Open to the Possibilities

Romans 8:5-8

Sometimes I catch myself clenching my fists, not out of anger, but anxiety.  My mom says that even as a toddler she’d find me stiffening my arms and legs.  Apparently, “tensing up” has always been my physical reaction to stress.

Over the years, I’ve searched for ways to deal with it constructively – yoga, meditation, breathing – but it wasn’t until I turned to prayer that I started finding some relief.  Life is still a daily struggle against my biological instincts, but it’s more manageable with “open hands.”

The world can be a scary, unforgiving place, but that’s where the Holy Spirit comes in.  “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (v. 6).

The flesh brings about heartache, but the Holy Spirit brings joy.  If you want life and not death, peace and not sorrow, then you need to create space for the Holy Spirit.  Make a place for Him and He’ll open your hands and your heart.  Give him room to do his thing, because with the Spirit we can’t help but be open-handed.

And as we unclench our fists, a peace that passing all understanding will come over us.  As a person who struggles with anxiety, Philippians 4:6-7 has become my “go-to”… Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. AMEN

Open Hands Heal Broken Hearts

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise, but wise - making the most of every opportunity." (v 15-16)

Too often, I've looked back at a season and realized I had wasted some amazing opportunities. Opportunities which could have changed my life or the life of someone else. I know we are not to live in the land of "if only," but recognize wasted chances and then do better next time. It is no fun looking back and wishing we had used our time wisely. Let's remember we cannot redeem lost time.

Perhaps we reflect on things we could have skipped in order to attend that game our child was playing in, or maybe we wish we had visited mom and dad more often - now it is too late. This is not an unusual thing, but one we can correct by prioritizing our life...our day.

"Be very careful, then, how you live, might speak to the workaholic who stays at work when they could leave the office in time to share a meal with the family, or celebrate a special occasion. Memory making moments don't come around often, and if we miss them, they are gone forever.

"...making the most of every opportunity." If our eyes are open, there are situations all around to help someone, to give a hand of assistance, or an encouraging word. Taking advantage of moments like this can put a smile on a child's face or insert a bit of hope into the heart of a person who feels hopeless.

Dear Jesus,
Give me eyes to see people all around me. Place a willingness to lend a hand to someone just because it is what you would do, and because it is the right thing.  Amen


Ephesians 5:15-21

Mercy, Not Self-Righteous Justification

Luke 10:25-37

This is another 'famous' story in scripture that would be easy for us to gloss over.....yes, yes, I've read this one many times, and we all know the story of the Good Samaritan....

So take a moment, and read it with fresh eyes.  Ask God to give you HIS heart as you read - what new truth do you see in this old story?

This time through for me, I was struck by the words that Luke uses to describe the young attorney's question:  "he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, 'And who is my neighbor?' (v. 29).

Not "he wanted to know more."
Not "he was surprised by Jesus' comments and wanted to keep a dialogue going."

No.  He wanted to justify himself.  Doesn't that cut to the core of how we often approach the Lord?  Lord, I want you to know that I had no choice when I cut off that driver.  It wasn't my fault.  Lord, you can't expect me to be civil to that coworker who is always taking credit for my work?  And on it goes.  

Here's my next 'new' takeaway:  the parable ends with Jesus asking the young man "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor too the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"  (v. 36).  This time the lawyer answers with much more insight:  "The one who had mercy on him."  (v. 37).

Webster's dictionary defines mercy as 'compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to ones power; compassionate treatment of those in distress.'

How do I show mercy to those around me?  If i am a boss or manager, can I show mercy to my employees?  How can i show compassionate treatment of those in distress?  I am reminded of these verses in Matthew 25:

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

We have great opportunities to show mercy!  Lord, help us seek not to justify our own selfish ends, but to show mercy - and to see those brothers and sisters in need that you bring into our lives.  Amen.