Don’t Go There… “Do not say, ‘I will do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did.” Proverbs 24:29

It’s tempting to retaliate for good reasons, but a righteous cause becomes unrighteous when it is pursued in pride. Perhaps you have been disrespected by a dramatic accusation. You have been insulted by an insensitive board member. You have been slurred by a deceptive competitor. You have been misunderstood by an uninformed friend. Pay back is the plan of the insecure and immature, but prayer is the posture of the patient.

God gives grace to the undeserving. This is the model for Christians to follow. A grace reaction to humiliation is humility. Grace looks in the face of hurt and hatred, and does not hold a grudge. Grace gives grace upon grace. How do you handle mistreatment? What if your daughter, son or spouse is wronged? Grace under fire becomes a glowing light for the Lord. You apply self-control when Christ controls your conscience.

What is the Lord to do when we step in and try to fulfill a role that is His prerogative? If we act like the Almighty’s vengeance is too slow then we need to accelerate our faith. My biggest mistakes are made when I try to take God’s place. Sitting on His throne is never my place; only there am I to crown Him and bow prostrate in awe and worship. This is when its wise to take a step back, breathe a sigh of relief and trust Him.

Don’t go to the place of pay back and emotional accusations. Go instead to God for His grace and peace, and to receive and to give. “Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth” (Revelation 1:5). Am I fighting in the flesh or living by faith?

Related Readings: Leviticus 19:18; Psalm 119:61; Matthew 5:39-44; Romans 12:17-21

Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?

How will I respond?

I’d like to introduce you to Marcia and Rob McCure, who are friends of Ministry Ventures. I have known them for over 20 years and watched them walk with Jesus through the high mountain tops and the lowest of valleys. Please celebrate with us her story of God’s healing and faithfulness!

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In November 2003, Marcia was diagnosed with Leukemia, treated for several months, and declared to be in remission the next March. In June 2005, the Leukemia returned in the form of a brain tumor. The only chance she was given for recovery long term was with a bone marrow transplant, which they declined because of the extraordinary process and the slim chance for success.

Instead, Marcia chose to be treated with radiation for the brain tumor and chemotherapy for the Leukemia and was released from the hospital in September, declared as in remission again in October, but given no chance for living past the next year.

Here they are, almost three years later, and she is in good health. They say that they know that this healing is from Jesus, the only One who can heal anything. The One who can heal physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally!

For some the healing comes when a believer meets Jesus face-to-face, but for now He has decided to give Marcia some more years with her husband and with us. To God be the glory, great things He has done – and continues to do.

If you live close to Marietta, Georgia, please stop by their flower shop at Robb’s Flowers of the Field and greet them.
In Christ,

Boyd

Rita and I are a little numb these days as our baby Anna Grace graduates from High School in less than a month. One tradition we have done with her three older sisters is write them a letter of congratulations, encouragement and challenge. I recently finished Anna’s graduation letter and thought you would enjoy…

April 20, 2008

Dear Anna,

Mom and I are so very, very proud of you. We are impressed with your love for Jesus and your desire to obey Him regardless of the cost. You take very seriously His words, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). Obedience to the Lord is the wisest route you can take in life, because He will only lead you into His very best. Indeed, we are thankful to the Lord for giving us the gift of you on May 3, 1990. As your loving parents we remind you as you transition from high school graduation: remember who’s you are, be who you are and love who you are…

Remember Who’s You Are
Simply put you are God’s. When you placed your faith in Christ you surrendered all control of your life to your Lord Jesus, “…your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3b). Your security is in your Savior, so you can rest assured that He is with you always and will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). Be confident of this that even on your bad days you are still much better off than a good day of someone without God in their life. Moreover, you can be bold and adventurous knowing God’s will is not always predictable and safe, so do dare to take advantage of your position of heaven’s royalty by placing faith in your heavenly Father. We pray often for God to “…give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17b). So, be humbled and extremely grateful Anna that you are a child of God and that He loves you unconditionally now and forevermore. You are a cherished child.

Be Who You Are
You already excel well at being your unique self, keep this up and do not allow anyone or anything to stifle your creativity and/or your refreshing humor. Laugh a lot with others and laugh out loud at yourself, because this is how God made you. You are a young lady that knows how to enjoy life. Furthermore, sports will probably be a significant part of your life, because you have always enjoyed staying active and competitive. Use your high energy to serve and encourage others. Your health is a gift from the Lord, so continue to take care of your body as the residence of God’s worship (1 Corinthians 6:19). Lastly you are a giver, because God as given you much, you have the opportunity to invest much in others. Always look for ways to out serve you parents, sisters and friends. Greatness comes in giving to and serving others, Jesus said “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…” (Mark 10:43b). You are a lovely servant.

Love Who You Are
Jesus said the greatest command is to love God and to love others like the love you have for yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). It is imperative that you love yourself well, so you can love others well. Because God accepts you, you can totally accept yourself. You are a gorgeous young lady with as beautiful heart as you have hair. Your smile is infectious and communicates love and compassion. Your personality is fun loving and frank, so use your gift of wisdom and discernment to help others keep from making dumb mistakes. Be courageous and bold to speak the truth in love at the right time and in the right tone for “faithful are the wounds of a friend”. Be yourself and you will continue to attract quality friends who love you for who you are: joyful, wise and disciplined. Anna, above all keep your eyes on Jesus for He will never let you down!

Love Always,

Dad and Mom