Ugly Thoughts and Things

"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or frustrated." - Hebrews 12:3

"This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them." -  Psalm 34:6-7

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Dear God,

The ugliness of what is happening in this world, the ugliness coming from the Republican Party with regard to the least of these and healthcare for the disabled is tiresome. It is frustrating. I can choose what to think about. Please help me. Show me Your light and Your love. If I am thinking about last mistakes, help me to move on. Forgive me. And help me to forgive myself. Those ugly thoughts sure do like to sneak up on me! God, You have control. Show Yourself. Intervene on behalf of the least of these. Do not let the republicans throw them off comprehensive insurance plans. Do not let them hurt the least of these.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

In Training

"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." - Hebrews 12:3

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." - Philippians 3:20-21

Thus says the Lord: "The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." - Jeremiah 31:2-3

Dear God,

Life is a long journey up a mountain that can sometimes be hard to keep going and keep trying to do the right thing. You are training me to take one step after another, even when it's tough. Teach me to find You even in the middle of a struggle.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen