Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

"No one stood with me, all forsook me....... But the Lord stood with
me and strengthened me. (II Timothy 4:16-17)

Reflection:

As I grow older, which is coming much to fast, I've learned a valuable
lesson. You can't expect to much from people. I have put so much
time, energy and love into friends and family and have seen very little
growth, and receive no acknowledgement for my efforts. I've even seen
some others receive credit for the work I've done. I've come to the
conclusion that if I expect everyone to appreciate what I have done for
them, I'm going to be deeply hurt. Is that my real motive, to be recognized,
or can I give freely not seeking to be seen and applauded for my efforts. You
know what the answer is? I should never expect to gain from others what
only Jesus can give. You see my task, as a follower of Christ, is simply
to give and leave the results to our Master, thats what Jesus did. I look
forward to my reward when I hear these words, "Well done, good and
faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21)

Prayer:

Lord I recognize that the service that I do for God may not be praised by
men, but I know when I stand before you my Lord, You will reward me then.
THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD

A Time To Forgive

Scripture:

Jesus said,"Father forgive them, for they do not know what
they do." (Luke 23: 24)

Reflection:

The recent shootings of four young girls in Pennsylvania has weighed upon my
heart. I was especially struck by the reaction of the Amish Community. What
a wonderful Christian response. These beautiful, gentle, people have
forgiven the shooter. They have offered to help his family and have shown them
their love. This is the same kind of forgiveness Christ showed upon the cross.
I heard it said somewhere that you can only forgive those who want to be
forgiven. This is not true. Jesus forgave the people who crucified him, even
though they were not seeking His forgiveness. This is the foundation of
Christ's teachings, that of forgiveness and compassion. Remember
revenge and bitterness will never be healing responses to the hatred and
rage of a lost world. Please show the compassion of Christ, just as it
was over 2,000 years ago. Learn the foundation message of Christ's
teachings, learn to forgive.

Prayer:

Oh God give me a heart sympathetic and tender; Jesus, like Thine,
Jesus, like Thine, Touched by the needs that are surging around
me, And filled with compassion divine. THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING
GOD!

COMPASSION IS NEEDED TO HEAL THE HURTS AND HEARTS OF OTHERS.

Being Smart Sometimes is Just Not Enough

Scripture:

"Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not fully
follow the Lord". (I Kings 11:6)

Reflection:

If you look back at history some of the smartest people in the world did
some of the dumbest things. They often fall short in the area of moral
discernment, often leading to tragic results. It is really obvious that a
high IQ is not enough to keep a person from bad choices. Solomon is
a perfect example, a King rich in treasures and wisdom made terrible choices.
After being told not to marry foreign woman, he did anyway, and they
turned his heart to other Gods. You know what this proves to me is that
the ability to make good decisions demands a heart devoted to God.
Our world today is filled with smart people who make immoral decisions.
The next time you vote, ask yourself this, Is my heart devoted to God? If
it is make your decision and vote. For once make the right choice, make
the moral choice.

Prayer:

Lord give me wisdom to make the right choices. Make my heart pure and
totally devoted to You. When I make this choice may it be according to your
desire. THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD!