It was yesterday, 6/7/2022, when I received some correspondence and could not believe a person was taking credit for something I inquired about, not them. I read this before lunch time and actually composed a response intended to go out to close to 30 people. Holy Spirit had me pause in sending it until after lunch was over. On my lunch break I continued reading the current book I am reading while sitting outside. There was something I read that caused me to be convicted by Holy Spirit. Do not send the email to everyone but send it to the one that composed it. The one basically trying to take the credit for something I inquired about, not them.
A few excerpts (this is not one paragraph in the book, but the main thoughts I underlined) from the book I read on my lunch break I share with you today:
"For instance, to some people, when served an injustice, the first inclination is to retaliate in kind with the pain produces pain. It is a fact that hurting people hurt people. The cycle continues until we feel we've somehow broken even the offender. But the more I spend time with God and in his Word, the more I begin to understand that by identifying myself as a follower of Christ, I no longer have the right or even the option of operating in an eye-for-an-eye mentality. The old saying is true: "An eye for an eye makes everyone blind." Trust me, nobody ever wins with this type of mind-set. Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we are new creatures, which at its core, means old patterns must break and new ones must be established. I must reboot the hard drive of my life and say yes to a new way of thinking, acting, and even reacting. This is what opens the door to knowing God more deeply and seeing how he's at work as those opportunities to partner with him become more apparent."
As I continued to read on in the book, I underlined a few more thoughts in the book. Let me share them also. I am sharing this to show you how God can use circumstances in your life and His timing so as to not make big mistakes. mistakes made out of pride or arrogance. Wanting to be right and getting credit for something that someone else is trying to take the credit for. Let's go on so you can see how Holy Spirit spoke to my heart through the writing of another author. Thank you, Sheryl Brady. Here are more excerpts from her book, "Don't Miss the Moment."
"that there are places, levels to ascend to in God, that are available only to those who will pay the price of admission. It is costly."
"It means we extend grace in places it was never extended to us."
"It requires patience, kindness, choosing not to envy, being humble when you want to be proud."
"It doesn't act superior."
"It is a picture of Hosea loving his unfaithful wife, Gomer, because real love reaches around, apprehends unfaithfulness, and chooses to love anyway."
"Love's way is counterintuitive to our normal, everyday, selfish nature that has been wired in us from birth."
That was about it, I would call this a productive lunch break what do you think? Maybe even a working lunch break at that too. I am going to now include a few excerpts in addition because I placed a star next to these in the margin of the book. Maybe someone out there needs to hear them too.
"when you spend yourself in places that matter the least, it will cost you in places that matter the most."
"A great indicator that you are in God's timing and surrounded by his grace is fruit. Being fruitful should be the heartbeat of every believer."
So, what do you think I did with that correspondence after lunch? I went and then composed the same response that was in the body of the correspondence I already created but this time it did not address everyone and only the person that sent it. Holy Spirt was showing me I do not have to toot my own horn so to speak, that He will raise me up in due time. The God way was not to attempt to humiliate another person in front of others but address the situation with the person. See, Holy Spirit cares for His own and even the feelings of others that surround your life.
Last week I finished the book by a local pastor. Maybe it is time to visit his church again. What do you think?
As I was about to publish this blog entry, I told Holy Spirit I need scripture to back this up. He directed me to read I Kings 18 & 19 in the King James version bible. Amazing how God has the final say and shows up very strong doesn't He. Read both chapters today to feel the love of God for your very life ok.
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