And last but certainly not least, Armyman and Hogfan, you need to stay on the Boise threads, great things can be learned thereI am not so sure about that. Those arguments just go on and on and they end up going nowhere, really..
"They gave Me also gall for My meat; and in my thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink."
Psalm 69:21
Sometimes we think things are going really bad in our lives. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we're worse off than anyone else. When we feel sorry for ourselves, all we need do is turn to the story of Jesus' last few hours on earth. There the man who knew no sin became sin for us, so we might have eternal life. He was tripped, beaten, spit upon, and when, as His dying request, He asked for a drink to wet His lips, they put vinegar before Him instead of water. No kindness was shown the Prince of Peace, the one who had done nothing in His life to warrant such cruel mistreatment. Compared with the trial and misfortune of our Lord, we have very little to complain about. Christ endured torment and death upon a cross for our sakes. Now, He abides with us to help us endure every trial.
Lord, I can hardly believe all that You did for me. You walked this earth so that I might one day walk with You in heaven. Thank you for giving me so much. Amen.
"Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Lord."
Psalm 70:1
Patience is not a strong virtue in the twentieth century. We are a people of instant gratification. We want what we want when we want it. We don't like to wait. Unfortunately, we worship a God of eternity who chooses to operate on His time schedule, not ours. Therefore, patience is a vital component of the happy Christian life. Ask the Lord for patience. You'll need it.
Father, I need to learn to wait graciously and patiently. Fill my heart with peace and give me a spirit of acceptance, that I might know happiness even when things don't happen fast enough to suit me. Amen.
Lvillesooner,
Its good to see you here my friend and thank you for the prayers they are always appreciated. Great folks and powerful prayer are always a nice combo!
(There's a new book out by Bryan Duncan called "Dear God . . . Really?--Prayers you won't hear in church" and it expresses our weaknesses in such a tongue in cheek way--things you KNOW you want to ask God to do but he won't do it: "Dear God, Are we on speaker phone? Because every time I confess my sins to You, the next day the whole neighborhood knows exactly what I've done wrong. Do Your angels talk behind Your back?" lol He's a 12-stepper, too, so I get a kick out of some of what he says.
