “God can’t give us food in the wilderness.”

Take a moment to reflect on this. After all they had seen and experienced, they shamelessly provoked the Father, putting Him to the test. The challenge was bold and audacious. Can the Father do what they were asking Him to do? They questioned His abilities and intentions. It was almost as though they were making bets. Can He, or can’t He? Will He, or won’t He?

REFLECT & PRAY

“He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough” (Lao Tzu).

Father, help me be content and grateful for how You provide for my needs.

INSIGHT

Their “demand” was granted. They got the short-term gratification they were seeking. They got their wish, but there was collateral damage and grievous unanticipated consequences. With the gift came disaster: a wasting disease in their souls (Numbers 11:18-20).

Psalms 106:15 He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.

The Hebrew word translated as leanness, plague, wasting, or disease is razon. Razon refers to a state of becoming meager, diminished, atrophied, or powerless. While their stomachs may have been full, their spirits were weak and depleted. A lean soul is a spiritual disaster.

Numbers 11:33 While the meat was still between their teeth before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very severe plague.

How do we avoid developing lean souls? How do we grow strong spirits (Luke 1:80)? The battle is in the mind and heart.

1 Corinthians 10:6-11

6 These things happened as a warning to us so that we would not crave evil things as they did,

10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.

11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

We need to be able to say, “Enough is enough.” Instead of grumbling about what we do not have, we need to be grateful for what He has provided. Feed on the true Bread from Heaven.

John 6:27-35

27 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven.”

33 “The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

They forgot His works, the undeniable evidence of the Father’s wisdom, power, and goodness. In so doing, they forgot the Father. The Father “makes himself known by his works” (NET).

What have you asked for? Have you received it? Has your soul become lean? Are you spiritually sensitive enough to even recognize that your soul has atrophied?

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It just takes time ∙

It just takes time ∙

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. – Psalms 90:12

Psalms 1:1-6

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.

2 But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.

3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

6 For the LORD watches over the path of the godly . . ..

Trees differ significantly in their rate of growth. It varies from species to species but also depends upon the climate and the water available, which often fluctuates from year to year. In tropical climates with warm weather and a plentiful water supply, a tree can become fully grown in 30 years. A tree in cooler regions may take several hundred years to reach full growth and maturity.

Every year, a tree increases in size by adding a layer of wood when the woody fiber is deposited between the bark and the trunk. These layers are referred to as growth rings, and the age of a tree is determined by counting these growth rings.

Trees exhibit significant variations in their growth rates, influenced by species differences, climate, and water availability, which can change annually. In tropical climates with warm weather and abundant water, a tree might reach full maturity in 30 years. Conversely, trees in cooler regions may require several hundred years to achieve full growth.

Each year, trees grow by adding a layer of wood as woody fiber is deposited between the bark and the trunk. These layers, known as growth rings, are counted to determine a tree’s age.

Giant sequoias rank among the oldest and largest trees globally, with many specimens verified to be over 2000 years old and some ancient redwoods exceeding 3500 years. Oak trees can live up to 1000 years. When forests are cleared, it can take up to a century for them to regenerate fully.

Many of the children of the King struggle to accept that the Father does not hasten the development of our spiritual lives (Stanford). Spiritual formation is a gradual journey that cannot be rushed. This process of spiritual growth spans a lifetime and mirrors the continuous progression observed in nature.

The more complex and refined an organism is, the longer its developmental process. The Father operates with an eternal perspective, and the duration of this process is entirely under His control. We should not concern ourselves with how much time it takes or how long the process takes.

“A student asked the President of his school whether he could not take a shorter course than the one prescribed. ‘Oh yes,’ replied the President, ‘but then it depends upon what you want to be. When God wants to make an oak, He takes a hundred years, but when He wants to make a squash, He takes six months’” (Dr. A. H. Strong).

Benjamin Disraeli was British prime minister in 1868 and 1874-80. “One day in the House of Commons, British Prime Minister Disraeli made a brilliant speech on the spur of the moment. That night, a friend said to him, ‘I must tell you how much I enjoyed your extemporaneous talk. It’s been on my mind all day.’ ‘Madam,’ confessed Disraeli, ‘that extemporaneous talk has been on my mind for twenty years.’”

REFLECT & PRAY

“The conversion of a soul is the miracle of a moment, but the manufacture of a saint is the task of a lifetime” (Alan Redpath).

Father indeed, life is brief. How I wish I could grow and develop a heart of wisdom so that I may use my time in a way that has value in eternity. Please make it so.

INSIGHT

Psalms 90:12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may get a heart of wisdom.

In Psalm 90, Moses prays for “a heart of wisdom.” He seeks the best of the best insight and discernment. Moses has reached the point where he is aware of his tremendous need for such knowledge and wisdom. What characterizes a wise heart? Where does the process of developing one begin?

A wise heart begins with the recognition of the brevity of life. Our life on planet Earth is finite. Our days are numbered. As we check them off, we come to terms with the reduced number we have left. This realization becomes the motivation for making the most of what remains. How can this be done? The psalmist prays for a heart of wisdom. He wants to grow in the Father’s wisdom. The fruit of the Father’s wisdom is skillful living.

In Psalms 1, the one who walks uprightly with the Father is likened to a luxurious tree planted by flowing water. In the proper location with abundant water and nourishment, trees do what they were made to do: grow and bear fruit in season.

Psalms 1:3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Trees grow quietly. They take in water, nutrients, and sunlight and produce something entirely different than what they take in.

Spiritual formation is seasonal. We can learn much by looking at a tree’s rings. Some years were marked by significant growth, others not so much. So it is with the children of the King. During the slow times, growth is solidified and strengthened, often through testing and even severe drought.

“Growth is not a uniform thing in the tree or in the Christian. In some single months there is more growth than in all the year besides. During the rest of the year, however, there is solidification, without which the green timber would be useless. The period of rapid growth . . . occupies but four to six weeks in May, June and July” (Strong).

The Father’s methods involve time and various techniques necessary for spiritual development. “The Husbandman’s method for true spiritual growth involves pain as well as joy, suffering as well as happiness, failure as well as success, inactivity as well as service, death as well as life . . .” (Sanford).

The loving Father delights in bestowing blessings upon His faithful, obedient children. He goes before them, preparing the path and leading them to a place of abundance and joy. Although He doesn’t promise the absence of challenges, He does assure them of ultimate victory (Stanley).

“It is God’s way to set people aside after their first start, that self-confidence may die down . . .. We must get to know ourselves and that we have no strength. Thus we must learn and then leaning on the Lord we can with more maturity, and more experientially, deal with souls” (John Darby).

The key is to understand that it just takes time. You can’t rush spiritual growth. There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity. However, it’s a journey worth taking.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today” (Mother Theresa).

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