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Wanting Revenge
I’ve read the verse several times. It’s even been my life verse for quite some time, but today it had extra meaning.
As
I looked at 1 Peter 5:6-7 this morning I realized that I needed to do
exactly what it was saying. The passage goes like this:
“Humble
yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up
in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
As
I read through the chapters previous, I realized that Paul was talking
to people who were suffering for Christ. He told them earlier, “rejoice
that you participate in the sufferings of Christ” and “if you suffer as
a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that
name.” These people were going through persecution – jail, torture and
death. I wasn’t to that point, but had felt someone had wronged me and
other fellow Christians. Perhaps I could handle something against me,
but not so much against others. I was mad and wanted revenge.
But
then God shows you a passage like this: “Humble yourselves…under God’s
mighty hand”. He is telling us to trust God. God knows what is going
on. I also recalled Romans 12:19, “‘It is Mine to avenge; I will
repay,’ says the Lord.” I am not to seek out revenge, but trust God to
handle the situation. I am, “as far as depends on me, to live at peace with everyone.”
In
fact, Peter says earlier in his book, “So then, those who suffer
according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful
Creator and continue to do good.” Those last five words hit me….“and
continue to do good”. If I completely trust God…and if I believe
everything I do is for His glory and honor…and if I believe that He is
my Father who cares for me…and if I believe that He is an all-powerful
God who will watch over me…then I need not worry or be angry or seek
revenge. I am to do quite the opposite. I am to do good, even to the
one who may have wronged me.
God can and will handle any
wrong against me. It may not be in my time, but in His. It may not be
my way, but His. However, I can trust Him. I just need to do what He
has asked me to do – “Humble myself….and do good.”
“To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:20)
Author: Pastor Layton
5/17/2012
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Thank You...Moms
One of the local novelties near where we lived in West Virginia was the Middleton Doll Factory. Lloyd and Lee Middleton made had painted dolls that were so life like it was unbelievable. They were rather expensive but you could tour the factory in Belpre, Ohio and see how the dolls were made. In the original location they had a nursery where little girls could pick out their special, unique doll and adopt him or her. It was neat and Amanda “adopted” a doll before we moved to Michigan. I read an article recently that Middleton Dolls were bought by a competitor and they shut down that original factory and nursery. Doll adoption has fallen onto hard times and a local icon is no more.
I thought of that this month because, in American culture, motherhood seems to have fallen on tough times too. When a full time mom, who also happens to be the wife of a candidate for president, is accused of “not working a day in her life” because she chose to focus on motherhood, something is wrong. As a culture, we minimize the power of a mother’s influence to our own detriment. No one helps shape the character, values, and future of a child more than a mom. We need more mothers who will pour their lives into loving and raising the next generation for God! Thank you, Moms, for all you do in making a difference in the lives of the kids in our church! We are truly blessed by your lives (Proverbs 31:28)!
Author: Pastor
5/10/2012
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Upcoming Events
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| 5/19/2012 -- |
Men's Breakfast and SWAT Project Day |
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| 5/26/2012 -- |
Summer Sizzler Basketball Tournament |
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