It's Not An Option – Matthew 6:14-15

14 "If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. 

15  But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done.
– Matthew 6:14-15

It's Not An Option

As Christians (you know . . . those of us who have been forgiven), forgiveness is not an option.  In fact, failure to forgive is a direct contradiction to Jesus teachings – in other words, it is sin.  That's right – I said it - unforgiveness is sin.  Hits a little too close to home maybe?  Hmmm.  Me too!

Sometimes, it seems that the hardest people to forgive are our friends (or at least they used to be our friends), or our relatives.  I guess it's because we know more about them than anyone else  . . . and maybe, because of that relationship, we assume there will always be time to patch things up "later."    

You know that age-old saying of "Familiarity breeds contempt?"  Well that is front and center of a lot, if not most, of our hurt feelings.  It's those hurt feelings that are hardest to let go of, and (here's one you might find hard to swallow), I believe that hurt feelings are a result of pride.  Yes, our pride!  Our pride has been bruised and we take offense. 

"They" did such-and-such to "Me!"  

"You" caused this to happen - to "Me!"  

"He" or "She" said something to "You-know-who," and it just makes "Me" so mad . . . so I'm going to be mad at "Them!"   

On-and-on it goes, and it's usually that self-centered attitude that prevents us from forgiving.  For some reason, we like to hold on to those feelings.  It's almost like they are comforting to us – something we can own and control.  The problem is that it is sin that we are holding on to, and because of its very nature, it makes us out of control.

Why is it easier to admit when we sin in other ways, but when it comes to unforgiveness it can take years to (1) let go of the pettiness, (2) forgive the other person, and (3) ask God to forgive us.  I have a hard time understanding that one but it is one that I need to work on the most – how about you?  

Why don't you join me today and ask the Lord to help us forgive unconditionally . . . and even if you've been holding on to your bitterness and spite (unforgiveness) for most of your adult life, He will help to soften your heart, and to open your eyes, so you can see that "You" and "I" have been forgiven of ALL of our transgressions. So . . . Anything that Anyone has ever said, implied, tried, thought, told, judged, looked, hurt, slandered, stole, wrecked, ruined, or anything else you can think of, deserves our forgiveness and our love.  We have to do it . . . or else (see verse 15)!

Prayer

Lord, forgive my unforgiveness and help me to have a more understanding and loving heart towards those who hurt me.  Help me also Lord to work on my pride issues.  Show me how to love those who can get on my nerves simply by being in the same room and help me to change my attitude so that I can reflect Your love instead of my self-centered ways.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

When Your World Goes BOOM! – Luke 24:17-21

17  He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 

18  One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 

19  "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 

20  The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 

21  but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place."
– Luke 24:17-21

When Your World Goes BOOM!

Have you ever had your "world" pulled out from under you?  Everything is going great, things are looking up, the future looks bright and everything you are doing seems to be right in line with what you believe God wants for you and then Wham!  Like a bolt of lightning striking way too close, your "world" explodes around you and everything you thought you knew has been turned to dust.  And worst of all, God doesn't seem to be answering your questions why.

It could be any number of things. The loss of a loved one; the loss of a job; the infidelity of a spouse; the bad doctor's report; the natural disaster that took all of your possessions; the old habit or addiction that has retaken your sanity.  It could be any number of things that while we are in the midst of it all, seem to be the end of the "world."  I think it is safe to say that we have all experienced this a time or two in our lives.  And every time, it is a brand new level of anguish and despair.  Where is God? Why did He allow this to happen? Can't He see what it's doing to me? 

When my first wife left me I was lost.  I didn't even know how to breath.  All of the good intentions and advice from friends and family offered me no comfort.  All I know was that I was serving God faithfully and I didn't understand how my life could be destroyed and the world as I knew it, no longer existed.  I was a total mess for several years.

I couldn't see it at the time but God was right there with me.  Jesus was praying for me and all of the angels in heaven were fighting for me.  I had to learn some lessons and I had to go through those dark times in order to appreciate the blessings that were going to come my way.  I had to shed all those tears and experience the pain of rejection and fear and loneliness and betrayal.  And worst of all, I had to endure for way longer than I thought was necessary and I thought I would never make it.

It was only when I turned it all over to God that I started to see breakthrough.  I started forgiving and praying for other people and asking God to bless them.  I took my eyes off of me and my problems and asked God to have His way in my life, and I thanked Him for the love He showed me while I was hurting.  It was then that I started to live again.  God gave me a new "world" and I could see things in a new light as He healed my wounded heart and gave me a renewed love and a passion for Him.  He also brought me a beautiful and loving wife who fits me perfectly and makes me a better man.  Everything that was taken from me was restored in ways I could never have imagined.  I am who I am today because of the lessons learned from that trial, and I am able to thank God for His wisdom in allowing me to grow through that experience.

That's not to say that I won't be devastated when my current world implodes and is pulled out from under me . . . and I know that it will happen one day.  After all, we all live this crazy thing called life, but I have learned that God has my back – and Jesus is praying – and the angels in heaven are fighting, and even though I know I will surely have a huge pity party when the time comes, I have experienced His grace and goodness and most importantly His perfect timing, so I hope that when the time comes, I can lift my eyes towards heaven early on in the trial, and proclaim victory over whatever the enemy throws my way . . . and my faith will be strengthened (again), and my Hope, will once again be restored!

Prayer

Father, help me to trust in You when my "world" is torn apart.  Thank You for bringing me through those times in my life when I felt that all was lost.  Help me to stand firm in the hope that You can bring good - both now and eternally - out of even my most painful experiences.  I pray for the safety and continued blessings for all my friends and my family Lord . . . and I ask that Your guiding hand be on them today as they face this world head-on.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

It's All About His Purpose – Romans 8:28

28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
– Romans 8:28  

It's All About His Purpose

This scripture gets thrown around quite a bit but I think it's only the first part of the scripture that people tend to pay attention to.  It is comforting to know that God works ALL things for our good, because when we hear this scripture from someone, or it comes to our mind, it's usually because something not so good is happening.  It helps ease the circumstance a bit so that we can feel good that there is a light at the end of whatever darkness we are facing.

But there are two qualifiers at the end of the scripture:
   1.) those who love Him.
   2.) those who have been called according to His purpose.

Both of those are a result of the Holy Spirit actively living in us, and the 2nd can only be realized as a result of accepting the purpose for which He has called us to.  It is a choice we make to put off the sinful nature and the desires of our flesh and accept the life our Father has designed for us and called us to – a life of grace, and of love, and of peace.  It's a choice to get off the fence and stop living a double-minded life.  We have to choose to Love God, and to believe and have faith in His Word, and stop giving in to what we are feeling for the moment.

When we are being stressed out; when we are hurting; when we are lonely; when we are victimized; when we are sick; when someone has wronged us, etc.  God will only work any and all of those things for good IF you love Him, are devoted to Him and living your life according to His purpose for you (no matter what you think your life should be), AND if you are walking in the love of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Don't take for granted the purpose God has called you to.  If you allow Him to, He will take the trials in your life and use them to further His kingdom.  That doesn't mean it will make things easier for you physically, but spiritually you will grow in love, and peace, and forgiveness, and those whose lives you touch will be blessed, and God will be magnified because of it.

Prayer

Father, thank You for reminding me that it's all about Your purpose.  I have so many ideas and so many wants according to my own purpose that I forget that it's really all about You!  I am here because You called me forth. Please forgive me for my arrogance.  Allow me to walk in the grace and the love and the peace that Your purpose brings. Help me to reach someone today that You would be magnified through the purpose of my life.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

What is Your Reason? – 2 Samuel 7: 22

22 "For this reason You are great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 
– 2 Samuel 7: 22

What is Your Reason?
From where I started to where I am today is miles and miles apart.  I have the saving grace of Jesus to thank for that, and yet I know that sometimes I don't show Him enough gratitude for delivering me from my old life – with all the rusty chains that held me down, and the one-way ticket to hell.  I was a mess, and I know that a lot of you have the same kind of story.  Kind of a "rags to riches" tale that speaks of God's Grace and unending Forgiveness.

After I was saved, I used to envy those people who grew up in Christian homes, and I would wish that I could go back and live my tumultuous childhood all over again, but this time with a "Godly" family.  I thought it would have been an easier life.  But as I grew in the knowledge of God's Grace, I soon realized that all of that baggage; all of the hurt; the innocence that was taken from me, and all of the years that were lost due to drugs and partying, only proved the greatness of His Love for me.  He, in all of His glory and wisdom, spoke my name one day, and I found myself giving my life to Him – the greatest day of my life.

I still think it is a very special thing to be able to grow up in a good Christian home, and I'm glad for my son that I was able to offer that to him, but I no longer wish I had grown up differently.  I am who I am because of what I was when He reached down and saved me – and for that, I am eternally grateful!

What is your reason for proclaiming God's greatness?  Has it been a while since you told Him how much you appreciate all He's done for you?  Take some extra time today to reflect on the grace He's shown you, and proclaim Him and His awesome plan for your life.  Really talk to our Lord, and share from your heart how much you appreciate ALL that He has given you through your salvation.

Prayer
Lord, You are a mighty and a great God.  I have seen Your power and I have felt Your compassion as I have grown up in You these past 20 years.  I want to thank You for protecting me as I was growing up.  You held my hand and even carried me through all of the evil that the enemy tried to destroy me with.  You restored me and You have given me gifts beyond what I could even ask or think.  You are MY God and I will love You with my whole heart – all the days of my life!

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

And Be At Peace! – 2 Peter 3:13-14

13    But according to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14    Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 
– 2 Peter 3:13-14

And Be At Peace!
As we work through our "issues" and try to become more like Christ, are we at peace? With God? With our families and friends?  

Good! Now here's a tough one . . . are we at peace with ourselves?  

For some reason, we are our own worst enemies and so we can find it difficult to let things go.  Especially when we make the same mistakes over and over again.  We hold on to our disappointment and embarrassment like a child holds on to an ice cream cone, or a greedy miser holds on to a shiny coin.  We can be at peace with the whole world, but when we take a look in the mirror of our soul, we only see our flaws and we question God as to why we can't change or are having difficulty changing.

God wants to let you know today that it's OK to let go.  It's really that easy.  Just raise your arm, open your hands up, and start visualizing your self-beratement drifting off to space like some colorful group of helium filled balloons. 

"But I can't!" you say? 
"You just don't understand?" you think?
"How can I just let go of all the damage I've done and the people I've hurt?"
"How can I be at peace when I just can't seem to stop doing the same dumb things time-after-time?"
"How can I . . . (enter your own question here)?"

Well I do understand.  I go over and over my own mistakes all the time and I think of all the should've, would've, could've scenarios over - and over - and over again.  I don't know why I do it, but I do.  But you know what?  I'm getting better at just letting go.  I'm getting better at asking the Holy Spirit for help in doing it.  I'm getting better at laying at Jesus' feet . . . and leaving it there.  I'm getting better and I have to tell you that there is so much freedom in not having to revisit my mistakes every day.  Not living in and dwelling on your past mistakes will help bring you closer to being at peace with yourself. 

Won't you try it today?  Won't you lift up, reach out, and let go?  Try to be at peace with your life!  Start with doing it just for today.  Forgive yourself and let the blood of Jesus wash everything out of your mind.  He went through so much . . . just for you, and He wants you to know the freedom, and the joy, and the peace that He is holding out in front of you!  Reach out and take it!  NowTHAT is something to hold on to!

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You so much for all that You went through just so that we could know the freedom of Your love.  I am so sorry for discounting Your sacrifice by refusing to let go of my past sins and failures and for dwelling on things that I have no power to change.  I need Your grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to help me each day so I can overcome this tendency to go back to my self-hating ways.  Thank You Lord, I know I will learn to live in peace - with myself  - with Your help.

Have a blessed day everyone!

–Richard

He Nailed It! – Colossians 2:13-14

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 

14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
– Colossians 2:13-14

He Nailed It!
I don't know about you but I was as dead as dead can be . . . and I was proud of it.  I was so wretched, and my sin was so repulsive, and disgusting and I was so blind, that I even welcomed the thought of going to hell!  I was THAT lost!  But God had other plans for me, and like the scripture says, He made me alive with Christ – Halleluiah!

I can really appreciate the concept of Christ nailing my sins (and those of everyone else) to the cross and the significance of His sacrifice for us.  What I have always had trouble wrapping my head around, is just how difficult it must have been for Him to become my sin.  That must have been more painful and revolting than any of the beatings He took, or even the crucifixion itself.  Have you ever tried to put on clothing that was soaking wet and muddy?  Not only would it be very difficult, but every inch of exposed skin would be able to feel the disgusting "ickiness" of the heavy material as it passes over.  Christ must have felt each sin of every person that ever existed as He transformed Himself into the very sin that He was about to destroy.  The weight of the cross must have been nothing compared to the weight of the sins of the entire world bearing down on Him.  I don't know that I will ever fully understand what He must have gone through, and it saddens me just to think about it.

What a joy however, to know that because of His sacrifice, I am alive, and ALL my sins have been forgiven!  Now here's the best part.  I get to put on Christ! Every day!  Think about the most favorite piece of clothing you have ever owned and how good it felt as you put it on for the very first time . . . that was like putting on rags compared to putting on Christ.  He fits in ALL the right places.  He accentuates who you are and He makes you look so very good.  He covers up all the flaws and He fits so well that wearing Him even puts a pep in your step so that you can breeze through your day!

Try putting on Christ today.  Try to imagine His brilliant and marvelous light covering you as you fasten each button of His Righteousness.  Visualize lacing His Peace to your feet . . . go ahead – wiggle your toes!  Run your finger across the brim of His awesome Salvation . . . feel how it fits your head just right!  Fasten His belt of Truth around your waist, and experience how He helps everything else stay perfectly in place . . . there's nothing like it.  How does He feel? Pretty awesome huh?  Now you are ready to face the world!  Now you can show everyone what a Christian should look like.  Now you can have victory – every – single – day!

Prayer
Father, I am so humbled knowing all that Christ had to do to save us from ourselves.  I am thankful however, that He did . . . and also for Your Love, and the wisdom of Your plan for bringing us all home.  I pray that as I put on Christ each day, I will be ever mindful that I am Your representative here on earth so that I never cause anyone to turn away from You because of my actions.  I want to draw others to You Lord and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will now be able to do so because You saved me from my sin and from certain death.  I love You!

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 

– John 14:5

Do You Know Where You Are Going?  

Do You Know the Way?
We each have a separate path in life to follow – and for the most part, we tend to focus on our professions as a way of identifying the path we are on.  We also use that as a way to determine the kind of lifestyle we are to live.  We do this, and at the same time we try to add or fit Jesus into what we consider our path to be.  I think we have things mixed up and I for one am taking a different approach to the path that I am on.

For far too long, I have been torn.  I've been trying to determine the course of my life by the amount of money I can make and the creature comforts I can afford.  Instead of using them as a way to enhance my path to Jesus, I have used them as a way to allow Jesus just enough room to tag along.  Oh, I have walked with Him (or maybe it's that I've allowed Him to walk with me), and we have had fellowship together, and He has blessed me along the way, but we haven't really been going anywhere.  He has let me wander around in the desert of nothingness, and He has patiently waited for me to get on the path out of that desert and onto the road that He specifically and carefully designed for me. 

His is a path of surrender; a path of sacrifice; a path of humbling myself, and giving myself to His will, and not my own.  Am I giving up on making decisions for and about my life – not at all.  I'm just always learning to look to Him before making those decisions.  It's a process, and with each surrender it becomes easier to recognize the path I need to be on because my faith is so much stronger. 

The great hymn goes, "I Surrender All," not "I Surrender All that I don't want or think I won't need."  He has promised that by following in His way – by surrendering all that I am to Him, He will reveal truth to me and He will give me life. A life that on my own I could not accomplish.  A life that will lead me straight to the Father.

How about you?  Do you know the path you are on?  Are there parts of your life that you know you should surrender but you are afraid to let go of?  Are you wanting to control your path instead of letting Him lead you?  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these things to you.  He wants you on His path to righteousness so that not only will you be an effective minister of the Gospel, but you will know Him intimately, and He will present you to the Father as His own.

Prayer
Lord, I am tired of following my own way.  I surrender all that I am to You and I lay my life in Your hands.  I look forward to all that You will reveal to me as we journey on this path to the Father.  Help me Lord, to journey well and to be ever mindful of the steps I am taking as we travel through my life . . . together.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard