Opinionated!

Have you got something on your mind? God is right there, let Him have your thoughts. Look there's Jesus!

John chapter 8 verse 12.

Jesus said to the people, "I am the Light of the world. So if you follow Me, you will not be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your paths."

How do you react to troubles when they come? How do you react to the actions of others? No one likes owing money, no one likes being continually nagged and no one likes suffering and pain. How do you feel about people who think they are better than you? The rich get richer and can do things that others can't. 

   There will always be someone who is against the rules and likes to voice an opinion. There will always be those who try their best to stir up trouble and make people think a different way. Rules are made to be adjusted so that everyone can find equal agreement. No wonder it is hard to live life in peace. 

   In Luke chapter 7, Jesus was invited back to one of the religious leaders home for lunch. As they sat down to eat, a prostitute came in and knelt beside Him, weeping with her tears falling upon His feet. She then wiped the tears with her hair and kissed His feet over and over again, finally rubbing an expensive perfume over them. The host Pharisee saw what was happening and exclaimed, "This proves that Jesus is no prophet, for if God had really sent Him, He would know what kind of woman this one is!"

   Are you like that woman who came to Jesus? Her troubled life led her to do something she would have never thought she had the strength to do. She walked into someone's home and fell at the feet of Jesus. The people there must have wondered what was going on. And they voiced their opinions. 

   It takes a lot for a person to admit their failures, and it takes much more for a person to come before Jesus and receive His forgiveness. Pride is a hard thing to overcome. God loves us so much that He waits and watches for the time when you will finally submit yourself to Him. You can look long and hard and argue all you want about where to find peace and salvation. But in the end the only place to find what you need is found in Jesus. 

   Luke chapter 10 verses 38-42 say; As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister Mary sat on the floor, listening to Jesus as He talked. But Martha was the jittery type, and was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Sir, doesn't it seem unfair to You that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." But the Lord said to her, "Martha, dear friend, you are so upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it---and I won't take it away from her!"

   I used get upset when it seemed like I was the only one doing the work, but then I realized Jesus was right, I wasn't alone in my work, He was with me. And I got to talk and sing along with Him. If others wanted to help than that was even better, who knows maybe the conversation would be about God. No matter what you are doing, you will be satisfied and maybe amazed by the outcome, all because you are doing it with Jesus in your thoughts. Your thankful heart will be expressed in the joy of your actions. 

   The story of Job makes us look at ourselves and realize how amazing God is. Some days it feels like one devastating moment after another is attacking us. For some people there can be a lifetime of heartache and suffering. It makes it a little hard to see God when there is so much occupying our thoughts and time. Thank God for Jesus.   

   God is with all of us, all the time, through the tough times and the overwhelming mess. He was with Jesus, and He is with us. Are you able to see goodness and mercy? They are God's to give and for you to receive. 

   A cluttered mind filled with thoughts of what to do can never be settled. You look this way and then that way, you talk to others and are driven by your own opinion. Maybe something someone says will reach you and help you. 

   You can talk to God any time and anywhere. There are no boundaries. If God is all that He claims to be then come to Him and let out all that is bottled up inside you. Expect an answer and relief from unloading your most personal and sacred feelings. Let go of any opinions you may have of Him and let Him show you the beauty of His love for you. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You for hearing our prayers and giving us the focus we need. 😊

Job chapter 1 verses 20-22.

Then Job stood up and tore his robe in grief and fell down upon the ground before God. "I came naked from my mother's womb," he said, "and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were His to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." In all this, Job did not sin or revile God.  

Luke chapter 7 verses 47-50.

Jesus said to the Pharisee's; "Therefore her sins---and the are many---are forgiven, for she loved Me much; but one who is forgiven little, shows little love." And He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Then the men at the table said to themselves, "Who does this man think He is, going around forgiving sins?" And Jesus said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Matthew chapter 5 verses 13-16.

Jesus spoke to the crowd's; "You are the world's seasoning, to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor, what will happen to the world? And you yourselves will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the world's light---a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Do not hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.