Truly Broken - Truly Saved

You Lord, Truly know what it means to be broken. You came to do good, standing ground for each one of us - against hateful people and demonic forces. You were attacked by critical tongues and skeptical hearts. You came to change the world forever, yet it fought you every step of the way. You had friends, though even some of those betrayed you. Your blood stained sweat crept through pores, leaking out from the mountain of burdens placed on your shoulders... yet you never gave up. It would have been against every fiber of your being to do anything or be anything that wasn't good, because you, Lord, are good. You healed the masses, yet gratitude ran shallow. You corrected the wrongs with wisdom and truth, but it wasn't welcomed. You were pierced with hate while every swing of the hammer dragged nails deeper through your flesh, yet you loved us anyway. You died, yet conquered the grave so that we can be with you forever, if we choose. Lord, may we never forget your love and sacrifice.

I pray in Jesus' name,

Amen.

True Forgiveness

Mark 11:25 NKJV "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses."

Let's face it. Some people are beyond difficult. We can try to do good, to turn the other cheek, to respond to hatred and strife with patience and love, yet sometimes it may feel like no matter what we do it will not make a difference. Here's the thing. It makes a difference to God, and that is where we must keep our focus. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, have we not? Yet our Heavenly Father forgives us, and if we are honest with ourselves, it is likely we have something to repent for daily.

God calls US to forgive as well. Calls us, might actually be an understatement. I would say, He demands it. Now, keep in mind, forgiveness does NOT always mean reconciliation. It does not mean that correction isn't warranted. It does not make the people you forgive trustworthy. It simply means that you will not hold their offense against them so that you may pray good things over their lives, and that this act can be done in love. The Lord says we are to pray for our enemies.

Matthew 5:44 NKJV tells us, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you."

okay... how?

The answer is simple. Do good and pray. The bible tells us what it means to be blessed in Matthew 5:3-10

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Do good and pray these blessings over your enemies. If your enemies are blessed with all of these qualities, would that not solve the problem? If you were to sin against someone, would you not want someone to pray these things over you?

Lord,

You have sent us a Savior because we were not able to save ourselves. Forgive us when we become frustrated with one another. When we struggle as a society to get caught up on small things that don't matter in the grand scheme of it all, help us to remember YOUR goal and YOUR purpose for our lives. Help us to forgive one another as you have forgiven us. I pray your blessings over those who persecute, that they may be filled with your spirit and walk in your ways. I pray you forgive them, and forgive us. Bless our lives with your wisdom. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

He leaves the Ninety - Nine

Luke 15:4 KJV "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

How beautiful to know we are never alone. I've heard the cry - the lonely ache from someone hurting, the utterances that lie beneath the spoken word that says, "I feel lost." The churning in my stomach to take their burden away but I can't.

I've been there. The whole world is crashing down and it doesn't feel like anyone could possibly understand. I have taken my problems into my own hands time and time again. If I could just do [this], maybe things would be better. Then I remember, the best [this} I can do is to turn to Jesus.

Matthew 11:28-30 tells us, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light."

How marvellous. If we get lost, our mighty Father will stop everything to rescue us from the wilderness. He doesn't give up. He goes after us until He finds us. That's what love does.

Lord,

I pray when we are lost that you find us ready. I pray you find us open. I pray we invite you in with open hearts and never let you go. Thank you for letting us rest in your love. Thank you for carrying the weight of our burdens. May we always appreciate your love and sacrifice.

In Jesus' name,

Amen