Monday, September 7, 2009

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse
We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:3 MSG
Thoughts on today's verse...
Isn't this verse amazing?  John (the Younger) was a witness to Christ - he saw Him, he heard Him, and he told us about Him through his words in the Bible. He (John) is encouraging us to share the experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Christ Jesus - through his (John's) witness. 

What a wonderfully amazing gift God has given us:  freedom of choice!  We can choose to worship Him in authentic love or we can choose some other 'god' to revere.  I've heard it said that you can always tell who a person's God is by simply looking at their checkbook - where is the most money going?  (I believe I'm bowing at the alter of the Sam Walton empire...)

As believers, we are loved by a compassionate God, and we're taught to love ourselves as Christ loves us, unconditionally.  We may have behaviors that require determined work in order to be changed, but we are to love ourselves despite our shortcomings because that's how Jesus loves us. 

I've also heard it said that the problem with our society today is that the command to love our neighbors as ourselves is precisely what we are doing - and we don't love ourselves, so how can we love our neighbors?  Isn't that an interesting thought?

Sometimes some of you will write notes of encouragement and tell me how "spiritually mature" you think I might be... the truth is quite the opposite.  I am just a simple woman, striving to know Christ through His word.  Some days I do well and other days I fail miserably.  And frankly, there are days when I just want to walk away from it all feeling that it is too hard, too demanding to try to walk this path.

I become disappointed and disillusioned with people, with the church... so much so that I want to retreat from everything and everyone.  I want to move into an apartment of my own and become a virtual recluse not having to deal with anyone or anything and cut off all ties with everyone.  I have clinical depression.  I know that and sometimes when it comes to the forefront, I hurt those I'm the closest to.  I do that by the things I say and do or don't do.  It is a hurting so deep in my soul that I cannot describe it.
My prayer...
Abba, Father... I want to be so much like Peter... to be able to have the faith to step out on the water... but I'm afraid that it's the rest of the story that makes me more like Peter... I look around and allow the storms of life to interfere with keeping my eyes on You, and so I start to sink.  That is where I am today, where I have been all weekend.  I'm drowning in an emotional tide... and so I lift my hand to You and ask that You pull me out, that you rescue me.  In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen.

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

4 comments:

  1. Good Morning Tamara, I read your post this morning and felt the raw honesty, and your words, could have been my very own. I too sometimes feel as if I am drowning, and God seems so distant...yes, I too have been to the depths you speak of. I am praying the Lord will hold you closely, and you will feel his loving arms around you...May Grace abound to you Tamara. In Jesus name I pray...Amen. (((HUGS)))555

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  2. Oh Tamara...your words are so sincere and touching...I hope that hopeless feeling and emotional tide drift away quickly...Just look upward...and breathe deeply and know your blogging friends care...
    Take care,
    Wanda

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  3. I pray for my sister, Tamara, Lord.
    Lift her....hold her....sustain her....one day at a time.
    Tamara, we can't look at people and or the 'church.' We should be able to, but people will let us down, eventually. The One that you look to and pray to is the One who will keep the storms of life from sinking you. I hug you and hold you and pray for you... especially today.
    Love to you...
    Jackie

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  4. Oh my sweet friend, I am so sorry that you are experiencing bad days, please know my heart and prayers are with you. I know how strong your faith is and it will see you through this Tamera, this too shall pass.
    Always in my prayers....:-) Hugs

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