I got up this morning sleepy headed and went out back to feed the fish and water the chickens. I have had a long standing battle with a neighbor of mine. The problem stems from my own heart. I wont fight this battle. I give it to Jesus. For if I fought the battle it would never yield anything good. I am naturally hotheaded. None of these attributes are Godly or help my cause. Which is to be like Christlike and lead others to Christ. Including my neighbor. As my brother Paul put it (make disciples for Christ). Without love or a pure heart and Holy hands and of most importance yielding to the Holy Spirit I will never get it done.
The lesson here today for me is don’t give up on me or my neighbor. God has started a work in both of us and far be it for me to stand in his way. I would be honored and very eager to just be a part of what Christ Jesus is trying to do with us both. Now I wont mislead you. It is not pretty everyday I go out and see this neighbor. I do however cast my burdens at Jesus feet and ask for strength to think good thoughts of him and to pray for him that God would bless his family and give him peace and joy in his life for he deserves peace and joy.
If satan had his way it would be a mess. Instead glory to God Jesus will have his way. You see the battle as already been won. Mine yours ,my neighbors. all we have to do is yield to the Holy Spirit at work in our own life’s. He will do the rest.
In closing I was reminded that the word of God always yields goodness and peace. Its not always easy or pretty, but it will always prevail. Why not let the word be our guide. Below is my mark. Wont you let it be yours also. Ask God to turn the light on in your deepest motives and thoughts. That you might be made holy as he is.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.“
Matthew 5:8
Purity is the main thing to aim at. We need to be made clean within through the spirit and the word . The is a close connection between the affections and the understanding: if we love evil, we cannot understand that which is good. If the heart is foul the eye will be dim. How can those men of love unholy things see a holy God?
What a privilege it is to see God here! A glimpse of him is heaven below! In Christ Jesus, the pure in heart behold the Father. We see him; His truth, His love, His purpose, His sovereignty, and His covenant character. But this is only if sin is kept out of the heart. The desire of Moses , “Please show me Your glory,” can only be fulfilled in us as we purify ourselves from all inequity. Lord make us pure in heart,that we may see you!
With all my Love Tom
A Perspective From The Pew & Street 
Dear Tom,
Thanks for sharing your struggle. It helps me stay strong and prayerful for my own. We’re not in this alone.
Love,
Elouise
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Awww thanks Elouise.
Bless you
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Beautiful! I don’t know why, but a thought of the sun came to mind as I read you words. How if we look straight at it with out any shades, we have to turn away. But as we are all used to the sun we don’t need to stare straight at it to believe it is there or to check if it is shining – we just bask in the warmth, see the depth of the shadows – and “know” without looking all the time. Maybe ….
🙂
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Love it.Yes trusting always.
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I love your honesty. It is so hard to want someone to change (their habits, their ways) and yet the more I have tried to take situations like these into my own hands, the further away I have pushed them…I pray for Him to change me and my judgmental attitude, and to help me to love them and allow me to get out of the way so He can do His work 🙂
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Julie I had written a response to you and it just flew out the window lol. So here it is again. Thank you for your kind remarks.Your reply was so encouraging for me. I do try to be transparent with others. I Jane made so many mistakes and took so many wrong turns in my life that I feel like it would be wrong not to share with others that might be struggling with something also. To help and encourage then you know? The Lord put it in my heart deep down that he lives all of us, even when we don’t know how he does. God it’s never disappointed in us. He has redemmed us and we are highly favored by him. I always want to remember that when life is difficult. God it’s refining me at these times.It would be ready for him to carry me through. Instead he goes before me. Julie I truly believe my struggles here are preparation for Kingdom work. That was a little encougment for both of us. May God make his face to shine upon you always.
Joy to you
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Got to love smart phones lol!
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Gosh, Tom, I have to pray nearly every day (nearly because I forget sometimes) for help from the Holy Spirit to embody and produce His fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I know if I don’t, I can’t honor and glorify God, and I’m unable to build His kingdom. And I certainly can’t embody those characteristics from my own will power or discipline. I can only do it with the Spirit’s help, wisdom and guidance in my thoughts, my words and my actions.
Everyday life is struggle enough without banging my head against the wall, expecting myself to be perfect. Gotta open my arms and welcome His supernatural help if I ever want to be more like Jesus. Ya know? 😉
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We were discussing in prayer group last night towards the end of the night, that the battles have already been won.We have but to cast our cares to Jesus and do our part. Having faith as we move forward in our daily life that God is faithful in his word. Which I believe it’s supernatural .Don’t you love to speak words of faith and encouragement Susan? I do appreciate all the comments from everyone.There is so much wisdom to share. I thank God for my brothers and sisters in Christ and for his Holy Spirit. God has showed you many things Susan it is apparent you have listened to him. God bless you for hearing him.
Much love to you Susan
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Amen to that, my brother.
Funny, I’ve been in some discussions, too, about spiritual battles. I do think many have been won, but I also think the closer in relationship we get to our Lord, the more vulnerable we are to attack by the enemy – not because of who we are, but because we hold His torch. Makes it doubly important we keep faith and continue to abide in the Holy Spirit.
Thank you as always for the lessons you present here, so honest and heartfelt.
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I an always here if you need me Susan. Lifting you and me up right now.
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I have a coworker I battle with like you and your neighbor, Tom. If I see her car in the lot when I’m walking in, my shoulders slump. I really have to pray the rest of the way in that I can focus on what’s important. It is never our petty disagreements, but our attitude and our testimony that matters. Blessings.
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Yes this is what bothers me also. It is irritating
that I even allow this much attention to the issue. My wife say’s to much wasted energy. Ignore completely.
The most peculiar thing for me Mark is its not about him. Its about me and my walk as you said.Lifting you up buddy. Peace in your heart and mine.
Peace to you
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