"Psalms 74:1 (NIV) 1 Why have you rejected us forever, O God? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? Psalms 74:12 (NIV) 12 But you, O God, are my king from of old; you bring salvation upon the earth. Psalms 74:22 (NIV) 22 Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long. "
OBSERVATION : 1. The Psalmist is in anguish 2. It seems that God has forgotten Israel 3. After his complaints, he recalls many of the faithful miracles that God has done. 4. Then he returns to ask God to defend them.
APPLICATION: When I'm in anguish, I need to remember this formula. Verbalize all the anguish to God, then recall the many things he has done for me, the rescues, the blessings, and then I can begin asking God to rescue me again.
Lord, interesting that I read this Psalm today after my Why questions yesterday. Lord, I don't know why, but I'm just really in a mood to hold offenses against people. I know it is wrong, but my mind keeps drifting back to how people have let me down. I know it is foolish. It doesn't change the situtations, and just leaves me in a negative state. Lord, show me a way of escape today. Right now I want to use this pattern to pray over my anguish about my "mistreatment"/self-pity. Lord I meet with Sharka in 1 hour, and I pray that I will be rescued from this attitude so that you can use me in her life. Amen
S: 2 Corinthians 2:7 Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.
O: Who? Paul was speaking about a man in the church who had brought harm. What? The church needed to forgive this man and comfort him. Where? The church in Corinth. When? Needed forgiveness right then "it is time". Why? So the man wouldn't be overcome with discouragement and for the church that they wouldn't be outsmarted by Satan. How? With Christ's authority .
A: The power of forgiveness. You can keep people from being overwhelmed by discouragement (including myself). What people in my sphere do I need to forgive and comfort? I don't want to be outsmarted by Satan!
P: With the authority of Christ I now forgive those who I feel have offended me. Help me Jesus to comfort them and not try and repay. Satan's schemes are to have us be bitter and so I choose this day to forgive and comfort. Give me strength to do so in Jesus name. Amen
"Psalms 74:1 (NIV)
ReplyDelete1 Why have you rejected us forever, O God? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? Psalms 74:12 (NIV)
12 But you, O God, are my king from of old; you bring salvation upon the earth. Psalms 74:22 (NIV)
22 Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long. "
OBSERVATION : 1. The Psalmist is in anguish 2. It seems that God has forgotten Israel 3. After his complaints, he recalls many of the faithful miracles that God has done. 4. Then he returns to ask God to defend them.
APPLICATION: When I'm in anguish, I need to remember this formula. Verbalize all the anguish to God, then recall the many things he has done for me, the rescues, the blessings, and then I can begin asking God to rescue me again.
Lord, interesting that I read this Psalm today after my Why questions yesterday. Lord, I don't know why, but I'm just really in a mood to hold offenses against people. I know it is wrong, but my mind keeps drifting back to how people have let me down. I know it is foolish. It doesn't change the situtations, and just leaves me in a negative state. Lord, show me a way of escape today. Right now I want to use this pattern to pray over my anguish about my "mistreatment"/self-pity. Lord I meet with Sharka in 1 hour, and I pray that I will be rescued from this attitude so that you can use me in her life. Amen
Title: The Power of Forgiveness
ReplyDeleteMentor: Paul
S: 2 Corinthians 2:7 Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.
O: Who? Paul was speaking about a man in the church who had brought harm. What? The church needed to forgive this man and comfort him. Where? The church in Corinth. When? Needed forgiveness right then "it is time". Why? So the man wouldn't be overcome with discouragement and for the church that they wouldn't be outsmarted by Satan. How? With Christ's authority .
A: The power of forgiveness. You can keep people from being overwhelmed by discouragement (including myself). What people in my sphere do I need to forgive and comfort? I don't want to be outsmarted by Satan!
P: With the authority of Christ I now forgive those who I feel have offended me. Help me Jesus to comfort them and not try and repay. Satan's schemes are to have us be bitter and so I choose this day to forgive and comfort. Give me strength to do so in Jesus name. Amen