How do you handle sources of irritation in your life? Sometimes they come from situations in life; at other times they come from other people, and I guess they even come from ourselves sometimes.
What do you do when a person "gets under your skin" The Bible says we are to forgive, but forgiveness sometimes is not that easy.
It begins with a choice. To choose to forgive another is to follow God's will. Paul J. Meyer in his excellent book, Forgiveness--the Ultimate Miracle, writes, "To forgive those who have hurt you, apply the same 10 steps we discussed earlier:
1. Decide on the hurt
2. Be real, be honest
3. State what you want
4. Choose to forgive
5. Verbalize your forgiveness
6. Cover the offense
7. Show love
8. Pray for them
9. Look for reconciliation if possible
10. Move on."
This list is sound advice. Meyer goes on, "That is what it takes to forgive those who have hurt you. One step might take longer than another, and that's fine. You might even want to 'start over' with the steps as you are working to forgive some people, but the process of forgiveness has started. You can be confident in that."
This is good teaching. The Bible says, "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn nhot, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." These are the words of Jesus, the most-forgiving of all men.
God bless you with the grace to forgive those who wrong you.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
When Sin Abounds
Doesn't it seem as if sin is abounding more and more? The media presents sin to us as if it is a form of entertainment.
Paul wrote, "Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5:20). I thank God for His grace. Without God's grace and favor in our lives, where would we be?
Ancient Greek tragedies presented to us heroes with fatal flaws. Wrath, lust, greed, and other sins caused many heroes to fall. It is still happening today, and that's why people need to learn to experience God's grace--His unmerited favor.
One person describes grace this way: "It enables us to do what we could not do, to be what we could not be, to receive what we could not receive...."
Today's headlines show how sin abounds in our present day:
C.H. Spurgeon writes, "Will you come into the lifeboat of God's grace just as you are? God wants you to be safe and secure. Accept His sure deliverance. You might say, 'I do not have anything to bring with me.' That's all right; you do not have to bring anything with you. A person who is escaping from a horrible situation in order to save his or her life is not concerned about possessions. In fact, the person might possibly leave his or her possessions, including even clothing, behind. So take the leap of faith just as you are." (From All of Grace by Charles Spurgeon.)
When sin abounds, grace is the only answer.
Paul wrote, "Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5:20). I thank God for His grace. Without God's grace and favor in our lives, where would we be?
Ancient Greek tragedies presented to us heroes with fatal flaws. Wrath, lust, greed, and other sins caused many heroes to fall. It is still happening today, and that's why people need to learn to experience God's grace--His unmerited favor.
One person describes grace this way: "It enables us to do what we could not do, to be what we could not be, to receive what we could not receive...."
Today's headlines show how sin abounds in our present day:
- The head of the IMF is charged with rape.
- The ex-governor of California has fathered a child out of wedlock.
- A mother is on trial for killing her child.
- Murder happens every day in so many cities.
- Sin is abundant everywhere.
C.H. Spurgeon writes, "Will you come into the lifeboat of God's grace just as you are? God wants you to be safe and secure. Accept His sure deliverance. You might say, 'I do not have anything to bring with me.' That's all right; you do not have to bring anything with you. A person who is escaping from a horrible situation in order to save his or her life is not concerned about possessions. In fact, the person might possibly leave his or her possessions, including even clothing, behind. So take the leap of faith just as you are." (From All of Grace by Charles Spurgeon.)
When sin abounds, grace is the only answer.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Redeeming the Time
Time is an interesting phenomenon. Carl Sandburg wrote, "Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you."
It is now Friday. As I look back upon this week, I am forced to ask myself, "Did I spend my time well?" Since all we have is the present moment, we must make every effort to capture it and life it to the full. To enjoy each present moment is to spend the coin of time well.
Baltasar Gracian wrote, "All that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that." How true that is. While we have life, we have time. It is indeed a precious commodity.
Solomon wrote, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to break down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them;
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-6, NIV).
Let us redeem the time, for the days are evil.
It is now Friday. As I look back upon this week, I am forced to ask myself, "Did I spend my time well?" Since all we have is the present moment, we must make every effort to capture it and life it to the full. To enjoy each present moment is to spend the coin of time well.
Baltasar Gracian wrote, "All that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that." How true that is. While we have life, we have time. It is indeed a precious commodity.
Solomon wrote, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to break down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them;
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-6, NIV).
Let us redeem the time, for the days are evil.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Contrasting Two Recent Deaths
Both Osama bin Ladin and David Wilkerson died this past week. Their lives are a study in contrasts.
One man was weak; the other man was strong.
One man was evil; the other man was righteous.
One man killed people; the other man helped people find life.
One man was a Muslim; the other man was a Christian.
One man was full of hate; the other man was full of love.
One man was in hiding; the other man was always in the open.
One man was proud; the other man was humble.
One man condemned others; the other man lifted them up.
It was a matter of choice. Both Osama bin Ladin and David Wilkerson had a choice as to how they would conduct their lives.
One man was a terrorist; the other man was a philanthropist.
One man was a liar; the other man was a man of truth.
As we look at these two lives, we see a contrast between the kingdom of darkness and the Kingdom of Light.
Both men were created by God. Jesus died for both. God loved both of these men.
David Wilkerson responded to God's love by serving Him with all his might. Though Osama bin Ladin may have thought he was serving God, he was actually serving the prince of darkness.
God does not want us to kill others; He wants us to serve others.
God does not want us to foment terror; He wants us to be peacemakers.
God does not want us to hide away in fear; He wants us to walk in love.
God does not give us our creativity to find ways to destroy others; He wants us to be creative in our attempts to build His kingdom on Earth.
May all of us become more like David Wilkerson. May we learn to avoid the traps that bin Ladin fell into--violence, viciousness, and cruelty.
The Bible says this about evildoers and those who commit wickedness: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetouseness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things. . . without understanding, covenant-breakers, withou natural affection, implacable, unmerciful. . . ." (Romans 1:28-31).
"...they which commit such things are worthy of death" (Romans 1:32).
The after-life, I'm sure, will prove to be quite different for Osama bin Ladin and David Wilkerson--two men who were created in the image of God, but two men who chose markedly different paths.
One man was weak; the other man was strong.
One man was evil; the other man was righteous.
One man killed people; the other man helped people find life.
One man was a Muslim; the other man was a Christian.
One man was full of hate; the other man was full of love.
One man was in hiding; the other man was always in the open.
One man was proud; the other man was humble.
One man condemned others; the other man lifted them up.
It was a matter of choice. Both Osama bin Ladin and David Wilkerson had a choice as to how they would conduct their lives.
One man was a terrorist; the other man was a philanthropist.
One man was a liar; the other man was a man of truth.
As we look at these two lives, we see a contrast between the kingdom of darkness and the Kingdom of Light.
Both men were created by God. Jesus died for both. God loved both of these men.
David Wilkerson responded to God's love by serving Him with all his might. Though Osama bin Ladin may have thought he was serving God, he was actually serving the prince of darkness.
God does not want us to kill others; He wants us to serve others.
God does not want us to foment terror; He wants us to be peacemakers.
God does not want us to hide away in fear; He wants us to walk in love.
God does not give us our creativity to find ways to destroy others; He wants us to be creative in our attempts to build His kingdom on Earth.
May all of us become more like David Wilkerson. May we learn to avoid the traps that bin Ladin fell into--violence, viciousness, and cruelty.
The Bible says this about evildoers and those who commit wickedness: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetouseness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things. . . without understanding, covenant-breakers, withou natural affection, implacable, unmerciful. . . ." (Romans 1:28-31).
"...they which commit such things are worthy of death" (Romans 1:32).
The after-life, I'm sure, will prove to be quite different for Osama bin Ladin and David Wilkerson--two men who were created in the image of God, but two men who chose markedly different paths.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Light in Utter Darkness
It's threatening to storm here in northern Florida this afternoon, but we know the sun is shining above the clouds. The same thing is true when we go through the storms of life, which vary in their intensity and kind--God's love still shines; He is the light in utter darkness.
Charlotte Gray wrote, "Disasters sweep the world--war and disease, earthquake and flood and fire--but always in their wake come acts of courage and concern that astound the human heart. Light in utter darkness."
We have seen that light shining a great deal lately in the wake of the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, the tsunamis in southern Asia and Japan, the tornadoes in the Midwest and North Carolina, the uprisings in the Middle East, mass shootings in so many places, and hunger, violence, war, and inhumanity in so many parts of the world.
At such times, as Lincoln said, "the better angels of our nature" appear and endeavor to minister to those around us. Is this why these horrible things happen? So that we will remember who we are and will seek the Light that is in the utter darkness?
That marvelous Light still shines, no matter what happens in this dark world. We must seek it and reflect it, for it is the light of love.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Charlotte Gray wrote, "Disasters sweep the world--war and disease, earthquake and flood and fire--but always in their wake come acts of courage and concern that astound the human heart. Light in utter darkness."
We have seen that light shining a great deal lately in the wake of the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, the tsunamis in southern Asia and Japan, the tornadoes in the Midwest and North Carolina, the uprisings in the Middle East, mass shootings in so many places, and hunger, violence, war, and inhumanity in so many parts of the world.
At such times, as Lincoln said, "the better angels of our nature" appear and endeavor to minister to those around us. Is this why these horrible things happen? So that we will remember who we are and will seek the Light that is in the utter darkness?
That marvelous Light still shines, no matter what happens in this dark world. We must seek it and reflect it, for it is the light of love.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Wonder of Worship
Nature, God's Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship help me to know that there is a God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. There are two experiences, though, more than anything else, that help me to know beyond all doubt that God does indeed exist. Those two experiences are:
1. I received Christ as my Savior when I was a boy. When Jesus came into my heart my whole world and my outlook on life completely changed. It was an experience like no other. That day I knew that I knew that God exists.
2. The second experience is one that I can avail myself of at almost any time. It is worship, taking time to be in the presence of God. There is nothing that can compare with worship. It absolutely makes me know that God is real.
Judson Cornwall writes, "The emotions of man do not constitute the true essence of worship. Rather, it is the renewed relationship with God that forms the basis of our loving response to God. . . .The true essence of worship is when His Spirit bears witness with our spirit, triggering the human spirit to respond in love and adoration to God Almighty" (From Let Us Worship by Judson Cornwall.)
That's a good definition, and it's the reason we were created in the first place. God seeks true worshipers who will draw near to Him and breathe His presence deep within. Such intimacy with God is life's greatest treasure. It is the best experience we could ever have.
Have you ever soaked in God's presence? He is waiting for you. To go into God's presence is to go into His Most Holy Place--the secret place where He reveals himself to you. He is waiting for you to enter, so you can enjoy His presence, His love, His peace, and His joy.
Worship belongs to Him. He is worthy of all worship and praise. It is time to spend time alone with Him.
1. I received Christ as my Savior when I was a boy. When Jesus came into my heart my whole world and my outlook on life completely changed. It was an experience like no other. That day I knew that I knew that God exists.
2. The second experience is one that I can avail myself of at almost any time. It is worship, taking time to be in the presence of God. There is nothing that can compare with worship. It absolutely makes me know that God is real.
Judson Cornwall writes, "The emotions of man do not constitute the true essence of worship. Rather, it is the renewed relationship with God that forms the basis of our loving response to God. . . .The true essence of worship is when His Spirit bears witness with our spirit, triggering the human spirit to respond in love and adoration to God Almighty" (From Let Us Worship by Judson Cornwall.)
That's a good definition, and it's the reason we were created in the first place. God seeks true worshipers who will draw near to Him and breathe His presence deep within. Such intimacy with God is life's greatest treasure. It is the best experience we could ever have.
Have you ever soaked in God's presence? He is waiting for you. To go into God's presence is to go into His Most Holy Place--the secret place where He reveals himself to you. He is waiting for you to enter, so you can enjoy His presence, His love, His peace, and His joy.
Worship belongs to Him. He is worthy of all worship and praise. It is time to spend time alone with Him.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Passover--Free at Last
As you know, Passover begins at sundown on Monday, April 18. It is a time of celebration that commemorates the deliverance of the ancient Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. You can read about it in Exodus 12.
The Lord said, "For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
"And this shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever....And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever....
"And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof....All the congregation of Israel shall keep it" (Exodus 12:1-47).
The Passover this year is occurring as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the War Between the States--the war that enabled African-American slaves to go free.
It would be accurate to say that Passover is a celebration of freedom--a commemoration of God-given liberty, but it is so much more than civil liberty. Passover is also a celebration of the spiritual liberty God has given to us.
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).
Because of the blood of Jesus Christ we are free indeed. God said, "When I see the blood [of Jesus] I will pass over you." We are free from sin, condemnation, and Satan's power because of the blood of Yeshua Hamaschiach.
The Lord said, "For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
"And this shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever....And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever....
"And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof....All the congregation of Israel shall keep it" (Exodus 12:1-47).
The Passover this year is occurring as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the War Between the States--the war that enabled African-American slaves to go free.
It would be accurate to say that Passover is a celebration of freedom--a commemoration of God-given liberty, but it is so much more than civil liberty. Passover is also a celebration of the spiritual liberty God has given to us.
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).
Because of the blood of Jesus Christ we are free indeed. God said, "When I see the blood [of Jesus] I will pass over you." We are free from sin, condemnation, and Satan's power because of the blood of Yeshua Hamaschiach.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)