Growth Opportunities

Dislike.  As a Christian, that word is supposed to be exclusive to sin.  I know that.  I know deceit of the enemy influences those around me to behave in ways that put my growth in Jesus to the test.  I believe that.  Knowing and believing has not kept me from having urges to retaliate to those attacks today.

I find myself in the same struggle that Paul had.  My desire is to attack those who attack me.  To come to my own defense and point out the 57 ways they are wrong and use great detail and colorful adjectives to describe the lack ground they are standing on.  I have the desire to be my own advocate … but that is not what God has taught me.  And thus begins the struggle.

This is a lesson I keep learning over and over with different circumstances, different people, different places.  I am reminded that God is my protector, and as one of His children He will not let me be crushed under the oppression.  I take comfort that even Paul went through this same struggle … and had victory through Christ!

As I have allowed the Spirit to counsel me, I am seeing things more clearly.  The person who is attacking me is the one who I have a duty to pray for.  That is one of many ways we are transformed as followers.  Just as Jesus prayed for those who crucified him, we are to pray for those who condemn us.  Although lies and manipulation pour out of a person, that doesn’t mean they understand what they are doing or even why.

A person who does not know Christ is unaware of the spiritual battle that is raging within.  In contrast, I am aware of this battle, hence the relating to Paul in doing what is wrong even when I want to do what is right.  Thankfully there is a faithful God who is urging me towards seeing with His eyes.  To see the truth of a lost soul that is attacking me on the outside, but who spiritually is treading on a path that leads only to destruction.  It is irrelevant what is thrown my way by someone of this world.  The relevance lies in the reality of a lost soul being right in front of me, and whether I choose to seek God’s path of turning the other cheek; or, choosing to see the surface deceit the enemy has painstakingly crafted in the attempt to keep that person in bondage.  In choosing the latter, I would also choose to invite deceit into my own heart.

I choose to follow God and follow the example set for me by Christ.

Lord, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to to have this person in my life.  I thank you for revealing to me the truth of salvation, and for showing me the lost soul that stands before me.  I pray that they would have the truth revealed in a way that cannot be denied.  I pray Lord that you would impress upon me a heart that stays firm in your desire for this person to have eternal salvation.  I pray that you would use me in any capacity to lead them to you.  Lord, I thank you for the honor of being a part of a plan that can impact even one life.  In your holy name I pray.  Amen.

Mrs. Thomas

Paths Left Behind

History.  Everyone has one.  The moments in life that shape our thoughts, reactions and vision.  We see the world through stubborn eyes; passing judgement on those passing through our lives.  Why would they do that?  What were they thinking?  They obviously have mental problems!  When we see a flaw of any kind in others, our knee jerk reaction is to criticize.  On the other hand; when our own flaws are on display; we plead our case pointing out the many ways in which our childhood, past relationships and present stresses contributed to that flaw.

We all fall victim to judgement of others at some point (or points) in our lives.  Many times, the one who is the most cruel in their judgment of us is ourselves.  Unknowingly, we can put ourselves under such scrutiny that we cripple ourselves from making any advancement at all.  Fear of facing our path left behind can lead to fear of choosing the path in front of us.  So, we choose to sit down on a rather uncomfortable place on the path, looking at all the others on the path who are walking past and pointing out every stumble.  I suppose it makes it easier to cast stones when your sitting so close to them on the ground.

A friend asked me today if I would choose a different path if I could go back to the beginning.  My reply was an immediate “No!”.  The path I have left behind was challenging is so many areas.  There were times that I didn’t choose to sit down on the path, but was pushed down and trampled.  My path has taught me the beauty of pain.  It has taught me the depth of my faith.  It has taught me that everything that grows into beauty must first break through the shell of circumstance to the freedom of hope.

Dependance

The teachings of Jesus show what characteristics I should be covered in to be Christlike: poor in spirit, mourner, meek, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, the persecurted and seeking righteousness.  These traits in their purest form are only available through growing in Christ.  The “weakness” that Jesus is calling for will result in an outward “strength”.  This will come from a deeper dependance on God, resulting in less of “me” showing and more of God.  I pray that God will continue to purify me in every way.

The shame of not having other peoples needs ahead of my own is growing unbearable.  I have just told my husband that I feel cheated by having to work and not be with the kids, and that it feels like he has been rewarded by getting sick.  I don’t want to have ill will like that.  It is selfish and does not show unconditional love and acceptance.  I have also been carrying frustration from work and allowing it to change my demeanor.  I feel as if I am directly under attack, and I have no recourse.   I guess that’s what it’s all about … letting God handle it.  The “poor in spirit”.

Lord, I do pray for my thoughts and actions to be in correct alignment with you, and for my heart to long for what brings glory to you.  I pray for forgiveness for my recent actions with my husband, children and co-workers.  Please continue to teach me what it is to be Yours and I pray for You to fill me to the point that “I” am no longer.  Amen

Awe

Lord, I thank you for everything.  I pray I can show others your amazing love today, and that in some small way my actions and words can bring you glory.  Amen

Hidden Thoughts

Lord, I pray that you would search my innermost thoughts … the ones that I am unaware of until they creep up and take control.  I pray that you would reveal to me the motives that are not in line with your will and teach me how to release them to you.  I pray for your forgiveness for my selfish behavior that has been so prominent in my life and actions.  I am so aware of how unworthy I am.  I am not fit to touch your sandals, or even to be in the presence of such greatness and perfection.  I thank you for your enduring patience with me, and I do pray to grow in your image so I can bring the praise and glory to you that you deserve.  Thank you Lord Jesus for your faithfulness.  Amen

Genesis 33 – Jacob & Esaw had a reunion filled with forgiveness.  Jacob was changed by the meeting with God.  He pursues righteousness, but soon after his reconciliation with his brother, be backslides.  We are prone in our human selves to do the same thing.  Just as God wooed Jacob back, He woes us back to keep working in us to accomplish His perfect will in our lives.  When we continue to seek our Lord, we will be changed so drastically that our very identity is forever changed.

Holy Weakness

Holiness.  We can only achieve holiness through a right relationship with God.  When He dwells within us, He will perfect us and shine through … changing our actions and reactions to this world and circumstances.  Holiness is pure intentions, without ulterior motives.

Lord, I pray for your teaching on this.  I recognize my weakness in this area.  Even as I write this, my mind is split.  Father, I pray that you would search me and show me the thoughts and actions that I need to turn away from.  I pray for you to show me how to do this and that you would grance me the grace to do it.  Thank you for how amazing your love is, and I pray that my understanding of you, my love for you, my service for you would grow.  Amen