Matthew 18:21-22: (21) Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? (22) Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
When someone hurts me or my family, my first intial responce is to hurt them back. I know that is not the way Jesus would respond but it is the honest first thing that comes to my mind.
So what do we do then? What is the proper responce? Forgive and forget.
That is exactly what Jesus did when Peter denied knowing him. Not only did Peter deny knowing Jesus, but he did it three times. Jesus predicited he would do this. (Luke 22:34) It was actually three days later, after Jesus died and rose again, that Jesus reconciled himself to Peter. (John 21:15-19)
And Jesus forgives Peter with such ease. Jesus never mentions Peter's denying him. Not one time.
I can't say the same when someone hurts me. It is so easy with my sinful nature to bring up past accusations.
I have a boxing buddy who is a very close friend of mine. I have ran out of fingers and toes to count how many times he has hurt me. There were times that he hurt me so bad, that he could never hurt like that in the ring. Trust me when I say that being hurt and betrayed emotionally, hurts more than physical. But I have forgiven him each time. That's what I'm suppsoed to do. See Matthew 18:21-22 again.
The important thing is that I have learned through the love that Jesus showed for me by dying on the cross for my sins how important it is to forgive someone who hurts me. This is something that I always have to keep in the front of my mind,especially if I make the mistake of hurting someone else.
The question I have for you is this...Is there someone out there that is looking for your forgiveness, or vice versa?
I pray that God will heal all friendship and relationships that are in need of healing. I know that is a pretty big prayer,but God can do anything.
God Bless everyone.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Betrayal
Luke 22:47-48
47While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him.48But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss ?"
Betrayal-to disappoint the hopes or expectations of;be disloyal to;to betray one's friends.-Dictionary.com To betray someone's trust is a hurtful thing. So hurtful that one might not ever recover from the pain caused. I have been the victim of betrayal more than a few times, and I have betrayed people close to me on more than a few occasions. It is not something that I am proud of. Jesus faced the ultimate betrayal from his disciples-Judas and Peter in particular. Judas' betrayal led to Jesus dying on the cross for all mankind.Luke 22:34- Jesus answered,"I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." After Jesus was arrested at the hands of Judas, his prediction of Peter's denial came true. Then Peter remembered what Jesus said about him denying knowing him and (Luke 22:62) "he went outside and wept bitterly." I remember those that I have hurt. I remember the pain that I caused them. I remember seeing the tears that they cried and the anger that they showed me. And most of all, I remember the pain that I felt after realizing the extent of the hurt that I caused them. I went to those people and asked for forgiveness. Some forgave. Some refused. I also sought GOD's forgiveness. I am so thankful and greatful that GOD forgives me when I make mistakes or when I have hurt people. I do my very best not to hurt people but treat everyone the way I would want to be treated. I've made a lot of mistakes and I do my best to learn from them. Thank you, God for your grace and mercy that you show me each and everyday.
47While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him.48But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss ?"
Betrayal-to disappoint the hopes or expectations of;be disloyal to;to betray one's friends.-Dictionary.com To betray someone's trust is a hurtful thing. So hurtful that one might not ever recover from the pain caused. I have been the victim of betrayal more than a few times, and I have betrayed people close to me on more than a few occasions. It is not something that I am proud of. Jesus faced the ultimate betrayal from his disciples-Judas and Peter in particular. Judas' betrayal led to Jesus dying on the cross for all mankind.Luke 22:34- Jesus answered,"I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." After Jesus was arrested at the hands of Judas, his prediction of Peter's denial came true. Then Peter remembered what Jesus said about him denying knowing him and (Luke 22:62) "he went outside and wept bitterly." I remember those that I have hurt. I remember the pain that I caused them. I remember seeing the tears that they cried and the anger that they showed me. And most of all, I remember the pain that I felt after realizing the extent of the hurt that I caused them. I went to those people and asked for forgiveness. Some forgave. Some refused. I also sought GOD's forgiveness. I am so thankful and greatful that GOD forgives me when I make mistakes or when I have hurt people. I do my very best not to hurt people but treat everyone the way I would want to be treated. I've made a lot of mistakes and I do my best to learn from them. Thank you, God for your grace and mercy that you show me each and everyday.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Where Have I Been?
Where have I been?
It has been over 2 months since my last blog post.
What have I been up to in that time?
I have gone on a Family Mission trip with the church to New Orleans, began teaching 5th and 6th graders on Wednesday nights and have taken up the challenge of mentoring my family, which has proven to be a real challenge.
The question that I need to stop and ask is Where is Jesus in all of this?
A couple other questions come to my mind as well:
1)Is Jesus the one that motivates all that i do?
2)Is Jesus the driving force in my life?
Paul says in Philippians 2:5 that "your attitude should be that of Christ Jesus. I look back at some of the things that God has had me going through and check to see if my attitudes have matched those of Jesus.
Sometimes I think they are and sometimes i know they are not anything close to that of Jesus.
In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says to "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
I am learning that if I look to Jesus for direction that if I "ask where the good way is, and walk in it, then I will find rest for my soul"-Jeremiah 6:16.
I also know that when I don't follow Jesus, when I don't focus all that I am, that is when things start to fall apart.
It has been over 2 months since my last blog post.
What have I been up to in that time?
I have gone on a Family Mission trip with the church to New Orleans, began teaching 5th and 6th graders on Wednesday nights and have taken up the challenge of mentoring my family, which has proven to be a real challenge.
The question that I need to stop and ask is Where is Jesus in all of this?
A couple other questions come to my mind as well:
1)Is Jesus the one that motivates all that i do?
2)Is Jesus the driving force in my life?
Paul says in Philippians 2:5 that "your attitude should be that of Christ Jesus. I look back at some of the things that God has had me going through and check to see if my attitudes have matched those of Jesus.
Sometimes I think they are and sometimes i know they are not anything close to that of Jesus.
In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says to "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
I am learning that if I look to Jesus for direction that if I "ask where the good way is, and walk in it, then I will find rest for my soul"-Jeremiah 6:16.
I also know that when I don't follow Jesus, when I don't focus all that I am, that is when things start to fall apart.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
NOT spending time with GOD!
JOSHUA 1:8- Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
What happens to me when I don't spend time with GOD?
I feel lost and without direction.
I am powerless without him.
I am open for attacks from Satan.
Not spending time with GOD is like boxing with my hands down instead of up around my face and in a defensive posture.
I don't last long when I am not seeking the Lord with all that I am.
DEUTERONOMY 4:29- But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
I become unstable in all that I try to accomplish.
JAMES 1:8-he is a double minded man, unstable in all he does.
James says that if I "Come near to GOD and he will come near to you. Wash your hands,you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8)
What happens when I come near to GOD?
I find myself in fellowship with the creator of the Universe.
I find myself focused on him and not myself.
PROVERBS 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with alll your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
He gives me direction.
He blesses me with wisdom and discipline.(PROVERBS 1:2)
My closing thoughts come from PROVERBS 16:16-17-How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understnading rather than silver! The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.
Prayer: Father God, I pray that I will always turn to you and keep my mind focused on you. I know that as long as I follow you you direct me in the way that I should go. Thank you Lord, for all that you do for me,my family and friends. In Jesus' holy name I pray, Amen.
What happens to me when I don't spend time with GOD?
I feel lost and without direction.
I am powerless without him.
I am open for attacks from Satan.
Not spending time with GOD is like boxing with my hands down instead of up around my face and in a defensive posture.
I don't last long when I am not seeking the Lord with all that I am.
DEUTERONOMY 4:29- But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
I become unstable in all that I try to accomplish.
JAMES 1:8-he is a double minded man, unstable in all he does.
James says that if I "Come near to GOD and he will come near to you. Wash your hands,you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8)
What happens when I come near to GOD?
I find myself in fellowship with the creator of the Universe.
I find myself focused on him and not myself.
PROVERBS 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with alll your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
He gives me direction.
He blesses me with wisdom and discipline.(PROVERBS 1:2)
My closing thoughts come from PROVERBS 16:16-17-How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understnading rather than silver! The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.
Prayer: Father God, I pray that I will always turn to you and keep my mind focused on you. I know that as long as I follow you you direct me in the way that I should go. Thank you Lord, for all that you do for me,my family and friends. In Jesus' holy name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Focusing on Jesus!
Matthew 14:27- ....."It's all right," he (Jesus) said. "I am here! Don't be afraid."
What am I afraid of? That is a simple answer for me. I am afraid of the unknown. I'm afraid of what could happen. In chapter 14(v.22-36) of the book of Matthew, Peter steps out in faith and begins to follow Jesus, walking on the water during a terrible storm that is threatening the boat and the lives of the other disciples. Peter has no problem stepping out in faith. It's the staying on top of the water part that gives Peter trouble.The second he takes his focus off Jesus, Peter finds himself treading water. But before he can go under, Jesus grabs his hand.
For me, it's getting out of the boat. The thought of taking action, any kind of action, is what scares me.I have been paralyzed by fear most of my life, but it was when I gave Jesus my fear that things began to change. Slowly, I have learned each time that I feel fear, that I need to give that fear to Jesus and let him deal with it and guide me.
When I take my focus off Jesus, like Peter, that is when everything unravels. Instead, I mistakenly focus on my fears:the what if's, the what-could-be's,the how-will I ever get out of this question. This is exactly where Satan wants us-focusing on the possibilites that will never come to pass. Satan wants our thoughts on anything but Jesus.
If we focus on Jesus,everything else will fall by the waist side.
All we need when we are going through the storms of life is JESUS.
All we need is JESUS. Set out of the boat an walk with Jesus.
As I write this, like everything that I write, I am reminded to practice what I preach.
There is a question that I have written on a post-it note in my bible that says "Are you focused on Jesus?"
Are you?
What am I afraid of? That is a simple answer for me. I am afraid of the unknown. I'm afraid of what could happen. In chapter 14(v.22-36) of the book of Matthew, Peter steps out in faith and begins to follow Jesus, walking on the water during a terrible storm that is threatening the boat and the lives of the other disciples. Peter has no problem stepping out in faith. It's the staying on top of the water part that gives Peter trouble.The second he takes his focus off Jesus, Peter finds himself treading water. But before he can go under, Jesus grabs his hand.
For me, it's getting out of the boat. The thought of taking action, any kind of action, is what scares me.I have been paralyzed by fear most of my life, but it was when I gave Jesus my fear that things began to change. Slowly, I have learned each time that I feel fear, that I need to give that fear to Jesus and let him deal with it and guide me.
When I take my focus off Jesus, like Peter, that is when everything unravels. Instead, I mistakenly focus on my fears:the what if's, the what-could-be's,the how-will I ever get out of this question. This is exactly where Satan wants us-focusing on the possibilites that will never come to pass. Satan wants our thoughts on anything but Jesus.
If we focus on Jesus,everything else will fall by the waist side.
All we need when we are going through the storms of life is JESUS.
All we need is JESUS. Set out of the boat an walk with Jesus.
As I write this, like everything that I write, I am reminded to practice what I preach.
There is a question that I have written on a post-it note in my bible that says "Are you focused on Jesus?"
Are you?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Where do I go to pray?
Matthew 14:23- After he(Jesus) had dismissed them (the crowd), he went up on a mountainside to pray.
Mark 1:35-Very early in the morning,while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Why do you think Jesus went alone to pray?
The Bible tells us that he went to pray where there would be no distractions.
I believe that when we are in a quiet place, we are in a place to hear and experience God.
Where do I go to pray? I have a prayer spot at home, which is in front of a big window seal by our back door. It is usually early in the morning while everyone is still asleep.
I also pray while I'm driving, with my eyes open of course.
Sometimes I pray out loud in my car. God loves to hear our voices.
Sometimes I pray when I'm walking the dog and on occasion, and sometimes it can be distracting, depending on the mood and behaviour of my pooch.
I pray when I'm work,usually alone, because it is peaceful, although there distractions from time to time. (I do this at lunch, for those who are wondering if i should be working.) Lunchtime is the besr time to pray with total peace and free from distractions.
These are just a few places I find to talk to God.
What about you? Where do you pray?
Mark 1:35-Very early in the morning,while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Why do you think Jesus went alone to pray?
The Bible tells us that he went to pray where there would be no distractions.
I believe that when we are in a quiet place, we are in a place to hear and experience God.
Where do I go to pray? I have a prayer spot at home, which is in front of a big window seal by our back door. It is usually early in the morning while everyone is still asleep.
I also pray while I'm driving, with my eyes open of course.
Sometimes I pray out loud in my car. God loves to hear our voices.
Sometimes I pray when I'm walking the dog and on occasion, and sometimes it can be distracting, depending on the mood and behaviour of my pooch.
I pray when I'm work,usually alone, because it is peaceful, although there distractions from time to time. (I do this at lunch, for those who are wondering if i should be working.) Lunchtime is the besr time to pray with total peace and free from distractions.
These are just a few places I find to talk to God.
What about you? Where do you pray?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Gift of Friendship
Proverbs 27:17-Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
I am thankful to GOD for my brothers in Jesus Christ.I am not sure that my walk with Christ would be as strong today without them.
There is one in particular that I am most thankful for.I will not share his name for fear that I might embarrass him. I will just say that I am most thankful for his guidance and friendship that he has brought to my life. God has used him to strengthen my friendship with the greatest friend anyone can ever have-Jesus Christ.
I have learned that it is extremely important in these difficult times for a man to have a friendship with another man. Not just any man, but a GOD fearing, Christian Man.
Why is it so important? and why did I exclude women? It is important because men have such a difficult time sharing their feelings,unlike women, who have no problem. So when GOD brings someone into your life that you immediately connect with...well that is a powerful and precious gift.
Christian Men need each other to keep one accountable for the struggles that each goes through in life. Life is a little bit easier when you have such a man in your corner like my dear friend. But more importantly, he is an even greater man if he points you to Jesus Christ and encourages you to pursue a deep and intimate friendship with the one who knows us the best. Remember, Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we will spend eternity with him in Heaven,spending endless fellowship with our Lord and Savior. The thought of spending eternity with the greatest friend man will ever have excites me beyond anything that I have encountered in my life.
Why have so many denied eternal friendship with Jesus Christ?
This sounds like another interesting topic to discuss at another time.
May GOD bless everyone.
I am thankful to GOD for my brothers in Jesus Christ.I am not sure that my walk with Christ would be as strong today without them.
There is one in particular that I am most thankful for.I will not share his name for fear that I might embarrass him. I will just say that I am most thankful for his guidance and friendship that he has brought to my life. God has used him to strengthen my friendship with the greatest friend anyone can ever have-Jesus Christ.
I have learned that it is extremely important in these difficult times for a man to have a friendship with another man. Not just any man, but a GOD fearing, Christian Man.
Why is it so important? and why did I exclude women? It is important because men have such a difficult time sharing their feelings,unlike women, who have no problem. So when GOD brings someone into your life that you immediately connect with...well that is a powerful and precious gift.
Christian Men need each other to keep one accountable for the struggles that each goes through in life. Life is a little bit easier when you have such a man in your corner like my dear friend. But more importantly, he is an even greater man if he points you to Jesus Christ and encourages you to pursue a deep and intimate friendship with the one who knows us the best. Remember, Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we will spend eternity with him in Heaven,spending endless fellowship with our Lord and Savior. The thought of spending eternity with the greatest friend man will ever have excites me beyond anything that I have encountered in my life.
Why have so many denied eternal friendship with Jesus Christ?
This sounds like another interesting topic to discuss at another time.
May GOD bless everyone.
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