https://odb.org/MY/2022/04/06/parking-lot-quarrel
I guess nearly everyone would have experienced this before, some of us more but I think at least once in our life. We were so lifted up during the Sunday worship service, maybe we had a very good time interacting with God and was filled in His presence during worship. Or we were so inspired by the Word that was spoken that we want to make a new start and change the world tomorrow. We want to go out there and live for God, to make a difference. We resolved to read His Word everyday and spend at least one hour in our quiet time. Or we will now be kind and compassionate with our family, friends and colleagues. Then as we leave the church, fortunately not at the parking lot at the church, but further away and pas we were traveling, some car just jumped queue and cut right into our lane without signaling and nearly caused a minor accident. So we blasted our horn and shouted at that car, in language not usually used in church! So there we are, a disappointment after the euphoria. We have failed again to live up to the name of Jesus in our lives. We feel guilty because we have become an embarrassment to God, instead of being His pride and joy.
The challenge to transform our minds and develop the character of Christ in us is constant. It’s a daily affair and is continuous. As mentioned yesterday, God will carry through His work in us till completion. We are all His handiwork – from the days before the foundations of the world till the day of Jesus Christ, God will mould and shape us into the image of His son.
I guess on our part there will bound to be failures and disappointments, snapping at our spouse and kids, at our colleagues and family. Our mood is not always uplifting and good. There will be bad days and bad moments and sometimes those moments come too soon after church! My encouragement to all of us, myself included, is not to give up and dwell in sorrow, guilt, self pity and regret. With God’s grace and help, we can do it. We can change for the better. We can hear and be doers of the Word. We will succeed. We will not always fail. We can and shall be the Psalm 1 believer who delights in His Word and meditates on it day and night and is someone who is like a tree planted by streams of water. Strong, rich in nourishment and always bearing good fruits in season and whose leaves shall not wither and whatever we do for God prospers and grows!
Be inspired, be uplifted! After the euphoria, as we face the harsh biting reality of life, I pray that God’s Word will always be a blessing and a shield to protect and guard our hearts and minds against the ravages of sin and evil. We will stand strong in our faith and composure and maintain our character to reflect His glory and love in our lives. We shall be that balm of Gilead who heals rather than spark raging fires. We will be that person who unites rather than divides, who encourages rather than to destroy. We will be genuine doers and hearers of the Word!
Ronnie's Thoughts 