Category: Daily Post

“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

My son, stay focused; listen to the wisdom I have gained;
    give attention to what I have learned about life
² So you may be able to make sensible judgments
    and speak with knowledge.

I am so frustrated this morning.  Frustrated about what happened in Orlando.  Frustrated about the ISIS connection.  Frustrated about our countries reaction. Frustrated as to who gets blamed.  Frustrated about how to react appropriately to this nonsense!

Today, I continue to try to tie myself back to the words of the Christ and his second greatest commandment – “Love others as yourself”.  I think the best reaction followers of the Christ have is to continue to impact those you come in contact with, regardless of beliefs and lifestyles, in a positive way by loving them as you love yourself.

I don’t know that this takes away my disappointment and frustration, but at least it provides a focus and a mission as well as a control to deal with the tension and strangeness of our current political and cultural environment.

Besides, everything hangs on it!

I was reading Psalm 145 this weekend and this little section caught my eye.

“The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145:8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The whole psalm is very uplifting and encouraging, but I thought this was good to help remind us of the character of the creator! 
And the character we should work daily to emulate.

I was listening to some of the summer interns talk about prayer yesterday when my mind went to the fourth chapter of Colossians, where ‘Paul tells us to devote ourselves to prayer.’ However, my eyes wandered down the page a few verses to a place that left me distracted for a little while.  There were some words that I have heard before, but words that I think many followers of the Christ forget as tme goes by.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 NIV

The New Century says it like this:

When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time. Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.

Let’s make sure we are making good use of the time that we have with those that are not believers, making an impact for Christ.