Forever Faithful
Whether His warm sunshine is on our backs or the shadow of His wings hides us from the storms, He is forever faithful. He is worthy of trust in all things.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Prayer Works
When we seek God’s face in all things He will see to it all things work out. There are obstacles and challenges that grow us into His likeness but He walks with us in all things.
As we include others in our prayers it adds support and comfort. Prayers are actually felt no matter the distance in miles. Prayers work. Matthew 18:20 tells us: For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I will be right there among them.
Psalm 37:4 Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart’s desires.
The key is to put God first in all things.
Ephesians 3:20
Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.
Praying For Those Who Are In Bondage To Sin
There is a beautiful bond between God and His children. There is love and understanding and a desire to remain obedient which leads to peace and harmony. His protection and instructions are comforting. Even while waiting a long time for an answer, there is an awesome calmness. There is knowledge and wisdom even while walking through storms. God also sends mates, friendships and acquaintances who share Jesus Christ as a common goal. All these things lead to a growing closeness to God
However there are false bonds between people that are built on the devil’s lies. Things start out to be fun. There is a sense of achievement to think no one knows. That first drink or first fling leads to a second time and a third time. It’s not long before those fun habits become a way of life. Unfortunately there will become a time when consequences become a harsh reality. To try to speak to a friend who is in bondage to a destructive habit many times will fall on deaf ears. The hardest bondage to break are the habits that are fun. The friend who continues going after more and will rebuke anyone who tries to point out a pit fall that is quickly approaching.
To love such a friend is very painful. Not only will that friend become harsh but the friend will also continue the downward spiral while caring people painfully watch. There are more people who get hurt than just the person headed down a path of destruction. True love hurts.
The devil is notorious for making addictions, sin and bad habits fun. The devil is also lurking around waiting for the consequence so he can laugh.
Jesus loves all people enough to give His life. All people are loved by somebody. Friends care when friends are headed for destruction. Prayer for those who are confused is the best thing. God will guide the words and actions of those who try to reach people who have become bound to habits. Sometimes the reception will not be welcoming but genuine love and patience will hang in there with them.
2 Timothy 2:25-26
Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them, they are more likely, with God’s help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan’s trap of slavery to sin, which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God.
A Christmas Thought
It’s that time of year again. Shopping centers are filled with people looking for that special gift for a family member or friend. Streets are crowded with people trying to make it on time to an office party or family get together. Plans are being made for a large feast filled with choicest meats and desserts. Thoughts are being pondered about whether or not a gift will be liked or if a favorite uncle will get to attend the gathering.
It’s that time of year again. An elderly lady sits alone knitting special shoes hoping one day there will be someone she can give them to. Her refrigerator is filled with essentials like milk and bread. Her Bible is opened to Matthew 6 where Christ explains how to pray or to Colossians 1 praying for people she loves. She rejoices in her heart along with those who have gone before her yet misses them deeply. Her heart longs for just one phone call or card that doesn’t happen yet her heart is filled with love and compassion for people. Her Christmas gathering is an intimate time alone with Jesus Christ. After all, it’s Jesus’ birthday and time alone with Him is the gift He desires the most.
May the love of Jesus Christ embrace you this upcoming Christmas week. Always remember, if you tend to our Lord’s business, He will truly tend to yours and will meet your needs and desires.
Luke 10:38-42 New Living Translation
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Emotional Responses
It happens. A person chews us out for what seems like nothing and we either raise our voice in return on walk away and not speak. A coworker has not been on speaking terms for months. We try to conduct business but cannot because there is no response from that person at all. This makes us either want to run to the boss or other coworkers to force communication. A person is smothering. We cannot be anywhere without that person always being there and all around us. We either confront and hurt that person or give them the silent treatment.
Jesus understands the heart. As we become more into the likeness of Christ He helps us to develop a better understanding of what may be in a person’s hearts rather than their actions.
If we could see into the hearts of all the people who hurt or irritate us it would open up an understanding and compassion for people.
The person who is always quick to explode in anger could live in a home where a family member makes him feel he doesn’t matter. Even his biggest accomplishments are laughed at by a dad or older brother. The coworker who doesn’t answer may be facing an abusive relationship where somehow we are a reminder of that abuse. A smothering person is possibly having a hard time dealing with a rejection making them afraid they will lose our friendship too.
Prayer is the first step toward resolving these conflicts with people. An effective prayer is one where we ask God to give us a better understanding of what these people are going through. To be more like Christ is to seek to understand the hearts of others and to share their frustrations and hurts. Only then will it be easier to not take their actions personally. An angry person is a hurting person. An arrogant non speaking person is one who is afraid or uncertain. A demanding and clinging person is one who is damaged emotionally. A quick retort to any of these people could very well damage our avenue to reach them for Christ.
Psalm 19:14
May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to You, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.