Luke 18:9-14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Habakkuk 3
Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. "
The book "Rich Father" deals with growing up with great attitudes of hard work, self confidence, correct spending, correct saving. Most of us will have some seasonality.
I was told by a family friend, when I was in High School, to prepare for the future. I really thought my future would be made and was astonished to find out we had to learn solutions and have a different life than our parents. And finding the solutions was the joy. Finding good reason Habakkuk has joy. Truly, we have had season of being impoverished and I'd say - that is a terrible way to have to learn. Poverty is boring. Self depreciating.
When we find we have a needle and thread to our life and we are willing to work with what God's Blessing and woe provides - the beginning - begin not to be defeated. Find true hope, faith and Love.
And usually, the people who are willing to work with respect within Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" - people who give reassurance, polite responses, diligent respect - are not going to end up with a life so clean - that sterile looks dire. Human warmth. Diligently applied. Sincerely. God is right - treat people with respect - find a path in God.
How is your Lent going? I was mildly gastro ill and tired. I have not done my exercises, I have not done all I planned. Things on the to do list pile up. And then I had compassion on a pressing chore from my son and friend. And this was a result of not going on excursion planned due to gastric illness. I'd say God has blessed me with several jaw dropping kindnesses and I am in the position of receiving kindness. What a wonderful feeling.
I have not fasted. I have fallen in all I hoped to do.
And I will say this to kindness given to me today, this week, in abundance:
Philippians 4 ~ To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
And I hope that next Easter time, I rediscover this Lenten Post and remember how very touching this is. To re experience Gratitude for this week.
My family has had some true failings, but one of our successes has always been humor. To finally laugh at ill humor. To see the humor in being a jerk. We have always called that "Whoa. Stop. Anderson Do Over Day." And we begin again.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Isaiah 43:18
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Internal change. Your mood for the day.
Your ability to have faith for the large issues in life.
Your ability to have faith for the pressing and scary issues in life.
The important portion here is - your soul and your belief in Change with wisdom. Believe in this Change yourself. Love God. Love Yourself.
Rejoice in the Mercy of God.
Romans 8:27
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
The Grace of God in Salvation
1 Kings 8
38 whatever prayer or supplication is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart, and spreading his hands toward this house; 39 then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know, for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men
Deuteronomy 4:31
For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Jesus prayed to find God's Willingness. Jesus wanted to go where Father God would take Him.
We live in a world with calendars and events and lists. Jesus went where God placed Him.
Jesus healed at the waters of the Pool of Bethesda, The Pool of Siloam, using His saliva. In His Willingness to continue healing even when He was told this was evil - lives changed longing for more of Jesus.
Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 6:2
For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Gideon, Jonah, Peter - God kept helping them. God is not going to quit or drop you on your head.
John 16:33
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Our Father,
Thank You, You hear prayers and Your Glory answers. We will have our Amen in Jesus with Joy. This is where we want to be. Almighty Father God.
Jesus the Lord!
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
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