God’s Word and Me
You and I see things differently, don’t we? When I see a cloudy sky, You are pleased with the golden fields of grain. Father, I know I am supposed to be grateful in all situations and to pray continually but I get hung up on the gratitude part and then the prayers kind of slow down. I won’t give up, but it certainly takes a great deal of effort to say “Thank You” for some of the things that are happening in the world today.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I must admit that there are times when I want to take matters into my own hands. It’s very difficult to sit by and watch the senseless violence that is going on in this country. For one day, I just want to shake some of these people until their teeth rattle!
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32
When families are starving and there just isn’t enough food to go around, my heart breaks. The grocery store shelves are not well stocked anymore, and everything costs more. Going to the gas station is frightening nowadays. How do people with families manage?
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18
Who in this world is trustworthy anymore? Certainly, we cannot look to our government leaders for examples of integrity. Yes, everyone makes mistakes and poor choices, but if we—the average American Joe—pulled some of the stunts that these politicians get away with, we would be in jail.
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:11-12
Perhaps we all need an attitude adjustment!
Almighty God, please let me see with Your eyes and love with Your heart. AMEN.
Photograph: Michael Johnston