Journal Entry
08/20/2002 11:53 p.m.
for me the issue has become "how to win in any argument" . notice I didn't say how to win any argument but how to win IN any argument.

if Romans 8.28 is true then we should be able to win IN any argument

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

so if I have faith to believe this can be true then how can it be true, only if it draws me closer to God (which feels great), and empowers me to serve Him to a greater degree (which also feels wonderful) and ,as a side benefit, can place me in a position to influence the people around me in a positive way. all this really becomes wonderful when Christ enables me to win IN any argument and I see the results in others lives who I love.

my idea is this, let me know what you think of it

when I examine 1 John 3.22 " and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight."

it seems to me that when I do what is pleasing to God it improves my prayer standing, moves me positionally to where I can receive more from God.

and I Peter 2.19 "For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly."

therefore, if I am treated in an unkind and insensitive way, and I respond in a way which pleases God, then I improve my prayer standing. I become more powerful in asking and receiving from God than I could have done if I had not been mistreated.

sometimes the best I can do is simply desire I could respond differently emotionally. that is my responses, my words, or maybe just my feelings really don't honor God, I become very selfish and sow to the flesh, and then reap to the flesh. But in the middle or even the end I DESIRE to respond differently next time--doesn't that honor God and please Him. So my prayer can be "Oh God, remind me next time of your presence and my desire to honor you and get the carrot of improved prayer standing by restraining my mouth and maybe my heart in a way which honors you." Of course sometimes we need to speak, and our speaking cannot but offend, but may we speak for what it can do for the one offended rather than to try to attain our rights or others consideration.

I have found this thought to be wonderful comfort in the middle of an attack of undeserved resentment and anger directed at me. I have seen it work and the results are wonderful peace for me and it influences P

let me know what you think


I am currently Sympathetic
I am listening to the thump thump of my own heart