Here we go...a 10yr. old message , written by Jo, and credited to the book of James, chapter 1, verses 21 and 22a. "Be humble; accept the message that is planted in you to save you..Obey God's message."
"James speaks to the early Christians of a message that has been planted within each of us when we become a Christian. I'm curious. Is this a message given individually regarding the sin each of us carries? Or is it a general message to love and honor God that we might be one of God's chosen children? Or maybe it's both.
"Well, it could be specific in my case. I had a lot of anger in my life for a long time, smarting anew whenever someone found fault with me. It was as if I was saying, "Don't you know how hard I am trying? Can't you give me credit for that?" But, I have mellowed some. I realize an early perception of being an un-favored child was faulty. I'm more gentle with my errors now. I still am a coward regarding criticism, but realize it is needed for growth and humility.
"God, You are the perfect teacher and I see now how important it is to hear your suggestions that bring growth. Keep working on me, Lord! I need it! ( I love to please you, Lord!) Amen."
That was my old journal entry! It is hard for me to believe that so much time has gone by and I still need to have God working on me! Anger doesn't scare me quite as often as it did...and I thank God for that! But when I do have an outburst of anger, I am immediately mortified and know I am blaming someone faultily. I am thankful that God shows me my anger is not rightfully placed; I am the one who is at fault. Forgiveness is what I look for and given to the one whom I have faulted. God is teaching me, day by day. I am grateful for the love that surrounds me and for those who offer me forgiveness.
I pray that you are working on your humility, too, if there is a need. I am thankful I can give my frustration a name, and that I have the trust that God is in charge. I hope you have that trust, also, to be thankful for!
Jo INMN
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