Charles Spurgeon says, “The book of Psalms instructs us in the use of wings as well as words. It sets us both mounting and singing”. During the study of Psalm 119, the HEARTstrong Morning Lifegroup were challenged to write a Psalm- their own song, Psalm 151. May you be blessed as we bring you these heartfelt songs over this month.
Spiritual firefighters, we are
We run into lives that are like burning houses
The cries from inside the house shout for help
So we run in confident and determined to RESCUE
But once inside the burning house,
It is like a war zone, filled with pain and confusion
The heat is scolding, the air full of smoke
The floor and the roof are shifting
I am sacrificing some of my life to save a life
What a noble thing to do
Who would guess with flames all around us and rescue necessary
We would meet the unexpected guest of RESISTANCE
From those in need of rescue
“No!” they shout, I don’t want to go yet, I have my things to recover
“No!” I think we should go another way to safety
“No!” your way looks too painful and too difficult
“No!” I am fine where I am at. Why didn’t you bring me some water?
“No!” I can’t let go; so I can’t go
My heart cries out to you, Oh Lord
Why do you have me run into these burning places JUST TO FAIL?
I just want to leave them in their mess.
They won’t listen to me, so I don’t want to help them anymore
They are complaining to me about how I’ve helped them
YES, what they didn’t like about my help
I want to leave them in their misery and the clutches of their poor choices.
They don’t deserve any additional help, as they have refused my offer
More has been done for them than others
I am disappointed and offended
I am tempted to let them know how I feel
I want to cut them off and let them suffer their consequences
I want to leave them where they are and cut them off
Never to return to this place
I am angry because they won’t follow me to safety
AND THEN YOU SPEAK TO ME (SELAH)
GRACE is giving someone something they DO NOT DESERVE!!
Especially when they are at their lowest point and their worst!!
You received grace from ME, as I loved you in and through your sin; and forgave all of your sins, even though you were undeserving
I have been patient with you when you wouldn’t listen to me
You have vertically received grace from heaven to earth, Me to you
Now, my child, I want you to extend grace horizontally to your brothers and sisters
Instead of being result orientated, becoming angry and controlling
I want you to be a Grace GIVER, especially to those undeserving
This is what I have called you to do
Love and encourage your neighbor as I have loved and encouraged you
Offer them choices, so they don’t feel controlled
Let them choose whether or not to leave their burning houses
And when they choose their way, let them know that you won’t cut them off, as I have not cut you off from me.
Let them know you won’t be far away to offer help.
And if their choices fail and they need additional help, it is okay to let them know you must leave their burning houses; however, you will be waiting on their front lawn with open arms and a bucket of water.
THIS IS THE WAY OF LOVE!
