Prayer – Lord, I am reminded daily…each time I get into your word…that You are an awesome God. You don’t belong just to me—but to everyone who have ever lived and breathed was created by You and for You. Some of us just don’t realize it and then there are some who reject You Lord God—they actually turn their back on You and Your way. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart. I choose You…to follow You down the straight and narrow path that leads to forgiveness, righteousness. and hope for the future.
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me.
Let all Israel repeat this: From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted
me, but they have never defeated me. My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer
had plowed long furrows. But the LORD is good; he has cut me free from the
ropes of the ungodly. May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful
defeat. May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only
half grown, ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder. And may those who
pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD bless you; we bless
you in the LORD's name." Psalm 129:1-8
Meditate. Consider God’s goodness.
The Lord God is good. Like this psalmist, God released me—set
me free from my enemies. He wins, not them. When my “enemy” is within me…my own attitude…the
Lord has graciously pointed out the error of MY way. I can say that He has
helped me see the error of my thoughts—my attitudes—and pointed me down the
right path—His path. Funny thing is it is MY decision whether to go down that
path or not. God allows us to make our own decisions. It was my poor choices
about my attitude that seemed to cause more distress in my life. Listening to
God, I want to make good choices—wise choices. I remind myself that I want to
live in a way that is pleasing to God…and that by living that way life is more
pleasant for those around me, too. Hip-hip-hurrah! There are many verses
throughout Proverbs that point out the value of making good decisions. This one
about watching what you say to stay out of trouble was very encouraging to me
recently. God’s word is true…You won’t get into trouble if you keep your mouth
shut. For me, that takes a change of heart.
Watch your tongue
and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23
Likewise, since I live in a semi-desert area, this verse
was convicting to me about not quarreling. I don’t always have to be right and other
people are entitled to their opinion.
It's better to live
alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. Proverbs
21:19
 |
| Storm Clouds Jerusalem is multicultural and multireligious Conflict is just beneath the surface of life. Just like the Jews, Arabs, and Christians in Jerusalem, You have a choice. Choose God. God is good. |
Verse of Salvation ~ He called you to salvation when we
told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus
Christ. With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm
and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and
by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved
us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you
and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians
2:14-17
© 2022 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All
rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Books by Mickey M.
Hunacek
Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com
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