Monday prayer & verses (16 11 2009)

Thought for the day

There is a story about a bride and groom long ago who were leaving on their honeymoon in a buggy pulled by a horse. As they traveled, a piece of paper fluttered across the road and the horse bolted. When the man regained control of the horse he said, "That's one!"

Later in the day, a rabbit jumped from the side of the road and ran in front of the horse. Again the horse bolted. When the man regained control of the horse this time he said, "That's two!"

Something similar happened later in the day and the groom said, "That's three!" He then pulled out his gun and killed the horse.

His startled and bewildered wife said, "Why John, that's terrible; you can't do that!" Her new husband looked at her with expressionless eyes and said, "That's one!"

We have limits on how much we're willing to tolerate from others. Peter thought a generous limit was "seven times" of being sinned against (Matt. 18:21). Jesus said, though, that we are to forgive up to "seventy times seven" (Matt. 18:22), without limit.

I think one of the most difficult Christian traits for us to develop is forbearance, which is the ability to "put up with others". We expect others to tolerate and overlook our shortcomings, but we are often slow to do the same for others. Let us be reminded of these words from Paul:

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Col. 3:12-13).

Verses

Ephesians 6:11

Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God to the end that you will be able to hold your ground against the stratagems of the devil,

1 Peter 3:10

For "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile;

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God -- and righteousness and sanctification and redemption

John 16:24

"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Joshua 1:8

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Prayer

Father, strange teachings lead me far away from Your truths that I learn as I walk on the straight and narrow path laid out for me. It is on this path that Your grace is revealed to me. It is evident as far as the eye can see and reaches way beyond our limited imagination. Your abundant grace brings me assurance when the world speaks of trouble. Your abiding grace brings me consolation when others forsake me. Your sustaining grace is manifested more in the trials of life than in the mountain top experiences. Thank You for supplying me with Your sufficient grace in the height and depth of my existence. Your amazing grace is supernatural; it never ceases to be amazing and it is good for my heart to be strengthened by Your grace! Amen.