Prayer changes so many things. It is interesting that we often pray for God to change situations and help us out of hardships. I don't think this is necessarily wrong, but we probably pray for God to change something, or someone, for us far more often than we pray for God to change us! I say this because I recently found myself in a rather difficult spot. A certain series of circumstances were really weighing on my mind and I was getting angry over things that I really had no control over. I found that I had an extremely difficult time getting over my anger. You know...one of those things that hits you out of "left field" so-to-speak. I was not even expecting the situation and so I was hurt and a bit angry...o.k., a lot angry.
But the more I prayed the more the Lord began to show me that I was angry because I was not in control. I thought I knew what was best and when it did not happen that way I got upset. I supported my decision to be angry with all kinds of good Scriptures too! But the more I prayed, I knew the Lord was telling me that I needed to submit not only to Him, but to the authority that he had placed over me. As the Lord showed me that, the anger seemed to break. I knew that I could trust God to bring me through whatever might happen and He would do it better than I ever could. I suddenly remembered Philippians 2:14, "for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." My prayer for God to change others, had turned into an unexpected blessing for me - I was the one who needed changing...how about you?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Forgiveness.
At first I thought I needed to ask forgiveness for not writing in such a long time but I know everyone realizes how nice it is to take a break…especially over the holidays! So I’m just now getting back in the groove and had some “blogging” on my mind. But today the Lord reminded me about how all of us need forgiveness, but we also need to forgive others, as well as ourselves.
Forgiveness is so nice. When you know you have done something less than honestly, or taken something you shouldn’t, or even speak words that hurt. The thought of that action usually stays with us for quite some time - long after the actual event took place. But those thoughts can actually be a weight of bondage to us and the thought of asking forgiveness actually brings fear. What will they do, since we think “we know” what we deserve.
But what a relief when we apologize or ask forgiveness and the other person readily accepts - with no malice intended. Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” But the greatest treasure is that Jesus has called us friends, and he displayed the greatest love by laying down His life for ours and all the wrongs we could ever do. As Ephesians 1:7 shares with us, when we come asking forgiveness from God for not living the life we should, we can know that we have forgiveness through Jesus Christ. What an incredible gift from God.
Forgiveness is so nice. When you know you have done something less than honestly, or taken something you shouldn’t, or even speak words that hurt. The thought of that action usually stays with us for quite some time - long after the actual event took place. But those thoughts can actually be a weight of bondage to us and the thought of asking forgiveness actually brings fear. What will they do, since we think “we know” what we deserve.
But what a relief when we apologize or ask forgiveness and the other person readily accepts - with no malice intended. Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” But the greatest treasure is that Jesus has called us friends, and he displayed the greatest love by laying down His life for ours and all the wrongs we could ever do. As Ephesians 1:7 shares with us, when we come asking forgiveness from God for not living the life we should, we can know that we have forgiveness through Jesus Christ. What an incredible gift from God.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Holiday Cheer.
It’s hard to believe another year has almost come and gone but it has. This year’s holiday season has been filled with times of reflection, prayer, singing, sharing, reading, and laughter. In many parts of the world, and even in our city, there are many people who are dealing with difficult times right now. It would almost seem impossible to have holiday cheer when the economic or other personal news could be so difficult. Focusing on the blessings of life instead of the hardships, does not foster an escapism attitude, but helps put events in t heir proper perspective.
The Scriptures tells us that the peace of God will guard our hearts and our minds. It is not man’s peace but a divine peace. A peace that “transcends all understanding” we’re told in Philippians 4:7-9. This passage also encourages us to think on things that are pure, true, noble, right, lovely, and admirable. When I think about the price that Jesus Christ paid upon that cross at calvary for me, I am humble. I know I don’t deserve it, but God made a way for me (and you) to have a right relationship with a God who is so awesome that he cares even about the little things in our lives. Our feelings, our disappointments, our failures, and even our successes.
So during this holiday season, make sure to spend some quality time with those around you because life goes by too fast. But also make a point to spend a little time with the One who created you and wants the very best for you. God sent his only son, Jesus Christ, because he loved the world that much (John 3:16). That’s something to be cheerful about!
The Scriptures tells us that the peace of God will guard our hearts and our minds. It is not man’s peace but a divine peace. A peace that “transcends all understanding” we’re told in Philippians 4:7-9. This passage also encourages us to think on things that are pure, true, noble, right, lovely, and admirable. When I think about the price that Jesus Christ paid upon that cross at calvary for me, I am humble. I know I don’t deserve it, but God made a way for me (and you) to have a right relationship with a God who is so awesome that he cares even about the little things in our lives. Our feelings, our disappointments, our failures, and even our successes.
So during this holiday season, make sure to spend some quality time with those around you because life goes by too fast. But also make a point to spend a little time with the One who created you and wants the very best for you. God sent his only son, Jesus Christ, because he loved the world that much (John 3:16). That’s something to be cheerful about!
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