Every story, every issue, every situation, has more than one side.  A common idiom is ‘it takes two to tango’.  Haven’t you heard that phrase over and over?  Did you know it’s Biblical?  Check out Ecclesiastes 7:18:

It’s best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue.  A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it. (The Message)

It can be very difficult for people like me, who like to deal in black and white, to see and accept all of the nuances of a situation.  Yet, that is exactly what God wants.  We are to deal with all of ‘reality’, not just what seems to be right in front of our eyes.  So, the next time an overwhelming situation occurs or a difficult decision needs to be made, sit back, take a breath, gather information, pray about it, then act.  You’ll be glad you’ve taken the time!

Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient God, open my eyes to all of the parts of the puzzle.  In all areas of conflict help me to see what You’re seeing.  Teach me act with grace and mercy in all situations.  Make it so in Jesus name!

Are you a people pleaser?  Should you be a people pleaser?  Who really benefits?  Who are you really trying to please?

Pleasing others, pleasing self, pleasing God…Where does it stop?  Better yet where does it start?  Hebrews 13 is sub-captioned ‘How to Please God’ in Todays English Version of the Bible.  This list of How To’s is good place to start understanding.

First and foremost we are to please God and when that concept is firmly in place it is a natural progression to pleasing others.  So………

Love one another is the top of many of the lists in the Bible.  The easiest way to do this is to take ourselves out of the picture.  An old cliché says “Let go and let God”.  Jesus gave these two commandments – Love God.  Love others.  That pretty much says it, doesn’t it?

Welcome strangers in your homes.  This one gets up close and personal by saying ‘in our homes’.  Ray and I have made this part of our home life and have been blessed by having the opportunity to share and model Jesus to family and new friends from around the world.

Remember those who are in prison as if you were there with them…That speaks for itself yet I’d be willing to say there’s such a prevailing judgemental attitude that even the thought of following through on this is repulsive.  I’m often reminded by the Spirit within…There but for the grace of God go I.  Pray, send a note, visit…

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Heavenly Father, help us to read Your Word with the desire to apply it consistently to our lives.  Show us your mercy as we struggle to put You first.  Help us become more like You.  Grant us Your peace.  We give You praise and thanks for sending Jesus in whose name we pray.  Make it so!

I really enjoy reading Anne’s blog…Freedomborn. She writes from the heart of a seasoned warrior for God. Once in a while she puts something light in her writing and this is one example. Hop over to her blog and check it out. Thanks Anne for such a fun moment for the day!

Source: A Riddle for us Seniors……