Why Me

Sunday's monday

I have experienced another blessed week of God’s mercy and grace. I have been granted the pleasure of delivering 216 meals over the last 7 days for Meals on Wheels. I get such a positive attitude from the seniors on this route. Got to love them!

I heard a song on the radio today that brought memories of a son written and recorded by Kris Kristofferson in 1972. The song is titled, Why Me Lord and it turned out to be the biggest hit of Kristofferson’s career. This song became such a powerful battle cry within the Christian community that the nonbelievers came up with an antonym to shed doubt on among all of Christianity. They use the term, why not me Lord? In which failed the task miserably as the Christian leaders agreed with the terminology and started preaching Why Not Me Lord. Should this be a little confusing, please, continue reading.

The title of Kris’s song Why Me Lord, is the easiest question in the world to answer. The bible is filled with pages answering the Why Me question however most people will never find their answer because they seek it not, ergo it would not be accepted as that of God, even if it were found. To answer the question, I’ll only use two reference from the 280 verses that speak of love in the KJV; Romans 5:8 (KJV), But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. “LOVE” is Why Me Lord! A simpler explanation is found in (my favorite) John 3:16-17 (KJV), 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. “For God so loves” you and I, that He showers us with His goodness, (in spite of the fact) that only a small portion of people will recognize and appreciate that it is He and not dumb luck!

To answer the second question is equally as simple if you are honest with God and yourself. Why Not Me Lord or in modern terminology, why am I going through this time of stress, pain or whatever seems uncomfortable to me? Just as God’s kindness is so much more than I could ever deserve, His grace is immeasurable when I am experiencing trying times. God tells me in Hebrews 13:5 (KJV), Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. I especially find strength in, Hebrews 4:16 (KJV), Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. If you are not going through some sort of trial (at this point in time) just wait, it’s coming, and I pray you’re ready for it.

It seems as Christian’s we have become accustom to the good life of church. Living out the conveniences of a human altered religion with little regard toward discovering what Jesus “actually” said or did. Our flesh is part of this world and therefore is always seeking the path of least resistance. We gravitate toward those things that require little thought and even less effort. Ergo our path to following Jesus continues to get wider and easier to travel. We have been warned in, 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV), 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. We have turn the cry of Why Me Lord, into a question of “why am I” being punished. In case you missed it, the positive energy of gratitude to Jesus has slowly melted into the negative lie that God is mad at me. But that is when the Holy Spirit says Why not You? You’re nowhere near perfected, you stay in need of instruction, your comfort zone continually needs stretching, you are teachable, and God loves you. All of you belongs to Jesus and He is molding you every moment of every day. The trials aren’t pleasant but highly necessary! James 1:2-4 (KJV), 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Kristofferson enclosed a meaningful mandate in his song; “Maybe Lord, I can show someone else, what I've been through myself, on my way back to you.” Should you have time look up and listen to the song.

I pray for you this day: Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV), 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Amen

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!

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