Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Who knows if He will turn and relent, and
leave a blessing behind Him? (Joel 2:14)

Reflection:

You know it is hard to believe that God would fight
against his Chosen People. But they were worshiping
other gods. I have come to believe in my life that when
I stray from God's presence, when I turn my back upon
Jesus my Savior, He will deal with me. You see I have
discovered that I can count on God to fight to bring me
back. God will fight against me for my own good. Now
that's a loving Father. Jesus let's me experience defeat
in order for me to listen to Him. And when I finally listen
to Him, my life is so much better. How about your life!

Prayer:

Lord thank you for being there for me. I know that I can
can count on you as my Father. Thank you for being a
loving and caring Father he will discipline me in order for
me to come to my Savior. THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING
GOD!

Quote of the Day

Baroness Bertha von Suttner
Author, Activist, First Woman Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize
(1843-1914)

"The question of whether violence or law shall prevail between
states is the most vital of the problems of our eventful era.
Inconceivable would be the consequence of the threatening
world war which many misguided people are prepared to precipitate."

Scripture:

"This grace was given, that I should preach
among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of
Christ." (Ephesians 3:8)

Reflection:

This is part of a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote
to the church in Ephesus. Do you realize that
Paul was a prisoner at the time he wrote this
letter. All through the Book of Ephesians, Paul
has this upbeat attitude being excited about the
unsearchable riches of Christ, and all that time
he is suffering the pain and humiliation of a prisoner.
But he didn't see himself as a prisoner of the state
but as a prisoner of Christ. He took the hardship that
he was suffering and made into an exciting opportunity
to bring the Gospel to the gentiles. I'm curious do you
use the pain, the disappointments, the discouragements,
that you encounter in life as an opportunity to tell others
about Jesus Christ? What a wonderful way to approach
your life. In Ephesians 3:8, Paul states "To me, who am
less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given,
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable
riches of Christ". Paul, a prisoner of Christ, saw himself as
being given the privilege to serve God and present the
"riches of Christ" to all. Are You a prisoner of Christ?

Prayer:

Lord afflictions may test me, They cannot destroy me,
because You are my Savior, thank you that one small
glimpse of Your love turns them all to joy. THANK GOD
FOR BEING GOD!

Quote of the Day

Lucretia Mott
Quaker, Pacifist Abolitionist, Feminist
(1793-1880)

"Let it be called the Great Spirit of the Indian, the Quaker
‘Inward Light' of George Fox, the ‘Blessed Mary,' Mother
of Jesus of the Catholics, or Brahman, the Hindu's God -
they will be one, and there will come to be such a faith
and liberty as shall redeem the world.

O God, the source of creation, ever-present
in the changes of this world, be present
with your people who cry to you for help.
Empower us with vision and strength to
enable the peoples of this earth to acquire
the skills and resources necessary to a
growing world. Enable those from countries
with plenty to share their lives, funds, and resources with those in need. Embolden
those with vision to proclaim new ways of
creating communities of responsibility.
Engage us in learning from one another
and in valuing the unique gifts that you
have given to the people of every land.
Bless your people, O God, who cry to you. Amen.

- Vienna Cobb Anderson