As we looked at Sunday, Father, I am grateful for the freedom that has been given me –not just in the country in which I live but most importantly the freedom You have extended to me. I am no longer a slave to sin but have been set free because of Your sacrifice. May I never take it for granted. Amen.
Revelation 2:10-11 (<<click green)
How we respond to pain and suffering makes all the difference, Lord. I think that it is interesting that when we are afflicted, we either allow it to turn us from You or draw us to You – either we blame You for permitting our pain and suffering or we find comfort in Your arms in the midst of it.
The enemy of our souls, the devil, has controlled the hearts of minds of much of humanity for so long that none of us can avoid affliction in our own lives. Disease, oppression, violence, hatred, greed, selfishness – sin is rampant. Satan instigated it and continues to egg it on and You, Lord, get the blame.
From the beginning, we were warned. And once we succumbed to Satan’s enticements, You extended a means of reconciliation. You gave of Yourself, not because of any sin You committed, but solely out of love for us. And we still want to blame You for our pain and suffering.
We have made our beds and we must sleep in them. We cannot avoid the problems of this world. All we can do is to come to You. We can find solace only in You. If we will “remain faithful even when facing death, [You] will give [us] the crown of life.”
Lord, help me to not place the blame at Your feet for the evils of this world but to embrace the peace found only in You. Amen.
July 4th, Tues, 6:55 am
We really do get your message each day and appreciate the timeliness each has as they seem to “hit the spot” so to speak. Thanks for the time you spend on doing this for us and others.,