Christian Reflection and Prayer

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose
confidence is in him.” — Jeremiah 17:7

When we live our lives with faith, we will be able to thrive
in any circumstance. Faith is the water that nourishes
our roots, our soul, and allows us to flourish whatever
the situation. We are grateful for the good in our lives
and use our blessings well. We understand that even
the challenges are blessings, for it is through them that
we grow.

The choice is ours: we can plant ourselves in a desert,
or in the luscious grounds of faith. Just like trees, it is
where we live that determines how we will grow.

With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

Scripture:

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain
you". Psalm 55:22

Reflection:

I know that in some of my past reflections, I have told
you about my problems with alcohol. With the help of
God and A A, I have been able to stay sober since 1978.
The one prayer that I remember saying with my brothers
and sisters was this prayer; "God grant me the serenity
to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change
the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
" This very important prayer expresses a necessary
thought, and that is "we should all pray-and live".

I realize now that there are some things in life that cannot
be changed, and some can. Some things God has given
to us as fixed realities that yes we must accept. And
some things He would have us not accept, but with his
help we work to change. If we fail to do both of these, to
accept some things and work to change others, I am
convinced we will end up heavily burdened with worry,
certainly undeserved guilt, and exhaustible frustration.

Someone once said, "Worry is the interest paid on
trouble before it comes to." But instead God wants us
to trust Him". "Cast your burden on the Lord and He will
sustain you."

Prayer:

O Lord right here and now I give you my burden because
Lord I know You will sustain me. I trust in You, I know
that You are there for me. Thank You Lord for taking my
burdens away from me. "God grant me the serenity
to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change
the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference".
AMEN!

Scripture:

"There is not a righteous man on earth who does
what is right and never sins"
Ecclesiastes 7:20

Either we can remain stuck in our sinful ways and
harm ourselves for all of eternity, or we can choose
repentance and turn our descent into an ascent.

Repentance not only repairs our relationship with
God; it enhances it!

I remind myself the power of repentance is available
to me every day and at all times. Is there something
bogging you down? Climb out of the rut and upward
to God. Repent and raise yourself higher. Every fall
can keep you down. Or it can inspire you to rise up
and stand taller than ever before.
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