daily prayer

Great morning! How are we faithing? I don't know about you but I have been discovering some things lately that are growth inducing and some humbling. Both are good things. It is so easy to get wrapped up in our own gig that we miss others plights. Normal I suppose but when we recognise them we need to repent and not beat ourselves up. Self examination is healthy when we filter it through the Word. I see things when I read the Word and questions arise because God wants us to grow and to learn. As long as we don't use the Word for condemnation we are able to correct without depression. Feeling bad sometimes for transgressions of all types is ok but whoopin your own butt to the point of fetal position worthlessness is not God sent. Being corrected is useful for enlightenment and growth. I hear people who want people to"pay" for what they've done to them. In a society it is indeed necessary for laws and penalties so anarchy doesn't take over. Without laws and penalties it wouldn't be safe to walk anywhere at night, or in the day for that matter. What we are talking about in this today is "I'll get em back" type of self serving justice. Our God will take care of us and will also take care of that person that just sinned against you. Trust in that person will be lost but who does it serve to take retribution? You end up sinning in another area to justify "getting back" someone elses sin. That just isn't sound thinking. Look at these and try to remember them when you have been wronged.

Matt 5:3-12
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
NIV

1 Thess 5:16-24
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
NIV

Lots of requests this weekend. Remember to lift up those around you...remember Jeff Budge's Dad...Maryellen Warman...Dave Morano...Linda Handzel...Casey Drury's family...Wayne M. family...Bob and Sue...Bob B...Kat's job...Christopher's search...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wonderful council in your Word. Make it dance off the pages and be so relevant and real that it permeates our thoughts. Lord we thank you for the voices heard in church last night, protect the children in all they do. Lord we lift those kids with afflictions mental and physical and ask blessings on them all. Lord help us act in a manner befitting your name. We give these concerns to you and rest in your love and grace. In Jesus name we pray, amen