A Call to Resist...
And enter into rest…
It’s early, the sun is just making its entry as the old man enjoys the coffee from the patio of his meager home. Smiling he looks up, giving thanks for this little parcel God has so graciously provided. Scanning the yard looking over his “prairie restoration project”, observing the teeming animals and birds busy prepping for the onset of spring.
Standing, stretching, he walks toward his local cafe, to visit with staff and grab a bite to eat before getting started on his “prairie”… His thoughts, reflective… matching the measured pace, looking around, remembering the neighborhood 35 yrs ago and how much it’s changed.
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” – Seneca
In this world of sides… whether, mine, yours, our groups, causes, beliefs, positions , ethnicity, political positions and on and on and on… there really are only two sides… in my humble opinion… Gods and ours… God, holy and perfect… on one side, and evil on the other… the evil, the sin constant and ever present… wanting to master us… God’s Word exhorts Christians to resist…
Be of sober spirit, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished among your brethren who are in the world.
— 1 Peter 5:8-9
The Bible says we are all born into sin… Since the original sin of man… Mans sin, constantly looking to self, resisting God’s love, God’s goodness… His mercy… God however, because of His love for us made a way, for your sins to be forgiven… all of it…
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
— Psalm 103:12
Honestly, there is only one God… one Judge to whom we will answer when this life is done… No one else… Gods Word tells us this… I believe it… no one else can judge you… consider His love… consider His gift to mankind…
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you who judge your neighbor?
— James 4:12
Whether you are a Christ follower or not, but especially if you are, and because His Spirit resides within, daily examine yourself, pray and ask God for the strength to resist the urge to…
Hate
Scream
Ignore
Not love
Verbally abuse
Physically Harm
Believe everything you hear
Not Pause… and think for yourself
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
— Mark 8:36-38
Take a moment instead… although it’s not the easy road, in fact it’s hard, but possible…. to…
Pause before speaking
Think for yourself
Love intentionally
Be purposeful
Consider others first
Listen with interest
Ignore distractions
Be present
Turn off or put down your phone
Slow down
Find a quiet spot to be alone and with your Creator in His Creation
Value life, your life and the life of others
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
— 1 Peter 5:6-7
God gave us an example in His Son Jesus, to love as He loved… to be merciful and compassionate…
If you don’t believe in God, I sincerely pray you might stop, examine His Word and consider His promises… thus finding the freedom of His true love and forgiveness for you… but, if not I respect the fact that you don’t…you’re here… so thank you… sincerely…
Begin today regardless of your spiritual condition to resist the urges, pressures and prompting of the evil one to destroy one another… instead let’s unite at a minimum to seek respectful conversation, to understand, to be kind and to disagree… agreeably… to listen to one another…
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
— Proverbs 15:1
Opening the door, the smell of coffee brewing brightens his smile… “good morning ladies”, smiling he sets down waiting for the coffee and “the cup” that never runs dry…
Until next time my friends,
Raj