Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge." Ruth 2:12


Reflection:

This Scripture has a very important message for us. God never abandons His own. God
is always with us. It doesn't make any difference what is going on in our lives, He is
always there. In times of danger and distress, He spreads His wings of protection and
comfort over us. We have to always keep in mind that we need not fear anything,
because God protects us.
I remember when I was a kid and living in the midwest in the middle of tornado alley.
I recall when I was about ten years old watching in my living room through a big
picture window a tornado coming towards our home. I remember my father picking
me up and caring me to the basement, I never felt so protected in my life.
This is how I feel with God, His wings are there to protect me, I am safe under
the canopy of God's constant care. "He shall cover you with His feathers, and
under His wings you shall take refuge:|" (Ps. 91:4)

Prayer:

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.
THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD!

Scripture:

"Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;
rebuke a wise man, and he will love you."
(Proverbs 9:8)

Reflection:

I dont know about you, but I just hate to be told that I'm wrong about
something. I really have to hold back getting angry and letting my
feelings get hurt. I have some pretty wise children, they were a
definite gift from God. They are often right, and more than willing to let
me know when I am wrong. Oh my ego gets so bruised and I sulk,
and become moody. But often times later I'm glad I listened and put
some of those feelings in check. Why? because what was
actually said did help me. Proverbs 9:12 says, "If you are wise, you
are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone."
Throughout my years as a pastor, I have realized this very important
truth> the person who was wise and accepted correction certainly
found personal blessings. Those who scoffed reaped pain and grief.

Prayer:

Lord, I pray for wisdom, not to be right, but to be accepting.
May I always be willing to accept the fact that I can be wrong.
THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD!
In Jesus Name Amen

Scripture:

When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. - Matthew 8:1-3.

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ - Matthew 19:13-14.

Reflection:

One very important thing that really pops out at me with these two scriptures, it is the approachability of
Jesus Christ. Even those who were considered the lowest of lows in Hebrew society, lepers and children,
could come to Christ knowing that he cared for them. Doesn't this make you wonder how approachable
you are to people, especially those in need. I mean I have to ask myself, Am I following the example of
of the Lord? Would I talk to a leper, let alone touch him. I remember when aids was first diagnosed
and the attitudes people had to people inflicted with that terrible disease. As it turned out I was asked to
do my seminary internship on a aids unit. I sure learned something about approachability.
How approachable are you? Would any of these “unclean” people be allowed to visit in your home? Would any of these people be able to talk with you outside of your home? Would any of these people be able to call you and talk with you by telephone? Would you even allow any of these people to communicate with you by email? Before the spiritually sick will be healed we must allow them to have contact with us. We must be approachable. Are you?


Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you that i can always come to you, I can always count on you,
may all feel the same about me. May I alway be approachable.THANK YOU GOD FOR
BEING GOD. In Jesus Name Amen.