Simply Redeemed

I've been learning a really humbling lesson recently. Forgiveness. Laying aside MY feelings, to love and forgive others. I cannot do this by my own power but by the power of the Spirit. There have been a series of events recently leaving my heart bitter and quite frankly hateful. A heart that wants to repay wrong with wrong. Repay harsh words with harsh words. But this is not what my heavenly Father has called me to do. He has so tenderly whispered into my heart this week to trust in Him. He is a God of justice who loves me and fights for me so I have nothing to fear. Words spoken against me that are harsh can be fought with HIS truths about me. When it comes to those who do not have a relationship with him who hurt me I have to remember I cannot hold them to the same standards as I would someone who has received Christ. For those who do not have the spirit, can I really hate them for not being loving and kind? Can I really hate them for persecuting me? No. But I...

My heart desires things that the Lord is not ready to give me in this season. My heart has been struggling and this morning the Lord comforted me. I am reading through 2 Corinthians and Proverbs. Today I read chapter 1 of 2 Corinthians which talks about the suffering we will encounter but how we will ABUNDANTLY share in God's comfort! I went on from there to read Proverbs 19, where verse 21 really hit me like a ton of bricks. " Many are the plans of a mans heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails." SHOOT DANG. My heart has been envious of others who are getting married in this season of their lives. My heart has also been prideful in the sense I feel entitled, that because I may be older wiser, etc. I deserve marriage in this season more than they do. I'm thankful the Lord is gently correcting my hearts posture and my prayer in this season is that instead of moping and being filled with self pity I may use it to mature in Christ, securing and growing my iden...