Loving with Intentionality. Pt.3
We like pressure more than we realize
Some of our favorite meals can come from a PRESSURE cooker
Even in our showers. We complain when the water PRESSURE is low
We apply PRESSURE to the toothpaste to brush our teeth (hopefully we’re all doing that lol)
So why when the Refiner comes to apply pressure we act as if we’ve never experienced a form of pressure before
It’s because of the depth that the pressure reaches
To thrive we must have deep roots in life. If not, we will be wavering in the storm
(But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind. If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord. - James 1:6-8)
(Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving. - Colossians 2:7)
When was the last time you looked at a tree and considered how deep its roots were and the process/ time it took to make sure its roots were deep enough to withstand the tests of time?
(This Cypress is the oldest tree in the world which is 4,000-5,000 years old) (It takes 2 to 3 months for a Cypress tree to develop proper roots)
Time - Nurturing - Pressure
Often, we say we are strong but forget that we must also experience situations to validate the strength that is given to us by God each day
Love is a daily walk the moment you begin to fade you can’t expect your love to truly walk
Pressure simply reminds us of God’s promise
What is your promise? Whatever it is, it will be tested
(Israel is no stronger than Samaria, its capital city, and Samaria is no stronger than King Pekah. “If your faith is not enduring, you will not endure.” - Isaiah 7:9)
To close, love is not there for only the good times but for times of trials and moments where encouragement and support is needed
(Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. - Proverbs 17:17)
A bonus scripture to hold us over until next time
(Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. - Romans 12:9-10)
There is no greater love one can show than by placing others above oneself. To have community we need to have forgiveness and love. Both of these take work and are worth it when we experience it. Our Father in Heaven has given us the perfect example for both.
