We are Called to be Overcomers

I think one of the most frustrating things for me is being in relationship with imperfect Christians. Don't ask me why I think they should be perfect, I certainly am not. But something in me screams when I am slighted or hurt by another Christian.

Example: We are dealing with a very difficult Christian in the midst of our project development (I'll call her Jill) and every time I talk with her, I can barely contain the frustration and anger that surges within and throughout me.

Last night I had to spend some time talking to God about Jill. I started by whining quite a bit, justifying my anger and frustration and listing the incidences where I felt slighted. At that point I didn't feel any peace so I turned to the Word. Interesting how God knows exactly what we need at exactly the right moment. A passage in Acts 4:32-33 says,"Now the multitudes of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common..." I know this didn't specifically address my issues with Jill, but of course the Word is living and active and went right to my heart.

What I sensed at that point was that I had no grace, mercy or love for Jill. I only want her to suffer and be judged for her failings. As soon as I thought that, the Holy Spirit whispered the scripture from Luke 6:37-38 (I didn't know where it was so I looked it up, I just had Karen's version of it): Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Wow! Immediately I realized that even if I don't care about Jill, I certainly care about me and mine. (Sorry Lord, I have to be totally honest here!). If I dwell in anger at another person and judge or condemn them and not forgive them, I am going to suffer the consequences of that decision.

While I was talking to my husband about my thoughts, he said to me that Jill is accountable to God alone for her actions. I knew right away that he was right, even though I know there may be times when we have to hold others accountable for things. This really helped me to realize that she would be judged by God for her actions and that ultimately I needed to pray for her that she would see her sin and repent so that she would not have to be judged. (I go in and out of willingness to do this!)

As I wrestled with God over this whole thing, I heard the word "Overcomer". I had a sudden understanding that an overcomer overcomes the desire to wound back, to hate and to dwell in anger. Every time we choose forgiveness over hatred, every time we choose blessing over cursing, every time we choose God's ways over the devil's schemes, Jesus' Kingdom comes into that situation. That is one of the ways that His Kingdom comes, through our minute by minute choices. And as we make those choices, we become overcomers. We are called to desire the Kingdom of God to advance in the earth and so of course He gives us opportunities to choose blessing over cursing. And of course, God's abundantly compassionate heart makes sure that we too are blessed with our Godly decisions as He then pours a good measure into our laps. So, in the end, everyone benefits! Wow, God, You continue to amaze me more and more each day!

By the way, I felt much more peaceful after this time of ministry from the Lord. Thank you Father, for allowing us to come into contact with hard people so that Your Kingdom can come in our lives and theirs.

Bulging Heavens

The other morning when I was on my morning walk, I was praying for someone who had a need for provision. I heard God say that the heavens are bulging with provision. It made me think of a type of cloud we see here in the desert where the bottom of the cloud has large billows coming down from it, like it is about to pour out rain. It really is a beautiful sight.

I think it's a good thing to remember that our Heavenly Father is just waiting to be asked for what we need. Yeah, I know He knows what we need, but I think He wants us to acknowledge our need and to remember where our provision comes from. What is your need today? Just think of bulging heavens!

A Visitor from Japan

Our daughter, Kelly, flew in from Japan this last week so we have spent as much time with her as we can, trying to make up for the last year and a half that she has been overseas. She left again this morning for the East Coast to visit her husband's family but will be back in about 9 days. How wonderful it is to be with our precious daughter again and enjoy her laughter and beauty. She will fly home to Japan the first of September, to return to her two dogs and her husband. Oh, well, I guess we have to share her. What a blessing she is in our lives!!

Sonscreen

Recently as I was praying for a friend's need, I heard the Lord say that my friend needed sunscreen. At first, I couldn't quite understand that, but I finally got it and started laughing. The Lord was trying to tell me that my friend needed "Sonscreen"!

Jesus desires to be our protection and coverage in everything that we face and He wisely surrounds us with praying people. When I was growing up, we had no idea how dangerous and harmful the rays of the sun were. But we're wiser now and wouldn't think of being in the damaging sun for a prolonged period of time without our sunscreen. Since we face such potentially dangerous circumstances every day of our lives, let's try not to leave home without our Sonscreen. I'm certain that He has an SPF of 100!

Live Honoring...

Today at the post office I saw a sign that said "Live Honoring Americans Fallen Every Day". Of course this is talking about honoring our troops that have died in war. Having a son-in-law in the military, this really hits home. The incredible sacrifice of our fallen soldiers (and their families and friends) should never be forgotten.

But it also made me think about the Word of the Lord that came to me some years ago that said, "Live like you believe me." This time the Holy Spirit said, "Live Honoring The One Who Died For You". Thank you Jesus for the cross and the incredible sacrifice You made for us. May we truly Live Honoring The One Who Died...so that we might live.

Another Grass Observation

It's interesting that God spoke to me a couple of days ago through grass while I was golfing and now today He spoke to me again through grass. We lost a tree because of the wind in our front yard awhile back and we have tried to replace that spot with grass. We've had a hard time getting our grass to grow well in that spot because it's such a large spot. The rest of the grass in the yard is surrounded by well established grass, so it is thick and green, but this new spot has more dirt than grass so it can't stay wet enough. There is not enough established grass surrounding it to protect it and keep it hydrated. (I mentioned in my last post that it gets over 100 degrees daily here in the summer!)

As I was out watering that spot today I realized that when we are not surrounded by spiritually well hydrated people who are drinking daily and thick with the Lord's presence, there is a chance that we will dry out and die. We can't do this walk alone, I need you and you need me. None of us are doing it perfectly, but regardless, we still need each other. We need a lot of grace with each other to finish well on this walk on Planet Earth. But Praise God that He holds abundant amounts of grace just waiting to pour it out upon us. Let's ask for it abundantly!!