Be merciful unto me, O God: for
man would swallow me up; he
fighting daily oppresseth me.
Psalm 56:1
While I am happy about the good things God is doing in the lives of prisoners, there's also a dark side that a Christian has to deal with...
man would swallow me up; he
fighting daily oppresseth me.
Psalm 56:1
While I am happy about the good things God is doing in the lives of prisoners, there's also a dark side that a Christian has to deal with...
And this is because, as the Bible makes it clear, there exists a real devil; his goals are to steal and destroy and ruin as many lives as he can.
Thus, while the Lord does touch lives in a good way, there is also a daily battle that every Christian must face. It is warfare that is, much of the time, unseen. Yet it's deadly!
The life of a Christian is actually a paradox. While there is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, and although I have freedom to worship the Lord, I also have to journey through a spiritual minefield.
Ironically, too, like the patriarch Joseph whose story is found in the Old Testament book of Genesis, it was his own brothers who tried to destroy his life. His own kin tried to kill his dreams. And sometimes, I hate to say it, my brethren in the church could do the same to me.
Recently, for example, a couple of my own "brothers" have tried to discourage me. One of them has taken to teasing me with sarcastic remarks under the pretense of making friendly jokes. While another one seems to be going out of his way to irritate me while veiling his actions with obviously artificial smiles.
I am curious, though, if they think I am too stupid to recognize that is going on? Yet, in spite of their conduct, which has been causing me anguish and sorrow, I have chosen to forgive them.
Nevertheless, I confess, however, that there are moments when I'll find myself fantasizing about popping one of them in the nose; God forbid!
I must remember that I serve a God of compassion. So instead of anger, I am to show my brothers kindness and grace. This of course doesn't mean I condone their head games, but Christ is teaching me to overlook what is not important.
Too many good things happened this month. God has used my life to help my fellow prisoners. And there are many wonderful things ahead for me. Thus, I need to focus on what the Lord is doing, and not upon men who've been misled.
D.B.
Thus, while the Lord does touch lives in a good way, there is also a daily battle that every Christian must face. It is warfare that is, much of the time, unseen. Yet it's deadly!
The life of a Christian is actually a paradox. While there is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, and although I have freedom to worship the Lord, I also have to journey through a spiritual minefield.
Ironically, too, like the patriarch Joseph whose story is found in the Old Testament book of Genesis, it was his own brothers who tried to destroy his life. His own kin tried to kill his dreams. And sometimes, I hate to say it, my brethren in the church could do the same to me.
Recently, for example, a couple of my own "brothers" have tried to discourage me. One of them has taken to teasing me with sarcastic remarks under the pretense of making friendly jokes. While another one seems to be going out of his way to irritate me while veiling his actions with obviously artificial smiles.
I am curious, though, if they think I am too stupid to recognize that is going on? Yet, in spite of their conduct, which has been causing me anguish and sorrow, I have chosen to forgive them.
Nevertheless, I confess, however, that there are moments when I'll find myself fantasizing about popping one of them in the nose; God forbid!
I must remember that I serve a God of compassion. So instead of anger, I am to show my brothers kindness and grace. This of course doesn't mean I condone their head games, but Christ is teaching me to overlook what is not important.
Too many good things happened this month. God has used my life to help my fellow prisoners. And there are many wonderful things ahead for me. Thus, I need to focus on what the Lord is doing, and not upon men who've been misled.
D.B.
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