Quick to Listen?

Formula for handling people:

1. Listen to the other person’s story.
2. Listen to the other person’s full story.
3. Listen to the other person’s story first.  George Marshall

I must admit, this short quote stopped me in my tracks.  How often I think I’ve been a good listener; yet I’ve zoned out when something the speaker said reminded me of a similar story in my own life.  Or, maybe I wasn’t really all that interested in what they had to say, so I only listened halfheartedly.  Jesus listened with His whole being, heard everything spoken, and heard so much more than words – and changed people’s lives.

I think I’ll quit “speaking” now, so I can practice listening like Jesus.  Won’t you join me?

James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry NIV

His Purpose

As I continue to press on to get some order and clarity for all the writing and other things the Lord has for my life, He so gently directs me into the next step and the next.  Even as I get to the end of my current assignment, there is a sense of what is next, praise the Lord!

The next step I’m to work on is to write the vision and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2).  That requires me to get still before the Lord to find out just what is in His heart for me.  This is apart from my identity, for my identity is blood-bought child of the most high God, ambassador for Christ, etc.  I do not minimize the importance of these things, but they don’t give me a vision with which to run.

As much as I love to write, the Lord spoke to my heart that my purpose is not writing.  It is but a tool He has put into my hands to fulfill my purpose.  His purpose for me – this vision that will be my home base – no matter what tool He gives me to work towards it, is coming to me in puzzle-like pieces, and He will put those pieces together for me as I wait on, lean on, and trust in Him.

I think about you with this whole purpose thing, too.  You know, being a missionary in a foreign land isn’t His purpose for you – merely a tool.  There’s a greater purpose for you.  Do you know what it is?  Have you written it down and made it plain so that those who read it (you) may run with it?

Loving you and expecting to hear great things from you!

Kay

Kingdom Assignments

The monthly letter from one of the ministries we support, Maoz Israel, was so encouraging and challenging that I want to share portions of it with you, my dear sisters.  In case you are not familiar with the name mentioned, Freda Lindsay and her husband, Gordon, founded Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas.  Gordon passed from this life many years ago, but Freda kept pursuing the vision.  Besides what the writer says of Freda, I will add that she was also a woman who sat at the feet of Jesus – first and foremost.  May you be blessed as you read this excerpt:

Freda Lindsay was a woman of action.  She was a woman of purpose.  And she was a woman who lived her life as if she truly believed she would be accountable to God for every word and every decision she made.  There is no doubt she heard those words, “Well done!”

That is how we must live – making our lives count for the King!

Many people do not even identify their Kingdom assignments!  They just live day to day. . .

Recently I’ve been meditating on my Kingdom assignment.  And I’ve come to another conclusion – it is not just one assignment – it is assignments . . . that’s right – it’s plural.  On some days, your marching orders include multiple duties – caring for a loved one, a random act of kindness . . . other days, you know you must focus on the “big picture” duties of your overriding call and passion.

Whatever your day calls for today – just be sure to report for duty!  The King is watching.