Meditations Monday: Gentle Instruction

Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!

Well Father, life is beginning to return to normal here in Delaware following the excitement surrounding Hurricane Irene this past weekend.  And while this particular storm wasn’t nearly as powerful as many that strike other parts of the country, for an underprepared East Coast which seldom sees weather of that nature, it was a challenge nonetheless.  Needless to say Lord, it made for an eventful weekend and one we won’t forget anytime soon.  For those dealing with damage, pain or loss from this climactic onslaught, I pray that You keep them intently in Your gaze and bring them the comfort and healing only Your presence is able to.

This week’s Meditations Monday Scripture comes from the second chapter of 2^nd Timothy:

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.  And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.  Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” – 2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NIV)

Well Father, the Apostle Paul certainly wasn’t subtle about Your will on this particular subject, and yet this is one of those “problem areas” that I know we’re all guilty of upon occasion.  Paul’s point that the nit-picking, “little” things we choose to let get under our skin, more often than not lead only to ungodly conflict.  And when we allow ourselves to be a part of such unimportant disagreements, we stray from Your desire as to how we should act towards others; with kindness, patience and respect.  I know that over the years I’ve certainly lost my composure with people more than a few times Father, and in doing so I failed to take advantage of those opportunities to show Your influence in my life.

It’s something I’ll be praying about this week Lord…

Heavenly Father,

As we begin this new week, please help focus our hearts and minds to best serve Your will for us.  Calm our tumultuous natures, and guide us to provide that “gentle instruction” to those around us that are in need of Your light.

Amen.

~Phather Phil