Shutting up the bullies

There are moments when we just wish that the bullies of this world would have their just rewards. This does happen eventually, but we are often not there to witness it. Taking a look at Psalm 86, with the fresh insights of Eugene Peterson, it is interesting to note David's unique prayer:

"Make a show of how much you love me
    so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed,
As you, God, gently and powerfully    put me back on my feet." - Psalm 86:16-17

His prayer is not so much that the bullies are physically assaulted, but rather that God's love is shown to be so overwhelming that all they can do is stand with their mouths wide open in amazement. The way that God restores David's troubled life will prove to be such a testimony that it will shut up the religious bullies for good.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

The Rooster and the sparrow

The title of today's blog sounds more like a children's story book (and perhaps I will have to write it one day) - but it is actually something I witnessed in person the other day. I noticed a large rooster walking around a garden complex intimidating all the other birds. He looked imposing and as he strutted his stuff, I wondered what he was thinking - maybe it was something like:
"Hey, look at me! Look how big I am. Get out of my way underlings!"

But, then I saw something that made me smile. A little sparrow landed next to the Rooster and although he was dwarfed by the bigger bird, he didn't back down. He gave as good as he got. And then when the Rooster tried to push his weight around the little sparrow simply flapped his wings and flew away. It was almost as if the Sparrow was saying the Rooster - "you may be big, but at least I can fly higher than you!"

Here is my thought on this little encounter.
"There will always be Roosters in your world, but just remember they probably can't fly as easily as you can! With God on your side, you can rise above the attitude of others. You don't need to let other people's opinions influence your life."

May God's hand of Grace be upon you.

Living in Grace
D3LM3