Dear God,
I turn to You, as found in Your Holy Word. Just prior to this, I went outside, and looked at the beauty of my spring blooming rose bushes, fruit blossoms, and beginning fruit; and then gave You praise for it all. Not only for the transient beauty of the blossoms, but the promise of the harvest to come. It has been a difficult start to the morning, and to lift my spirit, and bring me up to You, I have needed to refocus. I am thankful that You hear my every prayer, and as I ask, give me right thoughts and comfort; for I am needful, of Your help and assurance.
2 Timothy 3: 16, 17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” I take note, that it is not all about giving me comfort and making me feel good, it is about being filled with Gods special Spirit, and accepting all of the scriptures; even though sometimes, I find hard truths in there, that in the end, lead to more right doing and my dropping off unfruitful thoughts and practices. Truly, as a woman of God, I am made a more complete Christian, when I allow God’s word to speak right into my soul, as a reproving and pruning tool. I acknowledge that I am all the better for allowing these changes to take place. Now some new growth can take place, which I now realize is needed. I am glad that as time goes on, I am being better equipped ‘for every good work’; for I truly want to be the ‘handmaid of the Lord’.
I read In Isaiah 59, 60, that though there had been great wickedness and apostasy, God in His mercy never completely cast them off, even when they felt His judgement. It is the same for me and the rest of us at this time of increasing wrong doing, when all are in need of an increasing godliness; yet our final fate has have not yet been forever decided, and mercy is still extended to all. Isaiah 59: 20, 21 “’The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression……,’ Says the Lord. As for Me, says the Lord, ‘This is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words, which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants’……..” I thank God, for His is a wonderful promise not only for me, but for my descendants also. With such wonderful confirmation from God, a response is expected! Isaiah 60: 1”Arise shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” Jesus came with the glorious news of salvation, and He spoke confirmatory words, Matthew 5: 16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Sometimes, it is as if we go through life, in a self-focused fog, and do not realize the impact upon others that our words and actions have. I prayerfully ask of God, that He remind me when I am being negligent or negative, and instead, by the His power and love, my words and actions, will be positively appropriate and loving. Proverbs 25: 11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Science confirms scripture with the findings, that to be positively minded; revealed by our attitudes, words and actions, is so much better for our health, than to be negative in outlook, words and deeds. I can see that the blessings of being positively minded, are for the here and now, upon us individually and upon others, as well as bringing God glory. Galatians 6: 7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
God, I give you praise, for the blessing and instruction within the scriptures, for me this morning. Thank You for hearing my prayers, and leading me to these scriptures, and by Your Spirit, softening my heart as I was instructed and helped to a better understanding and application.
Amen