Crime

CRIME...it is an ugly word to most of us. If we have been exposed to it(in any form)we have a choice. We can either become bitter and anxious which usually leads to us "generalizing the culture of ALL people who were like the one who harmed us" OR we can see that person through the eyes of God(which we CAN do if we just ask). 

Montgomery crime stats are on the rise again and I am wondering if it is because we, as Christians, have stopped praying for crime and those who commit them(or could potentially commit them). Are we bold enough to do that? Pray for the ones who committed the crime or could potentially commit it?

On a personal note, we have had hard lessons this year in our own family and God gave us a choice. Twice in a 6 week span, our family has been faced with others invading our space and violating our safety. Once to our car....once to my son who was face to face with someone who was stealing money from his speech therapists office.They walked in on the guy stealing the money and had no clue as to whether he had a gun or not. He was shaken for a few days afterwards, rightly so, but my son, who has a special insight into life, told me that even though he was afraid, he needed to pray for this man who committed the crime. I asked him why and he said, "because, mom, I have Jesus in my heart and even though I am afraid, I know he will be beside me....we don't know if this guy has Jesus and if he does, he doesn't trust him, does he?"

So, even though my momma instincts were mad and wanted this boy to suffer for scaring my son and his therapist, I had to draw close to the Lord and start praying for this boy who violated my son's sense of safety.

What choice will you make this day as you live for Christ? Crime does not just go on in big cities.......do you think Midland City thought this incident of late would ever happen there?

Specifically, pray for Chief Kevin Murphy.......for wisdom as he discerns how to best work with this city on reducing crime! He understands that there are underlying problems that cause the crime, so lift him up so he can know what is best.

Jesus said: "But I say to you, love your enemies and bless the one who curses you, and do what is beautiful to the one who hates you, and pray over those who take you by force and persecute you". Matthew 5:44