Simple Is Too Easy (2 Kings 5:13-14) by Karen Patnaude

28 Dec Simple Is Too Easy (2 Kings 5:13-14) by Karen Patnaude

“Naaman’s servants went to him and said, ‘My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!'” ~ 2 Kings 5:13-14 (full readings)
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Karen’s Reflections:  In our story today Naaman felt that the instructions of the prophet were too simple and could not possibly bring him the healing he was seeking. As I read this scripture I was reminded that we often respond to Gods gift of salvation the same way. We see our sin and we hear that we simply need to confess to God with a repentant heart and he will cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but sometimes that seems far to simple. When we are reaching out to an unbeliever it may seem unbelievably simple and may be too hard for them to accept right away. Sometimes we have a hard time forgiving ourselves for our sins and failures and so we see ourselves from our own view and not God’s. The simple truth is that God loves us so much and that when we accept the free gift of salvation by grace through faith, He sees us through the blood of Jesus, pure and righteous. We need to accept the simplicity of salvation, it’s right there waiting for every last one of us. When we are trying to help someone find forgiveness for past abortions, we just need to reflect the magnitude of God’s love for them. It is that love that put Jesus on the cross to bear the burden of our sins, and by rising on the third day He broke that power of death. Even those who are already saved may occasionally have difficulty accepting this free gift and may try to fill that gap with works. Although works are a reflection of our redeemed heart, works cannot get us into heaven, that price was paid on the cross.
* Karen Patnaude serves on the LIFE Runners Board as the International Coordinator.  Karen loves being a stay at home wife and mother as it affords her to be able to spend time caring for their miracle daughter, Ella Mae.  Her husband Ryan, gave his career as a pilot to God many years ago and they have since been blessed with the opportunity to travel the world..

Faith Challenge:   Reflect on your walk with the Lord and see if there are areas in your relationship that you are still trying to fix on your own.  Give them to the Lord.  The price for your sin has been paid for on the cross, it can’t be bought or earned.  Let go of any burdens and see how your faith is strengthened in doing so.  Spiritual housekeeping is something we all need to do, often daily.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. Anthony the Hermit
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Faith Quote:  “God wants you to be delivered from what you have done and from what has been done to you – Both are equally important to Him.” ~ Joyce Meyer

All In Christ for Pro-Life,
Karen Patnaude
Jeremiah 29:11