Kind to the Ungrateful: Three Messages from Praying Friends
A word on Luke 6:35, a reflection on the lonely work of standing guard, and two ducks that changed the way a dead pine came down.
Kind to the Ungrateful
My friend Paul sent me this message.
“I have been contemplating this word:
“Luke 6:35-36 NASB: But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“He is kind to evil and ungrateful men.
“We find that a very high standard because we don’t realize we are those evil and ungrateful men, capable of the worst depravity and betrayal but for the grace of God.
“Without merit, we have been chosen.
“In this we rejoice!”
Yes! Amen!
(And for those who may be dealing with ungrateful and evil people … the Lord is kind to them, too. Lord, teach us to love our enemies.)
Calling the Sentinels
My friend Rhonda sent me this reflection on the importance of standing after reading a quote from Milton in this message.
“It makes me think of a sentry or some other kind of guard. They stand guard, looking like they are doing nothing, but all the skills they have developed over many years of disciplined training are only evident if the guards are required to act. Otherwise, that standing takes immense discipline and restraint.
“Sometimes I feel like I appear to be doing nothing in the eyes of others. Standing can be lonely, but it’s still purposeful work.”
Celebrating all of us who pray for others.
Paying Attention
My friend Daryl sent me this message.
“Just today two of my boys and I were going to cut down a large dead pine tree in our back yard. If it falls one of three ways, it’s not good. As I was readying an anchor cable, two ducks landed high on limbs on opposite sides of the tree. And they would not leave. I knew it was a message from Holy Spirit to reassess my plan. So I did. New anchor points, cut lines, and perspective—and with less chance of taking out the power lines to the neighborhood. God is so cool!”
As the wife of a tree-service guy … I’m grateful for all the ways the Lord protects us!
Lord, bless our interactions, our prayers, and our work this week. Amen.
This is what we pray for, that you may become complete,
Amy Joy
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