For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.
                                          Hebrews 8:12
Hello Friend,
         Iniquities is not a word we use often in our society.  It is Latin in origin (iniquitas), a noun, and means gross unevenness or unfairness. There is little doubt that Paula Deen, according to her own admission, has sinned. 
I would certainly consider using racist slurs gross unfairness.  And perhaps, she has been unfair in her
business practices as well.    Guilty!   A Sinner!  A professing Christian.  And what bothers me as much as Paula’s behavior is our reaction to her sin. 
 
          Our scripture this week says that God is merciful, and while I don’t know Ms. Deen’s heart, God does. She now has the opportunity to repent (turn from her wicked ways) and begin again.  Remember what Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, “Has anyone condemned you, and she answered, “No sir.”  Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11).  It seems that the press and people on social media sites are hurling boulders destroying the business she worked so hard to achieve.  Others are relishing the scandalous details and taking delight in watching her empire crumble.  Are we showing mercy?  Is our extremely judgmental behavior not just as sinful?  Whose sins are worse?  I believe not just Paula’s Deen’s behavior has wounded God’s heart this week.   Surely God must be weeping at our sins as well.                                                                     
                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                      Linda                                
Prayer:    We see our name written in the sand, Lord, and seek your forgiveness. Create in us
a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit with us.     Amen


 

Click His faith is strong, and he trusts in the Lord.  He is not worried or afraid.                                           Psalm 112:7-8

Hello Friend,

       Just now I was earnestly in prayer.  I was beseeching God to fulfill my request.  I kept presenting my desired outcome to a particular situation over and over.  I believe God is good. I know that intellectually.  I espouse that belief in messages and sermons; however, I was still worried and afraid. I wanted my way—my desired outcome.  I finally decided to quiet my mind and rest in the Lord and this thought came floating across the stream of my consciousness:  “God knows the desires of my heart.”   Okay, then what do I do with that insight.

            I must trust deep in my gut what I speak with my mouth.    Regardless of the outcome that I think should occur, I must submit my will and allow God to be God.  How much easier to say than do!  So my prayer language changed from begging to affirming.  God is love.  God is good.  Letting go and releasing—while not easy—is necessary if I want to let go of worry and fear.

Prayer   Let peace reign in my heart, O God.  I trust you.    I surrender to You today my health, family, skills, gifts, and time.  I surrender my need to be in control.   May Your will be done, Amen.                                                                                                                            Linda 

here to edit.

Clito edit.

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                               John   2:6 (NKJV)


Hello Friend,

          On this day, I am still pondering last week’s devotional about rejuvenation. While I don’t discount the items on my previous “R” list, I also came to the realization that I need more strength and power in my spiritual walk
as well.   So I asked myself,  "What do I need to restart, replenish, renovate, and revitalize in my walk with
the Lord?”  While trying to accomplish all my top ten spiritual goals as a summer renovation project is
unrealistic, here is another “R” list for you and me to ponder as we seek to grow into His likeness.


1.    I will restart my giving and share more time and resources with others.


2.    I need to replenish my outpouring of mercy; be less judgmental.


3.    I need to renovate my language.  Words have power.  Enough said!


4.    I need to reignite my light to see the world and others through new lenses.


5.    I will retune my listening ears to truly hear the suffering behind the words.


6.    I will rejoice and be glad in each day.


7.    I will rely on and confidently lean upon the Lord. 


8.    I will rekindle the spark of love in my heart and be more caring.


9.    I will renew my mind; my thoughts will not control my actions.


10.    I  will revitalize my prayer life by trying new approaches to God.

           Choose an area that speaks to your heart to begin your recommitment to the Lord.  I
desire more strength and power in my daily life as I seek to walk as Jesus walked.  God will honor our process
with a double blessing. Our summer renewal will be an exciting adventure.  Grab your gear and join me.     
                                                                                                                                 Linda