Spirit Filled Sunday #13

Yesterday, I along with many others, sat in front of my TV and watched the Homegoing/funeral for Whitney Houston. I was touched by the outpouring of love for Ms Houston, but most importantly, I was thrilled that GOD was an invited guest. HIS presence was in that church and HIS love, grace and mercy was overflowing. As Whitney Houston was laid to rest this morning, my prayer is that her family has peace.

Last week, I prayed for Bobbi Kristina, the only daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. Tonight my prayers go out to Bobby Brown. It is my opinion that he is getting so much negative attention due to his past relationship with Whitney. In many reports and blogs I have read recently, he is being blamed for Whitney's past drug abuse and in some reports, her untimely death. I have also read reports that the family of Whitney Houston is keeping Bobby from seeing his daughter and were less than welcoming to him and his family at the funeral, thus causing him to leave minutes before the funeral began. I don't know if any of this is true, but the situation has caused me to think and reflect and thus today's post....

I believe we are tested every time we feel someone has hurt us, did us wrong, talked behind our back or wronged our family. I understand there is hurt and pain. How could there not be? But in the midst of the pain, we must remember that GOD's love never fails. It is HIS love that will carry us through the hard times and pick us up when we stumble. Placing blame only puts hatred in our hearts and that hatred does not make room for love and forgiveness. We block our blessings when we hold on to spitefulness. And the truth is, by doing so, we are not following the Word of God. The Bible says "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44. The Reverend Jerry Carter stated "When you pray for somebody, the poison is taken out of your attitude".

Tonight, I ask you to release any poison in your attitude and any hatred that has taken residence in your heart. I encourage you to reconcile with those you feel have mistreated you and wronged you in any way. It is then that you will find peace.

God Bless!