I would like to first apologize to all my readers (and lots of you I know personally even though I've asked you not to disclosed yourself for privacy sake.) for not keeping up with this blog. It was not my intention to leave it in limbo. It just did not feel right to me to be quoting Scripture to others when I was having such a hard time with them myself. I can not be a hypocrite to the Word of God or to myself.
I have had a heavy heart in these last 6-7 months and I have been taught many things ... the hard way!
People once trusted - betrayed us, those that were once held dear - used us, those that were taken in with confidence - we have had to watch bear false witness against us KNOWINGLY, those that we love - have spewed out hatred towards us .... all this is heartbreaking and hurts us immensely but I rest in the Lord and know that HE is our defense and is our refuge in this present times of trouble.
I will admit I have had a REALLY hard time trying to make sense out of all this? Trying to understand how people can do this to one another and still name themselves followers of Christ? Claiming to have the love of Christ in them but showing the complete opposite? I have been angry, confused, bewildered? and just plain tired! ....
But alas I am not called to judge nor to be angry but in the words of our Saviour ... Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; .....
So I have purposed to do this PRAY PRAY PRAY, not just for those who have hurt us but for ourselves that we may be named blameless in the sight of God! So that the Holy Spirit which dwells in me can convict me of my wrong doings, can answer the prayers that I send before the Throne room, and can also give me peace when dealing with individuals that are acting outside of God's will. I need the Holy Spirit guiding me and if bitterness, resentment, and anger are going to hinder the Holy Ghost in all these things (which we know it does!) ... then I want none of those things in my life.
My life on this earth should be spent loving, praising, honoring, and lifting God's name on high! And after that, it's about loving my neighbor more than myself!
There are soooo many individuals that have died willingly to spread the Gospel and have died gladly so that others would know the love and salvation of Christ ... why would I waste my time on this earth in perpetual bitterness when this will only hinder my effectiveness for Christ! No, I'd rather go about my Father's business and leave childish attitudes and behaviors to the children.
So, as I sat reflecting and meditating on all these things, asking the Lord to give me peace about all of this and asking Him to defend us in a situation that others had placed us between a rock and a hard place where we can not defend ourselves .... as always my God is faithful and this is what He shared with me ....
Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: ....
This gave me great peace!! I will be still and wait on the Lord .... He is God, the One and Only True Living God and He will in His time bring to light all that has been hidden and all lies that have been told. "I" do not need to do anything, the Lord does not need "my" feeble help for Scripture clearly tells us that Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
Once again I am humbled by my own human flesh and wanting to do my part in fixing things that I should know better and know that the Lord will take care of it.
As far as defending us, again Scripture is again very clear that I need not do anything because ... Romans 12:19-21 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
As far as forgiveness goes, of course I forgive .... I forgive because I have been forgiven Mark 11:25-26 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. and the Lord teaches us to Ephesians 4:26 ... let not the sun go down upon your wrath: and Matthew 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
I will do the will of my Father in heaven for it is Him that I seek to please (Hebrews 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.) and it is His Word that I wish to follow. James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
I close with this final thought ... I have become increasingly aware that the 3 most important things that I need to do in this life. Obiviously there are more but to build a firm foundation these are what the Lord has brought to my spirit!
- To accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour. *I have*
- To love the Lord with all our hearts, mind and soul. *I do*
- To love our neighbors more than ourselves. *I will!!*
My Love to all and may the Lord bless each and every one you! Remember that life is just too short, we are not promised tomorrow so make sure that you are right with God and that all those around you know that you love them!
Colossians 3:14-15 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
