Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

"Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;
rebuke a wise man, and he will love you."
(Proverbs 9:8)

Reflection:

I dont know about you, but I just hate to be told that I'm wrong about
something. I really have to hold back getting angry and letting my
feelings get hurt. I have some pretty wise children, they were a
definite gift from God. They are often right, and more than willing to let
me know when I am wrong. Oh my ego gets so bruised and I sulk,
and become moody. But often times later I'm glad I listened and put
some of those feelings in check. Why? because what was
actually said did help me. Proverbs 9:12 says, "If you are wise, you
are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone."
Throughout my years as a pastor, I have realized this very important
truth> the person who was wise and accepted correction certainly
found personal blessings. Those who scoffed reaped pain and grief.

Prayer:

Lord, I pray for wisdom, not to be right, but to be accepting.
May I always be willing to accept the fact that I can be wrong.
THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD!
In Jesus Name Amen

Scripture:

When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. - Matthew 8:1-3.

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ - Matthew 19:13-14.

Reflection:

One very important thing that really pops out at me with these two scriptures, it is the approachability of
Jesus Christ. Even those who were considered the lowest of lows in Hebrew society, lepers and children,
could come to Christ knowing that he cared for them. Doesn't this make you wonder how approachable
you are to people, especially those in need. I mean I have to ask myself, Am I following the example of
of the Lord? Would I talk to a leper, let alone touch him. I remember when aids was first diagnosed
and the attitudes people had to people inflicted with that terrible disease. As it turned out I was asked to
do my seminary internship on a aids unit. I sure learned something about approachability.
How approachable are you? Would any of these “unclean” people be allowed to visit in your home? Would any of these people be able to talk with you outside of your home? Would any of these people be able to call you and talk with you by telephone? Would you even allow any of these people to communicate with you by email? Before the spiritually sick will be healed we must allow them to have contact with us. We must be approachable. Are you?


Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you that i can always come to you, I can always count on you,
may all feel the same about me. May I alway be approachable.THANK YOU GOD FOR
BEING GOD. In Jesus Name Amen.

Is He My Shepherd?

Scripture:

The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

Reflection:

There are literally millions of people in this world who do not experience the comfort pictured in the
23rd Psalm. They say that the Lord is their shepherd but they don't let this shepherd into their
lives. Our good shepherd protects and takes care of us, His sheep. In order to receive this comfort
it is necessary to let Him into your life, into your heart, into your very soul. If you will only do this one
thing, you will not want for anything for Jesus Christ the good shepherd will take care of you. I
know this because I have let Him in. Remember you'll want nothing more when you want to follow
the Lord.

Prayer: O Jesus thank you for being my good shepherd, thank that by letting you into my heart and
wanting you, I shall not want. THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD
In Jesus Name Amen