The Thistles in My Garden

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A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with 2013-10-11difficult people. [2 Timothy 2:24 (NLT)]

Oh Lord, I know you don’t expect me to like everyone, yet you do expect me to love them. That’s not an easy task. There are some people in the garden of my life who are like thistles. They are thorny and difficult and seem to cause irritation wherever they are. Like the thistle, they are troublesome and need to be handled with gloves. Yet, in spite of their prickly spines and pesky nature, the thistle blossoms are really quite lovely.

Help me, Lord, to see past the abrasiveness and sharp edges of the difficult people in my life so I can appreciate their beauty, too.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. [Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)]

I’m Blessed with a Forgiving God

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. [Psalm 25:6-7 (NLT)]

Oh Lord, forgive me. I don’t even have the excuse of youth for my failings. How many times will I have to make the same mistakes before I finally learn? Be patient with me, Lord, and teach me your way. Thank you for your inexhaustible forgiveness, love and mercy. Fill me with your Spirit and lead me on your path.

The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. [Psalm 25:8-10 (NLT)]

 

God’s Prescriptions

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? … No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. [Romans 8:35,37 (NLT)]

When life hurts, when we are in pain or trouble, suffering or desolate, desperate or depressed, does that mean God doesn’t love us? No! God love us and will never abandon us. Anything that brings us to our knees and makes us call out to Him can’t ever be a bad thing!

Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them; and he proportions the frequency and weight of them to what the case requires. Let us trust his skill and thank him for his prescription. [Sir Isaac Newton]

Life Can be Unpredictable; Let’s Be Prepared

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! [Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT)]

Father, we are not equipped to meet the challenges of this day alone. But, with you at our side, we can weather any storm. Grant us the peace, courage and strength necessary to get us through the tempests (and temptations) of life.

Faith Can’t Be Silent

So then, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can people call on him if they have not believed in him? How can they believe in him if they have not heard his message? How can they hear if no one tells the Good News? [Romans 10:13-14 (GW)]

Our faith brings us justification, reconciliation with God and absolution for our sins, but it is our voice that confirms our salvation. It’s not enough to live a Good News life; we must share the Good News, too. Who will speak on His behalf?

 

It isn’t Rocket Science!

If you declare that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God brought him back to life, you will be saved. By believing you receive God’s approval and by declaring your faith you are saved. [Romans 10:9-10 (GW)]

Lord, thank you for making salvation so simple: believe in our hearts and speak with our mouths that Christ Jesus is the risen Lord!