Monday, January 30, 2017

Motivational Monday - "Mercy Mixed With Fear".

I'm not going to lie - the actions of this past week or so, politically has drug me down!!!  I couldn't even think of something positive to write about motivation.  I'm not motivated, I'm sad!!!  Probably, part of the reason I was "sick" last week.   I don't like political posts and this one isn't - but, why I needed motivation today was because of it.  I have been "unplugging" from the "noise" - all of it.  If this is the news, I don't want to hear it or at the very least, need to take a break from it.  

So, this morning I looked at my PLANS color sheet from the ladies bible study and saw I put "read more - especially the Bible."  Sadly, I looked at it like, I'm going to cross this off my list.  I thought about one of the small books I could read to do that...I'll read Jude.

Oh, how the Lord loves us!  He knew I needed to read Jude!   You know the word of God is relevant - always - it never changes.  This book of Jude, written, I don't know, maybe 2,000 years ago - is still true of today's problems. 

The book is only 1 chapter long, but gives us many old testament examples we can learn from.   How the Lord delivered His people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.  Sodom and Gomorrah's sins and it's destruction serve as an example for those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. Verse 8 follows with:  "In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies..."  Verse 9: "And when archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"  

What I took from that....even the very ones who He saved will still be destroyed for unbelief.  That when people challenge our faith, what we believe - do NOT slander them, make accusations - just say "Let the Lord judge - what does the Bible say?"  (Thanks Frank for that awesome message).

But, my favorite lesson, what I need to hear today to bring back my happiness in such sad times....my motivation for this Monday...verses 20-22:  "But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.  Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.  Be merciful to those who doubt, snatch others from the fire to save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear..."

Mercy mixed with fear - this is my new mantra.  




If the news of today has you down, pray in the Holy Spirit, show mercy to others, rebuke and slander them not, that you may be used to snatch them from the fire and save them and most of all show mercy, mixed with fear.  Thank you Jude for my motivation and guidance today.  Thank you Jesus for showing it to me.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:  http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_30.html

1 comment:

  1. Great motivation and a reminder that we are in the final days!

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