Have you ever had the feeling that God has forgotten you or just doesn't understand the troubles you are facing? I certainly have! Join me, Michele, as I read Psalm 34 this morning. This is what I hear God saying to me:
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time (v. 18-19)
Why is it that those of us who are following God and trying to live our lives to honor and glorify him, still have trouble? Doesn't seem fair, does it? Why isn't all the calamity saved for those who don't follow God, who live their lives specifically for themselves? What use is it to be a Christ follower if my life will be full of trouble anyway?
What I would really love is to be totally free from any type of struggle. It would be great to never have to worry about what direction my life will go, to have no care regarding the uncertainties of life. To live like a carefree child! But, if that were the case, I wouldn't need a Savior. I wouldn't need to depend on God, I could just depend on myself. I could handle all of it alone.
I know one thing for sure....I want the Lord close to me! I want him to come to my rescue when I feel as if I am drowning in my sorrows! I am assured of these two things when I read verses 18-19. The psalmist assures me that I am not alone, that my God will draw close to me and rescue me. I need God's wisdom, power and courage to get through the things of this life. He may not always totally wipe away the troubles but he will always help me through...I don't have to do it by myself!
We have all had times when we question God's presence in our circumstances. We wonder why. We try to make sense of what his plan for us may be. Or, we just try to make our own plans work because we are tired of waiting on him. But, there is another promise in this psalm:
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. (v. 5)
Lord, I want to be radiant with joy! I want to feel no shame because I know that I have waited and depended on you to show me the way. Help me, Lord, to trust you in all areas of my life. I want you to draw close to me as I lay all my burdens at your feet. You are the God who can and will rescue me....I can't rescue myself. I need you and I love you, Heavenly Father. Amen
Please share any comments with us! Also, invite your friends to read the blog. It may be just the blessing they need at this time in their life. Have a great day!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
It's All About God
I hope you had a great weekend! The psalm I'm reading from today is a reminder that life is all about God. It's Psalm 33. Let's listen to what God wants to say!
I hear God saying, "Put your focus right here...on me. I am the source of everything you need, and I want to bless your life." That's important, because most people don't think that way. Most of the time they're focusing on anything but God. But the wise know where to look.
Worship fills the opening of this poem: "Sing joyfully to the LORD....praise him. Praise the LORD...make music to him...Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy." There is something wonderful that happens to us when we worship from the heart, when we let ourselves feel the wonder of God and let him know how awesome he is to us! Worship calms my mind when it's troubled. It makes me feel alive and reminds me that God is worth celebrating!
And why should I worship him? Because he formed the universe and rules it in his unimaginable wisdom! Because no matter what plans we humans make, it's his purposes and plans that prevail. I should worship because he is the source of life.
When I worship God authentically, it inspires me to trust him. Let's face it, sometimes it's hard to trust. I'm constantly tempted to take the world on my own shoulders and think that I have to solve everything. As if it's all up to me! That is a very stressful place to be, not to mention an unrealistic one. Lifting up the God who even formed my heart inspires me to let him be God. It helps me to turn over my plans to him and wait in hope for him. I love the ending lines:
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. (v. 20-21)
If I will really put my hope in God and trust his love, then I always have something to bring joy to my heart! And joy is really good thing!
Please help me expand the reach of this tool to others by sharing it to your Facebook page. Just click on the "F" icon below! And share your thoughts about what you heard from God in this psalm by commenting. I love to hear from you!
I hear God saying, "Put your focus right here...on me. I am the source of everything you need, and I want to bless your life." That's important, because most people don't think that way. Most of the time they're focusing on anything but God. But the wise know where to look.
Worship fills the opening of this poem: "Sing joyfully to the LORD....praise him. Praise the LORD...make music to him...Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy." There is something wonderful that happens to us when we worship from the heart, when we let ourselves feel the wonder of God and let him know how awesome he is to us! Worship calms my mind when it's troubled. It makes me feel alive and reminds me that God is worth celebrating!
And why should I worship him? Because he formed the universe and rules it in his unimaginable wisdom! Because no matter what plans we humans make, it's his purposes and plans that prevail. I should worship because he is the source of life.
When I worship God authentically, it inspires me to trust him. Let's face it, sometimes it's hard to trust. I'm constantly tempted to take the world on my own shoulders and think that I have to solve everything. As if it's all up to me! That is a very stressful place to be, not to mention an unrealistic one. Lifting up the God who even formed my heart inspires me to let him be God. It helps me to turn over my plans to him and wait in hope for him. I love the ending lines:
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. (v. 20-21)
If I will really put my hope in God and trust his love, then I always have something to bring joy to my heart! And joy is really good thing!
Please help me expand the reach of this tool to others by sharing it to your Facebook page. Just click on the "F" icon below! And share your thoughts about what you heard from God in this psalm by commenting. I love to hear from you!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Sweet Forgiveness
Friday is finally here and most of us are winding down for the weekend! Join me, Michele, in Psalm 32 this morning. Forgiveness is the central theme of this song. What a refreshing topic for us to focus on today! I know that I daily need God's forgiveness and I am reminded of the joy of being forgiven as we read this psalm.
Immediately, in the first 2 verses of this reading, I am filled with hope!
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! (v. 1-2)
I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded of the complete forgiveness that is mine through my relationship w/ Christ. My past is full of choices that have led to life-long consequences. I lived my life, at one time, completely for myself and my decisions were definite proof of that. David, the writer of this psalm, had also made some choices that brought regret and remorse to him. David wrote this psalm after he realized God's forgiveness of his sins against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah. Talk about needing to know you are forgiven!
God not only forgives our disobedience but he also no longer sees our sin and totally clears us of all guilt! Ahhh........that's what I need to remember! Forgiveness is something I need every day of my life and it is mine, and yours, through faith in Christ. We no longer have to carry the weight of guilt or feel like we carry a big sticker on our forehead naming the worst thing we've done in our life. No, we need to turn to God, repent of our sin, and believe what God's Word says about his promise to forgive. It is a promise and God's promises are always true!!
Dear Lord, please help me to claim your forgiveness and feel the joy that comes along with that. Help me to live an honest life that honors you. Help me to remember, when I mess us up, and I will on a daily basis, that forgiveness is mine through faith in you. Keep my feet on your path and help me to live my life for you. I am forgiven, you see my sins no more and you have taken away my guilt. I love you, Lord! I am yours, washed and cleansed through the blood of your son, Jesus!! Amen.
Please share your comments about this psalm with us. Chances are, your heart picked up on another verse in this song and it would be interesting to know what God is saying to you. We would love to hear from you!! Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!
Immediately, in the first 2 verses of this reading, I am filled with hope!
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! (v. 1-2)
I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded of the complete forgiveness that is mine through my relationship w/ Christ. My past is full of choices that have led to life-long consequences. I lived my life, at one time, completely for myself and my decisions were definite proof of that. David, the writer of this psalm, had also made some choices that brought regret and remorse to him. David wrote this psalm after he realized God's forgiveness of his sins against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah. Talk about needing to know you are forgiven!
God not only forgives our disobedience but he also no longer sees our sin and totally clears us of all guilt! Ahhh........that's what I need to remember! Forgiveness is something I need every day of my life and it is mine, and yours, through faith in Christ. We no longer have to carry the weight of guilt or feel like we carry a big sticker on our forehead naming the worst thing we've done in our life. No, we need to turn to God, repent of our sin, and believe what God's Word says about his promise to forgive. It is a promise and God's promises are always true!!
Dear Lord, please help me to claim your forgiveness and feel the joy that comes along with that. Help me to live an honest life that honors you. Help me to remember, when I mess us up, and I will on a daily basis, that forgiveness is mine through faith in you. Keep my feet on your path and help me to live my life for you. I am forgiven, you see my sins no more and you have taken away my guilt. I love you, Lord! I am yours, washed and cleansed through the blood of your son, Jesus!! Amen.
Please share your comments about this psalm with us. Chances are, your heart picked up on another verse in this song and it would be interesting to know what God is saying to you. We would love to hear from you!! Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Point the Way
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Our conversation with God today is centering around Psalm 31. Let's ask God to speak to us through it and then read it together. If something stands out to you, underline it. Think about it. How does it apply to what's going on in your life right now?
Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. (v. 3)
This is wisdom. If God is the strong bedrock that keeps me secure, I want his help in making my decisions. So many choices. Such an array of paths to take. How will my life be different ten years from now if I choose this path or that one? It can be a paralyzing thought sometimes. If I choose this school or that school for my kids, will it affect the kind of adults they become? Will more happiness come my way if I stay on this career path or should I divert to that one? How will this relationship play out if I pursue it? I don't know the future or the long-term implications of the decisions I make.
But I know someone who does! God, it is you. I know you have given me my mind to reason, to imagine, to problem-solve. You've given me my intuition to help me know when something feels right and when it doesn't. You've provided me with common sense. But still I know that these tools are all fallible and can potentially be misleading. But you are not, God.
Lord, please lead and guide me in the decisions I am making. Be my compass. May my reasoning and intuition be channeled through the superintending influence of the Holy Spirit. Guide me to decisions that will bring about a future of blessing and joy instead of sorrow and regret. And do this "for the sake of your name"--not just for my own good but for your good intentions and your glory. Let everyone in my life see that your guidance leads to the best places! Amen.
Help me reach my goal of doubling the followers of this blog by the end of July. Below is a row of icons. The one with the F is Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, please click on it and then type in a comment to share this blog entry on your profile status. It's one easy way to share your faith! (You may be prompted to log in to Facebook.)
Also, share your insights into God's word to you today. Sign in at the top right corner and then type your comments below. Or choose Anonymous from the "Comment as" menu. Be blessed and be a blessing!
Our conversation with God today is centering around Psalm 31. Let's ask God to speak to us through it and then read it together. If something stands out to you, underline it. Think about it. How does it apply to what's going on in your life right now?
Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. (v. 3)
This is wisdom. If God is the strong bedrock that keeps me secure, I want his help in making my decisions. So many choices. Such an array of paths to take. How will my life be different ten years from now if I choose this path or that one? It can be a paralyzing thought sometimes. If I choose this school or that school for my kids, will it affect the kind of adults they become? Will more happiness come my way if I stay on this career path or should I divert to that one? How will this relationship play out if I pursue it? I don't know the future or the long-term implications of the decisions I make.
But I know someone who does! God, it is you. I know you have given me my mind to reason, to imagine, to problem-solve. You've given me my intuition to help me know when something feels right and when it doesn't. You've provided me with common sense. But still I know that these tools are all fallible and can potentially be misleading. But you are not, God.
Lord, please lead and guide me in the decisions I am making. Be my compass. May my reasoning and intuition be channeled through the superintending influence of the Holy Spirit. Guide me to decisions that will bring about a future of blessing and joy instead of sorrow and regret. And do this "for the sake of your name"--not just for my own good but for your good intentions and your glory. Let everyone in my life see that your guidance leads to the best places! Amen.
Help me reach my goal of doubling the followers of this blog by the end of July. Below is a row of icons. The one with the F is Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, please click on it and then type in a comment to share this blog entry on your profile status. It's one easy way to share your faith! (You may be prompted to log in to Facebook.)
Also, share your insights into God's word to you today. Sign in at the top right corner and then type your comments below. Or choose Anonymous from the "Comment as" menu. Be blessed and be a blessing!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Do the Dance!
Speak, Lord, your servant is listening! I'm taking in your word in Psalm 30. Show me what you want me to hear most importantly right now. Ingrain it on my heart. I love to read your inspired word and know it is your letter to me!
When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. (v. 6-7)
Self-confidence is important, but it should be anchored in my my trust in God. Any sense of security that is based on my own ingenuity, my job, my savings, or the way I've positioned myself is a like leaning on a spider web. There have been times that my confidence was more in myself than it should have been and, like the psalmist, I sooner or later discovered that any security I had was because of God's favor. Even my assets were from him. And when he "hid his face" I was quickly reminded of how much I must depend on him.
But when I lean on God through life's challenges and disappointments, he wants me to rest on this promise:
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (v. 5)
I'm hearing Trading My Sorrows in my head right now. God will at times discipline me or test me because he loves me and wants me to grow. But his favor is always upon me, even when I don't feel it. I am his child, and he loves me even when I disappoint him. Sad times and hard times don't last. But God's love does. My days may feel more like the dead of night for a season, but God has promised that the morning sun is on its way! I'm claiming that promise today. Joy is coming!
And when it does come, then I will break out in celebration for what God has done:
You turned my mourning into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy... (v. 11)
Yes, there is a time to dance! And nobody should dance like the children of God! Celebrate his blessings! Do the dance!
Help me reach my goal of doubling the followers of this blog by the end of July. Below is a row of icons. The one with the F is Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, please click on it and then type in a comment to share this blog entry on your profile status. It's one easy way to share your faith! (You may be prompted to log in to Facebook.)
Also, share your insights into God's word to you today. Sign in at the top right corner and then type your comments below. Or choose Anonymous from the "Comment as" menu. Be blessed and be a blessing!
When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. (v. 6-7)
Self-confidence is important, but it should be anchored in my my trust in God. Any sense of security that is based on my own ingenuity, my job, my savings, or the way I've positioned myself is a like leaning on a spider web. There have been times that my confidence was more in myself than it should have been and, like the psalmist, I sooner or later discovered that any security I had was because of God's favor. Even my assets were from him. And when he "hid his face" I was quickly reminded of how much I must depend on him.
But when I lean on God through life's challenges and disappointments, he wants me to rest on this promise:
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (v. 5)
I'm hearing Trading My Sorrows in my head right now. God will at times discipline me or test me because he loves me and wants me to grow. But his favor is always upon me, even when I don't feel it. I am his child, and he loves me even when I disappoint him. Sad times and hard times don't last. But God's love does. My days may feel more like the dead of night for a season, but God has promised that the morning sun is on its way! I'm claiming that promise today. Joy is coming!
And when it does come, then I will break out in celebration for what God has done:
You turned my mourning into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy... (v. 11)
Yes, there is a time to dance! And nobody should dance like the children of God! Celebrate his blessings! Do the dance!
Help me reach my goal of doubling the followers of this blog by the end of July. Below is a row of icons. The one with the F is Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, please click on it and then type in a comment to share this blog entry on your profile status. It's one easy way to share your faith! (You may be prompted to log in to Facebook.)
Also, share your insights into God's word to you today. Sign in at the top right corner and then type your comments below. Or choose Anonymous from the "Comment as" menu. Be blessed and be a blessing!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Storm God
God is thundering today through Psalm 29! Take in the scene with me! Can you hear it?
The God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.... The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars.... The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the LORD shakes the desert...twists the oaks and strips the forests bare.
This is possibly the noisiest, most chaotic text in the Bible. Seven times the voice of the LORD thunders. The mountains, the desert, the seas all shake and churn, the trees bend back and forth as huge branches break under the pressure as the storm of God's power thrashes them! God's might and strength are compounded by his fury. The displays of his glory are sometimes violent and awesome.
In the middle of all the noise and disruption--the pounding rain, the crashing thunder, the flashes of lightning, the hurricane-force winds--the last line of the poem seems totally out of place:
The LORD blesses his people with peace (v. 11).
There is something about being awed by God's power and might, even in the most tumultuous displays of his glory, that calms the heart of one who loves him. Unlike his enemies, we take comfort in his power. We know that he uses it to defend us. So the thunder of God's voice may ravage the world around us while at the same time settling a peace over our hearts. That is the blessing of belonging to him.
Yes, God sometimes rides the storms. Sometimes it is he who brings it. But if you are his son or his daughter, you are seeing the strength and glory of your Father in the storm. Let his awesome might bring peace to your heart and calm your spirit. He's on your side!
Father, you amaze me! The displays of your glory are astounding! Your power humbles me and reassures me that my God is awesome! Show the world your might! Flex your muscles! Only remember to keep your promise to bless your people with peace. My soul finds rest in you in the midst of the storms. Amen.
Your impressions of God's message to you in this text may be an encouragement to others. Please share them by commenting below. To do that, sign in at the top right corner first, then type your comments. Or choose Anonymous in the "Comment as" field. God be with you today!
The God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.... The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars.... The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the LORD shakes the desert...twists the oaks and strips the forests bare.
This is possibly the noisiest, most chaotic text in the Bible. Seven times the voice of the LORD thunders. The mountains, the desert, the seas all shake and churn, the trees bend back and forth as huge branches break under the pressure as the storm of God's power thrashes them! God's might and strength are compounded by his fury. The displays of his glory are sometimes violent and awesome.
In the middle of all the noise and disruption--the pounding rain, the crashing thunder, the flashes of lightning, the hurricane-force winds--the last line of the poem seems totally out of place:
The LORD blesses his people with peace (v. 11).
There is something about being awed by God's power and might, even in the most tumultuous displays of his glory, that calms the heart of one who loves him. Unlike his enemies, we take comfort in his power. We know that he uses it to defend us. So the thunder of God's voice may ravage the world around us while at the same time settling a peace over our hearts. That is the blessing of belonging to him.
Yes, God sometimes rides the storms. Sometimes it is he who brings it. But if you are his son or his daughter, you are seeing the strength and glory of your Father in the storm. Let his awesome might bring peace to your heart and calm your spirit. He's on your side!
Father, you amaze me! The displays of your glory are astounding! Your power humbles me and reassures me that my God is awesome! Show the world your might! Flex your muscles! Only remember to keep your promise to bless your people with peace. My soul finds rest in you in the midst of the storms. Amen.
Your impressions of God's message to you in this text may be an encouragement to others. Please share them by commenting below. To do that, sign in at the top right corner first, then type your comments. Or choose Anonymous in the "Comment as" field. God be with you today!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Two-Faced Man With Your Two-Faced Lies
Well, if you've been working for the weekend, congratulations! It's here! If you're part of One Life Church, first watch this short video announcement:
I know how much I need to let God shape my perspective today, so I'm sitting down for some time alone with him in Psalm 28. You're invited to join us! First pray and ask God to speak what you need to hear. Read the psalm with me at least twice, preferably out loud. Keep looking over it and see what catches your attention most. Here's what I noticed...
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts... Repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve. (v. 3-4)
Duplicity. There really is a lot of it in this world. Is there anything uglier? It's like AC/DC's old rant, Kicked in the Teeth Again, where Bon Scott screamed about that "two-faced woman with your two-faced lies." It reminds me of a time shortly after I had stepped into a long-established church as their new minister, some years ago. One of the 60-something couples always greeted us cordially at worship gatherings with big smiles and handshakes and were very friendly. One evening, they invited our family for dinner at their house and we had a nice time. Not long after that, I had gone to breakfast with some minister friends at a local restaurant one morning. We were sitting in a high-backed booth talking and eating when we started hearing a loud voice coming from the booth directly next to ours behind me. I immediately recognized the voice as belonging to this man who had previously had us over for dinner. He was in the middle of a rant with two of our church leaders about what a menace to the church I was! He was angrily going on and on and, at one point, even compared me to Hitler! My friends and I were looking at each other in disbelief. The reason for his malice? I had introduced projecting lyrics on screens instead of using the hymn books and brought more contemporary songs into the mix with the traditional hymns. In his mind, the church was headed straight to hell behind me.
The man's dislike of technology and new songs is one thing. He's entitled to his opinion. What disgusts me is his duplicity. There is nothing quite so slimy as a person who pretends to like you when they really hate you. They say nice things to your face and then stab you in the back with a proverbial knife. Maybe you've been the victim of someone like that. The comfort is in knowing that God sees. He knows. And he is not pleased. He will bring their treachery back to haunt them. Why? The psalm explains...
Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again. (v. 5)
What are "the works of the LORD" that such people have no regard for? Their neighbors that that they hate. What has God "done with his hands" that they totally disregard with their malice? He created that person that they are hurting. He formed them. And he loves them so much that he sent his one unique Son, Jesus, to suffer and die to save them and bring them back to himself.
Father, thank you for reminding me about the value of every person you've created. May I treat them as your works, the creation of your hands. Lord, point out any hint of duplicity in me. If any is there, please show it to me and convict me. May I never harbor malice against anyone or be guilty of treachery. Purge me of any spite towards another person. Free me from all hatred to be able to love even my enemies. Make me true and authentic in all my relationships. Amen!
We welcome you to share whatever God has stamped on your heart through this inspired text. Sign in first (top right corner of the page). Then type your comments below. Or skip the sign-in and choose Anonymous from the "Comment as" field. Have a God-led weekend!
I know how much I need to let God shape my perspective today, so I'm sitting down for some time alone with him in Psalm 28. You're invited to join us! First pray and ask God to speak what you need to hear. Read the psalm with me at least twice, preferably out loud. Keep looking over it and see what catches your attention most. Here's what I noticed...
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts... Repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve. (v. 3-4)
Duplicity. There really is a lot of it in this world. Is there anything uglier? It's like AC/DC's old rant, Kicked in the Teeth Again, where Bon Scott screamed about that "two-faced woman with your two-faced lies." It reminds me of a time shortly after I had stepped into a long-established church as their new minister, some years ago. One of the 60-something couples always greeted us cordially at worship gatherings with big smiles and handshakes and were very friendly. One evening, they invited our family for dinner at their house and we had a nice time. Not long after that, I had gone to breakfast with some minister friends at a local restaurant one morning. We were sitting in a high-backed booth talking and eating when we started hearing a loud voice coming from the booth directly next to ours behind me. I immediately recognized the voice as belonging to this man who had previously had us over for dinner. He was in the middle of a rant with two of our church leaders about what a menace to the church I was! He was angrily going on and on and, at one point, even compared me to Hitler! My friends and I were looking at each other in disbelief. The reason for his malice? I had introduced projecting lyrics on screens instead of using the hymn books and brought more contemporary songs into the mix with the traditional hymns. In his mind, the church was headed straight to hell behind me.
The man's dislike of technology and new songs is one thing. He's entitled to his opinion. What disgusts me is his duplicity. There is nothing quite so slimy as a person who pretends to like you when they really hate you. They say nice things to your face and then stab you in the back with a proverbial knife. Maybe you've been the victim of someone like that. The comfort is in knowing that God sees. He knows. And he is not pleased. He will bring their treachery back to haunt them. Why? The psalm explains...
Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again. (v. 5)
What are "the works of the LORD" that such people have no regard for? Their neighbors that that they hate. What has God "done with his hands" that they totally disregard with their malice? He created that person that they are hurting. He formed them. And he loves them so much that he sent his one unique Son, Jesus, to suffer and die to save them and bring them back to himself.
Father, thank you for reminding me about the value of every person you've created. May I treat them as your works, the creation of your hands. Lord, point out any hint of duplicity in me. If any is there, please show it to me and convict me. May I never harbor malice against anyone or be guilty of treachery. Purge me of any spite towards another person. Free me from all hatred to be able to love even my enemies. Make me true and authentic in all my relationships. Amen!
We welcome you to share whatever God has stamped on your heart through this inspired text. Sign in first (top right corner of the page). Then type your comments below. Or skip the sign-in and choose Anonymous from the "Comment as" field. Have a God-led weekend!
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