The Revelation

Friday, October 16, 2015
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Proverbs 28:13-14 – He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. (NIV)

It was 4 a.m., and I was driving through the depth of darkness toward my place of employment. I enjoyed my job, but as I motored along, I suddenly realized how indifferent and hardened my heart was becoming in regards to those whom I worked with. They were people who had major problems in their lives, mainly due to the wrong choices that they had repeatedly made, people on the wrong side of the law. Over and over again, the same old scenario. Will they never smarten up? I pondered. What's wrong with these people? Do they not realize how foolish and annoying they are? Why can't they get their act together for everyone's sake?

Judgemental, unkind, and critical remarks continued within my mind, thoughts that I could feel were putting a scowl upon my countenance just thinking them. How has this happened? I wondered. When did I come to this within my heart regarding these struggling souls? And how do I change my heart back again to one of compassion, empathy, forgiveness, and mercy? Quiet words within my mind answered my question: By taking every thought captive to Christ; by confessing your sin and finding the mercy of forgiveness in Christ, something I did immediately after my shift began.

I openly and honestly shared this dilemma of my heart and mind with God. I quietly asked for His forgiveness and a renewal and softening of my heart and attitude toward those who had not yet found their way to Him, the Saviour of mankind. For once upon a time, I, too, was firmly mired in sin, hopeless and blind, without even realizing it.

God answered my prayerful honesty with His unending mercy and love. My heart immediately began to feel differently within me, softened and warm. My thoughts changed from the hardness of judgemental criticism and disdain back into the heart of a caregiver of Jesus Christ, one full of compassion and empathy for the lost, who, just like me, are the beloved of God whom Christ died for so willingly.

Prayer: Father God, how easy it is for our hearts to fall into the trouble of sin through judgemental and critical thoughts and attitudes toward others — a situation which never prospers anyone. Forgive us this trespass, dear Lord, and reveal anew within us the mercy and goodness which was and is ours through forgiveness in Christ. Renew us this day, that we, in turn, might forgive and love others in such a way that the light of Your salvation may show them the way to the cross, eternal life, and inner transformation. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Amen! Great thoughts.


    Another great challenge Lynne.


    Thank you so much for your message today!


    Thanks for this message. It’s a reminder I needed to hear. Blessings.


    Thank you Lynne.
    May you have a lovely weekend.


    Most helpful. I think Philippians 4.8 about thinking about whatever is good etc. is also relevant and supports what you are saying. Thank you.


    What an awesome devotional! Something I struggle with every day! Was not sure why or the answer. Thank you for showing me what to do. Have a blessed day.


    Lynne,
    Thank God you were aware of your weakness, and sought direction of the Lord.
    Great sharing!
    (CA)


    Lynne, I love this verse, “taking every thought captive to Christ” because it’s the only way we can truly renew our minds. Thank you for this important reminder – a great lesson for all of us.
    Blessings.


    Lynne – Seeing our unkind ways and thoughts is the first step in asking for forgiveness; very often this is hard to do. I am finding that as I deepen my relationship with the Lord, He keeps me in the right path, with the outcome of victory. Thanks for guiding us through this thought process which leads us to be effectual witnesses for Him. God bless.


    Hi Lynne,
    When I was working, I faced similar situations. I’m sure you touched on a topic that certainly needed to be addressed.
    Thank you for sharing this one. Hope this will be helpful to others.
    God bless your writing.


    Dear Lynne:
    You really hit the nail on the head for me. I’ve been feeling these very thoughts regarding my own family. I do pray that the Lord will guard my thoughts and words. I also realize that I must pray for them even more than I do right now.
    Thank you for saying what I really need to hear.
    God bless you.


    Another good one. Keep writing.
    Blessings.

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