The Brokenhearted Seat

Last Sunday, I went to church early to pray over the seats. I walked each row, touching each chair and praying in the Spirit. In the past, the Lord sometimes gave me specific things to pray over different seats, but this Sunday I just prayed general prayers as I walked.

Sacrifice, Part 1: The Dilemma

It all started with a dream.

Last night, I dreamed I had to give up writing so I could work. I don’t remember much detail, only that I felt overwhelmingly sad. After waking, I went through my usual routine of bible study and prayer (still in the Planted study). Despite the hopeful message, I still felt burdened and sad by the message from the dream. I sat in bed and silently cried, and asked for a scripture.

Wide Open Spaces

Psalm 119:45                        

AMP:  And I will walk at liberty and at ease, for I have sought and inquired for [and desperately required] Your precepts.  

MSG:  And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom;

One morning, this verse grabbed my attention.  I had been struggling for a week or so with busyness and trying to get everything done, and almost flattened like a pancake by the burden and weight of what was NOT getting done.  In fact, I was up at 4AM with my thoughts having an Indy 500 race in my mind, seeing which one would win my attention.

Stoop Down and Reach Out

Galatians 6:2

Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]  (The Amplified Bible). 

Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law (The Message).

One day as I read this verse, the Lord showed me how I immediately think of those who are troubled by specific circumstances in their life – no job, recently lost a loved one, sick, car troubles, problem children, etc.   I have offered financial help, prayed for them, counselled them.  I've invested my time and given them my support. 

But how often do I “stoop down and reach out” to those with “troublesome moral faults” vs judging them for their struggles?