Soooo, instead of powering down this device, I realize what has been on my heart still needs to be shared. Someone out there is in need of this word, as it is straight from God's word. I pray this speaks to you and brings you to a new place in your relationship with Jesus Christ, as well as everyone around.
Simple rule most everyone has heard at one time or another. I say it, I know, at least 3 times a day to my children. It is referred to as the golden rule, and golden it is! These are words to live by and it seems to fit each and every situation I can imagine. You can't go wrong when you choose to put it into action. Yet, I see that the golden rule is thrown around so often, I wonder if people still take it serious. I know Jesus was the one who said it, but why did He? Do you know why? Have you ever wondered? I never really did until this morning when it kept running over and over in my thoughts, keeping me up half the night. I tried to ignore the never-ending, racing thought, that was obviously determined to keep me awake. I figured God must be trying to tell me something. I knew ignoring God would be the thing NOT to do if I planned on getting sleep, so I looked it up in 8 different translations to make certain I didn't miss anything. I didn't miss it this time! I heard Him loud and clear and in Luke 6:31 you will find this very "simple", yet," GOLDEN" statement. What I read before verse 31 and after verse 31 was what really shook me to the core. I've always known who I am in Christ, Jesus, but at times I have failed to accept it and own it, until this morning.
When I came to the eighth translation, I promise I felt like waking up my neighbors so I could share it with them. This was a revelation to me and I can see where some of you want to giggle! I can't help it, I am thrilled now without sleep and I don't care that I had to re-write this note so I could share with someone instead of waking people at 3:30 in the morning!
and here is what I read in the last translation, which happens to be the Message:
Then he spoke: And that is all that I have to share. Be blessed and goodnight! OH! please over look spelling and grammatical error, I will fix later!
"You're blessed when you've lost it all. God's kingdom is there for the finding. You're blessed when you're ravenously hungry. Then you're ready for the Messianic meal. You're blessed when the tears flow freely. Joy comes with the morning. 22-23 Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb, if you like!—for even though they don't like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my annointed ones have always been treated like this. 24 But it's trouble ahead if you think you have it made. What you have is all you'll ever get. 25And it's trouble ahead if you're satisfied with yourself. Your self will not satisfy you for long. And it's trouble ahead if you think life's all fun and games. There's suffering to be met, and you're going to meet it. 26"There's trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.
27-30"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
31-34"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
35-36"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
37-38"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."
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