If you have a teenager, then you may be familiar with the "teen tantrum" experience. Your teenager asks for your permission to either buy something or go somewhere (usually with friends) and as a loving parent, much wiser than your offspring, you deny the request. Then as if they didn't hear you the first time, they ask again, and again, and again, and again. Ignoring them isn't working, so you retaliate with the loss of privileges. This usually stops the immediate broken record, but it is quickly replace by the "parent hates teen" and "You just don't respect me!" or "Why do you always treat me like a baby?" accusations designed to make you feel like a worm. When this doesn't work (because you know better) then they either storm away and slam the door behind them or they surrender and give you the silent treatment. Either way, you, the parent finally gets some peace and quiet, until they think of another angle to try on you.
When my son, of 13 years, cycles through this tantrum repertoire, I actually experience disgust...not towards my son (OK maybe a little!) but I have recently learned that my feelings toward his behavior reminds me of MY behavior toward MY Heavenly Father. I complain about uncomfortable situations I find myself in. I ask for what seems to be a reasonable request only to be denied. Then I find myself questioning God's judgment. I get upset at God when really bad things happen to my friends who are living their lives according to God's plan.
This past week, I had a heated conversation with God about something He wants me to do that I don't want to do. However, I know in my heart, that this is the right thing TO DO. I don't want to respect and honor someone who has wronged me and let me down. Yet God is commanding me to do just that. Psalm 37 several times, reminds us that those who prosper in evil will not succeed in the long run. In fact, God's people are protected and will prosper in the end...whenever that is. Maybe on earth or up in heaven. God would want us to be patient and wait on him.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
ARE YOU A FRIEND OF GOD?
Do you have a BFF? Translation: Best Friend Forever. If you've ever had one in your lifetime, then you know how "into" each other you were. You knew everything there was to know about that person. This week when I read through Psalm 37, again, it reminded me of another scripture I had read and heard used recently. John 15.
Psalm 37:39-40 reminds me that my salvation comes from the Lord, he is my stronghold in times of trouble and will deliver and save me. Just like the best friend who stuck by you during tough times in school or even now in adulthood. John 15:13 talks about a best friend. A friend who loves you so much he is willing to die for you. Are you willing to die for your friends?
Jesus told his disciples in John 15:14, and this applies to us today, he no longer calls them (or us) servants, but friends, because he wants us to know everything there is to know about Him. Jesus wants to be your BFF! How cool is that! The greatest person who ever lived who was part God and part man, wants to be your Best Friend Forever!
Will you accept his offer and take time to know him inside and out? Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." John 15:4 says that keeping God's commands means our joy will be full and we are a friend of Christ. I don't know about you, but I could really use a cool friend of God to be my BFF.
I started this friendship about 33 years ago. My relationship with Jesus keeps getting sweeter and sweeter. He has ALWAYS been there for me and has NEVER left me stranded during a tough situation. In fact, it was always during my toughest times in life (big life decisions, death of my mother, adoption of my first child and birth of my second child) that Jesus was right by myside helping me to make it through the crisis or struggle. He was also there to share in my joys.
The best part about having Jesus as your BFF, is that he is capable of having more than one BFF. Do you need and/or want a BFF. Jesus is available!
Psalm 37:39-40 reminds me that my salvation comes from the Lord, he is my stronghold in times of trouble and will deliver and save me. Just like the best friend who stuck by you during tough times in school or even now in adulthood. John 15:13 talks about a best friend. A friend who loves you so much he is willing to die for you. Are you willing to die for your friends?
Jesus told his disciples in John 15:14, and this applies to us today, he no longer calls them (or us) servants, but friends, because he wants us to know everything there is to know about Him. Jesus wants to be your BFF! How cool is that! The greatest person who ever lived who was part God and part man, wants to be your Best Friend Forever!
Will you accept his offer and take time to know him inside and out? Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." John 15:4 says that keeping God's commands means our joy will be full and we are a friend of Christ. I don't know about you, but I could really use a cool friend of God to be my BFF.
I started this friendship about 33 years ago. My relationship with Jesus keeps getting sweeter and sweeter. He has ALWAYS been there for me and has NEVER left me stranded during a tough situation. In fact, it was always during my toughest times in life (big life decisions, death of my mother, adoption of my first child and birth of my second child) that Jesus was right by myside helping me to make it through the crisis or struggle. He was also there to share in my joys.
The best part about having Jesus as your BFF, is that he is capable of having more than one BFF. Do you need and/or want a BFF. Jesus is available!
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