Starting my mornings

I have always been a Martha, running about each morning answering emails, questions and making sure that the needs for the day is met and that includes domestic duties for my husband. When I do have time, I take some time off to pray. But most of the time work overtakes and I seem to be uneasy getting started with work. 

Then I read a devotional on Bible.com (Hello Mornings : Start Strong). I want to make sure that I remember this in the future when the rush of work overtakes me :

"We often feel pulled in many directions with responsibilities at home, work, or with family. Before we pour into others, wisdom says we should let the Lord pour into us. When we meet with Jesus each morning, we’re acknowledging His authority to be our compass. We’re surrendering ourselves to His leadership and wisdom, and His beautiful, strengthening grace. And if the day gets tough, we can revisit that morning sweetness— mentally backtracking, if necessary, to pull from that good beginning. 

Every day, God’s mercies are new. Each day is a new opportunity to start strong with Him— in prayer, in study, in worship, and surrender. Like David, we can pray, “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8.)""

What we don't have we can't give ... starting the day right is important. It sets our compass and gives us the strength and peace to overcome the daily noise. And if it's challenging, start small. Because God loves quality or quantity. I again quote :

"When it comes to time, God desires quality over quantity. Yes, your time with Him will grow at some point. But in the beginning, focus on giving Him your best. In John 6:1-14, all the young boy had to give was five loaves of bread and two pieces of fish. What if he had chosen to hold back because he felt it wasn’t enough to give? "

 

21

Therefore I have hope.

For His compassions never fail.

Great is Your faithfulness.

“Therefore I have hope in Him.”

- Lamentations 3:21-24 (NASB)

Forgiveness

I don't usually write personal posts but this is something that I want to remember in the future. Many times in our life we are hurt by people most especially those that are closest to us. I remember a saying that we are hurt most by those we care the most about. It's very hard to go back when words have been exchanged and the damage is done.

You see someone crossed the line yesterday. It was very hurtful to hear that. I also realized the lines that should not be crossed with me, and that is injustice to my loved ones and my family. I was so angry, not at the person but what that person said and also at myself for allowing to me to be angry.

So I didn't and couldn't find the peace in myself. I prayed shortly that night and still I was not at peace. This morning during my quiet time God made me realize something so significant that I myself couldn't even question or reason with. 

This is what He said :

21Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

23 “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him A talent was worth more than fifteen years’ wages of a laborerten thousand talents was brought to him. A talent was worth more than fifteen years’ wages of a laborerten thousand talents was brought to him. A talent was worth more than fifteen years’ wages of a laborerten thousand talents was brought to him. 25But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. 26So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ 27And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. 28But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred The denarius was a day’s wagesdenarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ The denarius was a day’s wagesdenarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ The denarius was a day’s wagesdenarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ 29So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ 30But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. 31So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. 32Then summoning him, his lord *said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ 34And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. 35My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”

 So what else can I say ... It cuts to the core and even if you think there is no going back, there is such a thing as healing. Forgiving someone releases not only the person but myself. I now understand why it is important to forgive. I also realized that we cannot change people. Having the desire to correct someone to he can reach a certain level of understanding and realization is not our role. We can try to lovingly correct but in the end it's the Lord who changes people. Our job is to forgive.

I am thankful for quiet times in the morning because it gives me the clarity that I need before I start my day. I am thankful that I have a God who gently corrects me as long as I am listening. So it is wise to listen.

It's quite a blessed morning. I have found my peace and my hope is that you find yours.

Have a good week!