A Worthy Response

A very dear friend reminded me yesterday that I had been silent lately. Since that time I have been searching for what to say in response to the current state of affairs.
- Getting past the loss of some dear friends and family - trying to understand God's perspective rather than my own
- Praying for what seems to be a growing list of close friends who are undergoing very serious illnesses
- Thankful for the blessings of a dear family and wonderful friends
- Praying for those who are undergoing what could be called undue persecution
- Praying for God's will to be done in the lives of family and friends
- Being reminded through a study of Job that it is okay to question the province of God, but in the final analysis, I must embrace the sovereignty of God.

I have been led today to a passage from Romans (The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson)

9 -10Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

11 -13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

14 -16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

17 -19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

20 -21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.