Word for the day "The Lord wants to open your eyes"
Ephesians 1:18 (NJKV) The eyes of your understanding[c] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
This is an opportunity to see and learn some powerful lessons in this season of your life.
Are you going through difficult times? If it does nothing else for you and to you, it will open the eyes of your heart.
Walking through troubled times is one way that God has of shifting your vision. When your heart breaks, there’s an opportunity for God’s compassion to connect in and envelop your heart in this season of your life.
There are some powerful life lessons you are going to learn in this season of a challenge!
You’ll begin to look at others through the eyes of your heart and not through the eyes of quick unrighteous judgment, wrongful conclusions, or self-interest.
You’ll hopefully look at people and wonder what their story is; what their childhood was like; what caused them to be so happy or unhappy, why they seem this way or that.
You are more likely to understand that they are in some pain and trying to run from it or trying to hide.
Or, you’ll see their smile and demeanor and wonder if they’re truly happy or masking some inner, silent suffering or despair. God is presenting you an opportunity in this season of your life, don’t miss it.
The Lent season time of the year is when we can trust God to fulfill his purposes through our pain.
Jesus could have looked on His enemies merely as men who were carrying out a wicked plot. Instead, He saw them as human agents used of God to accomplish God’s bigger purposes.
Jesus knew He had been sent into the world to offer His life as a pure sacrifice to pay the debt of man’s sin against God.
The wicked actions of his enemies enabled Him to fulfill God’s purpose of redemption. Therefore, Jesus was able to say from the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
When you are mistreated, a forgiving response demonstrates the love of Christ to your offender. In this way, you continue the ministry of Christ’s suffering, and reconciliation here and now on the earth.
God can work through offenses to fulfill His divine purposes in your life and in the world.
When you experience suffering, you can respond in forgiveness and trust God to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
One of the most powerful lessons and valuable lesson I’ve learned. Don’t shy away from hard things.
Instead, train yourself to become a person that can endure, embrace, and allow the Lord to guide you through life’s difficulties.
Quote: As I look back on my own life, I can see that, although the times of testing seemed very painful at the time. I now recognize how significant they were in preparing me for what was in my future and destiny. James Baker, Jr.
Point to ponder
Now, you won’t get answers to all that you wonder about people and figure everything out, but your heart will be softened. You’ll find that you have a level of compassion that most people don’t have. Let the Lord open the eyes of your heart today and have a great week.
- Do you know how to leverage life’s difficulties?
- What is your perspective on the challenges in your life?
- How do you understand Jesus in the handling of life’s challenges?
- Currently, in your life are you're growing spiritually? Yes/No
- When mistreated do you have a heart that forgives?
Special thanks!
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of April 2019 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Mother Betty Denson, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Mrs. Denise Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Carl and Marguerite Williams, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Evonne Bazemore, Mr. William Wilson, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker, Jr.