Forgiveness

As a therapist, I understand and work through to a state of forgiveness with many of the people I minister to. Personally speaking, forgiveness for me takes time...lots of time. Like most of us when I am initially hurt, anger so easily enters my thoughts and feelings....so much so that it makes it hard for me to even pray. That piece of the forgiveness process is harder on me than the hurt that I feel. 

I have just come through a time of being hurt and finally...this morning...am able to pray and experience God's presence fresh and new. Having often wished life would be easier, it is much more honest to express my anger and hurt to the one who has done the hurting. That is not always helpful, especially when they don't see their part. The reality is my comfort had to come from pouring every thought, every hurt feeling to the Lord. There may come a time when I will be able to talk to the one who did the hurting. And then, there may not. 

Bottom line, when I stay face to face with the Lord, clinging to a corner of robe, He will bring comfort to my heart and the truth of Himself to my mind. I realized this morning, part of the forgiveness process for me was to return to a place of respect for Him and His presence in my life. The Lord in turn waited, remained steadfast, and just kept loving me. 

When we are hurt, it is "customary and usual" to experience a time where we distance. Relief comes when we can let go and let His truth sooth our hurting spirit and His wisdom come to the surface. 

Lord bless you all today!

November 29, 2010

The Foundation of Unity and Humility

Philippians chapter 2 begins by Paul stating four rhetorical statements...

If you have any encouragment in Christ,
any comfort in love,
any participation in the Spirit,
any affection and sympathy...(ESV)

These four statements follow an outpouring of Paul's affection to the struggling church of Philippi. He spent most of the first chapter talking about the importance of contending for the Gospel. His focus was on the outside opposition that we all face when we choose to further the Kingdom of God. In short, I think Paul was preparing the church at Philippi for the reality of suffering and its role in our walk with Christ. As he begins here, his focus turns from the opposition experienced that is external and begins to prepare the church for the internal battles they are going to face. Paul challenges his flock to remember the encouragement they have received from Christ, the way His love has helped them be strong and brave, the things they have in common with His spirit, and way God reveals himself affectionately through His mercy and grace.

All of these things are crucial if we are to lay a foundation for unity and humility within the body of Christ. Take a few moments and remind yourself of the encouragement being a child of Christ gives you. Let your thoughts linger on how the reality of His love has made your stronger and more brave as you have trusted its presence. Then, let His Spirit reveal to you the qualities of Christ that are being developed and shared between the two of you. This takes some time in that most of us are not used to identifying what we do well...it is much easier to see how we fail in participating with His Spirit. Once you have identified, or at least tried to, how you may share some of the same characteristics of God's Spirit...allow yourself to rehearse the truth of His Word that reminds us that His steadfast love of the Lord never ceases and His mercy never comes to an end. That kind of love may be hard to receive but it is there for you and will never diminish or turn away from you.

Lord, help us lay the foundation of unity from within the body of Christ. We need to remember what you have provided for us. Thank you for never turning away, racing ahead, or being distracted to something better. Our lives are yours...In your name, Amen

Early Morning Hours

Hello dear friends....It is early on a Saturday morning...the house is quiet along with my spirit....So often during these times I am so aware of my need for the Lord. In addition, I am aware of HIM, His presence, His love, His covering. The Lord's Covering. Having just finished a holiday where loving my dear family and friends is celebrated, I cannot proceed without expressing how grateful I am for the one who loved me enough to give His life for me. There is little I can do without His leading, presence, and correction.

So, as the day begins...my prayer for each of you is that you will become increasingly aware of the Lord's presence and anointing that reside within you. Let Him lead you through each task of the day. May His words be placed in your mouth. May His Spirit enfold you protecting you from the arrows of the enemy's lies. We are a loved bunch....Amazing isn't it?!

Reflecting

Okay...my stomach is STILL full and I am waxing eloquent...bear with me. Returning home after spending an enjoyable Thanksgiving day with friends, I find myself reflecting on past years and precious memories of time with family. With parents gone and my life in transition, my relationship with Jesus Christ surges to the surface with increasing intensity. I have often thought, "How do others manage life without the awareness they are deeply loved by God?" Many would say they do not believe God is present or even aware they exist. I disagree...When I look at the evidence of His design in the intricacies of the human body, the human spirit, His existence is undeniable. 

I had opportunity to interact with a three month old baby. His eyes intent, watching every movement of my mouth, responding to my tone of voice and gentle touch. All the inner processes working to integrate the information his senses were exposed to. The preciousness of his little being touched me the most. We are so blessed with the miraculous around us it is overwhelming. I am so thankful...my heart is full...