Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Love your enemies

Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

When I stepped outside this morning, I could see stars dimly , so there must have been haze, but now the sky is clear and blue.

What a storm we had yesterday afternoon! I happened to be driving through it, and just about could not see the street. So much for my just washed car! We were glad to be in the safety of our home!

I haven't had a walk today, so don't know if some trees in the park are down or not. That usually happens with a strong and windy storm.

I saw a great white heron intently watching the water, even as rain poured down on it. Didn't seem to bother it in the slightest. God is good!

From Quiet Moments with God:

Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.

With the cold war over, Americans and Russians seem to be looking at each other in a new way. Imagine being an American soldier stationed in Bosnia Herzegovina, working alongside your Russian counterparts. How do you work together after decades of mistrust?

-American and Russian officers who were asked this question agreed that when it comes right down to it, people are people, and soldiers are soldiers. When there's a goal to reach, one finds a way to communicate. The mission is kept in focus, ground rules are established, language barriers are overcome, mutual interests are discovered, and before long, friendships develop!

The early Christian believers certainly thought they had an enemy in Saul of Tarsus, and the feeling was mutual. Saul was extremely active in persecuting Christians in Jerusalem and was determined to deal the same harsh blows to believers in Damascus.. But them Jesus appeared to him and his life was dramatically changed.

Believers in Damascus were suspicious of Saul when he arrived and declared he was also a believer in Jesus Christ. But as they witnessed his manner of living, God dramatically changed their hearts. In the end, the apostle Paul became an ardent friend of believers everywhere..

Have you secretly been at "war" with a coworker or neighbor? Beginning today make a concerted effort to find common ground with that person. Smile when your instincts tell you to grimace. Stay focused on your goals and stick to the ground rules when working or volunteering together. Talk to him or her. Seek out hobbies, concerns, or family interests you hold in common. Start treating the person as you would a friend, not an enemy. After all, it's when your enemy is no longer your enemy that the fun begins!

Men who walk in the ways of God would not grieve the hearts of their enemies.
Sa'di

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis