Processing Pain
Scripture
“Do you really love life? Do you want to be happy? Then stop saying cruel things and quit telling lies. Give up your evil ways and do right, as you find and follow the road to peace.
~1 Peter 3:10-11
Quote
“The righteous do not need revenge, in time God will vindicate them Himself”
~Ya’kov
My Thoughts
We experience a lot of painful emotions while traveling through this world below; betrayal leaves a bitter stink, rejection breaks the heart, criticism can all but kill our joy and slander can destroy our reputation. What is our response to those who hurt us; to those who with malice try to take us down. I guess the first consolation is the devil attacks those who are in combat. He goes after leaders and front liners. The devil is vile but he is not stupid. He is not going to waste time with anyone who is not a threat. He attacks those who are hurting his cause. The second consolation may really be the first; the devil goes after the best. The idea that Satan avoids the righteous is nonesense. The better you become, the more he will attack. Who was the best man who every walked the earth? Jesus! Who suffered more than any man? Jesus! The better you are, the more you will suffer.
No one in their right mind wants back stabbers walking behid them. We don’t want gossips and talebearers spreading rumors about us but it is impossible to stop these things from happening. They happened to Moses, David, Jesus, Paul and the list goes on. When Charles Stanley was elected to be the President of the Southern Baptist Convention; the liberal Baptist press was there to rain on the parade. One of the questions they asks Stanley, “How does it feel knowing that so many in the convention hate and despise you?” Stanley said, “When you think about it, it puts me in good company, didn’t they hate Jesus and Paul?”
Do what is right and leave the rest to God. He will take care of your enemies.
Extra
Great Shrimp boil and we got to eat under the pavilion. Good crowd. I was pleasantly surprised when most of my kids and grands showed up. It is a good thing they did; we had shrimp galore. Seth ate 60 and they were not small. Jim and I together didn’t eat 60 but I believe we ate half that number. SPECIAL THANKS to Patrick Wayne Smith and Chad Everett Brooks for cooking. These guys can cook.
Got a little rain this morning; matter of fact, slow drizzle right now. This is OK, we need the rain and I have plenty to do inside.
I hope you have a great day and thanks for reading the blog.