the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
this is kinda ugly but i also kinda really love it a lot so i’m posting it 🌲🍃
(via throughstormyseas)
Most people you know really suck at apologizing and the number one reason is that they lack humility. True, Biblical humility simply means seeing yourself accurately - seeing yourself as you really are. In other words, people who don’t apologize well simply can’t let themselves admit that they were wrong about anything… ever.
If you find yourself in the middle of a conflict or caught up in some tension with someone you care about, the chances are really good that both parties involved played some part in making everything go downhill. Rarely will you find yourself in a conflict that is entirely one person’s fault. Most of the time, the blame is shared blame. This shouldn’t be an uncomfortable thought. We are all sinful people with funky, selfish motives and skewed points of view. That being the case, we should expect that we are going to think and say the wrong thing quite often - which means, we need to learn how to get good at confessing our wrong with honesty and humility, and without excuses.
When you are in a tension or conflict:
Have the courage to look at your own heart, words, posture and affect and then ask yourself this question: Where have I been wrong in this thing? Am I willing to admit that out loud?
Do not waste your time defending yourself. It will only increase the drama, temperature and length of the conflict.
Do not cover up an accusation by making it sound like an apology (I’m sorry that you reacted so strongly to what I said) - you’re not apologizing, you’re blaming the other person.
Admit your own faults with no excuses - and without expectation that the other person is going to automatically admit theirs.
The whole time you’re in the conflict, pray silently to yourself. Ask the Lord to turn that person’s heart toward you and ask Him to help you love them as you’re working through it.
Use these words: “I am sorry for what I said/did. It was wrong of me. Will you forgive me?”
The more comfortable you get with humility, the better your relationships will be. Not only that, but conflict handled with humility resolves about 50,000 times faster than conflict where you dig in your heels and insist upon being right. And that alone is a good reason to start becoming a professional at humility.
(via unkaglen)
“Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.” (1 Chronicles 16:35, ESV)
Whenever life gets difficult and it seems like the intensity has been turned up, that’s a sign you are closer to your victory. When those lies are bombarding your mind, when you’re tempted to get discouraged or feel like throwing in the towel, that’s not the time to back down. That’s the time to dig your heels in and put on a new attitude because you are closer to your victory.
Maybe you’ve had a lot of things come against you. It seems like the more you pray the worse it gets. You’re doing the right thing, but the wrong thing is happening. The easy thing is to say, “Forget it. I don’t have to put up with this.” “This marriage is never going to work.” “I’ll never be able to raise this child.” Or, “I don’t like this job.” No, instead of getting discouraged, instead of going around sour and bitter, you need to say, “I’ve come too far to stop now. I’ve been through too much to back down. I realize the reason the intensity has been turned up is because I’m about to embrace my victory!” Keep standing, keep praying, keep hoping and stay in faith even when the intensity gets turned up!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father, You’ve seen everything I’ve been through. You know what I’ve had to endure. I trust that You are working behind the scenes and leading me into victory. I keep my faith and trust in You and expect to see Your mighty hand in Jesus’ name! Amen.
(via spiritualinspiration2)
Are you believing God for something that is taking longer than you thought or expected? If you are praying according to His promises, no matter how long you may have been standing, don’t give up! Your season is coming. Your harvest of blessing is on its way. It might be today, it might be tomorrow, it might be next week, next month or next year; but remember, at the right time you will experience your breakthrough. Be encouraged today because God is faithful, and His promises are true. Keep standing, keep hoping, keep believing. Keep doing good. Keep declaring the promises of God over your life. Choose to be around people who are going to encourage you and fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Let a song of praise come out of your mouth. As you continue to press on in faith and keep an attitude of victory, you will see your harvest of blessing and live as an overcomer in every area of your life.
(via spiritualinspiration2)