Blessings beloved,
It came to me to share with you a most valuable lesson that literally changed my life. It changed the way I view my enemies, although sometimes it is still a struggle for me to actually put the command "love your enemies" into practical application.
Let me share with you a story of how, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, I learned about loving my enemy.
I was stationed in the Republic of Panama in 1995. My assignment was mixed with both military and civilian people. One particular woman just did not like me from day one. She felt that I was sent to the base to get rid of her job. She also did not like to be disciplined and openly rebelled against me both verbally and by e-mails sent throughout the command.
This persecution went on for some time and I really wrestled in my heart because my feelings toward her were definitely not Christ like. I felt myself continuously bitter and angry and taking every waking moment to think about how I could "get" her.
As I was praying one afternoon after returning home from work, the holy spirit led me to the scripture "love your enemy". I tried to ignore the scripture and justify my anger and by this time hatred toward this woman. I simply could not. So, I prayed very openly and honestly with my heavenly Father. I actually said to Him, "Lord, your word says to love our enemies. I hate this woman and cannot find it in me to pray for her or love her at all. However, I want to be obedient to your word. I want to do your word. So, please help me to love this woman so that your name may be glorified."
A couple of days later I decided to take a day off. I ran into someone from the office and they informed me that this woman's birthday was the day I took off!!!!!!!! The first thing I saw was a bouquet of roses. I said "Oh no Lord!!! ". However, the Holy Spirit led me right to the flower shop. When I arrived there, I saw some carnations. The Holy Spirit nudged me again that I was to buy her a dozen roses. I thought to myself "okay, I'll just leave them on her desk with a nice card."
Well, God has a great sense of humor. I figured she wouldn't be at her desk, so I purposely went to the office at the time I thought she would be gone. Sure enough, she was there!!!!!!!!!!!! I took a deep breath and gave her the roses. I said to her, "I know that you really don't like me. I want to be a true Christian, so I prayed and asked the Lord how to deal with you. Happy birthday." She was floored. She began to weep and apologize and thank me over and over.
Needless to say, by the time she transferred from the command, she sat in my office and stated "Lieutenant, I love you and you are really a true Christian. God bless you!" Well, this time I was floored.
What I hope you take away is that we really have to rely upon Gods strength to do what He asks us to do. It is not easy. Also, be willing to humble yourself and be led by the Holy Spirit as He directs you in your difficult situation with your enemy.
Remember beloved, read the back of the book. WE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Until next time,
melindajoyful
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Your Life Matters
Greetings and blessings to all of you!
I just wanted to let you know that your life matters. That's right, I'll say it again, your life matters. Sometimes the journey of life can leave you feeling hopeless and invaluable. When you're down, people can have a tendency to act like Job's friends (you'll have to read Job to find out what I mean). Instead of embracing what God is sovereignly doing in your life, they may tend to lean more toward being on the critical side.
Having said that, God wants you to know that you are still very valuable to Him. Always remember that someone, somewhere is looking at you. Whether you like it or not my beloved, you are an example!!!!!!!! So, why would God give up on you? So, don't you give up on yourself, no matter how tough the road may get. We do have the victory! Remember, we win! So, keep your head up and even if you don't "feel" important or valuable, just rest in knowing that you are.
In your quiet time, meditate (softly speak) these words into your soul and spirit
God is love, God loves me, I am valuable to God
I love God because He first loved me
Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world
Until next time beloved,
melindajoyful
I just wanted to let you know that your life matters. That's right, I'll say it again, your life matters. Sometimes the journey of life can leave you feeling hopeless and invaluable. When you're down, people can have a tendency to act like Job's friends (you'll have to read Job to find out what I mean). Instead of embracing what God is sovereignly doing in your life, they may tend to lean more toward being on the critical side.
Having said that, God wants you to know that you are still very valuable to Him. Always remember that someone, somewhere is looking at you. Whether you like it or not my beloved, you are an example!!!!!!!! So, why would God give up on you? So, don't you give up on yourself, no matter how tough the road may get. We do have the victory! Remember, we win! So, keep your head up and even if you don't "feel" important or valuable, just rest in knowing that you are.
In your quiet time, meditate (softly speak) these words into your soul and spirit
God is love, God loves me, I am valuable to God
I love God because He first loved me
Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world
Until next time beloved,
melindajoyful
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Compassion is an action word
Blessings to you!
Beloved, compassion is an action word. If you read the account in Luke 7: 11-17 where Yeshua came upon a crowd walking with a widow who had just lost her son, her ONLY son. "When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her and said to her "Don't cry". Our Lord then spoke to the young man (her son) and told him to get up, at which point the young man was raised from the dead.
Notice what true compassion does. Notice what Yeshua did:
1. He saw - He was not oblivious to what was taking place with the widow
2. He felt - This supports the scripture in Hebrews which tells us that we have not a high priest that hasn't been touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted yet withouth sin. Therefore, we can go boldly before the throne of grace asking for grace and mercy (and compassion) in time of need.
3. He said - Yeshua didn't just stop at seeing and feeling. He also spoke. Words, as we are all well aware, have tremendous power. Life and death is truly in the power of the tongue.
He spoke words of comfort to her, just as He does to us today, if we will only listen. He hears you, He sees you and He says to you "Don't cry". Whatever it is that you feel is dead in your life, Christ will awaken, if it is in Gods sovereign will to do so.
Remember, compassion is an action word. Is Yeshua moving you to compassion? Search your heart, don't be afraid. Allow the Lord to use you to show compassion. Glorify God today and show some compassion.
Until next time
melindajoyful
Beloved, compassion is an action word. If you read the account in Luke 7: 11-17 where Yeshua came upon a crowd walking with a widow who had just lost her son, her ONLY son. "When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her and said to her "Don't cry". Our Lord then spoke to the young man (her son) and told him to get up, at which point the young man was raised from the dead.
Notice what true compassion does. Notice what Yeshua did:
1. He saw - He was not oblivious to what was taking place with the widow
2. He felt - This supports the scripture in Hebrews which tells us that we have not a high priest that hasn't been touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted yet withouth sin. Therefore, we can go boldly before the throne of grace asking for grace and mercy (and compassion) in time of need.
3. He said - Yeshua didn't just stop at seeing and feeling. He also spoke. Words, as we are all well aware, have tremendous power. Life and death is truly in the power of the tongue.
He spoke words of comfort to her, just as He does to us today, if we will only listen. He hears you, He sees you and He says to you "Don't cry". Whatever it is that you feel is dead in your life, Christ will awaken, if it is in Gods sovereign will to do so.
Remember, compassion is an action word. Is Yeshua moving you to compassion? Search your heart, don't be afraid. Allow the Lord to use you to show compassion. Glorify God today and show some compassion.
Until next time
melindajoyful
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Receive Gods Compassion
Peace everyone!
What a week this has been! I am thankful that God has brought us all through it!
Today, I want to speak about Gods compassion. Compassion of God is sustainable. In other words, it sustains us in the midst of the most difficult trials and distresses we come to face in our journey toward Him.
Always remember that God is a God of compassion. You may have not gotten it right. You may have messed up time and time again. Remember, God loves us and wants what's best for us. He's not looking to strike you down at any given moment. He's waiting for you to turn to Him and receive His compassion. Believe me beloved, He cares. He really does care. He hears you and your deepest cries. Won't you trust Him today and simply receive His compassion.
Sit quietly and think about His compassion. Breathe it in. Receive it in your body, soul and spirit. He longs to give it to you. Be still and receive.
Until next time
melindajoyful
What a week this has been! I am thankful that God has brought us all through it!
Today, I want to speak about Gods compassion. Compassion of God is sustainable. In other words, it sustains us in the midst of the most difficult trials and distresses we come to face in our journey toward Him.
Always remember that God is a God of compassion. You may have not gotten it right. You may have messed up time and time again. Remember, God loves us and wants what's best for us. He's not looking to strike you down at any given moment. He's waiting for you to turn to Him and receive His compassion. Believe me beloved, He cares. He really does care. He hears you and your deepest cries. Won't you trust Him today and simply receive His compassion.
Sit quietly and think about His compassion. Breathe it in. Receive it in your body, soul and spirit. He longs to give it to you. Be still and receive.
Until next time
melindajoyful
Friday, August 28, 2009
Hello all!
This is especially written to those who seek comfort and compassion.
Our society is so fast paced. Gone are the days of just taking the time to sit back and relax. (At least that's how it is where I live!) I've really been taking stock lately of how we treat one another. People can be so cold and heartless without missing a beat. Thank God, our loving Father is not like this.
I've realized in my short life that the Father is not likely some of our earthly fathers. There are no flaws in our Heavenly Father. He really does know where we are both spiritually and naturally. Really!!!!!!!!!!
Simply speaking, pray to Him and ask Him for His comfort and compassion. Remember that He gives these freely to us knowing that someday we will freely and willingly give them to others. Take a deep breath my beloved and receive Gods comfort and compassion. He's waiting to give it to you.
Until next time
melindajoyful
This is especially written to those who seek comfort and compassion.
Our society is so fast paced. Gone are the days of just taking the time to sit back and relax. (At least that's how it is where I live!) I've really been taking stock lately of how we treat one another. People can be so cold and heartless without missing a beat. Thank God, our loving Father is not like this.
I've realized in my short life that the Father is not likely some of our earthly fathers. There are no flaws in our Heavenly Father. He really does know where we are both spiritually and naturally. Really!!!!!!!!!!
Simply speaking, pray to Him and ask Him for His comfort and compassion. Remember that He gives these freely to us knowing that someday we will freely and willingly give them to others. Take a deep breath my beloved and receive Gods comfort and compassion. He's waiting to give it to you.
Until next time
melindajoyful
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