LOVING THE UNLOVABLE!

by | Oct 3, 2017 | Daily-E-Votionals

Matthew 5:11-12

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

One Sunday, following our evening service, a man in the congregation asked if he might come to the parsonage and talk with me. I was delighted to meet with him. When he arrived for our appointment we shared a light lunch before going into my office. Suddenly, out of the clear blue, came these words: “I hate your guts!”

Wow! You could have knocked me over with a feather. Prior to this there did not seem to be any indication of a conflict between us, so his blunt statement was a blow. With my mind reeling, I prayed silently for God’s wisdom and strength. With as much sincerity as possible I answered, “I am so glad that you feel free to share your feelings with me.”

From that incident I would like to suggest a few ways to respond to and love the unlovable:

  1. Rely on God’s wisdom in dealing with the person.
  2. Realize that these unlovable people need love—perhaps more than others.
  3. Remember how unlovable our sins are in God’s sight.
  4. Rejoice that we are counted worthy to encounter persecution.
  5. Respond with love rather than retaliate with resentment.

What transpired on that Sunday evening so long ago? The two of us spent time together as he poured out his heart. As he was leaving he looked me directly in the eye and said, “Pastor, I love you so much!” Wow! What a dramatic change from the comments he had made earlier. God is so good!

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

– – – Pastor Cecil

GODLY COURAGE!

by | Oct 2, 2017 | Matthew

Matthew 10:29-31

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Many times we face uncertainty and loss. The things or people we counted upon for our support are not there when we need them. Even when we pray, we feel that the Lord is far from us and does not hear our supplications.

When looking back over the years of my life, I discover that in those times when I felt like I was abandoned and alone, God was the nearest to me. It was not so important that I felt Him, but that I just kept on doing what His Word said; eventually I found that these times of quietness were preparing me for increased service.

The more I search the pages of Scripture, the more I find that God’s people have not been immune to the dark days of disappointment. Joseph, for instance, was treated cruelly by his own brothers. Instead of sulking and feeling sorry for himself, he learned the Egyptian language and became the most valuable servant in Potiphar’s house and also later in the prison. Even as Prime Minister in Egypt he was cut off from his home and family.

When the opportunity finally came for him to bestow vengeance upon his brothers who had sold him into slavery, Joseph realized that his time of tribulation was all God’s plan. All he had to do was live one day at a time. That is easy to say, but hard to do. I want to always practice having Godly courage in my own life!

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

– – – Pastor Cecil