Christian Reflection and Prayer

Headline:

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling last week. Drilling proponents argued that the refuge on Alaska's North Slope would provide 1 million barrels a day of additional domestic oil and reduce the need for imports. But others oppose developing what environmentalists argue is a pristine area, where drilling will harm caribou, polar bears and migratory birds. (AP)

Scripture:

26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, [b] and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Reflection:

This is just a few of the many passages found in the Holy Scriptures
that talk of Mankind to be rulers, caretakers, ambassadors, of His world.
Is this how to do it. Christian's should be appalled at this legislation.
I am so tired of every time that we find ourselves inconvenienced we take it out
on God's earth. Since the beginning of time we were to take care of God's
good earth, instead we have taken care of its demise. When are we going to take
our responsibility seriously. When are we going to ask WWJD ( What Would Jesus
Do). Would Jesus be the foreman of the drilling crew or the leader of the
environmentalists. If you say he would be the foreman of the drilling crew, I have
to seriously question your interpretation of Scripture. LET US PUT AN END
TO THE DESTRUCTION OF GOD'S ENVIRONMENT NOW!!!!!!!!!!
Write, email, phone, or fax, your congressman.

Prayer:

Lord let us take our responsibility seriously, I pray starting today
we take care of your environment. Lord give us strength to be Your
care takers, to do Your will. THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair. Hope.
Where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born
to eternal life.

Scripture:

"Are (angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those
who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)

Reflection:

My beloved mother, who is 91 years old and is ready to go home to Jesus,
said something the other day that got me thinking. She told me that when
she goes home to Jesus she hopes that she comes back as a guardian
angel so she can help and protect someone. Do you believe in angels?
I do. When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing the pain
that He was about to endure, was visited by an angel from heaven
strengthening Him. (Luke 22:43) I don't think i've ever seen an angel,
although I'm not sure, and i don't really need too. It's enough for me
to know and believe that they are there, quietly delivering work beyond
the realm of physical sight (Psalm 34:7), actually calling no attention
to themselves. I believe their protection is real. I believe I have an
angel who is there protecting me and strengthening my trust in
the God they so faithfully serve.

"What ready help our Father gives
To struggling saints below!
He sends His heavenly messengers
His power and grace to show." (D. De Haan)

Prayer:

Dear God thank you for sending me Your angel to watch over
and protect me. I often feel his/her presence and I know
they strengthen my life so I can continue to trust in my
Savior Jesus Christ. THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD

SCRIPTURE:

When Jesus arrived in Galilee, the people there welcomed him.
These people had seen all the things Jesus did at the
{Passover } festival in Jerusalem. These people had been at
the festival too. Jesus went to visit Cana in Galilee again.
Cana is where Jesus had changed the water into wine. One of
the king's important officials lived in the city of
Capernaum. This man's son was sick. The man heard that Jesus
had come from Judea and was now in Galilee. So the man went
to Jesus {in Cana}. He begged Jesus to come to Capernaum and
heal his son. His son was almost dead.

-- John 4:45-47 (ERV)

REFLECTION:

What is your reason for seeking out Jesus? You know some try to
find Jesus in their lives because they heard He was a great teacher,
or prophet, or miracle worker, or a host of other reasons. Or maybe
you look for Jesus just because your curious. I know that when I am
in so deep, or I'm in a situation in my life much to big and to grave
to overcome myself. I know that I need my Savior. Look at our
scripture for today. This big powerful political official, found himself
powerless. And what did he do? He went to Jesus for help,he
not only went to Jesus, he begged Jesus for help. Why? Because
he knew Christ could provide that help, he knew that for sure. He
did not hesitate for one minute to call on his Savior.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? Do you find yourself in situations that are much
to difficult to overcome. I suggest you call upon your Savior for help,
let Him into your life, let Him be your Lord and Savior. I promise your
life will be a whole lot better, and your life will be much, much
happier.

PRAYER:

Jesus, I admit that often in my life, when faced with problems, I
fail to call upon You. Help me to recognize that You are my
foundation, You are my strength, You are my help, You and You alone are my
help.