"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
O My child, be quick to obey. For the moving of My Spirit may at times be inconvenient to the flesh and may at other times be diametrically opposed to reason, but obey Me regardless of the cost. You will always be repaid for any sacrifice with an abundance of blessing. The more difficult the assignment, the richer the reward.
I will not force you to make the choice nor make My will inescapable. There will always be an easier way open to you and, to your mind, one that will seem more reasonable, involving less risk. I have calculated the risk to test and develop your faith as well as your obedience, and in the choosing process, I give you an opportunity to prove your love for Me.
Be sensitive to My Spirit. Be listening for My voice. I will guide you with My hand upon your shoulder. I do not intend to circumscribe your way nor handicap your freedom, but I intend to lead you into an increasingly abundant life and, by crucifying the desires of the flesh, to liberate your spirit.
STAY PLIABLE IN MY HAND; don't resist Me or be unaware of My working; don't question what I am making. Trust and give Me a free hand. It will be a joyful surprise when the end is revealed.
From the book Come Away My Beloved, Francis J. Roberts
Yesterday, I began to get down about not having my own space...how nomadic my life has been for the past six years. This is a topic that has been in the forefront of my mind for a while....a topic that causes me a myriad of emotions. Pride, of course, is at the root of each of these "feelings". It goes something like this in my mind (you may recognize the accuser of the brethren in here somewhere) 'had I not screwed up my life I wouldn't be in this position, having to live with family and friends, I should be a wife and a mother by now, not traipsing all over the country side...what will people think? I have no roots at 39 years old"...and on and on it goes.
Since I know what the Word says, and I am a woman of faith I turn to One who is in control, the One with whom I so love...My God, my savior, my comforter. I opened Come Away My Beloved and He spoke to my heart...He also said this...the truth...I would like to share what He said to me...
"I am grooming you into my likeness, I have saved you for this time in your life, I placed you in your earthly father and M2's home to protect you. I blessed you with women that serve me with their whole hearts while in that season...I had your full attention. Then I took you to Linda's for more protection but for much harder lesson's... On to your mother's home to reconnect you with her after many years of separation. Then back into your father's arms, for you did not finish what I had started in 2004, there was more work to be done. Now to enjoy Annie and fellowship and fun. I know the desires of your heart...thank you for trusting me and responding to my calling. You have been pliable in My hands. You are obeying Me when your flesh wants to rebel against Me. I am yours and you are Mine. I am preparing your husband as we speak. I am going before you...your abundant blessings are awaiting your arrival. I know the sacrifices that you have made and I know your heart. Your children will rise up and call you blessed. I love you, more than you can wrap your finite mind around. Stay Pliable, in that you will find freedom...do not look to the right or the left...it does not matter what people think or say...look to me my sweet girl. I will continue to do new things in you. You ask me daily to change you, to grow you, don't despise that. I do this in love for you, to bring you up higher."
Thank you Lord for who You are, forgive me for doubting You. Help me in my unbelief. In Jesus name, Amen.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Forgiving Others as Christ has Forgiven You
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
How do you respond when somebody has hurt you, abused you, or misused you?
God wants to heal you from the brokenness and bitterness that comes from un-forgiveness.
At some point in our lives, all of us will be hurt by another. We will be cheated. Betrayed. Lied to. Lie about. Let down. Somebody we love will leave us. Abuse us. Or hurt us. But God wants to heal us!
For God to heal you will require that you do what God commands you to do-forgive the one who hurt you.
Why does God command us to forgive other? (verses 30-32)
The sin of bitterness and un-forgiveness grieves God's Spirit who lives within us.
Our sin does not break the "seal" of God's Spirit, but it "grieves" God's Spirit. The human "heart" is the "holy of holies" where God's Spirit dwells and it "grieves" Him to dwell in an un-forgiving heart.
Bitterness and un-forgiveness is a hindrance to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
But when we relinquish the resentment and we're broken from our bitterness, something supernatural begins to happen within us-the Holy Spirit fills us with His power and peace.
In every healthy human relationship giving forgiveness and receiving forgiveness is a contant.
The difference between healthy/happy relationships and broken\bitter relationships is forgiveness. All of us at times need to be forgiven and at other times we need to forgive. The mark of a strong, healthy relationship is one where forgiveness is freely given and freely received.
When we "hold grudges" and "keep score" and "bury resentment" we become bitter people.
Bitterness that seizes our hearts becomes a poison to our souls. Hebrews 12:15, "Pursue peace with all people...lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled".
Bitterness is a life of bondage. It's one of Satan's methods of holding us in captivity so we never live in victory and , as Jesus said, abundantly.
But you CAN forgive-forgiveness is more than a feeling-it's a choice.
God is not commanding an emotion- He's commanding a motion. Forgiveness is more than a feeling-it's a decision. When you put forgiveness in motion, the emotion will eventually follow.
You'll eventually feel it if you'll make the decision to do it. But forgiveness is not something you do one time-it's something you have to choose over and over again. Every time the bitterness starts to "well up inside" you have to choose forgiveness again.
To forgive and forget doesn't mean you suddenly have amnesia and can no longer remember...It means you no longer hold the offense against them or hold it over them. It means you no longer keep a record of the offense-you may never forget in your mind, but you no longer remember it in your heart.
When we stop keeping record of all the wrongs, we let go of the past so it quits affecting the present.
Three things to learn about true forgiveness: 1.) It knows no limits
2.) It keeps no record
3.) It sets you free
Bitterness brings bondage, but forgiveness brings freedom~you choose. Your decisions define your destiny. You can choose forgiveness and find freedom or choose bitterness and live in bondage.
God's word is clear...Colossians 3:13 ...bearing with one another, and forgiving one another even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do....
An unforgiving heart is a prideful heart-it wants to be forgiven by God, but not forgive others.
Pride likes the feeling of self-pity...but humility brings healing...humility "lays it down" and forgives.
Let God keep the score~He's got it under control. Let God deal with you and leave it to God to deal with others.
Lord, thank you for your goodness and your mercy...Help me to be a woman that extends forgiveness freely and quickly. Help me to put me aside and choose to do as Your word commands. In Jesus Name, Amen
How do you respond when somebody has hurt you, abused you, or misused you?
God wants to heal you from the brokenness and bitterness that comes from un-forgiveness.
At some point in our lives, all of us will be hurt by another. We will be cheated. Betrayed. Lied to. Lie about. Let down. Somebody we love will leave us. Abuse us. Or hurt us. But God wants to heal us!
For God to heal you will require that you do what God commands you to do-forgive the one who hurt you.
Why does God command us to forgive other? (verses 30-32)
The sin of bitterness and un-forgiveness grieves God's Spirit who lives within us.
Our sin does not break the "seal" of God's Spirit, but it "grieves" God's Spirit. The human "heart" is the "holy of holies" where God's Spirit dwells and it "grieves" Him to dwell in an un-forgiving heart.
Bitterness and un-forgiveness is a hindrance to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
But when we relinquish the resentment and we're broken from our bitterness, something supernatural begins to happen within us-the Holy Spirit fills us with His power and peace.
In every healthy human relationship giving forgiveness and receiving forgiveness is a contant.
The difference between healthy/happy relationships and broken\bitter relationships is forgiveness. All of us at times need to be forgiven and at other times we need to forgive. The mark of a strong, healthy relationship is one where forgiveness is freely given and freely received.
When we "hold grudges" and "keep score" and "bury resentment" we become bitter people.
Bitterness that seizes our hearts becomes a poison to our souls. Hebrews 12:15, "Pursue peace with all people...lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled".
Bitterness is a life of bondage. It's one of Satan's methods of holding us in captivity so we never live in victory and , as Jesus said, abundantly.
But you CAN forgive-forgiveness is more than a feeling-it's a choice.
God is not commanding an emotion- He's commanding a motion. Forgiveness is more than a feeling-it's a decision. When you put forgiveness in motion, the emotion will eventually follow.
You'll eventually feel it if you'll make the decision to do it. But forgiveness is not something you do one time-it's something you have to choose over and over again. Every time the bitterness starts to "well up inside" you have to choose forgiveness again.
To forgive and forget doesn't mean you suddenly have amnesia and can no longer remember...It means you no longer hold the offense against them or hold it over them. It means you no longer keep a record of the offense-you may never forget in your mind, but you no longer remember it in your heart.
When we stop keeping record of all the wrongs, we let go of the past so it quits affecting the present.
Three things to learn about true forgiveness: 1.) It knows no limits
2.) It keeps no record
3.) It sets you free
Bitterness brings bondage, but forgiveness brings freedom~you choose. Your decisions define your destiny. You can choose forgiveness and find freedom or choose bitterness and live in bondage.
God's word is clear...Colossians 3:13 ...bearing with one another, and forgiving one another even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do....
An unforgiving heart is a prideful heart-it wants to be forgiven by God, but not forgive others.
Pride likes the feeling of self-pity...but humility brings healing...humility "lays it down" and forgives.
Let God keep the score~He's got it under control. Let God deal with you and leave it to God to deal with others.
Lord, thank you for your goodness and your mercy...Help me to be a woman that extends forgiveness freely and quickly. Help me to put me aside and choose to do as Your word commands. In Jesus Name, Amen
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