08.30.19 - week 18
on curiosity vs. compassion
‘death and destruction are never satisfied,
and neither are human eyes.’ (proverbs 27:20)
we have more curiosity than compassion. it’s one of reasons we are harsh + judgemental. we want to know info about people and issues, but don’t have capacity to process that information with love.
when our grandparents pine for ‘the way things used to be’ often if you pin them down what they are talking about is neighborly hospitality. caring for those close to you, not by relationship but by physical proximity. a small but noticeable by-product of an inter-connected world is the slow disappearance of this type of behavior. we see sick children + overweight ex’s + deplorable injustice all the time, but through a screen. each time we see something heart-tugging, we give a little of our ‘care budget’ to it. and it lessens our ability to DO something about what we see right in front of us.
we can’t help but spiral to the negative when we know more than we can possibly care about. sometimes we ask for info about the divorce or the new job or the X not directly, but indirectly from a third party, because we have more of a desire to KNOW than to CARE. the healthiest + holiest among us discipline themselves on what they know about, because their conscience will force them to act on whatever they see.
many of the happiest people i meet don’t follow the news or the tabloid stuff. they care for their circle and save their concern for those close and those things they can impact for good.
KG Korner
(a few wise words from lady kristen macdonald)
“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10)
One thing I love is marking up a new Bible. There’s something so personal about it as you make it your own with revelations you come to and sermon notes you take in and dates of when the Lord used a certain scripture. A few years back I read through the Psalms and underlined the different names of the Lord or words that describe Him. If you haven’t done this before, I highly recommend it. It makes His name so personal, yes He’s Lord over my life but He is so much more than that … He is my shield / He is a righteous judge / He is a stronghold for the oppressed / He is my refuge / He is the lifter of my head / He is an answerer of prayer / He is my righteousness. That’s just a start.
If i know his names better, I can declare them in prayer which builds my trust in who He is. This week I saw an answer to prayer from seeking the Lord. Last week I thought His answer was no and I had to get my head around that one which took time but I kept seeking Him. And in the continued seeking the answer came in different timing, a different way and a different plan BUT such a reminder that he didn’t forsake me and He won’t anytime soon, NOT ever. Keep seeking Him today, He is worthy of your trust.
-Kristen
Cup of Leadership
those who believe most certainly in god’s control and pre-deciding are not necessarily known for their gracious kindness. (or evangelism but that’s an argument for another day ;). sometimes that crew gets a bad rep, and i think it’s because they declare ‘sovereignty’ at the wrong time. not every truth is helpful or loving at a given time. ‘god is in control’ and ‘romans 8.28 brother!’ are super helpful during a grief process, but pretty out of place in the ambulance when outcomes are uncertain. an assurance of god’s presence might be more helpful.
sometimes the most loving thing isn’t to bring a message at all. listening without expressing an opinion is great grace, as is letting someone say things from feelings that they definitely don’t believe from facts.
if you believe strongly in god’s sovereignty (and you should, it’s biblical), maybe make sure you have some other cards to play so the people around you feel loved more than lectured.
proverbs 25:11 - a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Book Review
one of the things about (good) new books is that they feel helpful for the right now.
one of the things about (good) old books that they feel helpful for the right now + beyond.
this book fits that description perfectly. every young leader should make this their next read. it elegantly walks the tight rope of encouraging depth while providing advice for width. it is challenging but not harsh. it pushes motive examination but not to the detriment of potential progress. i wish i would have written it. it’s spot on. chapter 9 on humor/anger/patience/listening moved me so much i read it three times in a row.
this isn’t my first trip through these pages, but this round marked me permanently. thankful.
Sermon of the Week
i just finished a 6 week series on the life of joseph that i’m hoping will be available starting next week. for this week … check out this message from my brother landon, really good word that encouraged me.
3 Things I Really Liked This Week
1. bon iver is one of my favorite bands. this zane lowe interview with singer justin vernon had some lovely contours to it.
2. there are so many instagram based clothing brands it can be overwhelming to like one. i really dig the vibes of VDGN .. popped into their store in venice beach the other day, one of the coolest retail spaces i’ve ever seen.
3. one of my favorite days ever was the day we recorded this … the jon guerra / keith green fusion we spent a long time waiting for.