daily prayer

     Good morning! How are we faithing? I saw a video this morning that was disturbing on many levels. It showed some Jesus believers at a festival that obviously was predominantly Muslim with provocative signs. Now in the USA we are allowed to peacefully protest, speak our minds etc. but what was the goal by this method this day?  The crowd became hostile and actually stoned the Jesus believers. They hurled insults, threw bottles and it was obvious that a mob mentality took over. As I watched the video I asked, " what was accomplished here?"  Walking into a situation antagonistically somehow just doesn't seem to promote or even present the message of messiah. Was love shown? Was Jesus presented in a fashion that made people be attracted to the message? Was wisdom even used when this was planned?  The actions of the mob were of course wrong but equally for the protesters, what did they think would happen when they went? Using finger pointing as leverage rarely brings people to Christ. Non believers see actions and if those actions are not performed with "what does love require in this situation?" it will repel. That doesn't mean we lay down when confronted nor does it mean we shouldn't stand and protest at our capitals but it does mean that if love is not shown and our hearts hurt for the lost, we have missed the whole message Jesus taught. We must evangelize. We must preach the gospel all over the world but at the same time walking into a hornets nest and feeling gratified because we got stung for Jesus doesn't really gain anything. Yes we will be persecuted and yes we will have trials but is it wise to do things for the persecution and not to show Jesus love?  Just makes one wonder when we see things like this. By no means am I trying to dissuade anyone from proselytizing but if it's finger pointing rather than loving and reaching out it is suspect. Just think about this and look at your own heart and see if you are just harboring a feeling glee that "those so and so's will get theirs". 



1Jn 4:12-19
  No man hath beheld God at any time: if we love one another, God abideth in us, and his love is perfected in us:   hereby we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.   And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.   Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God.   And we know and have believed the love which God hath in us. God is love; and he that abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth in him.   Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world.   There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love.   We love, because he first loved us.

Heavenly Father,

  Forgive our sins and our attitudes that seek retribution instead of love. Lord we really need wisdom to know when to walk into situations for your glory and when to back off. Help us have compassionate hearts for those who are lost. Holy Spirit come into us and let love so overflow we shine for you. Thank you Lord for all your love and thank you for your Word that is all that sustains us. In Jesus name, amen