Weekly Verse and Song for Tonight Weeks 285 - 293
July 10 2019
Week 285
1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.
This week while doing my daily devotion I came across a thought that I didn't think of before. This thought was being envious about things including people and even possessions. When I look up the word envious specifically the synonyms of it I get these words:
jealous · covetous · desirous · grudging · begrudging · resentful · jaundiced · bitter · malicious · spiteful
All of these words can lead to sinful more thoughts and actions. Growing up I recall not really having strong thoughts of jealousy or desire for what someone else had, but I did take notice. My mom always provided for us and I never felt like I didn't have what I needed but I did know that there were certain things I just didn't have and I was OK with it. However, as I mentioned I took notice that others had things that I didn't so growing up I only wanted to do more, or be more not necessarily because I didn't have certain things, I just wanted to do better for my mom and help mom.
So during my morning prayer this week I asked God to guard my thoughts even more. I recall on one occasion as an adult I would see my friends having great relationships/friendships with others and I was envious of their situation, I stored up for myself a desire to have a relationship/friendship just like they had. Instead of seeing myself content with where God had me, I was desiring what I didn't have and what others had. Well after time past and I had a similar relationships/friendships and I realized in that situation it wasn't what I thought it would be.
God gives us what we need, however to be envious over what someone else had like in my case showed me that I was acting in a sinful manner. What I learned the most was to trust God where He had/has me and to know that is the best place.
I love you mom and I love you Lord
Home with our Provider.
Song: Kari Jobe - Look Upon The Lord (Live)
Week 285
1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.
This week while doing my daily devotion I came across a thought that I didn't think of before. This thought was being envious about things including people and even possessions. When I look up the word envious specifically the synonyms of it I get these words:
jealous · covetous · desirous · grudging · begrudging · resentful · jaundiced · bitter · malicious · spiteful
All of these words can lead to sinful more thoughts and actions. Growing up I recall not really having strong thoughts of jealousy or desire for what someone else had, but I did take notice. My mom always provided for us and I never felt like I didn't have what I needed but I did know that there were certain things I just didn't have and I was OK with it. However, as I mentioned I took notice that others had things that I didn't so growing up I only wanted to do more, or be more not necessarily because I didn't have certain things, I just wanted to do better for my mom and help mom.
So during my morning prayer this week I asked God to guard my thoughts even more. I recall on one occasion as an adult I would see my friends having great relationships/friendships with others and I was envious of their situation, I stored up for myself a desire to have a relationship/friendship just like they had. Instead of seeing myself content with where God had me, I was desiring what I didn't have and what others had. Well after time past and I had a similar relationships/friendships and I realized in that situation it wasn't what I thought it would be.
God gives us what we need, however to be envious over what someone else had like in my case showed me that I was acting in a sinful manner. What I learned the most was to trust God where He had/has me and to know that is the best place.
I love you mom and I love you Lord
Home with our Provider.
Song: Kari Jobe - Look Upon The Lord (Live)
July 17 2019
Week 286
Romans 4:17 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
This week while doing some work, I met a gentleman who talked to me about healing and how the Bible teaches us that we are to "call things that are not as if they were". In tonight's verse we read Paul's letter to the Roman Church as he writes how God made Abraham the father of many nations because he believed in the Lord and God counted this to Abraham as righteousness (Genesis 15:6)
Careful study is appropriate here as the verse in Romans reads not that we should call into existence things that are not as if they were, but that God calls things into existence. This discussion between myself and this gentleman at the gym was related to healing in particular to my experiences after surgery.
One of the things my mom taught me growing up was to read my Bible. Mom would take us to Church, and we would have Sunday school there. Mom would also have Bible study at home with us, and we would sing hymns. All this to say that mom encouraged us to know God and therefore Biblical literacy. As Christians we should always strive to know the Lord and one of the best way is to read our Bible diligently and to know what it says and what it doesn't say.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with the God who does it all for Us..
Song: So You Would Come: Hillsong (with lyrics)
Week 286
Romans 4:17 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
This week while doing some work, I met a gentleman who talked to me about healing and how the Bible teaches us that we are to "call things that are not as if they were". In tonight's verse we read Paul's letter to the Roman Church as he writes how God made Abraham the father of many nations because he believed in the Lord and God counted this to Abraham as righteousness (Genesis 15:6)
Careful study is appropriate here as the verse in Romans reads not that we should call into existence things that are not as if they were, but that God calls things into existence. This discussion between myself and this gentleman at the gym was related to healing in particular to my experiences after surgery.
One of the things my mom taught me growing up was to read my Bible. Mom would take us to Church, and we would have Sunday school there. Mom would also have Bible study at home with us, and we would sing hymns. All this to say that mom encouraged us to know God and therefore Biblical literacy. As Christians we should always strive to know the Lord and one of the best way is to read our Bible diligently and to know what it says and what it doesn't say.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with the God who does it all for Us..
Song: So You Would Come: Hillsong (with lyrics)
July 24 2019
Week 287
Psalm 118:8
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
Trust is one of the BIG things in life. This week I find myself with a dilemma. The dilemma is who can I trust. With people it always seems that life changes so much. Once I trusted someone with nearly my life and that trust was broken.
As I ponder this dilemma and think of mom, I remember how mom always sheltered us from certain situations because mom's trust was broken also at one time. However, as we grew older mom never lost that protecting "spirit" however mom knew something more. Mom placed mom's trust in God and mom knew it was God who would ultimately protect us.
In regards to the verse tonight the Psalmist is telling us to trust in the Lord and this is better than trusting in man.
If today if you find yourself in a similar dilemma wondering who can you really trust, remember tonight's verse and keep it close to your heart. Be reminded that it is not in people who we trust it's in God. This is a principle we all as Christian's must know.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with God in who we TRUST.
Song: Trust - Hillsong Young & Free Lyrics
Week 287
Psalm 118:8
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
Trust is one of the BIG things in life. This week I find myself with a dilemma. The dilemma is who can I trust. With people it always seems that life changes so much. Once I trusted someone with nearly my life and that trust was broken.
As I ponder this dilemma and think of mom, I remember how mom always sheltered us from certain situations because mom's trust was broken also at one time. However, as we grew older mom never lost that protecting "spirit" however mom knew something more. Mom placed mom's trust in God and mom knew it was God who would ultimately protect us.
In regards to the verse tonight the Psalmist is telling us to trust in the Lord and this is better than trusting in man.
If today if you find yourself in a similar dilemma wondering who can you really trust, remember tonight's verse and keep it close to your heart. Be reminded that it is not in people who we trust it's in God. This is a principle we all as Christian's must know.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with God in who we TRUST.
Song: Trust - Hillsong Young & Free Lyrics
July 31 2019
Week 288
Philippians 4:5-7
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I need this week to come to place where I stay calm in both my physical and spirit. It seems many times I want things done quickly and swiftly that I may rush and make a mistake. In tonight's verse we see Paul writing to the Church at Philippi informing them not to be anxious know that God is there, and to be reminded to pray in everything while giving thanks make your prayers to the Lord and let Jesus guard you.
Recently I had surgery as I am recovering I see that something wasn't done correctly. I sought out this week a different surgeon who came recommended and asked for his thoughts. The surgeon mentioned that he thinks he could correct the issue. Well I did not spend a lot of time prior to the first surgery to seek out and research different doctors. The reason I didn't seek out other professional opinions was because I was anxious and hurried to get myself "fixed". However as tonight's verse tells us that we are not to be anxious we are to go to God first and make our request made known to Him and let His peace guard us.
As I think about my mom, mom always read things over and took time to understand, to my knowledge mom never rushed but was always resourceful seeking answers before making a move. For example mom would spend time reading the receipt immediately after buying groceries making sure mom was charged correctly. This is a practice I can learn from in my own daily life, never rushing taking time to make sure things are researched properly, before making a decision.
Today as Christians it's a practical application from the verse above that we should pray through everything and not be anxious.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with our peace, Jesus.
Song: Lauren Daigle - Rescue (Official Music Video)
Week 288
Philippians 4:5-7
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I need this week to come to place where I stay calm in both my physical and spirit. It seems many times I want things done quickly and swiftly that I may rush and make a mistake. In tonight's verse we see Paul writing to the Church at Philippi informing them not to be anxious know that God is there, and to be reminded to pray in everything while giving thanks make your prayers to the Lord and let Jesus guard you.
Recently I had surgery as I am recovering I see that something wasn't done correctly. I sought out this week a different surgeon who came recommended and asked for his thoughts. The surgeon mentioned that he thinks he could correct the issue. Well I did not spend a lot of time prior to the first surgery to seek out and research different doctors. The reason I didn't seek out other professional opinions was because I was anxious and hurried to get myself "fixed". However as tonight's verse tells us that we are not to be anxious we are to go to God first and make our request made known to Him and let His peace guard us.
As I think about my mom, mom always read things over and took time to understand, to my knowledge mom never rushed but was always resourceful seeking answers before making a move. For example mom would spend time reading the receipt immediately after buying groceries making sure mom was charged correctly. This is a practice I can learn from in my own daily life, never rushing taking time to make sure things are researched properly, before making a decision.
Today as Christians it's a practical application from the verse above that we should pray through everything and not be anxious.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with our peace, Jesus.
Song: Lauren Daigle - Rescue (Official Music Video)
August 7, 2019
Week 289
Philippians 4:8 NIV
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
Last week we discussed about my surgery and how things were not done correctly the first time. I did not pass the blame on others but on myself for being anxious and wanting to fix things quickly.
This week one thing I wanted to mention was something that crept up this week with one of my friends, and that something was depression. Before I had the first surgery I was honestly in a state that was really new to me. The state I was in was feeling lonely, sad and unmotivated. In a sense I was depressed, and I know the feeling very well. The fact that I know the feeling very and I lived with mom for many years who also suffered from depression I recognize the signs very well.
In tonight's verse Paul wrote to the Church in Philippi about what to focus your life on and that is God. For He is the only true truth, and focusing on the truth will lift up our spirits, as we know that God is truly the one in control. Now I am not suggesting that we ignore what God gave which is modern medicine to correct those chemical imbalances, however I am suggesting that one understand their place in Christ and put those things into practice. As Paul wrote whatever is:
1. true
2. noble
3. right
4. pure
5. lovely
6. admirable
7. excellent
8. praiseworthy
To think on these things.
As Christians it's very important to be in fellowship with other believers and not only that to focus on the truth Jesus Christ. He a lone can lift us up.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with the Lifter of our Heads.
Song: The Afters - Light Up The Sky - Official Video
Week 289
Philippians 4:8 NIV
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
Last week we discussed about my surgery and how things were not done correctly the first time. I did not pass the blame on others but on myself for being anxious and wanting to fix things quickly.
This week one thing I wanted to mention was something that crept up this week with one of my friends, and that something was depression. Before I had the first surgery I was honestly in a state that was really new to me. The state I was in was feeling lonely, sad and unmotivated. In a sense I was depressed, and I know the feeling very well. The fact that I know the feeling very and I lived with mom for many years who also suffered from depression I recognize the signs very well.
In tonight's verse Paul wrote to the Church in Philippi about what to focus your life on and that is God. For He is the only true truth, and focusing on the truth will lift up our spirits, as we know that God is truly the one in control. Now I am not suggesting that we ignore what God gave which is modern medicine to correct those chemical imbalances, however I am suggesting that one understand their place in Christ and put those things into practice. As Paul wrote whatever is:
1. true
2. noble
3. right
4. pure
5. lovely
6. admirable
7. excellent
8. praiseworthy
To think on these things.
As Christians it's very important to be in fellowship with other believers and not only that to focus on the truth Jesus Christ. He a lone can lift us up.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with the Lifter of our Heads.
Song: The Afters - Light Up The Sky - Official Video
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August 14, 2019
Week 290
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
This week I need to have a second surgery, with this surgery I'll be in a sling again for 8 weeks, thinking through all this it's easy to get upset however, seeing God in every situation of life is very important and needed if we are to draw our confidence from God. In tonight's verse we read what the writer of Hebrews penned, and that is to approach God in prayer with confidence of who He is, so that we in turn my receive mercy and grace.
This verse is very important not only in situations where we feel in need but at all times. In fact I would argue if we are not confident in God who's promises are eternal and true then we may find ourselves putting our faith in other persons, places or things that though may give us satisfaction they are temporary and not true.
My mom taught us as kids to always pray, to always read our Bibles, and to always be aware that "God is watching". This instilled in me the understanding that I must honor God and trust in Him. This developed more as I grew older to having a stronger faith in Him, which leads to being confidently aware that God will take care of me. This hasn't always been easy.
Today we as believers in Christ must get to the place where we understand and know that our confidence is in God.
I love you mom and I love you LORD.
Home with the Jesus the one we have full Confidence in.
Song: Jesus I Need You - Hillsong Worship
Week 290
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
This week I need to have a second surgery, with this surgery I'll be in a sling again for 8 weeks, thinking through all this it's easy to get upset however, seeing God in every situation of life is very important and needed if we are to draw our confidence from God. In tonight's verse we read what the writer of Hebrews penned, and that is to approach God in prayer with confidence of who He is, so that we in turn my receive mercy and grace.
This verse is very important not only in situations where we feel in need but at all times. In fact I would argue if we are not confident in God who's promises are eternal and true then we may find ourselves putting our faith in other persons, places or things that though may give us satisfaction they are temporary and not true.
My mom taught us as kids to always pray, to always read our Bibles, and to always be aware that "God is watching". This instilled in me the understanding that I must honor God and trust in Him. This developed more as I grew older to having a stronger faith in Him, which leads to being confidently aware that God will take care of me. This hasn't always been easy.
Today we as believers in Christ must get to the place where we understand and know that our confidence is in God.
I love you mom and I love you LORD.
Home with the Jesus the one we have full Confidence in.
Song: Jesus I Need You - Hillsong Worship
August 21, 2019
Week 291
1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Just yesterday I found myself in a text conversation with a friend. We were discussing how our texts should be respectful as such that they will not be taken out of context. The text conversation did not get heated but my friend did not understand my point, however she instead asked a question, which I answered and then proceeded to get upset with my answer. Furthermore my friend started to give me "advice" that I never asked for. I tred to be polite in my response and at the same I tried to be direct but not offend.
In tonight's verse we see in 1 Peter how Peter instructs us to respect everyone, and at the same to love our fellow Christian brothers and sisters, to fear God and to honor out leaders. It will always occur when we live in this world with others we will get into disagreements, and arguments, however it is important to stay respectful and loving to others. It's hard especially when we might feel we are being attacked. I recall once mom was telling the neighbor kids to not play in our yard, and then this proceeded by their mom literally standing at the front of the house yelling at mom who was not even aware. I remember wondering how my mom was going to handle this, my mom sat on the couch thinking while the neighbor's mom continued to yell, mom got up walked to the front of the door and asked the neighbor kid's mom to come to the door. Mom then explained the situation very respectfully and their mom walked away smiling, as she understood now the situation.
As followers of Christ it is very difficult to live in a world where we and others may get easily offended. However, following the instructions given to us by Peter on behalf of the Lord, we need to understand that we need to show proper respect and love to everyone, even when the possibility of things getting heated is likely. Following this principle of respect we can avoid thing getting out of hand.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with Christ our example of how to Love Others.
Song: Jeremy Camp - Overcome with Lyrics.
Week 291
1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Just yesterday I found myself in a text conversation with a friend. We were discussing how our texts should be respectful as such that they will not be taken out of context. The text conversation did not get heated but my friend did not understand my point, however she instead asked a question, which I answered and then proceeded to get upset with my answer. Furthermore my friend started to give me "advice" that I never asked for. I tred to be polite in my response and at the same I tried to be direct but not offend.
In tonight's verse we see in 1 Peter how Peter instructs us to respect everyone, and at the same to love our fellow Christian brothers and sisters, to fear God and to honor out leaders. It will always occur when we live in this world with others we will get into disagreements, and arguments, however it is important to stay respectful and loving to others. It's hard especially when we might feel we are being attacked. I recall once mom was telling the neighbor kids to not play in our yard, and then this proceeded by their mom literally standing at the front of the house yelling at mom who was not even aware. I remember wondering how my mom was going to handle this, my mom sat on the couch thinking while the neighbor's mom continued to yell, mom got up walked to the front of the door and asked the neighbor kid's mom to come to the door. Mom then explained the situation very respectfully and their mom walked away smiling, as she understood now the situation.
As followers of Christ it is very difficult to live in a world where we and others may get easily offended. However, following the instructions given to us by Peter on behalf of the Lord, we need to understand that we need to show proper respect and love to everyone, even when the possibility of things getting heated is likely. Following this principle of respect we can avoid thing getting out of hand.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with Christ our example of how to Love Others.
Song: Jeremy Camp - Overcome with Lyrics.
August 28, 2019
Week 292
Genesis 28:15 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Just this week I been conversing with a friend who over the course of a few months now has been really down and depressed. I have been very hesitant to even speak with her about her situation and instead offered my ear to listen, however she was not ready. Well this week she opened up a little about her situation and I simply asked kind and careful questions to find out what the root of the problem is.
In tonight's verse, we read from the pages of Genesis God telling Jacob through a dream that his descendants will inherit the land. When Jacob awoke he had an understanding that was very clear to him that God was with him.
My friend told me specifically that she has cried out to the Lord and wanted to "feel" His presence. Based on this I now knew the root of the problem was incorrect understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. My response to her was "are you saved?", in other words do you trust Jesus to which my friend responded with a "Yes". Finally I told her "then you are already in God's presence, the minute you put your trust in Jesus you are walking in the Spirit.
Growing up my mom always instilled in me that God is watching you, it was my mom's way of letting me know that I am always in God's presence and to be careful how I live. We as Christians must understand this, we are not to go off of feelings and want to "feel" God' presence . Out feelings are deceptive and really can make us sway in many directions. Unlike how God appeared to Jacob through a dream and gave him understanding, we cannot expect that. We must understand that as long as we have trusted in Christ we must know that God is with us, even when and especially when something is not going the way we want it.
As Christians we must remember His promise to us, is that He is with us. As Jesus said "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:20
Not only must we remember this, but we must TRUST in this no matter what happens.
I love you mom and I love you LORD.
Home with Christ in His presence
Song: Bebo Norman sings "I Will Lift My Eyes"
Week 292
Genesis 28:15 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Just this week I been conversing with a friend who over the course of a few months now has been really down and depressed. I have been very hesitant to even speak with her about her situation and instead offered my ear to listen, however she was not ready. Well this week she opened up a little about her situation and I simply asked kind and careful questions to find out what the root of the problem is.
In tonight's verse, we read from the pages of Genesis God telling Jacob through a dream that his descendants will inherit the land. When Jacob awoke he had an understanding that was very clear to him that God was with him.
My friend told me specifically that she has cried out to the Lord and wanted to "feel" His presence. Based on this I now knew the root of the problem was incorrect understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. My response to her was "are you saved?", in other words do you trust Jesus to which my friend responded with a "Yes". Finally I told her "then you are already in God's presence, the minute you put your trust in Jesus you are walking in the Spirit.
Growing up my mom always instilled in me that God is watching you, it was my mom's way of letting me know that I am always in God's presence and to be careful how I live. We as Christians must understand this, we are not to go off of feelings and want to "feel" God' presence . Out feelings are deceptive and really can make us sway in many directions. Unlike how God appeared to Jacob through a dream and gave him understanding, we cannot expect that. We must understand that as long as we have trusted in Christ we must know that God is with us, even when and especially when something is not going the way we want it.
As Christians we must remember His promise to us, is that He is with us. As Jesus said "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:20
Not only must we remember this, but we must TRUST in this no matter what happens.
I love you mom and I love you LORD.
Home with Christ in His presence
Song: Bebo Norman sings "I Will Lift My Eyes"
September 4, 2019
Week 293
Ephesians 4:31-32 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
It almost never fails, when someone sees me wearing the sling since my recent surgery they first ask, "What's wrong with your arm?" and I would explain. The next statement that results almost never fails, they would respond with "I also tore my __________(fill in the blank)", or "I know someone who also _____ (fill in the blank)", and sometimes "Wow if I tore my _______ (again fill in the blank) and I couldn't do _______ (one last fill in the blank) I would go insane".
There is a key word in every one of those responses and that word is "I". The problem with the above responses is that that person or persons have asked a question and have subsequently shifted the focuses from "you" to "themselves" (I). My response to them is usually, "Well are you OK now", or "Is the person you know OK now", or "OK so I should go insane?" (responses are respective). I really don't know initially how to respond or take their questions. After all they are the ones who chose to ask me a question, and shouldn't they respond with something like "I'm sorry you are going through this" ?
To be honest it bothers me a lot I don't know how to handle this initially. My heart normally ends up being a little resentful but at the same time I turn my mind and heart towards Christ almost immediately every time. In tonight's verse we see Paul addressing the Church at Ephesus telling them to remove all bitterness, rage, and anger, to be forgiving just as God forgave you through Christ.
I do a lot of walking outside and I meet people in the neighborhood who always tell me how much they miss my mom and/or how much they enjoyed talking to my mom. My mom hand this kind spirit towards others always wanting to be friendly and aware of them. This is so important as you can see people remember my mom, but more importantly they will know Christ because since we are followers of Christ others will know who we belong to. This is not only through our words but also through our actions.
We all fail as I am no stranger to this, but since we are His, we need to always remember that we must be kind towards anyone and everyone. Today for example I failed in response to someone's question regarding my surgery but not verbally just in my thoughts, however I immediately turned my mind and heart towards Christ, forgave, and then was kind towards that person.
In our everyday walk it is so important to remember we represent Jesus, that we too have been forgiven so forgive others and walk obedient to Him.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with our Forgiver.
Song: Hillsong United ✦ Amazing Grace '' Broken Vessels ''
Week 293
Ephesians 4:31-32 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
It almost never fails, when someone sees me wearing the sling since my recent surgery they first ask, "What's wrong with your arm?" and I would explain. The next statement that results almost never fails, they would respond with "I also tore my __________(fill in the blank)", or "I know someone who also _____ (fill in the blank)", and sometimes "Wow if I tore my _______ (again fill in the blank) and I couldn't do _______ (one last fill in the blank) I would go insane".
There is a key word in every one of those responses and that word is "I". The problem with the above responses is that that person or persons have asked a question and have subsequently shifted the focuses from "you" to "themselves" (I). My response to them is usually, "Well are you OK now", or "Is the person you know OK now", or "OK so I should go insane?" (responses are respective). I really don't know initially how to respond or take their questions. After all they are the ones who chose to ask me a question, and shouldn't they respond with something like "I'm sorry you are going through this" ?
To be honest it bothers me a lot I don't know how to handle this initially. My heart normally ends up being a little resentful but at the same time I turn my mind and heart towards Christ almost immediately every time. In tonight's verse we see Paul addressing the Church at Ephesus telling them to remove all bitterness, rage, and anger, to be forgiving just as God forgave you through Christ.
I do a lot of walking outside and I meet people in the neighborhood who always tell me how much they miss my mom and/or how much they enjoyed talking to my mom. My mom hand this kind spirit towards others always wanting to be friendly and aware of them. This is so important as you can see people remember my mom, but more importantly they will know Christ because since we are followers of Christ others will know who we belong to. This is not only through our words but also through our actions.
We all fail as I am no stranger to this, but since we are His, we need to always remember that we must be kind towards anyone and everyone. Today for example I failed in response to someone's question regarding my surgery but not verbally just in my thoughts, however I immediately turned my mind and heart towards Christ, forgave, and then was kind towards that person.
In our everyday walk it is so important to remember we represent Jesus, that we too have been forgiven so forgive others and walk obedient to Him.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with our Forgiver.
Song: Hillsong United ✦ Amazing Grace '' Broken Vessels ''
