I am burdened this morning. 

When people wear the name Christian, there is a certain expectation that comes along with such a title.  One would think that anyone with the Holy Spirit living inside would react a certain way, think a certain way, and have a heart of compassion.  But that isn’t always the case.

We are all in process.

1 Corinthians 3:2
I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.

Each of us are given the choice to study God’s Word and submit our flesh to His Will.  How many of us are willing to do that?

I heard some words this weekend that are weighing heavy on my thoughts.  Things that should be forgiven and forgotten.  Things that should be under the Blood.  Conversations and words that were spoken many years ago should be dead.  Why hold onto those things?

Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

God have mercy on us and help us to have mercy for others.  

Who do you think reminds people of past hurts and conversations?  Satan.  He comes to steal, kill, and destroy — even if it is someone’s peace or peace within a family.  

I finally got up at 4am because I was just lying there, chewing on all of this, unable to go back to sleep.  

Friends, we will stand face to face with the God of all creation one day.  Each of us will have to account for our choices in this life.   Do we think our petty grievances against another will stand in His holiness?  We want forgiveness but can’t offer it to another (EVEN IF THE PERSON DOESN’T ASK FOR IT or in our mind deserve it)? 

Matthew 7:16-18
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

This song has been running through my head all morning.  Would someone know you were a Christian?  Would they know I was a Christian?

I pray my life points to Jesus.  Not because people have read my blog or my comments on other social networking sites, but because they see some good fruit in my life.

Father, please help Your children have a greater measure of mercy and compassion.  

Lord, I NEED a greater level of mercy and compassion.  I NEED to feel Your heart beating for the weak and wounded.  

If any of us confess to be Christians, may we reflect You and point others to You.  Help us Lord.  We are wretched and blind without You.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.