Think On These Things...

So busy lately...and I don't even know with what exactly I've been so busy. I just know I'm exhausted and can't seem to steal a moment of silence. And what do you know, I have one now and all I could do is agonize over this claim that was so matter-of-factly asserted to me today... "Jesus is a pacifist, don't you know." (This would make good company on your "things we don't believe" list, Beth. Can you sense my irritation? It's just oozing off the page, isn't it? Who knows...maybe there's plenty of Christians who believe this and I've just not encountered them before.)
UH! This would be a great example of a time the Holy Spirit could intercede for me because there are just no words and I don't even know how to deal with this attitude in the body. Of course, there are plenty of things about me I'm quite certain the body wouldn't care to deal with either. Mine would be worse.

I am learning little by little... firstly, not to respond when I'm so emotional. Secondly, to respond gently and humbly...because I just don't know it all, as much as I'm bent to think I do. And I guess it matters more to God, not whether I'm right or wrong, but the way I treat people and the way I conduct myself.
So, by God's grace, I had written this little prayer down yesterday as I was reading through the book of Romans, and it was fresh in my mind throughout the day today...

If there are things that I am indifferent about, just as some of us Christians are indifferent about abortion, please show me. Help me to sincerely esteem others higher than myself. Conform my passions and hatreds to be Your passions and hatreds, and teach me how to express my heart in a God-honouring and God-glorifying manner. Forgive me for my conceit and help me to respect those who disagree with me.

And last but definitely not least...

Show me how to not only hate what is evil, but to also CLING TO WHAT IS GOOD.

I think that's where there's been an imbalance with me. I lay this burden I have down on Will all the time and he doesn't know what to do with it because neither of us have the power to change it. My very thoughtful and wise husband decided to pray with me...and for me (I can't tell you what that means to me) and then he went to bed, leaving me alone with God. A few minutes and I decided to check my email before I hit the hay, and there it was--in a daily devotion from Lifeway--a word from God in a prayer format that couldn't be clearer:

GRACIOUS FATHER, I HAVE LOOKED UPON THE KINGDOM OF THE WORLD UNTIL MY EYES ARE TIRED- TIRED OF LOOKING AT DEATH. NOW LIFT UP MY EYES AND LET ME LOOK AT LIFE. LET ME LOOK UPON YOU. AND I SEE YOU, NOT AS A RECLINING GOD, BUT AS A REIGNING GOD. HALLELUJAH!

I guess I have to meditate more on Philippians 4:8.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things.

Not that we should all stop thinking about and concerning ourselves with the "least of these", but there has to be a balance, and at the end of the day I have to realize that it is God Who is in control...not me. It's not my burden to carry. It belongs to Him. I do what's right, and fair, and just, and He does the rest. And He is so good, and so beautiful, ...and He is rest.

Rose is done art classes next week and I'm looking forward to that. It'll give Will some extra time at home. That man never gets a minute to rest. He's always off doing something and I think it's catching up with him. Honestly, I miss him.

I'm off to bed now...