Sunday, May 9, 2021

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SULKING, POUTING, ETC.

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 21

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

A present-day vineyard in what was ancient Samaria.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: 1 Kings 21:4

So Ahab went into his house sullen and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no food.

A big baby, a spoiled brat always used to having his own way, a sulker, etc…these are names that come to mind to describe Ahab. He tried to get his own way by manipulating other people. Then there was his wife, Jezebel. She was the daughter of a neighbouring king and probably had seen her father get his way by exercising raw power. It becomes a “do it my way or else” approach to challenges. Both approaches are caution signs, warning “immature people ahead!”
God has provided a way out for both the victim of such childishness and for the one who succumbs to such “poor me” efforts to manipulate others. Repent of such attitudes and actions. Refuse to be an enabler of such actions. Ahab would not have bothered to sulk unless he knew that by so doing Jezebel would feel sorry for him and spring into action.
Ahab tried to turn his life around by going through acts showing repentance, and God’s judgment was postponed for a time. However, the prophet’s predictions would eventually come to pass.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that I will not succumb to the fleshly impulse to sulk and pout over my circumstances. May I mature into Jesus’ faithful follower. And please Father, when I “grow up,” I want to be like Your Son, Jesus. In His Name I ask for Your help, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I remember saying several times to my students when I was a public school teacher, “Grow up!” A chapter title in my most recent book (This Far By Faith) is “From Mess to Maturity, a Work in Process.” GROW UP! I remember the Apostle Paul wrote something about this. He tells us to be no longer children, manipulated by trickery, craftiness, and outright deception. I’ve just read for a New Testament reading, Ephesians 4:11-16. Words such as “equipping – edifying – perfect (complete) – stature – fullness” cause me to do spiritual stretching exercises.

When my children were little and they would pout, I kept a mirror handy so I could show them their facial expression. It’s really hard to retain a snit when you look in a mirror. That screwed-up face would soon become a smile and then lots of laughter. It has been said, “Laughter is the best medicine,” and I would add that laughing at one’s self is, without a doubt, the very best kind of laughter. Need a good laugh? I have a suggestion. Go to the mirror now and make the face you used to make as a child when you were really feeling sorry for yourself because of real or imagined hurt feelings. I’ve just done that. What a good laugh!

Yours for continuing to “grow up,”

David

A man stands atop a large pillar base in the ruins of ancient Samaria.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

14 thoughts on “Sunday, May 9, 2021”

  1. There is no one like our Mother. When she passes away, we are forever changed, but nourished still, by her memory. Wishing all the Mothers on 100words.ca a blessed day, celebrating with your families, if not in person or on facetime or zoom, in a card or phone call, or heart. His blessings upon you, fellow saints in the Lord. May you have a beautiful day. Such an awesome God we serve! Amen.

    Strength and dignity are her clothing,
    and she laughs at the time to come.
    She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
    Proverbs 31:25-26 ESV

    A MOTHER’S PRAYER – (Lyrics) Celine Dion
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcuMG_-159U

    Reply ↓

    • Beverlee… Thank you for being such a blessing in so many ways to so many people!
      My mom passed away recently, she lived a long and fruitful life… my prayers were answered and I was able to be with her until the very end.
      I am so grateful for that, but today my heart feels an emptiness.
      You are right, there is no one like your mother and I am forever changed!

      Hebrews 12:1 we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses..

      I believe that those of us who are mourning our moms can be comforted to know that they are celebrating and praying for us still.

      Happy Mother’s Day to all.

      Reply ↓

      • So sorry to hear you just lost your Mom, Anne, but grateful you were able to be with her. May your heart be still with her, today. 🌺

        Reply ↓

  2. Praying for mothers of this generation. They have so many challenges just now. Bless them, Father, and give them strength and Your wisdom. Encourage them and closely hold them, in Jesus name, drawing them to Yourself. Amen. I have 3 new great grandchildren born in this pandemic.

    Reply ↓

  3. Amen to the prayers and blessings. It is four years since I lost my Mom, and I still find myself reaching for the phone when I need someone to talk to, but then I realize she is still praying for me, her spirit is still making intercession for me. Praise the Lord.
    Just last week, my brother went to join her, so they will celebrate this Mother’s Day together.

    Reply ↓

  4. Wishing all mothers on this blog a most wonderful Mother’s Day! May you feel celebrated and blessed!

    Sorry about your recent losses, Anne and HJR. May the memories of your loved ones bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart.

    Reply ↓

  5. Thank You, Lord God, for Godly mothers, who would say to us, “Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness” (Romans 6:13).

    Bless them all, Lord, and raise up even more, in Jesus’s great name, amen

    Reply ↓

  6. Have a happy and blessed mother’s Day to all mothers on this blog and also to Norma Jean I pray for those mothers who are not with us today at the same time I am very blessed that my mom is still with me Amen to the comments and prayers above 💐🌹♥️

    Reply ↓

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