Lil Smith
March 16, 2015
0

God Will Restore Israel

14 Therefore, the days are surely coming, says the Lord, when it shall no longer be said, “As the Lordlives who brought the people of Israel up out of the land of Egypt,” 15 but “As the Lord lives who brought the people of Israel up out of the land of the north and out of all the lands where he had driven them.” For I will bring them back to their own land that I gave to their ancestors. (NRSV)



I am my worst enemy.  

I hear the judment and condemnation of others.  

I have a choice.  

I can accept it and believe it.  

Or I can block it and let it fall away.  

I am my worst enemy.  

I hear the cries of “crucify” from the crowd.  

I have a choice.  

I can join in the crowd. 

 Or I can have compassion and forgive.

I am my worst enemy.  

I can believe myself.  

Or I can belive in the transforming teachings of Christ.  

The Christ who shares a table with enemies.  

The Christ who walks with the doubter.  

The Christ who knows and loves the betrayer.  

The Christ who gives me another chance again and again.  

During Lent, I pray that I may learn to be gentle with my worst enemy.  That I may give compassion and forgiveness to my worst enemy.  That I may give up judgment and condemnation.  That I may exude compassion and love.

(c) 2015 Rev. Lil Smith

About The Author:

My simple life… is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God lead me. I have been married to Greg for 27 years and we have three wonderful children. My simple life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God take control. I followed God’s call to begin seminary at Perkins School of Theology in January 2006. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God’s call. I began the Degree in the Art of Spiritual Direction at San Francisco Theological Seminary in January 2009. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. I was ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA and spent three amazing years in Pastoral Ministry at Highland Springs Senior Living in Dallas, TX. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. My passion is the Christian Spiritual Life. As a spiritual director and retreat leader, I am so blessed to hear how God is at work in the world. How is God at work in your life?

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