Matthew 24:27-31 / Mateo 24:27-31

Jesus willingly poured out His blood for us on the cross at Calvary. That blood was poured out for us. Por voluntad propia, Jesus derramo su sangre preciosa para nosotros a la cruz de Calvario. Para nosotros.

And He rose in victory and now we await the sound of the trumpet, for we have been set free of our sin, we have been forgiven.We no longer need a mediator, a high priest between us and God for confession. The veil has been torn. We can enter that Holy Place, but we have to want to.

Y El se levanto en Victoria y ahora, esperamos el sonida del trompeta porque ya somos libres de pecado, somos perdonados. Yo no necesitamos un sacerdate en el medio para confesarnos. El velo El se rompio. Podemos entrar el lugar santisimo, pero tenemos que querer.

Exodus 40:34-35

Revelation 4:1-11

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty Who Was and is and is to come.

Santo, santo, santo el Senor Dios Poderoso quien era, quien es, y quien vendra.

He alone is worthy and we must worship Him and exalt His name for touching our lives with His Spirit and washing us in His blood. We don’t always have it all together, but in Him, everything is perfected.

I Thessalonians 4:13-14 says: "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."** Those who are "asleep" are meant to be those who are physically dead. 

My hope is only in Christ. I only trust Him to resurrect me from the dead when I die just as He was resurrected from the dead by the Father when He died on the cross and was buried in the tomb.

**The Holy Bible: English standard version. 2001 (electronic ed.). Good News Publishers: Wheaton.

One bit of good news from all of this is that I have re-acquainted with some of my closest friends from the last 25 years. Many of them I've not spoken to in over 10 years, I'm ashamed to say. Everette brought us back together and I plan to stay in touch with them.

A final note - Everette was an organ donor. Because he was so young, some of his organs were very strong and will end up helping many people. God is redemptive meaning He brings good from bad situations.

-Mark (grieving my own sin but recognizing that I'm forgiven in Christ because Jesus is Lord)

Mt 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

To catch the full import of this verse we need to recount the previous three verses and see this one in context. First there had been the requirement to recognize our spiritual poverty. Second, simply recognizing it was not sufficient, there had to be a mourning or grieving over it that showed we understood how awful being dead spiritually was. Third, and following that, there had to be a willingness to submit utterly to God's will, for nothing less than that could open the way up for His blessings to flow into our lives.

But now comes a further aspect of the same thing. If on one hand we saw and rejected our old lives, recognizing the failure to be good that there was in that life, what there also needs to be is a yearning for the good life, for a life that is good and right. Do you see the importance of these stages? You can be aware of your poverty and just wallow in that and remain there. You can see it and anguish over it but be unable to let go your self-centredness and so you stay there in it. You can be aware of your poverty, mourn over it and want God's will and yet only desire it for what it can bring you – and that is still self-centred.

To go the whole way you have to come to this point of submitting to God's will whole-heartedly and yearning for a right standing before God. That is what righteousness is – right standing before God, right living before God. Again, do you see the two aspects there? When we become aware of our poverty, aware of our failure, aware of our guilt, for the work to be fully done, there also needs to be a yearning to be freed from the guilt and shame and to be put right with God. In the awareness of our spiritual poverty there also needs to be the recognition that it involves sin against God. Do you remember in Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son, when the son returns to his father he declares, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” (Lk 15:21). When the Holy Spirit brings conviction it is not merely of our failure, but our failure in respect of God. As we realize that, we understand we have offended God and that needs to be put right. Somehow we need to be reconciled to God – but we cannot do it ourselves. It is only as we hear the good news of Jesus dying on the Cross in our place that we realize that the Father alone has provided the means for us to come back into a right standing with Him.

But there will also be a yearning to change our way of living, to get rid of things that offend God, and to live rightly before Him. Behind this hungering and thirsting, this heart yearning, there will also be this desire to lead a good life, a life free from sin. The New Testament shows us the nature of that life, and particularly the apostles' letters put detail to that, but the main thing we find, is that God provides His own Holy Spirit to live within us, so He is there to direct and guide us, to show us the way in any particular situation, He is there to empower us to enable us to overcome and live as God's child. Whether we recognize it or not when we look back, this is the work the Holy Spirit does in us when He convicts us of our need – a recognition of our poverty, an anguish over it, a desire for God's will and a desire to be put right with God so that we can live the life He wants us to live, as His children. Those are the facets of what goes on within any person as they come to God to be born again.

And this is where we come to the latter part of the verse: they shall be filled. When someone is hungry, they are empty. When their hunger is satisfied, they are filled. It is a picture of being completely satisfied. At the end of a banquet, people are heard to say, “That was wonderful, I am full up. I couldn't eat another thing!” And that's the truth; when God does His work in us He does it completely and there is nothing more to be added. Every aspect of what we have considered has been covered. From being poor isolated wretches we become children of God with all the blessings of God. Our mourning is turned into rejoicing. We rest and rejoice in coming into the purposeful will of God, where we sense a new purpose and direction in our lives. The yearning to be put right with God is completely satisfied as we are declared forgiven, cleansed and totally pardoned and, as the Holy Spirit comes in, we are energized to live the new life. We are filled, we are utterly satisfied. Yes, we are filled with the goodness of God and of His Holy Spirit as we submit ourselves to Him and let Him do what He wants with us. How wonderful when it happens, how scary for the person who wants to remain in their self-centred isolation!

I am Wanted. I am sought after. I am a prized possession. I am untouchable. I am thought about, planned for, provided for, protected.

I am forgiven for no good reason.

Christie Huff

2065 Highway 29 North, Ellisville 39437

[profession of faith]

[It is] the little foxes that ruin the vineyards.  SS 2:15

A year and a half ago, God asked me to give Him every part of me, and I agreed to do that with His help.  I have never regretted it.  It the best thing I have ever experienced.  It has been awesome learning to let Him be in control, and has made my life such a pleasure.

But now and then, and especially recently, I start trying to retake control of the little things.  They don’t really matter, do they?  Just little sins.  But I realize these little sins are really a sign of a bigger problem, a rebellious heart.  Things like having a snack to comfort myself when I’m really not hungry, spending that extra hour on the computer when my girls need my attention, going out to eat one more time (again) when I’ve already reached the limit in my budget, ignoring a newly reduced speed limit when I know God’s been gently whispering to me to go slower.  These are things He has shown me He doesn’t want me to do, but I have been ignoring Him and proceeding with what I want to do.

I knew that these little things were starting to take control, but I don’t know if I really believed that it was that bad.  Yet I was getting a nagging feeling from God that something is not right, and that it was jeopardizing my intimacy with Him.  So after struggling with Him for several days, one night after everyone was in bed, I felt prompted to go out in the living room in the dark and lay down on the floor, face down in surrender to God.  I asked Him to forgive me over and over.  I hadn’t really meant it till then.  But it felt good to admit to Him my problem and to begin to allow Him to work in me to get me back to where I should be.

Thank You God for showing me what was wrong.  Help me to give You control even over the little things.  Thank You for the intimacy it brings when I confess my sin and submit to You.  Praise You!

…the blood of Jesus, [God’s] Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn. 1:7-9

I'm learning that His grace is what it is, and it's undeserved. I can do absolutely nothing to sway God to not love me. No amount of sin in my past or sin that I may commit tomorrow will ever remove His loving arms from around me.

We live in such a culture where it is impossible to fully understand forgiveness. In a day where a financial crisis is looming and debts are abundant, it's hard to see where a person would say, "I bought you and you owe me nothing but your love." The amazing tale of God sending His own Son to bear the burdens of our sins on Calvary is a tale that most everyone knows. Perhaps one part of the story that makes it so hard to grasp is the idea that a man would die on cross for  all of humanity makes the story so unbelievable. I was once one of those people, just like you, most likely.

I'll never understand why God would want me to do His will, but He does. Hebrews 4:16 tells us to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." What an amazing thought, that we can "approach the throne of grace"! Not only did Jesus pay our debt, He has also made it possible for us to communicate with God! We can approach God and talk directly to Him. What an amazing grace! It's only through Christ's sacrifice on the cross can we obtain grace. Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Living life with grace isn't easy by any means. God calls us to be "transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Romans 12:2).

Accepting God's grace means getting to the point where you are dead to yourself, you have given up all of your rights, all your rights to be angry, hurt, offended, to punish, and to judge another person. James 4:6 tells us that "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  A couple of verses later, in verse 10, it says, "Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up." I think one of the best places to feel God's grace is when we forgive others.

We must forgive everyone that offends us, and everyone that sins against us. (Matthew 6:14-15) "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." It is clear from God's word that we are required to forgive sins that are against ourselves because our God and Father forgives, so as His children He wants us to forgive also. Forgiveness is an action of compassion, an act of love. (Luke 6:35-38 NKJV) "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

Karnataka, September 17 (Compass Direct News) – A mob of about 300 people attacked and torched a Christian prayer hall on Sept. 7 in Bada village, Davangere district just after prayers concluded at about 9 a.m., according to the The Hindu. The assailants broke the asbestos ceiling and windows and set fire to material inside, including Bibles, a cross and a pulpit, the daily reported. A pastor identified only as Lukas E., who was at the site of the attack, described the attackers as “locals” but refused to name them. Police have registered a case, though the pastor said he did not wish to file charges against anyone because they were his “own people.” Villagers who accused the pastor of “converting the locals” by luring them with gifts and by “demeaning Hindu gods and religious customs” told the newspaper that the attack was “spontaneous.” A police official told Compass that 10 persons have been taken into custody. The incident occurred even as prohibitory orders were in force for an area within a 200-meter radius of three other prayer halls in Davangere town, which have been under attack since mid-August. The Hindu nationalist Hindu Jagarana Vedike had threatened to forcibly close down these “unauthorized places” if the district administration did not do so by Sept. 6, stated the daily.

Karnataka – Police on Sept. 6 arrested a pastor in Terekere, Chikmagalur district. Dr. Sajan K. George, national president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) said that on Aug. 31 nearly 40 Hindutva (Hindu nationalist) extremists had disrupted Sunday worship of Emmanuel Church and threatened pastor C.S. John, warning him to hold no further Christian worship. On Sept. 6 nearly 25 intolerant Hindus came to Emmanuel Church, shouting anti-Christian slogans and making false conversions allegations against Pastor John. A GCIC representative told Compass that the Hindu extremists forced Pastor John to a local police station and filed a false complaint against him for “malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings,” and insulting a class of people’s religion or religious beliefs. With GCIC intervention, the pastor was released on bail on Sept. 8.

Karnataka – Hindu extremists on Aug. 31 stormed Sharon Church in Holalkere block of Chitradurga district, Karnataka beat the pastor, dragged believers out of Sunday worship and forcibly applied Kumkum red circles on their foreheads. As is customary in India, police were mute spectators. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported that as pastor N. Kumar had finished preaching, nearly 25 intolerant Hindus led by area extremists identified only as Srinivas, Hanumantha and Basavaraj barged into the church shouting “Jai Bajrangi [Hail Lord Hanuman].” Armed with wooden clubs and saffron flags, the extremists slapped Pastor Kumar and made false accusations of forcible conversions. According to GCIC, the extremists threatened the assembly of around 35 believers that they had to convert to Hinduism or else be smacked with clubs. Grabbing him by his collar, the extremists dragged the pastor outside the church, other frightened believers were made to follow, and kumkum was applied to their foreheads. The believers were warned that they would be tonsured if they worshipped in Sharon Church again. The watching policemen then took Pastor Kumar to Hollakera police station. The GCIC brokered a compromise between the Hindu extremists and the church: Pastor Kumar did not file a complaint, and the extremists agreed not to harass the believers. Kumar was given first aid at Hollakera government hospital for a bleeding ear.

Karnataka – Hindutva (Hindu nationalist) extremists on Aug. 31 stormed Full Gospel Church at Sharavati Nagar, Old Hubli, beating a pastor and others and making false allegations of forced conversions. Dr. Sajan K. George, national president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), reported that as worship was going on a group of nearly 30 extremists led by D. Kabadi, Jagadish Katti Satish and another person barged in shouting Hindu devotional chants, walked up to the dais and slapped and punched the Rev. David Perumal. When pastor Thankaraj Dhansingh rushed to the aid of Perumal, he too was repeatedly hit on his head and back. The Hindu extremists cursed congregants and chased them away. Police arrived and took Rev. Dhansingh and Perumal to the police station, with the intolerant Hindus following shouting anti-Christian slogans. With the GCIC’s intervention, a First Information Report was filed against the extremists, George said. Perumal was admitted to a medical clinic for treatment. At press time no arrests had been made.

Karnataka – About 30 Hindu extremists belonging to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) on Aug. 24 handed over a pastor and 10 others to the Frazer town police station for preaching the gospel and pressured police to file a case against them in Bangalore. The Global Council of Indian Christians reported that the pastor, identified only as Nelson, and the 10 others were preaching and distributing gospel tracts in Doddigunta when the extremists began threatening them and took them to a police station, where they were arrested for “hurting religious sentiments,” statements conducive to public mischief and unlawful assembly. The Christians were released on bail after two days.

Karnataka – Hindu extremists on Aug. 27 disrupted a prayer convention, accused a pastor of forced conversions and beat him in Kala Bhavan, Gadag. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported that Hindu extremists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) disrupted the two day-prayer meeting held with prior police permission, brutally beat a pastor identified only as Santosh and dragged him to the police station. The extremists forced the pastor to give a written statement saying he would not conduct future prayer meetings or share the gospel with anyone. He was released after he was forced to submit a written statement to police. Again on Aug. 28, the intolerant Hindus threatened the pastor at his house, saying that they would burn him and his family if they did not leave the area within 24 hours. The pastor filed a police complaint. GCIC told Compass that a First Information Report was not filed, and that the two parties reached a compromise.

Karnataka – Police on Aug. 27 arrested a pastor on charges of hurting religious sentiments and “uttering words with intent to insult the religion of any class” after Hindutva (Hindu nationalist) extremists filed a false complaint of forcible conversion against him in Arasikere, Hobli, Davangere. Dr. Sajan K. George of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) said that nearly 100 extremists belonging to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Bajrang Dal came by van to the Full Gospel Assembly Church. Pastor K.P. Rajshekar was not at the church building, and the Hindu extremists angrily asked four Christians identified only as Nagappa, Umesh, Yogaraju and Mallesha Naik, about allurements they supposedly received to convert to Christianity. Asha Devi, a GCIC representative, told Compass that the extremists also forced the four believers to the Yellamma Temple, smeared vermillion on their foreheads and made them bow to Hindu idols. “However, they have not renounced Jesus Christ,” Devi told Compass. As is customary in India, police jailed the victims of Hindu extremist aggression. At press time, the GCIC was seeking their release on bail. The extremists had also demanded that the four Christians provide details about the pastor and other families who worshiped there and subsequently went to Pastor Rajshekar’s house, dragged him out and shoved him into the van along with his wife Anapoorna and daughter Geetha. They took them to a police station and filed bogus charges of fraudulent conversion against the pastor and his family.

Karnataka – Police on Aug. 24 detained a pastor after Hindu extremists stormed an evangelistic meeting, attacking the pastor and bringing forth false witnesses to testify against him in Ramalingeshwara Camp, Koppal district. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported that Pastor Jeeva Prakash of the Bethesda Prayer House was preaching at a gospel meeting in Ramalingeshwara Camp, where nearly 100 believers had congregated, when a mob led by two local extremists identified only as Virupakshappa and Giri of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh barged into the assembly shouting curses. They slapped Prakash and attempted to make him chant “Jai Sri Ram [Hail Lord Rama].” In spite of repeated hitting and punching on his stomach and head, Pastor Praskash staunchly refused to give in, at which point the extremists dragged the pastor and a few others to a police station, the report stated. GCIC regional coordinator Laxminarayan Gowda told Compass, “The extremists brought two persons identified only as Chinnappa and Lakshmamma, who falsely testified that Prakash had promised them money to attend the meeting.” With GCIC intervention, the pastor and believers were released at around 10:45 p.m. without being charged.

Orissa – Evangelist Prem Dan Khora was arrested on Aug. 22 after Hindu extremists belonging to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council or VHP) filed false complaints of “forcible” conversion and destruction of idols against him in Dasamantapur, Koraput district. According to the Global Council of Indian Christians, Khora was distributing gospel tracts in the area when Hindu extremists from the VHP were demonstrating against a commission set up to probe the December 2007 anti-Christian violence in Kandhamal district. The extremists snatched the tracts and thrashed him for nearly an hour, leaving him barely conscious. They dragged him to the police station, where he was arrested for “hurting religious sentiments” and trespassing. GCIC told Compass that the whereabouts of the evangelist remained unknown at press time.

Maharashtra – Kashinath Kadale, a tribal Christian laborer, was allegedly beaten and hanged to death by seven anti-Christian assailants from Jamblipada village in Thane district on Aug. 21, the national daily Times of India reported. At midnight the attackers barged into the house and thrashed the couple, with Kadale’s wife Tai escaping and returning hours later only to find her husband hanging from the roof. She filed a complaint with Jawahar police, saying they were sleeping in the house when they were attacked by seven unknown men. The Rev. Sanjiv Andrap, the village pastor, was quoted by Times of India as stating that the reason for the attack was that the villagers opposed Christian families and wanted them to leave the village. Over the last three years, on five occasions villagers had tried to evict the Christian families from the village, the daily reported. But the report stated that Inspector Rajendra Naik of the Jawahar police station said that the allegation made by the deceased’s wife was untrue, that the couple was drunk and “abused” the seven people who were going past their house. According to the police investigation, the seven people had an argument with the couple and later left. Abraham Mathai, vice-chairman of the minority commission told Compass that tribal peoples in the Thane area are constantly vulnerable to attacks from the local Hindu extremists.

Karnataka – Hindu extremists in Chikka Savananoor village, Gadag district on Aug. 20 beat an evangelist, made false accusations of forced conversion, dragged him to the village temple and tied him to a pillar to mock him. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported that Nagaraj Yellappa Limbuji, a private tutor who worships in Shalom Prayer Hall, was en route to work when a group of nearly 20 intolerant Hindus stopped him on the road and made false allegations of forcible conversions. The extremists slapped Limbuji before taking him to the village temple and tying him to one of the temple pillars. The GCIC’s Sajan K. George told Compass that the extremists kept him tied to the pillar for nearly one and a half hours, continuously mocking and cursing him. “One of the believers in the village informed the police, who arrived and set him free,” George said. “Limbuji has refused to register a complaint as he has forgiven the extremists.”

Andhra Pradesh – Hindutva (Hindu nationalist) extremists belonging to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Aug. 17 demolished the half-built Jesus Prayer House Church building in Uppal hills, Hyderabad. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported that nearly 20 extremists led by Shekar Reddy marched towards the church structure under construction and, armed with iron rods, began harassing pastor David Raj, who was supervising construction. They made false accusations of forced conversion. Reddy also claimed that the land belonged to Hindus and that Christians had no right to worship or construct a church in the area. The intolerant Hindus shoved Raj to the ground and began demolishing the church building. Lion Francis, regional GCIC coordinator, told Compass that Pastor Raj filed a complaint at Uppal police station, but at press time no arrests had been made.

Uttarakhand – Six Christian workers and a Bible college student were beaten by a group of Hindu fanatics on India’s Independence day, Aug. 15, reports The Persecution Times. The mob became enraged after they saw Bible college student Rasul Sarvak passing out gospel literature with a team of other students from the college. When the mob attacked, the other students were able to escape, but Sarvak, the youngest in the team, was captured and beaten as the intolerant Hindus tried without success to force him to deny his faith in Jesus. “You are trying to make our country a Christian nation,” they yelled at him. They dragged Sarvak to the police station, where officers placed him in custody to protect him from the furious mob. Four Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers arrived at the police station for Sarvak’s release, but the fanatics stopped them outside and beat them at length in the presence of police. Two more GFA workers drove up to the police station and were also brutally attacked, with one of them suffering a severe eye injury. The mob vandalized the GFA vehicle and threw it in a ditch. They then turned to the vehicle used by the first group of GFA workers and tried to burn it, but police at last stopped them. The Hindu extremists left, and police transported Sarvak and the six GFA workers to another station to keep them safe. There, some local Christians came and filed paperwork, and the group was released.

Report from Compass Direct News

Zep came home today with a smile, a kiss hello, and rain guards for my new truck! 

But that is not why he's off the hook.

He called me this afternoon from work and apologized ... "sorry for being such an asshole to you yesterday".  He continued to tell me that he wished he could handle stress the way I can and that he wants today [Sunday] to be a fresh start to a new week ... and that he hopes I can let yesterday go and give him a chance to make it up to me.

I thought he would be home around 2:30, but at 1:10 he came waltzing through the front door.  He came over and gripped me up into his arms ... holding me there for a few seconds ... kissing my forehead ... and then took me outside to see my new rain guards.

Forgiven!

He may drive me freakin' nutty at times, but I love that crazy Italian ... and his hot-headed ways, too!  I just wish the bleeding would stop so we could let out those 'other' frustrations! 

Tomorrow I go back to work.  It will be nice to have a routine back ... at least for a few weeks until Brian gets surgery #3 on his foot and goes out of work for another 4-6 weeks.  I think we'll take advantage of the time he is off and see about jumping back on the TTC wagon.  Our exact plan has not been formed as of yet, but we are both leaning on the 'right away' track.  If it doesn't work out again this time around we'll take a break until after the holidays ... but why think like that, right! 

Ok, I'm boring myself with this blog entry [very tired] ... it's 11pm and I want to be in my classroom by 7am so I can get caught up on things. 

Oh yeah, did I mention that I'm going to lose 25 pounds before our wedding anniversary on November 9th?  I'll go more into that tomorrow ... stay tuned!

Lk 6:37 Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.

There is an approach to life that I can only describe as open-hearted. It describes a person who has an open heart towards other people, who is not petty, who is not vindictive, who is not demanding, who is not vengeful, who is not spiteful, who does not reject people or demean people but who has a welcoming, warm heart towards people. That, I believe, was Jesus' heart. He was constantly looking for the good in people. Jesus had the ability to see past people's facades, the masks they so often put on. He saw people's hearts and he saw their potential, and he was looking to bring out the good in that potential. Jesus saw the downtrodden and saw past their poverty. Jesus saw the rich and affluent and saw past their bold splendour. He knew us as we are, and loved us.

Now I say all this because I believe that is what is behind these simple words spoken by Jesus as recorded by Luke. He starts with forgiveness. Forgiving is about releasing a person who has offended or abused you, from the punishment that is due them from God, and it is required when that person repents of what they have done. Forgiveness can only be declared when that other person has repented. We shouldn't confuse this with having a right attitude towards our offender because Jesus instructed us to love our enemies and pray for those against us (Mt 5:44). Some Christians confuse the two things but we are told to “forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col 3:13) and God never forgives until there has been repentance, but then He ALWAYS forgives. It is this latter part that we naturally struggle with. We hear people say, “I'll NEVER forgive them.” Well, yes you will if they repent and ask your forgiveness, because then you find Jesus' strong injunction applying: “if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Mt 6:15).

Vine's dictionary states: “Human ‘forgiveness' is to be strictly analogous to divine ‘forgiveness'. If certain conditions are fulfilled, there is no limit to Christ's law of ‘forgiveness'. The conditions are repentance and confession.” Until our offender does actually repent, we are to hold a good and right attitude towards them, wanting God's best for them always, but the moment they do repent we are duty bound to proclaim our forgiveness. God gives us the amazing privilege of declaring the will of heaven: you are forgiven. I forgive you. Now although many people will struggle with granting that forgiveness, the open-hearted person willingly grants it. They know that forgiveness declared will open the way for their offender to walk out in newness of life, free from the burden of the guilt. We proclaim their forgiveness because we know that when they have repented God has forgiven them. We are thus the bearers of good news. But we also forgive because we too have known the experience and we know the joy of being forgiven and want it for others.

Declaring forgiveness is a sign of a redeemed person, a person who knows what it is to be forgiven. Thus when we forgive we express our salvation and reinforce our salvation and continue the ongoing process of ‘being forgiven' by the Father. Because we forgive as we are required to, we are not holding on to an unresolved issue that in itself needs forgiveness. If we withhold forgiveness we are ourselves now in a place of sin, acting spitefully and ungraciously, and forgiveness from heaven will be withheld from us until we come to the point of forgiving. As we forgive, so we are forgiven. Forgiveness declared by us is an expression of our own repentance and thus we also receive it.

But then there is the second expression of the open heart – giving. Most of us in this sinful world are takers, but open-hearted people are givers. Most in the world want to get; that is at the heart of materialism, that is behind the commandment not to covet. We want and want and want more. But then our hearts are changed and we are born again and suddenly we are filled with love and our desire is to bless others. We become givers, givers of love, givers of possessions, givers of time and energy. The Spirit of Jesus within wants to continue His work of bringing the love of God to people, to bless them. We come across a need and we give. The open-hearted person does not reason and rationalize and blame or speculate. The open-hearted person sees a need, feels compassion and gives.

But look at what happens in God's kingdom. When we give, He gives back – in abundance! That's what the verse implies: “A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” That says you'll receive a lot. So whether it is time, energy, possessions or money, whatever form you use to give our God's love, you will find He gives back. Selfless, open-hearted giving is the key. But actually the selfless, open-hearted giver doesn't think about what they will get back. They are just aware of what they have already received and they give out of the abundance of that. It just happens that that abundance will be replenished whenever it is given away. How wonderful!

Sergeant Major
“You clumsy child! How many times have I told you not to help yourself to the juice – but no, you never listen? Get out of here because your poor old mother is going to have to clean up after you again.”

We see the characteristics of:

• Blaming
• Using shame
• Not giving a child a chance to help solve the problem
• Using guilt to manage a child

Compare with the "never mind" rescuing of Jellyfish, the "who cares" of Neglectful/ Too Busy, and "oops got a problem, get a cloth" of BackBone Parent. 

An imperfect parent? Have you unrealistic goals? (click link)
www.parentsinc.org.nz/ - more tips and helps

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We all come from dysfunctional families where we try to prop up a good image to cover the shame and lies of Satan that we've brought in to.  
www.drgrantmullen.com

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I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:4-5 (NIV)

Who Holds the Key to Your Heart
by Lysa TerKeurst
... I'd allowed my baby to be aborted.

I can just imagine Satan hissing as he writes his name across the victim's heart: Shame. I have felt shame's pain - a deep, constant throbbing of regret from the past mixed with dread of the future.

Let's look at when shame made its debut. Genesis 2:25 says, "The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." Then Satan slithered onto the scene to deceive Eve. When Eve fell into sin and took Adam with her, their reaction was to hide and cover up their mistake. That’s exactly what I did for so many painful years. But keeping my secret in the darkness allowed Satan use it against me. He is the father of darkness and the author of shame. He would constantly whisper that I was worthless and that if anyone ever found out about my secret they would condemn me.

But that is a lie from the pit of hell. When I finally brought my sin out into the light, God met me there with grace, forgiveness, and healing. Then he gave me the courage to let Him take my shame and use it for His good. I can say without hesitation the thing that has brought me the most healing has been to share my story with other women. Now that I have seen God touching and healing others through my testimony, the shame has gone and freedom has come.

Dear Lord, I thank You for seeing me as pure, clean and spotless and without blemish. You alone have the power to heal those parts of me that I have buried and tried to hide for so long. May Your grace be enough for me today as I trust You to work all things for Your good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps:

Write down and meditate on these three truths:

1. By His wounds, I am healed.
2. God never forgets His promises. When He says that nothing I have ever done could make Him stop loving me, it is absolute truth. His love for me cannot be shaken.
3. Jesus died of a broken heart, so that I don't have to. He thought of me on that cross, and because of His sacrifice, I am forgiven and set free.

Reflections:

My Bible dictionary defines shame as the following: “disgrace, humiliation, often at hands of an enemy.”

We have an enemy in this world who leads us into temptation. Ultimately, if temptation overtakes us then we fall into sin which brings on a sense of shame. The feelings of guilt, d isgrace, and humiliation that we experience as a result of shame can bind us and paralyze our relationship with God.

Remember that Jesus Christ defeated Satan, with the cross. Because of that, we don’t have to be held captive to shame at the hands of our enemy any longer.

Power Verses:

Psalm 118:5, “In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.” (NIV)

Matthew 10:26, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” (NIV)

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)

Revelation 3:18, “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich, and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries 
www.Proverbs31.org

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"If Children Live"

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte - Complete version

Christy

but I won't believe that lie...

I am a king's child
born again to royalty
with a past forgiven
and a living destiny.

Corinth was the capital of Achaia (the southern half of present day Greece). The city was a flourishing trade center because of its seaport. With thousands of merchants and sailors disembarked there each year, it had developed a reputation as one of the most immoral cities in the ancient world.  Its many pagan temples encouraged the practice of sexual immorality along with idol worship.

Paul explains that it is time to forgive the man who had been punished by the church and had subsequently repented. The man needed forgiveness, acceptance and comfort. Satan would gain an advantage if they permanently separated this man from the congregation rather than forgiving and restoring him. Satan tries to harm the church by tempting it to discipline in an unforgiving way.

There are two invitations that can effect a person's life permanently - the first is the invitation given by God and the second is the invitation given by Satan. Everyday Satan bombards our minds with thoughts, insecurities, arguments, theories, fears, doubts and more. He comes to us through deception. The things he presents look good to us because they appear to benefit us. What we find though is these things arent what they seem.

God invites us to join Him for eternity. The price is surrendering our will to Him, accepting Him as our Lord and Savior, and obedience to His Word. He has made this possible through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Through Jesus' death we were forgiven.

This verse shows us that human forgiveness should be like spiritual forgiveness. By each being the same, we can ensure Satan never gets a stronghold over us. The Bible tells us that we are not unaware of the tricks of the enemy. God makes available many tools to ensure we are knowledgeable of the enemies tactics, yet as people we are easily caught in his snare. Why is this? Disobedience, complacency, laziness, and even ignorance. We would rather live in the world enjoying the things in it. Which invitation will you accept?

His grace to me was not without effect. 1 Cor. 15:10

Yesterday morning, I was having trouble keeping my mind focused on God.  I get distracted easily and become fixated on other things.  But instead of becoming angry with me, God gently brings my attention back to Him.  He does this by revealing His love to me, and once again I am amazed at how He uses kindness to correct me.  Many times this kindness is just what is needed to change my behavior, to make me want to obey.

I am amazed that He has chosen us fragile creatures made of dust, to be His beloved, so easily led astray and distracted.  I am feeling my unworthiness to be a beloved of the King.  I am poor, and yet He is rich.  I am powerless, and He has all power.  I am undesirable and sinful, and He is the King, desired by all.  It doesn’t really seem to be an even match.

I know that I do not deserve Him, and logically that I am all wrong for Him.  But I couldn’t stand the thought of living without Him, and I think, neither could He.  I know this because He sent His Son to die on the cross for my sins, making the way for me to come to Him.  Yesterday morning, I felt Him wrap me up in an all-encompassing embrace that said that He knows that I cannot live without Him, and He doesn’t want to live without me.  I am accepted despite my weaknesses because He loves me.  Praise You Jesus.  ♥

Thank you for loving me Jesus when I was down and out and on my knees

Thank you for loving me Jesus when I couldn't even love myself

Thank you for loving me Jesus and showing me that today is going to be a better day

TODAY’S MESSAGE
It is easy to miss the reality of what Christ has done for us. We get so caught up in our everyday living. Our habits, thoughts, emotions constantly remind us of our humanness. However, Paul reminds us that there is another reality. There is a new you! It was created in Christ when you were born again. Born again as in a “new” creature. So what is this new creature? It is royalty. It is a new child of God. Not made with flesh and blood like you were in your mother’s womb, but rather born again in the Spiritual realm. God took you, with your own self-will and sinfulness and made you right with Him. He created you this time, pure and holy and most of all He has freed you from the power of sin. It is hard to believe but you don’t have to strive to be right with God. You don’t have to beat yourself up to be pure and holy. When Christ died on the Cross and you received His free gift of salvation, He freed you from sin that very moment. He made you over again, pure and holy. He cancelled any and all records of any wrong doing and made you right with Him. Today, live in this freedom. Look into the mirror of God’s love and see what He sees.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Thank You for freeing me from sin. Thank You for Your salvation and making me pure and Holy in Your sight. Help me live today as a person that has been made right with You.
AMEN

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T hank

          G od

                  I am

                         F orgiven

Yes it is Friday, but my TGIF is Thank God I am Forgiven. 

I grew up in a dysfunctional home.  Father never around, mother at home but had many emotional problems.  Things were very bad for years. My families only form of God was in cuss words.  We went to church when I was little, but we moved when I was in kindergarten and then it was only on holidays.

Even though I had a bad childhood God was protecting me and preparing me for the future.

At the age of 1 1/2 I was almost attacked by a mental patient at the VA hospital.

At the age of 3 I was spared from the worst case of measles that my doctor had seen in 25 years of practice.

At the age of 8 I had a broken beer bottle thrown at me and it missed hitting my face by about 1/2 inch.

At the age of 10 I was protected from flying debris from a car motor when the alternator shattered.  The mechanic who was working on the car was severely injured.

As I started Junior High I was protected from the Drugs and Alcohol that was at my fingertips, all I had to do was ask.

In High School there was gang fights, drugs, and several fatal shootings.

As an adult I was protected when our car was demolished when a car rear ended us going 40 MPH.  We were still in a turning lane.

NOT ONLY DID GOD PROTECT ME.  HE BROUGHT PEOPLE INTO MY LIFE WHO CARED ABOUT ME ENOUGH TO SHARE THE GOSPEL.

THANK GOD I AM FORGIVEN!