I just realized something recently, yesterday as a matter of fact. I don't really like asking people for help or even prayer. It's not that I view it as a weakness to ask for help, but rather I don't want to bother people with my problems. There is always someone worse off than me and I don't need to bother them with my trivia. This is pretty much my life philosophy. I am more than happy to pray for others and love serving in the prayer room but why am I so reluctant to share my requests? Do I believe that prayer is my power source? Yes, I wholeheartedly do. I am constantly reminded that apart from God I can do nothing so call on him pretty much constantly.
The night before my daughter's surgery, it finally dawned on me that it might be a good idea to contact the prayer room and ask for prayer. I must have rationalized that since it was for my daughter and not myself, it would qualify as important. Her doctor had also scared me sufficiently about the procedure so I was not looking forward to it. I'm not the bravest one in dealing with medical issues. A strep test on one of my children sends me out of the examining room!
I am so glad that I humbled myself and asked for prayer from my friends and my church. Knowing that others were also praying on behalf of our daughter was the sweetest kind of fellowship. And they worked! She came through the surgery just fine and is recovering nicely all because of the prayers of our faithful friends. Thank you friends! I may call on you again.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Friday, July 11, 2014
Stupid People
On love
There are two kinds of love: we love wise and kind and beautiful people because we need them, but we love (or try to love) stupid and disagreeable people because they need us. This second kind is the more divine because that is how God loves us: not because we are lovable but because He is love, not because He needs to receive but He delights to give.
From The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume III
Compiled in Words to Live By
Words to live by indeed. C.S. Lewis would fall into the former category as one of the wise people. Unfortunately, he is deceased and I never made his acquaintance. Too bad, because I could really use some of his wisdom in exactly how to love the stupid and disagreeable people that are in my life. I find myself to be far from sanctified and not as delighted as God is to give. I am appalled at how far I am from being sanctified. I am selfish and small and impatient, ugh.
But the answer I came to is to love them. Of course I must pray for this love because I do not possess it. Pray. Everyday. Thankfully, I can pray as much as I want and God never tires of hearing from me. In fact He wants me to pray to him. Does this make stupid people cease from doing stupid things? Judging from what I've read in the Bible, no. Not by a long shot. I'm so very thankful that God is love and that He delights to give, even to stupid disagreeable people like me.
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:16, 17
There are two kinds of love: we love wise and kind and beautiful people because we need them, but we love (or try to love) stupid and disagreeable people because they need us. This second kind is the more divine because that is how God loves us: not because we are lovable but because He is love, not because He needs to receive but He delights to give.
From The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume III
Compiled in Words to Live By
Words to live by indeed. C.S. Lewis would fall into the former category as one of the wise people. Unfortunately, he is deceased and I never made his acquaintance. Too bad, because I could really use some of his wisdom in exactly how to love the stupid and disagreeable people that are in my life. I find myself to be far from sanctified and not as delighted as God is to give. I am appalled at how far I am from being sanctified. I am selfish and small and impatient, ugh.
But the answer I came to is to love them. Of course I must pray for this love because I do not possess it. Pray. Everyday. Thankfully, I can pray as much as I want and God never tires of hearing from me. In fact He wants me to pray to him. Does this make stupid people cease from doing stupid things? Judging from what I've read in the Bible, no. Not by a long shot. I'm so very thankful that God is love and that He delights to give, even to stupid disagreeable people like me.
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:16, 17
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
June 29, 2014 class audio - I John 5:6-12
Led by Bill Gambrell
Part 1 - before breaking into groups
Part 2 - after breaking into groups
Saturday, June 28, 2014
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