Posted in God, God's Character, Humility on October 1, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Many find it inconceivable that God, who knows everything, who runs the universe, who is eternal and perfect would listen to prayer from such puny finite creatures as us.
But think of it this way…where did humility, itself, come from?
It is inconceivable to think that the creator of humility would not, himself, be the most humble of all — humble enough to put on humanity, die for our sins, listen to our prayers.
— fritz@langgang.com
Posted in Action, David, Difficulties, God's Compassion, Suffering, tagged 2nd Samuel 16, Psalm 34 on September 28, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Shimei cursed, cast stones at David, and said “Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial. The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul!”
Then said Abishai unto the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.”
And the king said, “Let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.” — 2nd Kings 16-17
It seems there’s always someone adding insult to injury. So, how do you handle difficult people?
King David gives the right example.
Fleeing for his life from his own son he was followed by someone taking the opportunity to add his own cheap shots.
Instead of responding in kind, however, David offered it as a sacrifice to God! He knew God has compassion on suffering and recognized his need for that compassion. The Bible says,
If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. – Psalm 34:18 (Message Bible)
Offer suffering and the rudeness of others as a sacrifice to God — he sees and returns compassion.
— fritz@langgang.com
Posted in Diligence, Explanations, God's Plan, Ruth, tagged Ruth 02 on September 27, 2011| 2 Comments »
Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter … And her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz … And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said … unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? — Ruth 2:2-6
A little background to highlight one important fact about how God works:
God commanded land owners not to squeeze all they could from their property. They could not reap the corners of their fields and if something fell to the ground during harvest they could not pick it up — it was left for the poor.
Boaz, a wealthy land owner, followed these commands with a generous heart even when many did not.
Ruth, a poor foreigner, went to the fields to gather and ended up married, becoming ancestor to Israel’s greatest king!
This was God’s grace to be sure, but what if Boaz was stingy or Ruth that morning had said, “I think I’ll sleep in today.? God’s grace works hand-in-hand with our compassion and diligence.
We don’t know when God’s opportunities will happen — but they happen more when we are diligent, faithful, and obedient to God’s word.
— Also see “Coincidence Or Answered Prayer?” – August 20, 2011
— fritz@langgang.com
Patrikin - Kinship through The Father 