There is so much ugliness in this world. How we respond to the events that unfold this week will be a true test of our character. We can allow ourselves to become angry and overwhelmed by what we see as ignorance or injustice.
But what would Jesus do? He would say, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
He told us in Philippians 4:8 “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Sometimes unwholesome thoughts creep in and plague us, but we are told to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. I have to picture taking those thoughts and putting them in a prison cell and handing the keys over to Jesus.
The beauty of birds, from the tiny hummingbirds to the majestic hawks, always reminds me of God’s tender care and how he is watching over me. What do you see in your daily walk that reminds you of what is true, noble, right, pure and lovely?
We cannot bury our heads in the sand. We do need to speak the truth… IN LOVE. We do need to make sure our hearts and motives are pure. “Even a child is known by his doings.”
How will you respond this week to conflict? I am reminding myself often that “A soft answer turns away wrath.”
We have to make a choice about what and how we think. We have a choice to make about how we respond. If the love of Jesus is in our hearts, our hearts should respond in love.
I desire to think about what is lovely and choose to respond with love.
Published by Keri Willis
My name is Keri Willis. I am a semi-retired educator. I spent a great deal of my career working with adults with developmental disabilities and many years in elementary education, in the classroom and as an administrator. My main ministry now is coordinating the women’s ministry for our church in San Diego, CA. I have been married thirty-four years and have two grown and married children. I now have a head of full grey hair and good ideas.
I believe we are created to use our gifts and to be creative. That comes in many forms for me. I love to woodwork and use power tools, design, decorate, garden, and create new recipes. And I love to write. One major lesson I have learned in my writing journey is that I need to be still and listen to hear God’s voice before I am prepared to put into words the message he has instilled in my heart. This has been much easier since I am no longer working full time, but it is so easy to get distracted and not listen, which almost always ends with an empty page in the form of writer’s block.
While I have written many articles for newsletters and local newspapers, I did not consider myself a writer until I self-published my first book, Teapots and Power Tools. https://www.amazon.com/Teapot.../dp/1466458763/ref=sr_1_3...
The idea emerged as I was working on a project in my garage. I had worship music playing, power tools out and saw dust flying. I glanced up and saw my delicate teapot sitting on my router table. The message was clear. Sometimes we are using the power tools God gives us and sometimes he just wants us to be still and have tea with him. The book became the foundation for a women’s retreat, and then my amazing niece helped me work through publishing it on Create Space (now KDP).
At least five other projects are in different stages of production. I joined hope*writers to help motivate me and keep me focused and accountable. I am still trying to figure out the whole website and blog thing. That is my next goal for myself; that and finish writing at least one of my projects!
Teapots and Power Tools: Effectively using the tools God has equipped you with, while taking time to “Be Still and Know That He is God”
View more posts
Soul Water 