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HARD HEADS, HARD HEARTS, and HARD TIMES – 10/07/2019

By October 7, 2019Daily Devotionals

HARD HEADS, HARD HEARTS, and HARD TIMES
October 7, 2019

Prayer: Dear Lord, Today we want to let You soften our hearts and lead us in compassionate thinking.

Scripture:  Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9   NIV

What holds you back from inheriting God’s blessings? What keeps you from taking that leap of faith, or just trusting God with this situation or that? What holds you back?

Could it be that it’s our own hard heads that are getting in the way? Are we so stubborn that we believe that only we know the answers; that we are in control; or that things could never be any other way but our way?

Or, is it a hard heart? Has something from your past, a hurt or disappointment led you away from God instead of to Him, pushing Him away instead of drawing nearer? Do you feel nothing will turn out right or positive? Is heartache your constant companion – so much that you are actually comfortable with it and don’t know what life would be without it?

Maybe you have a hard time being sympathetic or compassionate, especially when you feel someone is just “getting what they deserve.” Or perhaps you think if they had only worked harder or made better choices, they would not be in this mess.

Has your suffering been the fuel for your passion for Christ? Has it driven you to depend on Him, trust Him, and know Him? Has it led you to learn more, pray more, praise more, or see His work more clearly? Or has your suffering had the reverse effect on you? Have you chosen to pull away? Have you used it as your excuse instead of your testimony? Which path have you chosen – towards God or away from Him?

What is holding your students back? Do you hear about it in their conversations or see it in their eyes? Do you have to deal with their stubbornness each day or hear about their family’s terrible situation through the “grapevine?” Do you see them being rejected by peers or measuring their worth by holding a title such as cheerleader or having a boyfriend or girlfriend? Do they think they know it all?  What example can you set for them?

Show them how to be humble, compassionate, and sympathetic and a blessing – even to those who hurt you. My prayer for you is that you would soften and inherit God’s blessing.

Copyright Kathy Branzell.  Email [email protected]

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