Today I received an email that really touched me. How many of us truly listen? When someone speaks are you too busy thinking about what your going to say as soon as they stop? This message really hit home!
Being the Stillness
Bonnie Grove, She Reads Featured Author
Devotion:
I have sought comfort in the book of Job many times in my life. After I buried my infant son, I asked, "Why?" God reminded me that when Job asked the same question His answer was, "Who?"
While laying on a hospital bed knowing for certain I would lose the twins I had carried only a few precious months, God reminded me how in the midst of Job's suffering, God came. And in the whirlwind He answered. Not right away, not in Job's time, but in God's time - the perfect time when Job's heart could take in the words of healing.
In the years following those dark events, I trained in theology, counseling and psychology. I was on a quest to understand my brokenness, and that of others. I'm still on that quest, though my formal training is behind me.
One evening, I was in conversation with a man who was going through a divorce and was in obvious pain. He spoke of his daughter, and how his hopes for the future had been destroyed. When he finished speaking I sat in silence, knowing I had no great words to offer. Spent from telling his story, he too sat quietly.
Our silence stretched into minutes. Then, the man began to cry. I sat with him, keeping his tears company, and still said nothing. More minutes passed, and the man said, "That's the first time I've cried since this whole mess started." Then he said something surprising: "You've helped me so much. Thank you."
The silence had changed something for him. From my perspective, the silence was a result of my limitations as a counselor - I was empty handed. But it became clear to me there was something powerful at work. I remembered how Job's friends sat in silence with him for seven days and nights. With that in mind, I began to pay close attention to silence. I found that by being quiet, I could better understand my thoughts, fears, hopes, and desires. And in my long silences I was able to sense God's presence and hear His voice. When I sat with the man going through a divorce I listened to him without interruption. Then, by saying nothing, I helped him listen to what God had to say to him.
There are astounding lessons to be learned from the act of listening. I have learned that listening is an act of love. It is not passive; it is intentional, engaging with the heart and mind of another person. To listen you must turn off all outside distractions; say "no" to the world rushing by you. A sacred act of deliberate silence and meaningful pause, listening helps people clear a space in their life, heart, and mind in order to simply "be." Our listening is an important gift. I am learning to make it my first response. Through listening I want to provide the stillness God speaks into.
Dear Lord, bring me into a deeper silence before You, that I may hear Your voice, and in hearing, believe, and in believing, listen to the heart of others. When people hurt Lord, let me first offer them my listening, not my advice. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great."
Job 2:13 (NASB)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A MUTT, A MARINE & A MIRACLE...A True Story
Major Brian Dennis of the United State Marine Corp. had a life changing experience while in Iraq. His troop was patrolling the Syrian border in October 2007 when they came across a group of stray dogs. This was very common in the desert where you would often find several packs of dogs and wolves roaming around.
They all got into their Humvee when a dog came running up. An Iraqi soldier had cut off the tops of the dogs ears to make him look tough. The Major bent down to pet him and said, “You got little nubs for ears.” They all began calling him Nubs.
Every couple of weeks they would return to the Border Fort and he would feed him food scraps and Frosted Strawberry Pop Tarts. Each night Nubs would patrol the area with the Major, as if he too was on duty. When they would leave Nubs would run beside the Humvee, which was traveling at 40 mph, keeping up with them until he became worn out and would disappear into the dust.
One day when they returned to the area to patrol, they found Nubs badly wounded on his side from being stabbed with a screwdriver. The wound was badly infected so they pulled out some antiseptic from their kits and some antibiotics and fed it to him with some peanut butter. That night Nubs was in so much pain that he didn’t eat or drink and slept standing up because he could not lay down.
The next day Nubs was doing better, but once they left the Major couldn’t stop thinking about him, wondering if he would survive. Two weeks later when they returned they found Nubs alive & well. The Major said that he feels that was the turning point in their relationship.
This time when the Humvees left, Nubs continued to follow. He lost sight of them but somehow continued the two-day journey. Nubs traveled 70 miles in freezing temperature, without food or water, surviving attacks from several wild dogs and wolves. He fought and ran and fought and ran, until he eventually reached the camp, torn and chewed up. When the Major walked outside his tent, Nubs jumped up on him licking his face with joy and excitement. No one could believe that he had followed them so many miles and was able to survive the trip through the desert and find them.
The Major had found a very special friend but knew he wasn’t able to keep him at the camp. He decided to e-mail family & friends to try and raise money to have him shipped to his home in San Diego. They heard the incredibly touching story and were so inspired that they were able to raise $5,000.00 to have Nubs flown to CA. One month later the Major finished his tour and was reunited with Nubs. They have an incredible bond that was established through an act of kindness. He has written a children’s book titled, "Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle," published by Little, Brown for Young Readers.
This story is a reminder that a simple act of kindness can have an incredible effect on not only animals, but people too. When you see someone who looks beaten down, sad, lonely, discouraged or hungry. Take a moment to stop and offer a kind word, smile, words of encouragement or a meal.
That one simple gesture may just help someone rise above their current circumstance and change their life. If a dog can travel over 70 miles, endure pain and the freezing elements, imagine what a human being can do with a little help!
"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one anothers feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."
John 13:14-17
"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you."
John 14:16-18
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name. He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."
John 14:26
They all got into their Humvee when a dog came running up. An Iraqi soldier had cut off the tops of the dogs ears to make him look tough. The Major bent down to pet him and said, “You got little nubs for ears.” They all began calling him Nubs.
Every couple of weeks they would return to the Border Fort and he would feed him food scraps and Frosted Strawberry Pop Tarts. Each night Nubs would patrol the area with the Major, as if he too was on duty. When they would leave Nubs would run beside the Humvee, which was traveling at 40 mph, keeping up with them until he became worn out and would disappear into the dust.
One day when they returned to the area to patrol, they found Nubs badly wounded on his side from being stabbed with a screwdriver. The wound was badly infected so they pulled out some antiseptic from their kits and some antibiotics and fed it to him with some peanut butter. That night Nubs was in so much pain that he didn’t eat or drink and slept standing up because he could not lay down.
The next day Nubs was doing better, but once they left the Major couldn’t stop thinking about him, wondering if he would survive. Two weeks later when they returned they found Nubs alive & well. The Major said that he feels that was the turning point in their relationship.
This time when the Humvees left, Nubs continued to follow. He lost sight of them but somehow continued the two-day journey. Nubs traveled 70 miles in freezing temperature, without food or water, surviving attacks from several wild dogs and wolves. He fought and ran and fought and ran, until he eventually reached the camp, torn and chewed up. When the Major walked outside his tent, Nubs jumped up on him licking his face with joy and excitement. No one could believe that he had followed them so many miles and was able to survive the trip through the desert and find them.
The Major had found a very special friend but knew he wasn’t able to keep him at the camp. He decided to e-mail family & friends to try and raise money to have him shipped to his home in San Diego. They heard the incredibly touching story and were so inspired that they were able to raise $5,000.00 to have Nubs flown to CA. One month later the Major finished his tour and was reunited with Nubs. They have an incredible bond that was established through an act of kindness. He has written a children’s book titled, "Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle," published by Little, Brown for Young Readers.
This story is a reminder that a simple act of kindness can have an incredible effect on not only animals, but people too. When you see someone who looks beaten down, sad, lonely, discouraged or hungry. Take a moment to stop and offer a kind word, smile, words of encouragement or a meal.
That one simple gesture may just help someone rise above their current circumstance and change their life. If a dog can travel over 70 miles, endure pain and the freezing elements, imagine what a human being can do with a little help!
"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one anothers feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."
John 13:14-17
"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you."
John 14:16-18
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name. He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."
John 14:26
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Fix It Now!
I just finished putting the last of the groceries away and put a baked potato in the microwave when the lights went out. We scrambled around to find some matches and candles. Expecting the lights to go on in 10 to 15 min., we sat down to eat our chicken and bread dinner by candlelight.
An hour went by, still pitch dark…now I was starting to get a little angry. A show I had been waiting to watch was coming on. I thought, “What are those guys doing? They need to fix this problem NOW!”
The time stretched to three hours…pitch black. My mind now raced to all the food I had just bought. “What is going on?” We finally decided to just go to bed because there wasn’t anything we could do about the situation. At 4:30 a.m. all the power came back on.
During the dark times in your life do you find yourself worrying? Are you filled with anxiety and stress while your waiting for something to change? We cry out to God, “Fix this problem NOW! I have tried everything, I can’t take it anymore.” Nothing seems to happen…everything stays dark.
What we don’t see is what’s going on behind the scenes. I didn’t know how the electrical company was going to fix the problem and turn on my power. But I knew that they were going to make it happen. I knew that I could go to sleep and wait for them to do their job.
We need to adapt this same mentality with God’s work in our lives. He has a plan for us. We may want something to happen NOW…but he knows there are some things that we aren’t yet ready for. Know that He is working behind the scenes in your life. In times like this, pray and ask for Him to fill you with his peace, trust and FAITH.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
Sunday, October 25, 2009
EXERCISE WHAT?
Story by Lisa Petrarca
I’ve been planning on starting an exercise routine for the past year… well truthfully, the past three years. I complain about the way my body looks, I’m sore, achy and flabby. It’s always “Next week I’ll start for sure.” Next week comes and it gets pushed back another week. I’m too tired, busy, lazy…whatever the reason, I always find an excuse. It’s not easy to start, but no one can deny the difference in the way you look and feel once you do.
Our minds also need exercise. They get filled with all sorts of “junk”. Our thoughts can be compared to the food that we put in our body. Constantly putting bad thoughts…(you’re not smart, you always mess up, what’s the matter with me, you will never be able to quit that habit, everyone would just be better off without me, your an addict you'll never change, I’m so ugly, I’m too fat) the list is endless.
The “food” that is supposed to be nourishing our minds, is actually doing the opposite. We fill our head with so many negative thoughts there isn’t room for the positive things. Our heads become “overweight”…they need exercise. We need to trim down our bad thoughts. The exercise that’s needed starts with making time FIRST thing in the morning to feed it with positive, uplifting things. Make an appointment, add it to your day planner, outlook calendar, whatever you need to do to start your MIND EXERCISE ROUTINE.
Have the Bible set next to your bed. Before you get out of bed, reach over and start reading. When you’re done, pray to the Lord to fill you with His love, patience and peace for the day. Pray for strength to do it again tomorrow.
Like exercising this will eventually become easier the longer you do it. Before you know it your mind is being filled with healthy, nourishing food. You’re no longer focusing on your shortcomings, problems, insecurities, hang ups and addictions. Your mind is finally in shape and you are able to reach your true potential. The Lord has called you for something better. START YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE TODAY!
Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12
I’ve been planning on starting an exercise routine for the past year… well truthfully, the past three years. I complain about the way my body looks, I’m sore, achy and flabby. It’s always “Next week I’ll start for sure.” Next week comes and it gets pushed back another week. I’m too tired, busy, lazy…whatever the reason, I always find an excuse. It’s not easy to start, but no one can deny the difference in the way you look and feel once you do.
Our minds also need exercise. They get filled with all sorts of “junk”. Our thoughts can be compared to the food that we put in our body. Constantly putting bad thoughts…(you’re not smart, you always mess up, what’s the matter with me, you will never be able to quit that habit, everyone would just be better off without me, your an addict you'll never change, I’m so ugly, I’m too fat) the list is endless.
The “food” that is supposed to be nourishing our minds, is actually doing the opposite. We fill our head with so many negative thoughts there isn’t room for the positive things. Our heads become “overweight”…they need exercise. We need to trim down our bad thoughts. The exercise that’s needed starts with making time FIRST thing in the morning to feed it with positive, uplifting things. Make an appointment, add it to your day planner, outlook calendar, whatever you need to do to start your MIND EXERCISE ROUTINE.
Have the Bible set next to your bed. Before you get out of bed, reach over and start reading. When you’re done, pray to the Lord to fill you with His love, patience and peace for the day. Pray for strength to do it again tomorrow.
Like exercising this will eventually become easier the longer you do it. Before you know it your mind is being filled with healthy, nourishing food. You’re no longer focusing on your shortcomings, problems, insecurities, hang ups and addictions. Your mind is finally in shape and you are able to reach your true potential. The Lord has called you for something better. START YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE TODAY!
Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
THE FIGHT
By: Lisa Petrarca
“Here we go again! I’m so tired of the same argument over and over again,” she shouted at her husband. “Why can’t you just leave me alone and mind your own business!” He replied, “You never listen to a word I say. I know what I’m talking about. Why can’t you just listen? Then we wouldn’t have to always have the same fight.”
She took in a deep breath, ready to let him have it again. But then something hit her…as if someone was speaking inside of her.
“Haven’t you been praying for help with your mouth? You thought you were doing so much better and that HE was the problem. But wait, aren’t you the problem too. You have lashed out and now you both have said very mean and hurtful things to each other.”
She felt as if the air had been sucked out of her. She had been praying and asking for help in this area. She thought she had gotten better and overcome the issue, only to be confronted with it once again. Had she really overcome it or was she back at square one? Heading around the same mountain that she had been going around for years.
“Why does this keep happening to me? I want to be a better person and just when I think I am, I blow it again. I get sucked into situations that make me explode,” she whispered.
Then the answer came to her. “You have cleaned the outside, but inside you still harbor bitterness, anger and resentment. You will now need to work on the things INSIDE that cause you to react this way. All of the painful issues from the past that you are still hanging on to. They are controlling you and you need to let all of it go. You need to realize who you are in Christ. You are a new person. Let His peace fill your emptiness. There is much work to do, but I’m here for you, trust Me enough to let go, I’ll carry your pain and burdens.”
With that, she began to weep, knowing that she needed to give up everything that was buried deep within her to Heavenly Father. She needed to learn to trust again.
Instead of looking at the person you have problems with, take time to search yourself. What do you need to work on? Are you going around the same mountain? Do you have issues that you need to lay at the Lord’s feet? You can’t change someone else, but you can change yourself. Ask the Lord to help you…he will carry your pain. Remember, until we let go of the past, we can never truly move on to the blessings and peace that is waiting for each of us.
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
“To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” Acts 3:26
“Here we go again! I’m so tired of the same argument over and over again,” she shouted at her husband. “Why can’t you just leave me alone and mind your own business!” He replied, “You never listen to a word I say. I know what I’m talking about. Why can’t you just listen? Then we wouldn’t have to always have the same fight.”
She took in a deep breath, ready to let him have it again. But then something hit her…as if someone was speaking inside of her.
“Haven’t you been praying for help with your mouth? You thought you were doing so much better and that HE was the problem. But wait, aren’t you the problem too. You have lashed out and now you both have said very mean and hurtful things to each other.”
She felt as if the air had been sucked out of her. She had been praying and asking for help in this area. She thought she had gotten better and overcome the issue, only to be confronted with it once again. Had she really overcome it or was she back at square one? Heading around the same mountain that she had been going around for years.
“Why does this keep happening to me? I want to be a better person and just when I think I am, I blow it again. I get sucked into situations that make me explode,” she whispered.
Then the answer came to her. “You have cleaned the outside, but inside you still harbor bitterness, anger and resentment. You will now need to work on the things INSIDE that cause you to react this way. All of the painful issues from the past that you are still hanging on to. They are controlling you and you need to let all of it go. You need to realize who you are in Christ. You are a new person. Let His peace fill your emptiness. There is much work to do, but I’m here for you, trust Me enough to let go, I’ll carry your pain and burdens.”
With that, she began to weep, knowing that she needed to give up everything that was buried deep within her to Heavenly Father. She needed to learn to trust again.
Instead of looking at the person you have problems with, take time to search yourself. What do you need to work on? Are you going around the same mountain? Do you have issues that you need to lay at the Lord’s feet? You can’t change someone else, but you can change yourself. Ask the Lord to help you…he will carry your pain. Remember, until we let go of the past, we can never truly move on to the blessings and peace that is waiting for each of us.
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
“To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” Acts 3:26
Monday, October 5, 2009
Lost Dreams
Story By: Lisa Petrarca
He had hopes and dreams in his youth. He played hide and seek, dodge ball and had many friends. He had food on the table, slept in a warm bed at night and had parents who loved him very much. In high school he was the star quarterback, went to dances and had a steady girlfriend. But that one evening irrevocably changed his life forever.
It was Saturday night, the mist covering the windshield as they headed up the steep, windy mountain rode. Three cars filled with boys, girls and beer. They had just won the biggest game of the year against their rival school. It was going to be a night of celebrating.
They reached the top, piled out and started to party. Half an hour later, five cars pulled into the dusty parking lot. A group of people jumped out. They were older and looked like a rough crowd.
The quarterback was drunk and agitated that they were trying to crash the party. He shouted, “Get out of here! You need to find somewhere else to go…this is our spot.”
The rough crowd charged him. A teammate jumped in front of the quarterback, something bright flickered in the moonlight. Sliding into his chest, he slumped over and fell to the ground. They ran to their cars, tires spinning up dust as they sped away from the scene of the crime.
Stunned, the quarterback picked up his teammate, running to his car he carefully put him inside. He raced to the nearest hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The knife had penetrated his heart.
Life was never the same, he felt responsible for his teammates death. He began to drink heavily and take drugs to numb the pain and guilt. As the years passed his hopes and dreams faded away, he withdrew from life.
The homeless man stood at the corner. He was dirty, hungry and cold. The harsh realities of life along with his poor choices and guilt had beaten, worn and taken away all of his dignity. People walked past him, as he held his sign up asking for food. They looked at him with disdain. Someone shouted, “Get a job loser!”
The homeless star quarterback was asking for food, but he also needed love, compassion and forgiveness. He had been judged his entire life. Who would reach out to him? Who would see past his appearance and notice the lost, hurting soul inside? He needed nourishment for his soul. He needed the love of Christ.
When you look at others, do you see their appearance or do you try to look at them through Christ’s eyes? It’s so easy to judge, but we are called to be different. Remember, our actions should speak louder than words. Don’t walk by someone needing your help. Show them the love and compassion of your Savior Jesus Christ.
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” John 13:14-17
He had hopes and dreams in his youth. He played hide and seek, dodge ball and had many friends. He had food on the table, slept in a warm bed at night and had parents who loved him very much. In high school he was the star quarterback, went to dances and had a steady girlfriend. But that one evening irrevocably changed his life forever.
It was Saturday night, the mist covering the windshield as they headed up the steep, windy mountain rode. Three cars filled with boys, girls and beer. They had just won the biggest game of the year against their rival school. It was going to be a night of celebrating.
They reached the top, piled out and started to party. Half an hour later, five cars pulled into the dusty parking lot. A group of people jumped out. They were older and looked like a rough crowd.
The quarterback was drunk and agitated that they were trying to crash the party. He shouted, “Get out of here! You need to find somewhere else to go…this is our spot.”
The rough crowd charged him. A teammate jumped in front of the quarterback, something bright flickered in the moonlight. Sliding into his chest, he slumped over and fell to the ground. They ran to their cars, tires spinning up dust as they sped away from the scene of the crime.
Stunned, the quarterback picked up his teammate, running to his car he carefully put him inside. He raced to the nearest hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The knife had penetrated his heart.
Life was never the same, he felt responsible for his teammates death. He began to drink heavily and take drugs to numb the pain and guilt. As the years passed his hopes and dreams faded away, he withdrew from life.
The homeless man stood at the corner. He was dirty, hungry and cold. The harsh realities of life along with his poor choices and guilt had beaten, worn and taken away all of his dignity. People walked past him, as he held his sign up asking for food. They looked at him with disdain. Someone shouted, “Get a job loser!”
The homeless star quarterback was asking for food, but he also needed love, compassion and forgiveness. He had been judged his entire life. Who would reach out to him? Who would see past his appearance and notice the lost, hurting soul inside? He needed nourishment for his soul. He needed the love of Christ.
When you look at others, do you see their appearance or do you try to look at them through Christ’s eyes? It’s so easy to judge, but we are called to be different. Remember, our actions should speak louder than words. Don’t walk by someone needing your help. Show them the love and compassion of your Savior Jesus Christ.
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” John 13:14-17
Thursday, October 1, 2009
CLEAN UP THE MESS
Story By Lisa Petrarca
With my hand on the doorknob, I took a deep breath, turned the handle and stepped inside. Immediately taking in several deep breathes, trying to anticipate what awaited me at the top of the stairs. The aroma was strong, but I couldn’t be sure until I rounded the corner. Just as I suspected there it was, three separate spots on the carpet.
I immediately began to yell and scold my dog, who replied with a wailing howl, knowing that she was in trouble once again. She refuses to consistently use the doggy door to relieve herself outside.
There is no rhyme or reason to her behavior; it just seems to be whatever her mood is. This leaves all of us very anxious when we walk in the door.
What would happen if I just left the poop on the floor? Day in and day out letting it pile up…before long it would leave such a stink that it would become unbearable.
Now, lets replace the “poop” with our thoughts & feelings. Have you allowed negative thoughts and feelings to pile up? Do you start your mornings off by filling it with all of the things you need to accomplish? Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, jealous, hurt, angry with your spouse, children, friend, or neighbor?
God wants us to take every thought and feeling captive. Start your morning out talking to Him. Ask Him to help take away all of the negative things that is stealing your happiness. Open up your Bible…read a scripture and start your day right.
You’ve made a choice to clean up the “poop” before you leave the house. You are on your way to taking control of your thoughts and feelings by turning them over to your Heavenly Father and asking for His help.
HE IS THERE TO HELP US CLEAN UP THE MESS!
I cry out to the Lord with my voice; with my voice to the Lord I make my supplication. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path.
PSALM 142:1-3
I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, “Your are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Your name; the righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me.”
PSALM 142:5-7
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)