Human Fear Proverbs 29:28

 Here's what I'm thinkin'

"Fear of human opinion and constant approval is a dangerous trap that disables,

but trusting Him is a sure way for safety and protection."

                               Reflection from Proverbs 29:28

A New Dawn

 As we witness a change in leadership and the first woman VP, I incorporate this daily prayer into my life.

"May God keep our President and his administration on the wings of eagles, may His guidance shine like the noonday sun, and may He keep them in the palm of His hand."

FDR once said, "I ask our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer as we rise to each day. and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips."

I personally consider FDR the greatest president this nation has ever experienced.

"Watch This" Ezekiel 37: 1-5

 Once in a while I seem to just want to give up. You know, enough is enough. I'm old, the dreams have escaped, and all that's left is livin' in survival mode.

Then, here comes an Ezekiel 37 my way and I perk up, Initially I think, This doesn't apply to me for God's sake...does it? Then I wonder about it throughout the day and conclude, Why not?

I'm passin' on the first five verses to get you goin', paraphrased of course:

Some time later, I sensed the Lord's power over me...so much so I felt carried to a valley filled with bones. There were bones scattered everywhere, dry and bleached by the sun.

A voice spoke, "So, son of man, these bones cannot contain any life, right?"

I thought about it and replied, "Well, it's You we're talkin' about. Can't leave out any possibility with You."

This voice spoke once more, "Watch this!"

My Prayer for Guidance

 "Father, 

It appears life is sometimes an endless dead end,

Then I remember those approaching the shores of the Red Sea.

I remember the story of David being mocked by Goliath,

I can only imagine what suffering You endured

When you made the decision to walk to Golgotha.

At Your feet I lay our nation,

And the future of our Democracy.

I trust Your Will be fulfilled and

May You receive all the Glory, 

Amen."

"Listen Up" James 1:19

 Reflection of a verse in James...

Dear brothers and sisters;  Be one of those who have a reputation of being a good listener. Give careful attention to another's thoughts and intents.

And after hearing their concerns, be slow to speak and choose your words carefully. 

Don't allow your voice to tremble with anger, but a tone that carries a heart of forgiveness embraced with patience.     James 1:19 

"How we are to React" l Peter 3:9

 Paraphrase from I Peter 3:9

So, here's what I'm sayin,'

Don't allow words of hate come from your lips, especially those that originate from the heart. This is particularly true when someone has insulted you.

Instead, share the compassion. Add sympathy and dig a little deeper with some empathy. Mix your thoughts with kindness and simply Bless, Bless, Bless!

Share their names with Your Heavenly Father in your daily prayers. Make no exceptions! No retaliations! No sharp-tongued, cute sarcasms! Bless, Bless, Bless! It's a lifelong thing...to your dying breath.

In turn, His blessings will be upon you.

Ask Your Dreams: Saint Matthew 20: 29-34

 Thoughts about asking Him...

As Jesus and His entourage were leaving the village of Jericho, the large crowd decided to tag along.

They passed two blind men who were sitting on the side of the road and got word Jesus was in the crowd.

"Master, have mercy on us! Son of David, stop and help us," the blind men shouted.

Some in the crowd told the blind men to shut up. But, that made them shout even louder. "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us."

Jesus heard their cries to Him and stopped. "What is it you want me to do for you?" (As if Jesus didn't know...right?)

The blind men responded, "Master, we want our eyes opened so we can see."

Jesus, overcome with empathy, quietly granted their request. The two blind men received their sight immediately, got up, and joined the crowd.

A New Song from the Heart : based on Isaiah 42:9-10

 Reflections from Isaiah...

In order to stop and change some things, embark on life with a fresh outlook that may include you learn a new song. The old songs mired in malice, misery, and self-pity, have left you feelin' empty.

Maybe changing some of the words that have embraced despair and frustration, tweak a few notes, add a refreshing new chorus, and you might catch yourself starting to tap a little. 

No doubt things that have happened you didn't see coming. In fact, that may be an understatement. But, wait, check this out. What may be the most important thing in your life right now is what you're going to do next. 

Try a new song with words that reflect His love for you. If He can breathe some Life into you, you might just come to life yourself. He said He will take personal responsibility for you and keep you safe from depression and other sad stuff.

You might even experience what others have been talking about. Maybe it's time to come clean with  eyes wide open and see if those prison doors are still locked. Even those in the darkest of places have been known to walk out into the light.

I heard it begins with a different song from the heart.