Dear Lord; Happy Friday Father!
Forgiveness Father, is sometimes very difficult.
This past week, I’ve had several instances where people have gone out of their way to say or do something they know will upset me. Now, generally Father, I’m able to filter out that sort of thing and place my ire in Your hands. This week however, my thresholds have been a bit lower than usual, and I’ve found myself holding on to those negative feelings instead of releasing them to Your care.
And then today, I reread the Scripture selections You placed on my heart to share on Facebook this week…
Tuesday : “We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” – 1 John 4:19-21 (NIV)
Wednesday : “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Thursday : “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” – 1 Peter 5:6-9 (NIV)
I usually feel that You give me these verses each day to help others in their Walks Lord, but I think this time You were talking to me as well.
Jesus gave us two very powerful commands to follow, above all else;
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)
In those verses this week, you were reminding me the importance of the second part to that teaching…
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
In my weakened state, I allowed the enemy to use those moments of pain to gain a foothold inside my heart, temporarily blinding me to the fact that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ; even those who still need to find You Lord. The “roaring lion” had fresh meat for a few days, but no longer.
Thank You for the reminders Lord.
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for Your gentle guidance when I waver from Your path. Fill me with Your divine presence, and help me see others through Your eyes, that I may cast aside my earthly notions and recognize Your Blessings in us all.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
Satan seems to use those times when we are sick to really attack us. And then God gave you the perfect scriptures for what you were dealing with. 🙂
I pray you are feeling better and have a wonderful weekend.
He does indeed Jenifer. Thankfully, God keeps Satan’s lies in check when we give our hearts to Him!
Have a Blessed Day!
When we are ill or fatigued, we are so much more vulnerable to the negativity. My post today dealt with forgiveness, too, so I hope you’ll have a chance to read it and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.
Glad you are feeling better and that God gave you the perfect verses to cheer your heart!
Blessings, my friend!
Absolutely Martha. It’s amazing how Satan can take those moments of weakness and twist them into his purpose. Glad I have God on my side! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
I don’t encounter humanity at the same level you do, Phil. As a stay at home mom, I live fairly sheltered. Probably a good thing at this point, as my reactions to others’ words are often just that–reactive! Forgiveness has always been difficult for me, especially if the offending party sees no need to be forgiven. Isn’t that always the case?
As I consider my own humanity in the midst of others’ sins, I am reminded of the grace that I have known because of the cross. It has been immense! How can I refuse others’ the mercy I have known?!
Blessings to you and your family this weekend.
peace~elaine
Forgiveness, I think, is difficult for all of us Elaine. We all handle it differently, but thankfully we have God’s grace to sooth our hearts and calm our troubled spirits.
Have a Blessed Day!
Jesus tells us to love those who persecute us, and even pray for them. It’s really hard sometimes, but God will give us the strength when we turn to Him. And obeying God in this does bring about a blessing. 🙂
It is really hard sometimes… Isn’t it Lisa? But you’re of course correct; when we place that burden in His hands, we’re given the strength to get through those trials.
Have a Blessed Day!
Phil, I had to smile when you had the ah-ha moment that those scripture were for you. That happens to me so often. We often blog and share to hopefully inspire others but God is using it to teach and grow us!
It really caught me off-guard when I saw them staring back at me Eileen… I’m learning more and more each day!
Have a Blessed Day!
Scripture can feed us and strengthen us so much. Your honest sharing of your week reminded me to continue to fortify myself with the Word. I too know when I am tired ( and sick with a cold like I have been all week) is prime time for the Devil to attack. I was overwhelmed with discouragement this week – a favorite tool of the devil to use on me. Love your posts, Phil.
Thank you so much Jean! I pray that you’re getting some relief from your illness, and that God will comfort your heart as well.
Have a Blessed Day!
Thank you for this encouragement Phil. I’m dealing with some similar feelings and those verses are what I needed to be reminded of. Blessings!
Thank you Heidi! It makes me feel good to know I’m not alone in my weakness. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!