Does Mourning Have a Positive Value?

Good Morning!! FOR most people, mourning is a strongly negative word, with no blessing attached to it. Yet Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Do Jesus' words sound like an insult when grief is overwhelming? Does mourning have any positive value? I now think so.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. —
Matthew 5:4 (NRSV)

Mourning can enrich life and give new dimension to our emotions. Mourning includes elements of missing, longing, and anger. It widens our minds and enlarges our ability to feel and to feel with others.

Mourning and comfort can lead us closer to one another and closer to God,...and that is a blessing.
Thank you, God, for being ready always to take us in Your arms and to comfort us. Holy Spirit, prepare us to give, and to receive comfort. Amen.

"The fact that God makes good out of our wrong does not make our wrong right

A Heart of Peace

Good Morning!! "I'm sorry." Most of us, have no real idea of the healing and restorative powers of that simple phrase,...when uttered in sincerity. Acknowledge and apologize, rather than suffered another anxiety-filled day or restless night, because of refusing to acknowledge any wrongdoing to others,...and to God.

"A heart at peace gives life to the body"—Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

Though there are consequences for sin,...the physical and psychological pain that comes from silently hiding it is unnecessary. The solution? We can always go to God, confess,...and know the blessing of a forgiven and peaceful heart.

Forgiveness is not automatic,...but we have only to ask.
O God, help us to acknowledge our sins, and teach us to promptly confess them so that we may know the joy of Your forgiveness. Amen.

"Fellowship and Intimacy with the Lord are essential to spiritual transformation."

Believers Are Children of God

Good Morning!! Scripture reminds us that all believers are children of God, heirs together according to the promise that we are fellow citizens in God's realm and members of God's household. Jesus was not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters.

Jesus said, "Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."—Matthew 12:50 (NRSV)

I know we're all made in the image of God. But we gain new insight to that fact, as we identify with each other's struggles like; spiritual hunger, concerns about family and jobs, or in new found joys. And as we witnes God speaking to us and meeting our needs,...we can rest assured we are truly one family in God.

In all our uniqueness,...we are still one family.
God of all, thank You for Your love and grace and salvation that you offer to all who believe in Your Son, Christ Jesus. Amen.

"Fellowship and Intimacy with the Lord are essential to spiritual transformation."

Reflect Christ

Good Morning, My Friend!! As Christians we are meant to reflect Christ in our lives. When people see us, do they see the love of Christ? When they hear us, do they hear the love of Jesus? Can they tell that we know Him as our Lord and Savior? Because of knowing us,...have they come to believe that they can have their sins washed away and live a new life,...by trusting in God?

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.—Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)

When others see the light of God's love and righteousness shining in our words and deeds, they will know we are truly followers of Jesus Christ. They should,...because we were called to let our light shine in a world filled with darkness.

Let's be sure our words and actions reflect the love of Jesus Christ.
Lord, show us how to let your light shine in our lives so we may be witnesses for you. Let our lives draw people to You,...and not push them away. Amen.

"Fellowship and Intimacy with the Lord are essential to spiritual transformation

God is the Source of Comfort

Good Morning!! God wants you to know that He understood your pain, your grief, and your anger,...and He listens to you in your distress. The Bible assures us that God is the source of comfort in all of our struggles. I have come to know that although we're not promised an easy life,...God intends the best for us.

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.—Romans 8:28 (NIV)

We may never truly understand why we experience the hurts, we do, but I do know that God will use it to work good in our life. And I still believe that; our tests can and will become our testimony.

Know this; even when we cannot see it,
...God is working for good in our lives.
Dear God, You listen to our doubts. You understand our anger and pain. Give us grace to endure struggles and to allow You to use them for Your good and glory. Father our faith is in You. Amen.

"Fellowship and Intimacy with the Lord are essential to spiritual transformation."

Just Have Faith

Good Morning!! When all of life feels like a never ending storm, we need to look beyond our problems, and even beyond our unquestioning "God is good " or "just have faith " thoughts. We honestly agonize, and wrestle with God, over our messed-up circumstances.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.—Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

After we pour out our feelings, our pain, and even our doubts,...and choose to trust God anyway,..our faith grows deeper than it ever could otherwise.

Deeper faith will lead us to a place of deeper peace.
Lord, help us look beyond the storms of life to the peaceful calm we can have, when we deeply trust in You. Amen.

Peace and Quiet

Good Morning!! Too often we lose sight of our need to seek peace and quiet. The world's noises drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit, leaving us restless and on edge. It's no wonder we feel so alone. It's our quiet time with God, that allows us to Re-connect, and Re-charge.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.—Colossians 3:15 (NRSV)

Even though I know that the quiet life I want doesn't just mean inactivity, I still find myself, at first, feeling guilty when I take time to calm my soul. Meditating and talking with God brings us back into inner peace,...that enables us to work, share, love and serve more productively.

Take time to allow God to calm your soul.
Lord, help us as we move daily to spend more time with You, seeking and finding that quiet life You promise. As Jesus taught us, we pray, "Father, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive our sins, as we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Amen.

"More faith, and less fear,...this is the key to worshiping in Spirit and in Truth."