COMPASS THINKING

In moving ahead in our life we need to look to Jesus….who knows all the routes offered to us, as well as the pitfalls as well. He always knows the best route. When we remember the Israelites running from their pursuing Egyptian enemies, God led them the “long way around” to the Red Sea. They didn’t think God made the right choice…after all, it was the long way around.

However, when they reached the end of the road (literally), they realized it was the best and safest route. Why? Because they would “see God” in their dilemma, working on their behalf.

Isaiah 64:4. For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for him.”

And what a sight to behold of two walls of water standing erect on each side of them as they crossed through the dry land to safety on the other shore. Then, after their passage, they witnessed God handling their enemies, right before their eyes.

In our moving ahead, moment-by-moment and day-by-day, we need to “look forward.” However, there are times and seasons when it’s helpful to “look back” in the rear-view mirror of our situations, and see the “hand of the Lord” working on our behalf and for our best.

Below is something that ministered to my heart at a crucial time of my life (like about a year ago) and this morning I needed to have a “heart review” again. So I’ve copied this for you, in what you might be facing this week or this month. It’s a beautiful pause at life from Dr. Charles Swindoll (from Insight for Living Ministries). I trust it’ll cuddle and give courage to your heart.

Quote:

“15 THINGS I’VE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS…………Chuck Swindoll”15 THINGS I’VE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS…………Chuck Swindoll

Age 70….there’s something wonderful about aging (growing, learning, disappointment, pleasures, etc)

Long learning curve….and the lessons don’t stop whether you’re 40 – 50 – 60 – and onward

I’m not intimidated or afraid of anyone.

Practical things I’ve learned over a good many years in ministry…..or qualities you’ve seen me model.

1. I’ve learned that I should tell people what I feel about them NOW
2. There are things I’m not even aware of in my life are being noticed and remembered

Something they heard me say, or do I wasn’t even aware of

• Being REAL is always better than trying to look or sound pious…..There’s nothing that touches people deeper like authenticity……just be what you are
• Huge difference between letting things FLOW and FORCING IT.   When the Lord is in it…there’s a flow, that’s beautiful; and when I’m driving it, there’s force and usually it is followed by a big regret.
• It’s unwise to talk someone into or out of a BIG DECISION.  That’s God’s job!
• Some people aren’t going to change no matter what….they’re just ornery to the bone.   They’re going to be that way when you come minister to them and they’ll be that way when you leave.   It’s not your fault and not your responsibility. 
• SAYING LESS is always better than saying TOO MUCH.  
• PERCEPTION OVERSHADOWS REALITY.    What people perceive is usually more powerful than what really is…and they’re often wrong.  Happens in fake news all the time.
• GRACE IS WORTH THE RISK….especially with family.  Don’t be too hard on your kids, your family

Too busy, too harsh, too demanding, and too rigid

1. Stop saying ALWAYS and NEVER when it comes to the future.  You may have to eat your words
2. TIME SPENT WITH MY FAMILY is always an EXCELLENT INVESTMENT…never wasted time
3. Days of MAINTENANCE are far more than days of MAGNIFICENCE

Difficult situations, responsibilities…maintaining day in and day out….a relationship with my mate

1. FORGIVENESS IS ESSENTIAL.   If you’re dragging a grudge…get rid of it and any resentment or hatred
2. GIVE CREDIT where CREDIT IS DUE.  Stop trying to get the credit.  You don’t worry that your name appears somewhere.  Be glad God gets the glory.  You’re not worried that your name doesn’t appear somewhere
3. You can’t beat HAVING FUN

Don’t save anything for a SPECIAL MOMENT

READING MORE and dusting less”