Posted on 04/01/2019 6:53:58 PM PDT by JustAmy
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Enjoyed your posts today, as always!
Good night to Amys Place.
Bible in a Year : Job 810; Acts 8:2640
But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. Genesis 33:4
One Christian organizations mission is to promote the healing nature of forgiveness. One of their activities involves a skit in which a person who has been wronged is strapped back to back with a rope to the wrongdoer. Only the one sinned against can untie the rope. No matter what she does, shes got someone on her back. Without forgivenesswithout untying the ropeshe cannot escape.
Offering forgiveness to someone who comes to us in sorrow for their wrongdoing begins the process of releasing us and them from the bitterness and pain that can cling to us over wrongs weve suffered. In Genesis, we see two brothers separated for twenty years after Jacob stole Esaus birthright. After this long time, God told Jacob to return to his homeland (Genesis 31:3). He obeyed, but nervously, sending ahead to Esau gifts of herds of animals (32:1315). When the brothers met, Jacob bowed at Esaus feet seven times in humility (33:3). Imagine his surprise when Esau ran and embraced him, both of them weeping over their reconciliation (v. 4). No longer was Jacob held by the sin he committed against his brother.
Do you feel imprisoned by unforgiveness, saddled with anger, fear, or shame? Know that God through His Son and Spirit can release you when you seek His help. He will enable you to begin the process of untying any ropes and setting you free.
How do you think Esau felt to see Jacob bowing before him? Could you similarly humble yourself before someone youve wronged? Who do you need to release through forgiveness?
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Bible in a Year : Job 1113; Acts 9:121
They tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. Acts 16:7
It can be difficult when were told no or not now, especially when we sense God has opened a door for us to serve others. Early in my ministry, two opportunities came my way where I thought my gifts and skills matched the churches needs, but both doors eventually closed. After these two disappointments, another position came along, and I was selected. With that ministry call came thirteen years of life-touching pastoral labors.
Twice in Acts 16 Paul and company were redirected by God. First, they were kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia (v. 6). Then, When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to (v. 7). Unknown to them, God had other plans that would be right for His work and workers. His no to the previous plans put them in a position to listen to and be confidently led by Him (vv. 910).
Who among us hasnt grieved what we initially thought to be a painful loss? Weve felt wounded when we didnt get a certain job, when a service opportunity didnt materialize, when a relocation got derailed. Though such things can momentarily be weighty, time often reveals that such detours are actually divine diversions that God graciously uses to get us where He wants us, and we are grateful.
What loss have you grieved only to be grateful that what you desired you didnt get? How did the situation serve to bolster your trust in the Lord?
Father, I praise You that in Your wisdom You know how to best arrange my life. Thank You for protecting me through Your detours.
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Bible in a Year : Job 1416; Acts 9:2243
One who is full loathes honey from the comb. Proverbs 27:7 My children were thrilled, but I felt uneasy. During a vacation, we visited an aquarium where people could pet small sharks kept in a special tank. When I asked the attendant if the creatures ever snapped at fingers, she explained that the sharks had recently been fed and then given extra food. They wouldnt bite because they werent hungry.
What I learned about shark petting makes sense according to a proverb: One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet (Proverbs 27:7). Hungerthat sense of inner emptinesscan weaken our discernment as we make decisions. It convinces us that its okay to settle for anything that fills us up, even if it causes us to take a bite out of someone.
God wants more for us than a life lived at the mercy of our appetites. He wants us to be filled with Christs love so that everything we do flows from the peace and stability He provides. The constant awareness that were unconditionally loved gives us confidence. It enables us to be selective as we consider the sweet things in lifeachievements, possessions, and relationships.
Only a relationship with Jesus gives true satisfaction. May we grasp His incredible love for us so we can be filled to the measure [with] all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19) for our sakeand the sake of others.
What are you most hungry for in life? Why does Jesus fulfill you in a way that nothing else can?
Those who see Jesus as the Bread of Life will never be hungry.
The Life Of A Cat
Sleep.
Eat.
Sleep.
Play with string.
Sleep.
Eat.
Sleep.
Hunt a bug.
Sleep.
Eat.
Sleep.
Sleep.
Sleep
Laurence Overmire
Happy Caturday, Dogurday and Bunnyday, everyone!
Sounds like a plan! :)
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:)
Please see post above, my girl is getting married today
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