Forgive Others as God Forgave Us

"We need not climb up into heaven to see whether our sins are forgiven: let us look into our hearts, and see if we can forgive others. If we can, we need not doubt but God hath forgiven us." - Thomas Watson

I don't think too many of you would disagree that forgiveness is one of the hardest things we are called upon to do. Some would rather suffer through a root canal procedure than to have to forgive. Although forgiveness can be problematic for many, it is one of the basics of the Christian life (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).

We are all too familiar with things that hurt and offend us. We may also be misunderstood. lied to, and even cast off. Who can blame anyone for hesitating to offer forgiveness? However, it is crucial that one learns how to properly respond when confronted with an episode that may provoke anger, resentment, jealousy, etc. If not, this could very easily lead to personal, health, and mental issues down the road.

The root word of forgiveness is "forgive." This can be similar to mean wiping the board clean, pardoning, or canceling a debt or obligation. Instead of trying to get even (revenge) or allowing anger to fester, we seek the forgiveness of the other party. Restoration of the relationship cannot be restored without this.

Let's examine how forgiveness relates to our relationship with Jesus Christ. I don't have to tell that if anyone needs forgiveness it's you and I. Our biggest problem is our battle with sin in our lives. Fortunately, the forgiveness we have in Christ releases us (sinners) from God's penalty. This means the total dismissal of all allegations against us (Romans 8:1).

As such, we should follow God's example of forgiveness when it comes to our forgiveness of others (Ephesians 4:32). Naturally, this doesn't suggest that we place ourselves in harms way, or be accepting of the other person's unflagging, sinful behavior. Not at all. I'm saying that we release them from the offense that was perpetrated against us. Forgive them as God forgave us (Ephesians 4:31-32; Romans 5:8)

The importance of forgiveness in our lives cannot be stressed enough. As a matter of fact, Scripture exhorts us to forgive those who sin against us (Matthew 6:14; Luke 11:4). By refusing to do so only serves to demonstrate bitterness, resentment, and anger toward others. Additionally, none these are characteristics are those of a healthy Christian who is growing and maturing in his faith.

Of course, one must take each instance of injustice on an individual basis. Other factors might contribute to another person's hurtful, or wrongful behaviors such as abuse, trauma, or loss. In this case, they may require additional time to work through their issues.

The best thing we can do for them is to listen, and offer our support. Part of forgiveness is knowing when to step back if that is the best strategy to take. There is no rush here. Patience, time, and space may be just what they need. Above all, allow God to bring them to forgiveness in His own good time.

And finally, regarding forgiveness, God makes a promise to us. When we come to Him, confess our sins, and ask for forgiveness, He will grant it to us through the righteousness of Christ (1 John 1:9). Thus, following His example, we should extend our forgiveness, without any stipulations, to others (Luke 17:3-4).

Scripture: Mark 11:25; Luke 6:27; Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 15:18; Matthew 5:44

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for the forgiveness of my sins, and the humility to offer the same to others who have acted unjustly or dishonestly towards me. Amen

May God bless your day!

Kerri

A New Attitude...A New You!

"Conversion is a turning onto the right road. The next thing to do is to walk on it."  - Charles Spurgeon

Change is a major player in our lives. For example, we have the changing of the seasons during the year. We might move our residence from one place to another, resulting in a change of address and location.

Changes in our work situation can cause a change of jobs or employment, too. Even our marital status may change from single to married, or married to divorced. I suppose that most change, other than natural changes, are due to decisions by either ourselves, others, or both.

Although, there's not a whole lot that we can do about the changing of the seasons. There are some changes we can make in our lives that can affect us profoundly. In fact, one of the most important changes we can make is when we exchange our old, sin nature for the new nature Christ gives us.

This change of sinful nature, or change of direction, is otherwise known as conversion. How does this affect us? You see, when we humbly come to Christ, confess our sins to Him, turn away from it, and seek His ways, our whole perspective changes.

You might be more familiar with conversion because of the convert or person who has made this change towards Jesus Christ. Now, to some this may sound very similar to repentance, however, there is a difference. Let's try to break it down for you, or make it easier to see the differences.

When someone repents they first have to admit that their way of thinking was wrong. Then, he must change his entire way of thinking wrongly to that of beginning to think rightly. Repentance involves completely changing your mind set about something. We do this when we starting thinking as God thinks, and seeing things just as He does.

Okay, now let's turn our attention to conversion. Have you ever driven down a road for a while then suddenly realized you were headed in the wrong direction? What happens? You decide that you need to turn around, or change direction. Conversion is like this in that it involves a "change of direction."

Thus, when we are converted, we are struck with the realization that we're going the wrong way. We then have to turn to the living God and start going in His way. Does this happen to everyone? Well, though it may be true that we all have the opportunity to turn it (our lives) around, not everyone takes advantage of this.

Luke 1:16 shows us that it is possible to "turn" our lives around. While in Isaiah 6:9-10. Isaiah wrote about some who refused to convert, choosing rather to go on living their sinful lives. Therefore, conversion is possible, but not always chosen by some.

Interestingly, even though there are differences between repentance and conversion. they really do need one another. After all, what good is changing your mind (repentance) if you don't change the direction you're going (conversion)?

We all fall far short of being perfect like God (Romans 3:10, 23; Isaiah 53:6). And as such, there's no way that we could ever please God by anything we'd do on our own. In this sad state we are doomed to be eternally separated from Him (Romans 6:23, 8:8; John 3:16-18). We need to be able to change this. But how?

A word of caution, here. We can't convert ourselves. Fortunately, for us, Jesus came and took care of this problem for us. He came to earth, died in our place, and rose again, conquering death and sin for all time (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Thus, taking on the punishment our sin deserves.

In turn, He offers to exchange His perfection for our imperfection; making us appear righteous and presentable to God (2 Corinthians 5:21). So how does this all tie into our conversion toward Jesus Christ? It's not that big of a leap as you might think!

When you or I finally admit that we can't keep on living like we have been, we admit to Christ how helpless we are apart from Him. We tell him that we are more than ready to change our life's direction, that we are ready, willing, and able to embrace Him as our Lord and Savior (Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9).

By faith, we place our lives into His capable hands (Hebrews 11:1). And it is through the exercising of faith, which is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9), that we are converted. Conversion incorporates: changing direction, changing allegiance, and worshiping God instead of self-worship.

Finally, conversion is a total transformation of the heart. The way a person walks, talks, and acts is affected. This continues until their entire life has been converted from living in sin, to living for God (Romans 6:6-7).

Scripture: Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Romans 15:13; James 4:8; John 8:32

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for Your guidance, mercy, and presence in my life. Because of You, my heart is like a compass, always pointing in Your direction. And as long as I stay on this path, I know I will always be walking toward You. Amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Jenn

Friday Faith Check-up: Renewal of The Soul Requires Maintenance

"As well might a gnat seek to drink in the ocean, as a finite creature to comprehend the Eternal God. A God whom we could understand would be no God. If we could grasp Him, He could not be infinite. If we could understand Him, He could not be divine."  - Charles Spurgeon

We know the importance of maintaining our health. Doctors and health experts constantly remind us of this. Whether we follow their instructions or not is another story. Still, if our health deteriorates, so does our quality of life. And with rising medical costs, health maintence is more important than ever.

My husband always knows when it's time to have our vehicles serviced. The rule of thumb for all things mechanical is: Maintain it, or you will soon have problems. Besides our physical health and mechanical objects there is another often overlooked part of our lives that requires maintenance, too.

I have run across many good, well-meaning and intelligent people who are under the assumption that once you become a Christian that's it. Like a tattoo, you don't have to do anything with it as far as maintenance goes. Once you get one, it's permanent and not really a concern. (For the record, I don't have any myself. I just thought I'd mention this!)

But seriously, there is some maintenance involved once you become a Christian and live the Christian life. I'd like to share some maintenance check-up points with you this week. We may compare these to the check-list a mechanic will perform on your vehicle when you take it in for service or repair. This check-list, however, applies to the maintenance of our souls.

Like a finely, tuned machine, we must keep our souls in good condition. So, what can we do to make sure everything is, and stays, in good working order in our Christian lives? Let's begin with the daily renewal of our inner man, or soul (2 Corinthians 4:16). The soul is the undecaying, or immortal part of you and I.

Renewal occurs in series of acts. For instance, our lives depend on daily renewal through food, air, exercise, etc. Thinkers must constantly study, meditate, read; otherwise old knowledge, to a large extent, dies out. Similarly, yesterday's religion fades away. Therefore, we must keep updating it; break fresh heavenly bread; have current interaction between our conscience and heart with God. Our renewal must be a daily one.

The daily reading of the Word is another point to address (Nehemiah 8:18). I cannot stress enough the importance of daily Bible reading and study. How can one expect to grow and mature in the Christian life without it? Once the habit of reading Scripture on a daily basis is acquired, renewal and revitalization becomes more attainable. The boost to your inner man is priceless!

Along with daily reading of the Word, daily prayer to the Lord is critical to the renewal of the soul (Psalm 76:3). This is something that we all should want to do daily. Daily prayer with God is daily fellowship with our heavenly Father. He desires to hear our supplications and praises alike. Prayer doesn't have any special requirements, nor does it need any equipment. Just your sincere desire to talk to God, and to listen to what He has to say to you.

Daily Praising of the Lord is the glorious recognition that He is the grand object of universal admiration and love (Psalm 72:15). There is no one greater. We owe our very existence to Him. He is the expression of all excellence (love, benevolence, truth, justice, authority). We are definitely His workmanship.

Yet another part of daily maintenance of our soul is the daily exhortation, or encouragement of each other (Hebrews 3:13). Think of this as being in a support group with fellow believers. Who among us hasn't felt a little beat up spiritually now and then? It's nice to have others who can relate to what you are going through. Being good listeners, shoulders to cry on, and cheerleaders for each other can and does make a difference. I can attest to this personally!

Finally, we as Christians all have a daily cross to bear (Luke 9:23). Honestly, if you became a Christian because you thought it would be a cake walk, then you are in for some disappointment. It will be anything but. Daily afflictions, trials, and persecutions are pretty much the norm every day for the people of God. But we are to continually submit to, and carry this weight with cheerfulness and love.

The points we touched on today are vital in keeping our inner man in top condition. The maintenance of our souls is not difficult if we put in the time and effort. You will find that with proper upkeep your Christian life should continue to strengthen and flourish for years to come!

Scripture: Psalm 51:10; Romans 12:2; Revelation 21:4; Ephesians 4:23; 2 Corinthians 7:1

Prayer: Dear Lord, hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Amen  - Psalms 51: 9-12

Have a blessed and safe weekend!

Kaye

The Faithful Christian Life

"I believe that the happiest of all Christians and the truest of Christians are those who never dare to doubt God, but take His Word simply as it stands, and believe it, and ask no questions, just feeling assured that if God has said it, it will be so." - Charles Spurgeon

If one were to wonder what a Christian is, and then attempt to search for a definition of one, they might run across something along the lines of this: “a person professing belief in Jesus as the Christ or in the religion based on the teachings of Jesus.”

This in itself isn't a bad description or definition of one. However, there's a little more to this than what any dictionary might define. A person who believes in Jesus Christ and his teachings is only part of it. If one truly is a follower of Christ, then they must partake in a "life of faith," as well .

There are a few key components of what we call the Christian life which one strives to live by. As was said above, the Christian life is a life of faith. Without faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we are basically dead in the water. Let's discuss this life of faith for a moment.

Hebrews 11:1 is a good starting point.  Faith in Christ is what we (Christians) live by. Admittedly, it's hard to believe in something that can't be confirmed by our natural senses. This is where many fall by the wayside. They can't accept something on "faith," but this is necessary and non-negotiable. A Christian must have faith (Romans 1:17; 2 Corinthians 5:7).

We also come by our faith by studying the God's Word, or the Bible (Romans 10:17). It's not enough to go to church, or watch religious programs on television. The Bible must be read and studied. God speaks to us through its pages. Our belief faith is reinforced by listening to what He has to say to us.

Should Christians be content to just sit on their faith? After his resurrection, and before He ascended into Heaven, Jesus basically outlined what He expected his apostles to do in His absence. Matthew 28:19-20, or what we know as the Great Commission, tells us what Christ said to them.

The sharing of our faith is what enables to win over the world (1 John 5:4-5). It is our faith in the risen Christ that gives us great spiritual strength and power (Luke 17:6). Thus, we are able to share our faith with others even at the risk of persecution or worse.

There are few more things to mention about the Christian life. For instance, besides being a life of faith, it is also a life of repentance, or turning away from sin. This a definite requirement of becoming a Christian (Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30). It is also a continual, or ongoing way of life (Acts 8:13-24; Revelation 2:5; 3:19).

A Christian life also encompasses the walk of Jesus Christ. This means that we must follow his example and live our lives abounding in good works (1 Corinthians 15:58), and recognizing opportunities to exemplify them (Titus 3:1; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:10).

Our last feature of the Christian life for today is that it is a life unimpeded by fear and worry. A Christian learns early on to lean on Christ when confronted with unfavorable situations (Proverbs 3:25-26). God wouldn't have it any other way (Matthew 10:28-31; Hebrews 13:5, 6). We can be confident in our relationship with Him, and that He will always be there (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 4:17).

A true Christian puts his faith and trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:7). This includes His crucifixion as payment for our sins, and His resurrection on the third day. The Christian life is a "new" life. But, it is a work in progress. It is a life that is always growing, evolving and maturing in faith.

Scripture: Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:5-10; Ephesians 4:32; Romans 12:1; Ephesians 5:5

Prayer: Holy Father, make me appreciative of all Your gifts, and, through Your wisdom and power, may I find the best use for them. Amen.

God bless you,

Bree

Video - Beth Moore: Arise

Bible teacher Beth Moore examines two stories of physical resurrection in the New Testament as Jesus and one of his disciples tell the dead to arise. Awesome message!  ~Eve

Why the Scriptures?

"The Word of God I think of as a straight edge, which shows up our own crookedness. We can't really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture." - Elisabeth Elliot

One often-asked question is: "What is the purpose of the Scriptures?" The Scriptures are written for our use and benefit, as much as for those to whom they were first given. They were written so that we might learn by them (Romans 15:4).

In addition to this, they offer us comfort and patience so that whatever troubles we may encounter in our lives, we, through the support of the Scriptures, may be able to endure them both patiently and cheerfully. They give us hope.

And because they are the result of God's inspiration, or God-inspired, they were not given to us to merely be read and then put aside. The Scriptures were purposed by God to be used by us for correction and/or "training" by instruction, warning, example, kindnesses, promises, and reprimands (2 Timothy 3:16).

God provided the Scriptures so that we might live a life that is pleasing to Him (2 Timothy 3:17). Within its pages, God spells out what He wants from us; and reveals what is "good" in His eyes. What the prophets and apostles wrote down weren't their own words, but what they had received from God himself (2 Peter 1:21). It is a sure guide to eternal life.

It's also God's intention that His Word serves as a lamp to direct our paths in this world of darkness, sin, and death. To reassure us in all our fears and distresses; our doubts and difficulties (Psalm 119:105). The thought of a world without God's Word to guide us is both distressing and joyless.

Ninth century French theologian, Peter Abelard said, "The men who abandon themselves to the passions of this miserable life, are compared in Scripture to beasts."  I agree that without the inspired Word of God we really are no better than the beasts.

Finally, consider this the next time you hold your Bible in your hands. What you have is the actual Word of God, straight from the source. And through its pages, God speaks to us as clearly as if he is standing next to you (John 5:39).

If you haven't done so already, why not open your Bible and see what God has to say to you today. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Scripture: Romans 10:17; Jeremiah 23:29; Matthew 24:35; Jeremiah 15:16; Matthew 22:29

Prayer: Dear God, I pray that my life may not be weighed down with worthless efforts. May I be led on the right path, and through the love of it all find strength for my soul. Amen.

May God bless you!

Brandi

His Divine Eyes See All

“From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.”  -Psalm 33:13-15

"Peek-a-boo, I see you!" What small child doesn't enjoy playing this game with an adult? From the child's point of view it's funny to see you put your hands over your eyes, then quickly remove them.

For a brief moment, you seem to disappear only to reappear the next! The surprised look on your face is what draws a laughing and giggling response from both the child, and you. God "sees" each one of us, as well.

Though, He doesn't exactly play peek-a-boo with you and I, He knows everything we do, say, and think (Psalm 139:2; 2 Kings 19:27; Psalm 94:11). Of course, for some this may sound scary. But, the reality of it is that God really does know us inside and out. After all, He made us in His image (Genesis 1:27).

What we are talking about is more commonly known as "God’s omniscience." In short, when talk about God being omniscient, we are saying that He knows absolutely everything there is to know. The term omniscience means: possessing total knowledge; knowing everything.

Hagar, the Egyptian maid of Sarai, Abram's wife, experienced God's omniscience first hand in Genesis 16:7-13. The big tip-off that she was actually speaking with the eternal Word and Son of God was when he told her, "I will..." It was right then and there that she couldn't help but admire his mercy, and wonder why someone like her could possibly deserve to be blessed with a visit from the Lord.

While we may or may not receive a visit from the angel of the Lord, it's still worth discussing God's omniscience and how it relates to us. First of all, we can be certain, or find proof of His omniscience in His person. God made everything and knows about it all. We find evidence of it in His presence. God knows everything not only because of Who He is, but also because of where He is.

We can also see His omniscience in His power. God knows everything not just because of Who He is and where He is, but also because of what He does. He is always in touch with, and in control of, His creation. Simply look around you. You can see His actively involved in His creation,

Proof of God's omniscience is also evident in His purposes. He knows everything because He is God. Thus, He is everywhere, and He controls all things. He also knows what will take place before it ever happens (Isaiah 46:10-11; Psalm 135:6; Daniel 4:35). Nothing occurs in this world that isn't a part of His eternal, perfect, unstoppable plan (Ephesians 1:11).

Public or private, the Divine eye is always on us. We may become wrapped up in our daily lives, distracted by things and incidents of this world. But, God's eyes never tire, they can see each one us no matter where we may try to hide, or what hour the day or night.

God is always observing, taking note of every detail, and remembering everything. He sees the sinner and the supplicant alike. Even though we, ourselves, can't see God while we still live, He can see how we live. This should be enough incentive to live our lives as He desires us to.

For no matter how hard or how much we may try to mask our true spirit, God's eyes can pierce the thickest covering; revealing our hearts to Him as clear as the midday sun on a summer's afternoon (1 John 3:20).

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 147:4-5; Hebrews 4:13; Acts 1:24; 1 Corinthians 2:11

Prayer: Dear Lord, continue to watch over me, guiding and protecting me. My heart and soul is an open book to You. There are no secrets that You do not know about, nor actions and works that You can't see. May I always live my life under the direction of Your loving mercy and grace. Amen

May God bless you always!

Kasey