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 make me feel like God is angry and upset with me. If I leave church traumatized every Sunday, how does that inspire me to be close to God who keeps yelling at me through His preachers? I have struggled with this dilemma for a long, long time.
This morning, I heard a sermon about sin, but it was 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.
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