His Presence Overcomes

He holds victory in store for the upright,

he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

for he guards the course of the just

and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Proverbs 2:7-8

We've taken a long journey toward emotional well-being. We've discovered the benefit of getting moving. We've fed our minds and even gotten to know ourselves better. But there is one more vital step to becoming emotionally well. We must overcome difficulty.

Overcoming isn't a matter of the size of my struggle.

Overcoming isn't influenced by the number of my problems.

My ability to overcome is correlated with only one thing - how quickly and how decidedly I invite His presence into my struggle.

I cannot forgive outside the design of the Architect of forgiveness. (Want to tweet that? Click here --> http://clicktotweet.com/cbtfb)

I cannot heal without the care of the Great Physician.

I cannot experience peace beyond the presence of the Prince of Peace.

I do not know how big your battle has been. I don't know how deep your wounds cut. I only know His presence will make the difference.

How could inviting God's presence into your struggle transform your life?
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Today I'm visiting with a friend, Angela Mackey of Rethinking My Thinking. We're talking about a baby...who changes everything. For more hope and encouragement on experiencing change in the struggle in your life, head over and visit us both: http://rethinkingmythinking.info/2012/11/a-baby-changes-things/

Plant Workers

Peacemakers who sow in peace, raise a harvest of righteousness.

James 3:18

"I'm really sorry." I muttered it three times in less than two minutes. She had messed up my drive thru order but I was apologizing. The words came easily, without effort. I did not want to leave my passing encounter with her angry at me. Why did I feel the need to profusely apologize? More importantly, why I am so quick to apologize to a stranger and so slow to seek forgiveness from my loved ones?


I want to sow the seeds of peace within my home. I want the halls of my home to ring with harmony. I want to raise a harvest of righteousness. 

Preparation


Just as the fields are prepared prior to planting so must my heart be prepared for peace. That preparation begins with Jesus over orange juice. It is my secret time with Him early in my day that tunes my heart strings toward harmony.


Planting


Like seeds dropped in fertile ground, I plant into the hearts of my family each day. Sometimes what lands there is contentious and provocative. When I first prepare my heart, I plant peace.


Pampering


Have you ever noticed how gardeners nurture their crop with tenderness. They diligently monitor for signs of illness, pests and drought. I need to invest the same care into my relationships. 


I was so quick to heal wounds with a stranger. Greater care should be given those I love - I shouldn't just be quick to offer my apologies; I should be quick to offer my forgiveness. When you freely offer forgiveness, you harvest harmony.


Every one of us will drive thru today. Our stop at the window of our loved one's souls will plant in their hearts because we're all plant workers. Will we plant strife or peace?


What is one healthy way you heal relationships in your home?

A Street Called Freedom

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Matthew 5:44

"You're a Meanie Geanie!" It was the ultimate insult hurled across the room when my brother and I were mad at each other. I don't even remember the three other names but I remember there were a total of four classifications for unacceptable sibling behavior. Meanie Geanie was reserved for the most despicable. 


Clearly I did not grow up in a house of fighters. We are stuffers. We are card carrying members of the Conflict Avoider Club. We sweep issues behind large pieces of furniture where they are safely hidden with dust bunnies and can't be seen or discussed. 


Whether we lock it under the key of our heart or blab about it on aisle three of the local supermarket, we all have stuff. Whether we avoid it like an IRS audit or post it proudly on our front door, we all have stuff. For me Meanie Geanie is a much more palatable label than enemy. But whatever you call it, decide to do something with it.

Pray for your enemies. Prayer is the door through which forgiveness walks.

I tweeted that this week. It is a lesson I've learned in the trenches of my life. There is someone in my life who has tortured me and my family financially, emotionally and legally. Nearly every interaction with this person leaves a another burn mark on the surface of my heart. If ever there were a Meanie Geanie...

In moments of quiet despair, I pray for God to make their work satisfying and prosperous.

In times of unbearable pain, I pray for their marriage to blossom and bring joy.

In seasons of bitterness, I pray for every spiritual blessing in Christ to pour out on their home.

These prayers first fall from a hypocrite's lips but they land on the heart of a Jesus lover. They open the door to forgiveness. Forgiveness brings the gift of freedom.

Freedom from despair, pain and bitterness.

Won't you join me? Pray for your enemies. Prayer is the door through which forgiveness walks. Forgiveness strolls on a street called Freedom.