Today, I want to post an update on this convicting transformation. I stated that I didn't want to rid our house of these pests through condemnation and that has to first begin with me. God has so gently lead me through spraying for these pests (excuses) in my own life. After I finished publishing my post, I walked into the garage to find this antique bug sprayer. I started to laugh, picked it up, washed it off and put it on prominent display, as a reminder to me.
Kindness - sensitivity and understanding
Tolerance - God's tolerance of mankind when men displays contempt or ignorance of Him
Patience - God restrains his judgment
Repentance - changing our mind regarding our condition, our actions, our sins, our needs
As God is changing my mind by gently leading me to repentance, I am ready to direct my faith toward divine provision and solutions in my life. As He is eliminating the "excuses," I am able to see His work in my life.
This time of walking with the Lord, as He continues to convict me of my "excuses" has been very precious. I am seeing new fruit everyday. My son will laugh when I ask, "is that an excuse?" He will respectfully reply back, "no, an explanation!"
May you find God's kindness in your journey. May condemnation never knock at your door. May this season of thankfulness expand to enable you to see all the qualities of kindness, tolerance and patience of our Lord and Saviour.
23 Joining in with more words:
Truly a picture (and a display) are worth far more than a thousand words when God's involved! How appropriate is your pest-blaster.
I've been pondering the whole concept of "consecration" (our reasonable service); and have concluded that excuses, or reluctance flee when we fully comprehend the privilege He holds out to us.
You are one smart cookie to point us in the direction of His love. It begins and ends there!
Hugs,
Kathleen
This was really good Janette. I love your display, haha...perfect. The excuses we come up with can be overwhelming sometimes. This whole thing has really made me think. Have a wonderful day. HUGS
This is a wonderful word, Janette,
and I am daily finding God's
kindness and patience to be what
keeps me on the right path in my
journey. Love what Kathleen said-
that His love is where it all
begins and ends! So true!
Hope your day is beautiful.
Hi Janette. Beautiful post today sweet friend.
How gracious our Savior is to us, dear friend. The Holy Spirit brought this to mind the other day as I was dealing with a repeated sin in our home. How much His love does lead us to repentance, and how much a soft answer and gentleness open our ears to instruction.
I love the bug sprayer! I have been convicted so much by your post. I know that I fall apart when I am judged and condemned and I know that it works the same way with others. I always read that parable of the man who was forgiven for so much and then wouldn't forgive the little bit of money he was owed by the other guy. I am the first man. Before I can even open my mouth, I need to check my eyesight. I might have a log showing.
Very thought provoking. I am glad you teach us what God is teaching you.
Blessings today!
Janette, A wonderful post and I have to giggle at the old bug sprayer - my dad had one just like it!
Love that antique "machine." Should be in a museum somewhere!!!
Out of the mouths of babes: My son will laugh when I ask, "is that an excuse?" He will respectfully reply back, "no, an explanation!"
God is faithful to teach us and shape us into His servants, whatever way he chooses. And somtimes he uses nasty those pests!
Great post my friend. There are no good excuses. We just need to do the thing!
Oh my dear,
What a perfect post. Excuses are so easy...and Kathleen is so right when she says we need to consider the task a privilege, gifted from Him...It changes the entire outlook.
What a lovely first visit...I shall pop back for another cuppa very soon
.....smile on... Rosie
Janette,
Yes, once we are willing to stop with the "excuses," God can and will delight in working with us. Sometimes, however, we're just not ready to part with the "excuses." :) It's a good thing we have God's grace during our "stubborn" times. :)
Blessings,
-Lady Rose
I love a good simple visual reminder! I think I could use one of those in full view in my house too!!
What a superb illustration and it brought back a lot of childhood memories for me. :o)
Thanks for such an inspiring entry. Blessings to you!
I remember using my grandmother's bug sprayer just like the one your pictured.
Def. excuses need to me a thing of the past. I want to own up to my errors and not murmur because I know that offends the presence of the Lord.
I am thankful for His everlasting mercy:)
Love the photo...and your sense of humor! Thanks for the "explanation"! :)
God's kindness and patience with me is so very humbling!
Janette,
The two related posts are powerful. I am joining you in the SuperRaid pest ridding campaign.
This really ministered to me, and I am going to spend some time dealing with/eliminating excuses.
Thank you!
Loved the first time, love this even more! A great reminder for me.
Xo
Leslie
What a great pic to go along with a great message!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and commenting. I enjoy meeting new people via blog land. I see we run with some of the same crowd (Sassy Granny, Beth from One Blessed Nana). ;-)
I enjoyed reading about you on your profile page. Our oldest son recently became engaged. Maybe I can get some tips from you on being a great mother-in-law!
Blessings to you, Janette...
Such good words! God is working on me too. I'm thankful we have a Papa who continues to change and mold us with His love and grace.
what a great prop for a reminder. Love it.
Janette, you are able to find spiritual lessons in everyday things; love that. So often it's easy to condemn other's behavior or lack of respect for our Lord. But to unbelievers, their eyes are blinded by the evil one. I pray that we will see beyond the bad behavior to the person who needs the love of Jesus.
Love you,
Debbie
Amen! Janette and a perfect item to have on display for all of us to be reminded...no excuses. Wow! Thank you for the encouragement and challenge in the LORD!
Blessings and hugs!
"no, an explanation!" Ooh, that sounds like my youngest, who could write *the* book of 'explanations'. :-)
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