We sadly live in a time of great division. In this situation we as followers of Jesus should work towards healing these divisions. One thing we can do to  make this happen:

Stop being offended!

As you know, being offended has become  a national past time with people looking for things to be offended about. And even being offended for others who aren’t offended themselves!

What did Jesus have to say about this?   How should we act in such a toxic society?

Col 3:1 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”  rather than on protecting our honor or feeling good.  1

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. “Col 3:13 That’s a pretty inclusive statement

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Col 3:13,14  and  “love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

The truth is, we can all easily be offended, but we can also choose not to, to overlook an offense  and pave the way for healing of relationships and divisions. And we can also encourage others to stop being offended. Let’s follow Jesus and do it!

The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying.

He fears nothing from

prayerless studies

prayerless work and

prayerless religion.

He laughs at our toil,

mocks our “wisdom.”

But he trembles when we pray.

Samuel Chadwick

“You have not because you ask not,” James 4:2

How’s your prayer life?

More thoughts on Psalm 86:15, “you are a God who is full of compassion, gracious, long suffering and plenteous in mercy and truth.”

You, Lord God, are rich in mercy and truth—mercy and truth for us are opposites: one soft and pleasant, the other hard and unyielding. Only you, Lord, could put these two together!

You don’t shy away from pointing out our sins (truth) and at the same time do not give us what we deserve (mercy)

As it says earlier in Psalm 86, “Among the gods there is none like you, neither are there any works like yours…. You are great and do wonderous things.” You are, in a sense, too good to be true, but you are more than true, for you are Truth itself: immutable, unwavering, solid and eternal.

I praise you that you are full of compassion, gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and truth. Help us all to live in the light of that Truth!

This picture shows  Jesus combining Truth (sin requires a sacrifice) with Mercy (redeeming his enemies).

“I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.”  Psalm 89:1,2

I’ve been meditating more on Psalm 89:15, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,” meaning those who are learning to recognize you in every detail of the day, to be aware of your constant work in their lives and therefore to praise you in every circumstance. They see frequent “God sightings,” as you clearly meet their needs.

These believers, “… walk in the light of your presence….” They are aware of your faithful attendance to them, of your being with them, shining your wisdom into their lives, lighting the way.

“They rejoice in your name all day long, they exalt in your righteousness….” You are their focus, your qualities are guiding their thoughts, and therefore their actions and reactions, “for you are their glory and strength.” They are constantly looking to you for help, drawing their significance from you, aware that belonging to you is a great joy, that you are the meaning of life, the importance of existence, sharing your greatness with them.

Walking in the light of his presence is a decision we can make every day, every minute. What are we waiting for?

The last verse of Psalm 50 reiterates this powerful truth of thanksgiving: “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me and prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” (NIV)

How often have I blocked God’s help by a rebellious heart, by an unthankful attitude? By my complaining rather than trusting?

This truth of Psalm 5f0:23 is a vital one for us in this difficult Middle Eastern country we lived in as we are continually faced with attacks of all kinds from the enemy. But in giving the “sacrifices of thanksgiving” we can open the way so God can turn these seeming defeats into victories—something we have seen happen often.

Like the time our 6 year old went to the corner grocery store to buy bread (a very common practice here) but didn’t come home! We thanked God for what He was doing in this crisis, and looked for him but no success. Then there came a knock on the door and there stood the daughter of the janitor of our former apartment building. She said she found him a mile down the hill still looking to buy bread! This happening reopened our relationship with that family—God had a purpose and a plan.

When we trust, that brings glory to Him instead of to us. When we give thanks, we express our faith in God’s wisdom in allowing this situation and in His power to straighten it out!

Prayer: “Lord, lift my eyes and thoughts to you when difficulties come. Help me to remember to give thanks for what I don’t like so I can give you glory and cooperate with you in bringing your desired outcomes. Amen.”