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Like Dr. Stanely asks, how do you see the Lord? I used to see Him as a punitive, and distant, cold parent who was basing His love for me on my performance. When I sinned, I perceived Him as unloving. this was probably due to my Mother's cold, distant passive agressive treatment of me when I was a child.
Now, I see Him as caring and loving, running to me, like the father in the Prodigal Son passage.
It is neat to know that the God of the Universe, the great and awesome God, loves me, and sent His Son, to die for me.
Tell me about your perception of the Lord.
Hugs,
Trish
Albert Schweitzer
March 10
The God to Whom We Pray
Nehemiah 1:1-11
What’s your view of the Lord? Do you see Him as the One who can handle all the challenges you bring before Him? Nehemiah knew God in this way. Upon hearing about Jerusalem’s destruction, he mourned, fasted, and prayed for intervention. His supplication (Neh. 1:5-11) offers a glimpse of how he viewed the Almighty.
First, the Hebrew term Yahwehrefers to One who is absolute in faithfulness. Next, the title Elohimindicates infinite power and sovereignty over the universe. Finally, Adonaimeans “ruler over all." Nehemiah was bringing his request before the throne with full confidence in God.
And the Lord answered his prayer in a powerful, dramatic way. As cupbearer in the palace, Nehemiah tasted food and drink first to protect King Artaxerxes from possible poisoning. For a servant in this position, to look sad was very risky (2:1), yet the terrible news disheartened him.
So the Lord worked a miracle: when the king asked what was troubling his cupbearer, Nehemiah expressed concern for the Jewish people. Instead of punishing him, Artaxerxes let him go to rebuild whathad been destroyed, and even supplied the materials! God handled what seemed like an overwhelming, impossible burden for Nehemiah, and He can do the same for us.
Having the right view of the Lord will allow us to approach Him with absolute confidence. And we know that He will hear and answer our prayers (Ps. 86:7). Remember that He is absolute in faithfulness and infinite in power. Our heavenly Father is the ruler over all.
Albert Schweitzer
I am praying for your friend. Having chronic back pain, I empathize with this friend of yours, and am sure the pain he is experiencing is far greater than anything I have had.
My praise is that I was able to purchase a new mattress and boxspring this evening. I desperately need a good night's sleep.
My prayer request is that my mother would get right with the Lord before she gets any older. She prayed the sinners prayer many years ago, but has not grown one iota. She does not go to church, and does not read the scriptures. Right now, she says she is entitled to be a B****, because she is old, and that when I get old, I will be too. I would rather die young, than act like she does.
Thanks,
Trish
Albert Schweitzer
I also have a prayer request for a good friend of ours who had back surgery recently where they had to actually move his organs out of the way and literally rebuild his spine. He's home but still having a rough time and I'm sure his wife/nurse could use prayer too. Thanks in advance! God bless! Karen
My deepest time to learn this lesson was during my very painful divorce, when I felt that my whole life was a mistake, and that I was robbed by God of happiness. I had this selfish thinking that IF, I had not been traumatized as a child, and molested as an adolescent, I would not have become the alcoholic nutcase that hurt my family for years with my distorted thinking and flip-outs.
So, when my husband left me, I blamed God. I would call my dear friend in Florida, and just rail on God's decisions. So many of my friends grew up in normal, sane homes, and became normal sane women who had normal, sane marriages and lives. That was not my case. My friend helped me, and reminded me that God works together the experiences I had for the good. My therapist told me that I would make a good therapist because I could relate to so many people who come for help.
I went to graduate school and got a Masters in Social Work, and have done individual therapy and group therapy with many people, and hope to do more.
Another time, I had to bury both of my brothers at a young age, one four years ago, and the other three years ago. God is in control was my anchor. I spent a lot of time meditating on Psalm 139, and the verse about God knowing the number of our days kept going through my mind.
Sorry to babble.
Trish
Albert Schweitzer
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Albert Schweitzer
I too marvel at the simple beauty in life. It's those simple and wonderful things that I treasure in daily life. :)
starting wt-320
pre op-312
current-256
Stacy B. · 8 replies · 1041 views
