Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

"You rescue those who are humble, but you humiliate
the proud. Psalm 18:27 NLT

The high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, the Holy One,
says this: "I live in that high and holy place with those
whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble
and give new courage to those with repentant hearts."
Isaiah 57:15 NLT

Reflection:

I really can't begin to tell you how many sermons I have
heard on the subject of Pride and Humility. I've given a few
myself. We are constantly reminded that the original sin was
the sin of pride. Adam and Eve were so full of pride they elevated
themselves above God. Boy did they Blow It. Then we are told
to be humble, a kind of self effacing humility. To elevate yourself
above God is wrong, but to destroy one's self-worth is certainly
not acceptable because it cheapens the high worth God placed
upon us when He created us in His own image. Contrary to
what Martin Luther stated we are not worms. We are people
that God loved so much He gave His Son to die for our sins.
You see we have great value in God's eyes. My goal is to
see myself as God sees me.

Prayer:

Oh Lord thank you for creating me in your own image.
Make humble to the fact that you are my creator, and
that Your love is my biggest desire. THANK YOU GOD
FOR BEING GOD

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.