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"Even if you persuade me, you won't persuade me." - Aristophanes
How many of you like being told what to do? I know I don't. I can be very stubborn. I need to come to a decision on my own. That's what I feel like Aristophanes is trying to say. While it can be good to have a "question everything", "independent" attitude at times, we need to learn to adopt a submissive and humble perspective.
Judge not, that ye be judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get." Jesus, Matthew 7:1
"You get what you give" and "what goes around comes around" come to mind when I read this verse. While I don't think revenge is what God had in mind, I do believe hat when we put good out into the world, we are better able to recognize and receive good back
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus, Matthew 19:19
This verse can be dissected, analyzed, then applied to so many areas of life. What would the world look like if everyone followed this simple rule? It's hard to even imagine. Think about all of your relationships (friends, co-workers, spouses, siblings, parents) and imagine how much better that connection would be if you treated them like you'd like to be treated.
"Because a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it impossible." Marcus Aurelius
Our view of our own lives and the lives of those around us is so limited. We see such a small glimpse of what God sees. That's why we tend to be discouraged by difficult situations. Thankfully we love a God who knows the intricacies of all of our lives so well that all we need to do is trust Him and anything is possible!
Let's focus on Chapters 12-23. What a roller coaster, huh? We've seen Angel's emotions and attitude rise and fall. She's questioning everything around her. New characters have come into play now. People are having an influence on her life in both good and bad ways. We see hope when a new family comes into Angel's life, and despair when a new man begins to eat away at Angel's soul.
Angel is trying to figure out what she wants out of life. She thinks she understands what Michael is offering her and it frightens her. Her past has made her distrusting of anyone but herself so she finds superficial comfort in her past plans for her life. God and Satan are calling out to her, but right now Satan's voice seems louder. She's struggling inside her head and not letting her heart lead the way.
Do you ever feel that way? Are you stuck inside your own head? Life is so much easier when we let go of what is troubling us and give it all to God. Trust can be a scary thing because it takes us out of the driver's seat where we think we're in control. The funny thing is, we're never in control. But it takes faith and courage to recognize this.
We encourage you to give your troubles over to God now! Let Him be your Leader. Get out of your head and into your heart!
Is there anything we can be praying for you? We'd love to hear your praises as well!
Be sure to come back next week as we finish up this amazing book. Get ready for more ups and downs and a very blessed ending!
God Bless,
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