Ezra 9:8The Message
"Now for a brief time God, our God, has allowed us, this battered band, to get a firm foothold in His holy place so that our God may brighten our eyes and lighten our burdens as we serve out this hard sentence. We were slaves; yet even as slaves, our God didn't abandon us. He has put us in the good graces of the kings of Persia and given us the heart to build The Temple of our God, restore its ruins, and construct a defensive wall in Judah and Jerusalem. [emphasis added]
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Ever met Christians who just shine the light of Jesus when you are with them? They seem to have it all together, they're sitting on top of the world, praising God with all that is within them, looking all together [so you think]. Everything that you can see - looks like it's wonderful.
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I found her among the weeds.
She was barely breathing.
She was barely breathing.
My heart stirred with her pain.
I felt compassion on this beauty - so frail - so broken.
Her wings were tattered and torn.
Her colorful dust had seen the day of struggle.
Someone, something... had attacked her body, her soul, her spirit, her emotions. She was so weak she could not eat. I lifted her delicate body up and placed it on the flower to see if she could
draw some nourishment. It was getting dark. I had no idea if when morning came - she would make it.
The next day while walking through the yard near where she had been, a butterfly [like her] flew by me. Was it her? Did she make it? Or was that another one who took her place?
Do you know someone who needs to be lifted with a compassionate hand? Someone broken? Someone hurting, frail or grieving? Will you pray? Will you help? Will you lift your hand?
Psalm 102:13
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.
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Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Micah 4:6 [The Message]
"On that great day," God says, "I will round up all the hurt and homeless, everyone I have bruised or banished. I will transform the battered into a company of the elite. [emphasis added]
Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
[JESUS - the One I THIRST For]
13 comments:
COmpassion for those in need. What a fabulous word today that went straight to my heart.
You bless me friend.
Yes Lord clothe us with compassion for those in need, hurting, wounded, and in need of encouragement! This is beautiful Stephanie. I think of Isaiah 61:1-4
they are broken hearted yet they receive beauty for ashes, favor, oil of gladness and some "one" who helps them to be set free bc Gods Spirit is on them!
Thankyou for this post! It touched my heart deeply
Compassion is so critical and is a life line between Jesus, us and others.
Thank you for the sharing Stephanie. God keep you in His care.
Love
Lisa
Oh, just this very day my friend, THIS VERY DAY. I was adamant that I would pray for this woman, and one of the very scriptures that I've committed to memory for 2009 came to the forefront.
Jeremiah 31:25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.
Oh Yes, Lord, for my friend, refresh her weary soul.
I, myself, was REFRESHED and THRILLED with a delightful envelope that I received this very day as well in the mail. Yahoo...what an awesome envelope packed full of little nuggets. My heart is leaping my friend....leaping.
Love YOU,
Yolanda
PS: YOU BLESS ME INDEED
Stephanie,
Thank you for visiting me over at The Point. I DO want to stay clean and vulnerable before the Lord because I know that is where I am safest. To be vulnerable means that we are exposing something tender to someone else and with humans we take a huge risk. Ah, but with Him, we risk nothing because He will never harm us--He will only do us good.
God bless you as you seek Him with all your heart!!
Leah
Seeing this picture makes me think about the day I left my friend, Beth's house, just a couple of days prior to her death. I was terribly stricken as I made my way to the car. In Beth's driveway was a beautiful butterfly that had died. I carried it home with me and still have it; not sure what I might do with it, but it seemed so fitting that I should see it that day and in that season.
We all need the "lift" from others. I wish you lived closer. I sure could use some time on that prayer walk!
peace~elaine
Oh that I would always have compassion on others. What a beautiful illustration Stephanie. It really touched my heart.
Much love to you!!
The picture of the torn butterfly and your words underneath gripped my heart Stephanie.
What an apt description of people with battle scars, battle weary, and battle torn. They are just around us, and how right you are, we need a discerning spirit and a compassionate heart to be able to minister to them.
Today dear Jesus let me have a heart of compassion like you.
Thank you for your comment at my blog. I am looking forward to our new friendship.
Love
Lidj
Compassion is of Christ and all of us are battered, beat down and broken...for we all are in this battle here in the world. We need compassion for one another! I saw the book on Francois Fenelen and read a little of it online! How wonderful his words are. Iam praying that the Lord will give you the ability to have great faith Stephanie! I want that kind of faith also!
I love this devotional post Stephanie. So beautiful. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend Friend!
This post just blessed me so! Thank you for your prayers, my sister, my friend.
May the Lord bless you!
My Precious, Precious Friend,
How you always touch me so deeply with your pictures and His Word.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Yes, Yes, Yes Lord, that is what I want. Fill me...May I be ever so mindful and heart-filled with all of these things every day of my life.
I love you dear friend,
Alleluiabelle
I know a family who needs prayer and help.
Josh's mother had cancer in the past and had her entire colon removed. The cancer returned and she has had a double radical masectomy. Her ONKA tests on the cancer show a high risk of the cancer to return.
Yes, they need prayer, but they also need help. They have spent all their retirement monies on medical expenses and are spending thousands out of pocket for prescriptions. This is not something any one person can resolve unless it would be Oprah. The thing is, if many would just take the time to give the price of a cup of coffee, it would make a difference. Anyway, I apologize for coming on your blog with such a request. If anyone would be interested in telling others, I will leave the link below.
http://bloodtippedears.blogspot.com/2008/07/prayer-and-help-for-my-mom-carol.html
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