Failure is not fatal!

I have some inspirational quotes at the bottom of my diary. There are days when they don't really speak into my situation, but there are some days where they really make a lot of sense. This is what the quote said today:

"Success is not final; Failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

None of us enjoys failing at anything, but it is a part of life. However, it is important to have the courage to get up and try again. This also applies in our Christian faith. Although we strive to be Christ-like, we will make mistakes and disappoint ourselves and the Lord. The important decision for us to make is to ask for forgiveness, and then to ask God to help us move ahead. 

1 Chronicles 28:20 - David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.

Prayer: Lord, give us the courage to continue following you, no matter how imperfect we feel. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Wasting wisdom

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Winston Churchill

Have you ever offered someone advice and they have completely ignored your suggestions? Or have you ever had a person mock your advice? Well, chances are that even if this hasn't happened to your face, that it has happened behind your back. And the feeling I get, when this happens, is "why did I even bother? Why did I waste my advice on someone who was too stubborn to listen?"

Clearly, Solomon felt the same at some point in time, because he wrote these words:

"Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.
Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you.
But correct the wise, and they will love you.
Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser.
Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.
If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer." - Proverbs 9:7-12

I sometimes get the feeling that all the 'advice' we have been getting on Covid-19 is almost overwhelming and some people are choosing to ignore very good advice. I understand that information overload is a very real danger, but we need to discern which advice is best for us and our families. 

“Listening is an art that requires attention over talent, spirit over ego, others over self.” Dean Jackson

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Mountains inspire

Winston Churchill once remarked that "Mountains inspire leaders, but valleys mature them."

I like this sentiment a lot. When I look at physical mountains I am inspired by them - part of me wants to climb to the top and explore everything about them. Valleys - not so much. They seem harder and are often in the shade, yet these are the times that we learn more about ourselves and others.

So, if you were looking at your life today, what 'MOUNTAINS' are inspiring you at the moment and what 'VALLEYS' are teaching you (maturing you)?

Deuteronomy 11:11 - "But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven."

Living in Grace
D3LM3