I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
-- Ezekiel 36:26
"We think we have some sort of 'divine' power to change a person. That if we do the right things or are nice enough that maybe someone will 'come to their senses' and change."
I had never read or heard of that verse before, but now it's one of my favorites. It comforts me beyond words, again in the situation with my dad. It just affirms to me that I cannot change anyone - I am no match for the pwoer of God. I do believe that He prompts me to speak the truth in someone's life...but this does not guarantee that it will change a person - as ONLY GOD CAN CHANGE A PERSON.
For those who love their sin - pray that they develop a hatred for it.
For those who have turned from their faith, pray for return to HIm.
I don't try to fix or change people anymore. I used to - guilty as charged. Over the recent year or so...I have lived this and pray this for many people around me. Now, I just pray. Pray to let their anger go away, their problems, their hatred, their addiction, their blame, their lies. Following that devotional, appropriately came this scripture:
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
-- 2 Corinthians 7:10
- REPENTANCE - To turn away from sin; to be sorry for what one has doeneand to promise not to do it again.
- SALVATION - Deliverance from the guilt & power of sin. By his death and resurrection Jesus brings salvation to people who believe in him.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
-- 2 Corinthians 5:17
As I read and studies the devotionals for days 9 & 10, I couldn't help but feel that God was speaking to me about my dad. I did share these scriptures with him and have no idea if he got them, but I felt that I had to send them his way just in case.
I could share so so so much more, but they're more intimate moments that I've had that are just for me. It's never to late to join #SheReadsTruth! I hope you do!
"For those who love their sin - pray that they develop a hatred for it."
ReplyDeleteLove this. I'm going to start praying this way.
Is your husband Catholic/Christian too?
Thanks for the comment again, Kelley!
DeleteMy husband and his whole family are Christian. I know without a doubt in my heart, that God lead me to Jay and he (& He!) is the reason why I found my faith again and it continues to grow and grow and grow!
Thank you so much for sharing your heart! Your passion for the Lord is evident in your post! It is so great to "get to know" fellow Christian sisters through their blog! I pray the Lord will continue to reveal Himself to you through your study. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for reading and commenting! I feel such a bond with all these Christian ladies too!
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