Abandon Desperate Pleas

A family member emailed us today saying that he felt abandoned by everyone and everything. He said he has no family, no friends, no neighbors, no priests, no one and nothing that he can turn to. He wrote to say that he can find no hope, no faith, and no charity. He is angry and hurt over many situations that are out of his control.
I don't know if I did the right thing but I wrote back to him and said:
Back off. Abandon desperate pleas and give total control to God and be at peace.

In his email he told us he didn't want anyone to preach to him. I told him that I thought he had two choices and only two choices. One was to continue to stagnate in the pit he was in, and the other was to reach out to the Only One Who can lift him up out of that pit.
I told him that wasn't preaching, it was fact.


Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3: 5-6


"No God. No peace.
Know God. Know Peace." ~ Anonymous

Let Go And Let God

I've always liked that saying, and I try to remind myself of it during times of frustration.
I'm facing quite a few frustrating situations right now, and I'm trying to back off, I'm trying to let go and give all control over to God.


As for God, His way is perfect. The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. ~ 2 Samuel 22:31


"The most glorious promises of God are generally fulfilled in such a wondrous manner that He steps forth to save us at a time when there is the least appearance of it." ~ Karl Heinrich Von Bogatzky

Grateful Prayers

I always remember to pray when I am soliciting a request of the Lord, but I am sometimes neglectful in saying the many prayers of thanksgiving to God that I ought to be saying.
Recently I was so uplifted by the advice, quotes, and prayers of others, and I am so grateful to God for the gift of these good women.


How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:9




"Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life." ~ Joel Osteen

Pleaful Prayers

I came across a blog the other night that was full of so many heart-wrenching, pleaful prayers. So many people in need, so many devastated hearts.
This is just a sample:

"...I'm far away from God..."

"...I am exhausted..."

"...Please pray for my son..."

"...please pray for my daughter..."

"...please pray for my baby..."

"...in a coma..."

"...x-rays..."

"...cancer..."

"...I've been accused..."

"...can you pray for me?"

"...Dear Lord, he doesn't want me anymore..."

"...walls are crushing down on me and there is nowhere to turn..."

It was a collection of sadness, and despair, and desperation.


God Is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1

I read on another blog that we should pray for those whom the Lord puts on our hearts. I like the idea of that, of not only praying for those who request our prayers, but to pray for anyone who might pop into our head throughout our day. Or anyone who might touch our hearts as we read about their trials. I hope to make their pleaful prayers my own.


"If we truly love people, we will desire for them for more than it is within our power to give them, and this will lead us to prayer." ~ Richard Foster

Freedom

I think it's obvious that freedom is very important to God. From the very beginning He gave man the freedom to choose.



It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yolk of slavery. ~ Galatians 5:1


"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." ~ Jesus Christ
(John 8:36)

Accentuate The Positive

I remember reading awhile back that in this particular Bible verse St. Paul was actually speaking to the early Christian Church specifically about a rift that was brewing, he was in jail at the time and trying to guide his followers to stay on the straight and narrow according to his teachings.
But I think all the words chosen fit for the Bible are actually God's Words Speaking to all mankind and not just specifically for a certain situation in a certain time-frame.

I think in this verse God is telling us to turn away from reflecting on the negative, choose a positive outlook, and look for the good in people and situations.
There is nothing good about negative thoughts or actions. Accentuate the positive.



Whatever is true,
whatever is honorable,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:8


"Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy." ~ Anne Frank

Peaceful Prayer

I will try first to rid myself of all uneasiness and unrest, then ask the Lord in quiet confidence, with my heart at ease.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6

"God wishes to be seen, and He wishes to be sought, and He wishes to be expected, and He wishes to be trusted." ~ Julian of Norwich