Comments on: The Right Pothole Questions http://learygates.com/2009/03/03/the-right-pothole-questions/ Igniting change, inspiring breakthroughs. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:18:46 -0500 hourly 1 By: Scott http://learygates.com/2009/03/03/the-right-pothole-questions/comment-page-1/#comment-8 Scott Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:51:27 +0000 http://www.elshaddai-edwards.com/learygates/2009/03/03/the-right-pothole-questions/#comment-8 Excellent Blog entry Leary! Excellent Blog entry Leary!

]]> By: Bob http://learygates.com/2009/03/03/the-right-pothole-questions/comment-page-1/#comment-7 Bob Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:41:47 +0000 http://www.elshaddai-edwards.com/learygates/2009/03/03/the-right-pothole-questions/#comment-7 “You look tired!”… These were the first words spoken by a friend at a coffee shop last week. Were they comforting? Hardly. A wake-up call? Absolutely. These are tough times. I’ve had what I call a “pothole blast.” First, I lost my father this time last year, and the passing of this anniversary has refreshed the grief that I, fortunately, share with my mother and my sisters. Second, my wife’s brother was recently diagnosed with leukemia, and I’ve done my best to be of comfort to him and my family (prayer has helped immensely). Third, I’ve suspended the operation of my start-up business because of economic conditions, and the resulting lack of income has been a tremendous source of stress. I haven’t been sleeping well. My friend is right: I am tired. Next to my bathroom mirror is a 3x5 card, with the words of Philippians 4:6-7 in the handwriting of my daughter. Several years ago, my daughter gave me this card when I was in the midst of another pothole blast. Intellectually, I’ve “gotten” it. “In everything, by prayer and with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Hmmm… scripture says that HE will guard my heart and mind. Is it possible that I’ve been praying “intellectually” and not from my heart? If I am heartily AND intellectually engaged in thankful prayer, God will guard my heart and mind. Memo to self: work on this! As far as “asking” is concerned, I found that my network of fellow believers has been a tremendous resource. Fortunately, I am part of a small group that meets regularly to share the Living Word, share each others’ burdens, and pray for one another. I take heart in Jesus’ promise recorded in Matthew 18:20. Taking action is another concept that I capture intellectually. Interestingly, after having coffee with my friend last week, I was drawn to Romans 8: 29-30. There, Paul describes what God has already done for those who believe. First, God foreknew. Second, He predestined. Third, God called. Fourth, He justified. Finally, to those He justified, He also glorified. Memo to self: because God foreknew, predestined, called, justified and predestined me, together with every other believer throughout eternity, it’s time for me to act like it. I am a work in progress, and I have hope. ps. There is a good exposition on Romans 8: 29-30 at <a href="http://www.pbc.org/files/messages/4708/3522.html." rel="nofollow">http://www.pbc.org/files/messages/4708/3522.html.</a> “You look tired!”…

These were the first words spoken by a friend at a coffee shop last week. Were they comforting? Hardly. A wake-up call? Absolutely.

These are tough times. I’ve had what I call a “pothole blast.” First, I lost my father this time last year, and the passing of this anniversary has refreshed the grief that I, fortunately, share with my mother and my sisters. Second, my wife’s brother was recently diagnosed with leukemia, and I’ve done my best to be of comfort to him and my family (prayer has helped immensely). Third, I’ve suspended the operation of my start-up business because of economic conditions, and the resulting lack of income has been a tremendous source of stress. I haven’t been sleeping well. My friend is right: I am tired.

Next to my bathroom mirror is a 3×5 card, with the words of Philippians 4:6-7 in the handwriting of my daughter. Several years ago, my daughter gave me this card when I was in the midst of another pothole blast. Intellectually, I’ve “gotten” it. “In everything, by prayer and with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Hmmm… scripture says that HE will guard my heart and mind. Is it possible that I’ve been praying “intellectually” and not from my heart? If I am heartily AND intellectually engaged in thankful prayer, God will guard my heart and mind. Memo to self: work on this!

As far as “asking” is concerned, I found that my network of fellow believers has been a tremendous resource. Fortunately, I am part of a small group that meets regularly to share the Living Word, share each others’ burdens, and pray for one another. I take heart in Jesus’ promise recorded in Matthew 18:20.

Taking action is another concept that I capture intellectually. Interestingly, after having coffee with my friend last week, I was drawn to Romans 8: 29-30. There, Paul describes what God has already done for those who believe. First, God foreknew. Second, He predestined. Third, God called. Fourth, He justified. Finally, to those He justified, He also glorified. Memo to self: because God foreknew, predestined, called, justified and predestined me, together with every other believer throughout eternity, it’s time for me to act like it.

I am a work in progress, and I have hope.

ps. There is a good exposition on Romans 8: 29-30 at http://www.pbc.org/files/messages/4708/3522.html.

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