Today was Sunday, and worship day. We are so blessed to be in a great church that really focuses on having a real, vibrant relationship with God. There is also a huge emphasis on missions and ministry coming from a heart full of love from him. We have been so blessed by being a part of what God is doing here.
Today was the last week in the minor prophets. Our pastor spoke on how the Israelites didn't know and trust God, so they didn't want to put their lives in his hands. They wanted to control everything, yet they failed miserably. If they had only trusted, only submitted, if only....
Then he talked about his father and how he was out of work for 14 months during a difficult period in his family life, yet whenever his father got work, he would give 10% of his income to God. His father told him, "even though we cannot afford nice things, I am not going to miss out on the blessings of God for 10 cents on the dollar."
As we were reading Day 2, we talked about Jesus being the fulfillment of the Old Testament, and how the israelites missed it, and so many in our day miss it too. And that we who have accepted him have been grafted into the root of Jesse and now receive the inheritance of the firstborn, because of what Jesus has done. If the children of Israel had only known....had only been able to see what we now see...
Would it have really made a difference? Do we have enough foresight to change our own 'history' before it happens? What would you do differently? If only....
You cannot change what has already happened. But you can choose to live differently now. Make the choice to freely love him with your whole heart, and live like it. And realize that even though others do not make the sam choice, your job is to love them. Even if they treat you badly or disrespect you. That is not to say that you should allow them to treat you like a doormat. No, that is not self-respecting. Your job is to forgive, and pray for them in love. You may even have to lovingly confront them. But not on your own- God will guide you. But if you are genuinely loving God, seeking his face and having conversations with him, he will show you how to love people like he does. Even those who are the most difficult.
I hope you are being blessed by The 12 Days of Christmas. If you are, or if you have any comments, please post them here or on our website at www.12daysbook.com
We are praying for you. More tomorrow. Until then, may you have joy in the journey!
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