Step Back

                                                               

        

I enjoy looking at art work.

The more abstract the better.

I do not consider myself an aesthetician, the reason behind the art can remain a mystery. The finished product is what captivates me. A blank canvas full of potential, received its finishing touches by

the artist. And becomes a work of art, a creative expression of ones thoughts and imagination. Spectacular.

Every piece of art created by the artiest does not make it's way to the gallery, postcard or our walls. I am sure that along the way there have been pieces that only a mother could love. I would love to be a fly on the wall in that defining moment. When the artist steps back to admire their creation for the first time. I am sure it is much like new parents gazing into the face of their new baby.

At that moment the artist is full of excitement and hope for the future of this new creation. The sky is the limit. If only for a moment.

It reminds me of us.

God hand crafted each of us.

The Bible says in Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

                                               

God has great plans for each of us he tells us in the Bible in Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
When I think about humanity, Gods handy work how we are fearfully and wonderfully made to do great things.

I get excited.

Then the thought hit me, this is only Christians, right?

Wrong.

I lost my excitement.

Humanity is not limited to just the Christians. I am not being narrow minded on purpose. I sometimes forget that I am a sinner saved by grace.

I asked God to help me pray for and forgive those that treat others like they are not human. To love those that hate others. Can I confess, that just because I asked doesn't mean my heart changed right away. I have a hard time with more people standing up for animal cruelty over people cruelty. God started working on my heart. I realized I had made myself a judge. God reminded me of the plank in my own eye. So I decided to leave the specks in others eyes alone.

I am responsible to love.

As I picture God on that sixth day when He finished creating man. In Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day.
I believe that the Master Artist stepped back and looked at each of us, seeing our full potential He said “it is very good.” How awesome its that?

He knew what we would be like before Christ and he still called us very good.

God used this lesson to remind me that He is the Master Artist,

and to step back and see the beauty in humanity.

Do you find yourself struggling to understand humanity today?

How do you cope with disappointment from your fellowman?

I pray that you can step back and see the beauty in humanity today. Be Blessed.

  

Bitter Waters

                                   

Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Yesterday I found myself in an emotional battle between hatred and forgiveness. I cried out to God for help, please protect my heart from hatred. Before I became a Christian I was full of hatred and a unwillingness to forgive. As God healed the hurts in my life I learned to love and forgive.Why was it a struggle now?

God did not answer me right away, maybe he expected me to know what to do. I begin to think of all the life lessons I experienced recently. I was franticly searching my mental life lessons log, nothing came to mind. God this is a new one and I am going down, please help me.

I was surrounded by people and could not get alone with God to cry out. I am sure a few people thought I had lost my mind. And one women asked “Honey are you OK?” “No, I need God to keeping me from hating these people.” God got my attention by her reply “Me too Honey, and I am not a hateful person.” It was time for a prayer meeting, We bowed our heads and prayed.

The Lord spoke to my spirit “ Do not let hatred conceive in bitter waters, let love abound.”

The scripture that came to mind was John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

                                               

                   

I believe the Lord was telling me that the living water in me was bitter, with hatred trying to increase. But the Lord gave me a way of escape. Hallelujah. He said “Let love abound.” Not my love towards these people, but His love for them.

He asked me “Did I die on the cross for them?” Yes, Lord. “Was it enough to cover their behavior?” Yes, Lord.

I released them to the Lord, He paid the price for their life. I agreed with the Lord let your love abound in this situation right now. It did not turn out the way I wanted it to. However I turned out the way the Lord wanted me to.

Are you faced with a difficult situation in your life that has caused bitter waters ? Trust in the Lord my dear friend and let His love abound. 

Be Blessed.