Sunday, July 22, 2007

Stand Tall

SCRIPTURE
1 Corinthians 4: 1-4

[Paul, questioning his own faithfulness to God]
“What about me, have I been faithful? Well, it matters very little what you or anyone else thinks. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that isn’t what matters. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful.”

PRAYER
O Lord, you are the one who will examine ______ when you return. You will look past the confusion, and see his deep places. You will see the shortcomings, but you will also see the humility, the remorse, and the repentance. And even today, it is only what you think that matters. Press that reality into ______’s heart. As he feels the judgment of others pressing in on him, either real or perceived, make it matter not. Make his humility and your forgiveness blend together to form his confidence. He is forgiven, whatever others may think. Cause him to stand tall in your grace. And it is your favor that rests on him today, affirming his straight path of obedience. Make the mist of human accusations evaporate in the sunshine of your grace. Make him to know, in his quiet moments, that you are pleased with him. I ask that your pleasure would so far out-weigh the opinions of people, that he would walk the streets as though next to the Almighty himself. Make him know deeply the affirmation of your love and the peace of your pleasure. And may it shape ______’s view of self both in this moment and forever... a sinner forgiven by your grace… a sheep secure in your care… an instrument ready to be used in your hand. Amen.


ENCOURAGEMENT
Stand tall in the sunshine of our Lord’s forgiveness and favor. His opinion is what matters… and only his opinion. Your heart before him is right, and that is what is real, no matter what anyone else says or thinks. Period. S T A N D T A L L.

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Dave's Life Coaching
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