Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday July 4, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Psalm, please read chapters 52-59 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2052-59&version=9

Today's Message: Cast You Burdens
As Christian's we try to seek others who have the same values as we have for friendship or love, but sometimes the ones we trust the most end up hurting us the most, it is times like these when we need to cast our burdens upon God and let Him handle the situation.

Many of the Psalms that David wrote were during times when he was distraught or confused about things that were going on in his life. When he discovered that Ahithophel, his most trusted adviser and friend joined with his son, Absalom to try to dethrone and have him executed he was stricken with grief. “My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah............Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets. For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.................Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.” - Psalm 55:4-7,11-14,22,23. David was full of sorrow, not only did his own son turn against him, but his dear friend asked to personally execute him, his only plea was to escape from the pain. There are times when it seems like we face one bad thing after another and all we want to do is just run away from it all. However, running does nothing for us, all it does is make things worse when they catch up to us, and trust me they will catch up. David knew this so instead of running he put his trust in God and cast his burdens upon Him.

David also spoke out of the realization that those who were seeking his downfall were, in reality, opposing God. We can be sure that the majority of the time those who betray us oppose God all together. Another example of this can be found with Jesus, Judas, one of His own disciples betrayed Him. “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.” - John 18:1-3. Since Jesus had Judas, every servant of God probably has had similar experiences. Since we are the Lord's servants, we should not be greatly surprised when we are disappointed, deceived, or even betrayed by others. Jesus Said, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” - John 15:18-20.

It is so tempting to seek revenge on those who have betrayed us, but believe me, seeking revenge yourself is not the answer. All that does is make you more miserable, causing bitterness and all sorts of ungodly acts in order to make them pay for what they did. However, if we cast our burden over to God, He will take care of it, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:19-21. I am a testimony of this, my ex-fiance is serving ten years in prison for betraying me. We never have to worry, God will handle every situation in His own time.

Today's Prayer:

Dear God,
In our attempt to get even with our offender, we can do harm not only to our wrongdoer, but most especially to ourselves.  Instead of having a spirit of forgiveness we harbor a vengeful heart.  Our hearts harden and take on the character of the enemy instead of the Savior who loved us even while we were dead in our transgressions and sins. Jesus died Himself, freeing us from the chains of sin that had long held us bound.  Lord, You heal the broken-hearted and console the wounded as they cast their burdens upon You, whether it is a fresh wound or an old injury.  Our affliction from others is earthbound, but our affection for You is heaven-bound where there will be no more heartaches or pain. Keep us steadfast and faithful till that appointed time.  In Jesus' Name........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and those of you celebrating Independence Day, Happy 4th to You, may God be with you and protect you this weekend.

God Bless,
Christina