Here's a prayer I wrote on 7/15/2022...
"I remember a time when I went to church, and every Sunday the pastor brought a fiery sermon. I became so discouraged that all I could do was drag myself away from the building feeling pitiful. I wanted to please You Lord, but all I got in return were Your scathing rebukes. There has to be a balance between scolding and nurturing. Far be it from me, to tell You how to parent Your children. But I will ask You if You'll have mercy on us. Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from me; nevertheless, not my will, but Your will be done."
The goal and purpose of fiery preaching is to inspire people to repent of their sins. I think because of the environment we grew up in, I almost always find myself uninspired by fiery preachers that sounds mean spirited and makes me feel like God is angry and upset with me. If I leave church traumatized every Sunday, how does that inspire me to become closer to God who keeps yelling and screaming at me every Sunday? Is it possible to just be lovingly nurtured into righteousness? I have struggled with this dilemma for a long, long time.
This morning, I heard a sermon about sin, but it was lovingly delivered in a way that literally made me well up with tears.😢 It inspired me to confess my sin and ask God to transform my heart by the renewing of my mind and make me acceptable to Him. I want to be a good daughter -- quick to repent and live everyday of my life in a godly fashion.
The Lord has spoken...
Ezekiel 11:19 (NIrV) I will give My people hearts that are completely committed to Me. I will give them a new spirit that is faithful to Me. I will remove their stubborn hearts from them. And I will give them hearts that obey Me.
To God be the glory.
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove