Continuing on from yesterday's thoughts, I've come to realize that most offenses happen because I'm too wrapped up in myself and my problems. That does not give me a reason to offend. It only helps me identify an area that I can improve. I'm pretty sure that I will continue to do and say things that will be taken as offenses but I refuse to live in bondage to guilt or bitterness. I do not have the energy or the time to carry around a scorecard of all that someone else has done to me. I don't want to remember all the cruddy things I've done to others, intentionally or not.
Having said that, I want to make it clear that some things still have consequences. Most often those consequences follow us for many years or even the rest of our lives. The choices I made as a young woman in the Navy have changed the rest of my life. I cannot go back and undo those actions. This is why I don't understand "forgive and forget". A victim of sexual abuse may be able to forgive but the chances are that forgetting will be impossible. A family that lost a son or daughter to a drunk driver may be able to forgive but forgetting is not possible.
When God tells us that He forgives our sin and removes it as far as the east is from the west, He no longer holds us responsible for that sin. If our sin is such that it resulted in a pregnancy, disease, or possible injury - the consequences of that will be a constant reminder. It becomes impossible to forget. The great news is that we aren't in bondage to it any more. Oh, what joy! This would also apply to sin committed by another that affects us. Christ alone is the one that can give us freedom from the slavery of sin - ours and others.
I will forever be affected by the crime that my former spouse committed. My children will forever be affected by it. However, we don't have to be controlled by it. God in his great mercy protected us through multiple years of single parenthood. God in his excellent mercy provided a new spouse - a love beyond my wildest dreams. And I hold this new relationship and love in a special place. I will fight to protect it. But, that's a story for another day.
(Father God, I am so blessed by the forgiveness that you have. Thank you for sending your only begotten Son that I might know the depth of that forgiveness. Thank you for His sacrifice on calvary so that I might know the height of that forgiveness. Thank you for raising him to life again so that I might know the width of that forgiveness. Praise your Holy Name for the forgiveness which was, which is, and which is to come. Hallelujah! In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Forgiveness, Part Two
PLEASE, FORGIVE ME!?
I am sorry. I did not intend to hurt or harm you in any way. I can't excuse what I did. Please, will you forgive me?
Part two of this series on forgiveness began as I thought about the seventh grade. My sincere apologies to my former classmates because I'm using your names in this post. This is the time where I learned just how mean we girls can be. We are a messed up bunch during the seventh grade. Our hormones are in super overdrive as we develop into "young ladies". Those hormones cause our emotions to run amuck.
I like Allison today. Stacy is not my friend this hour. Cretia called Allison a dufus and I agreed. Stacy and I laughed at Sharon's clothes. Ugh, Corina smells bad today, stay away from her. Maria has such pretty hair. Shanna wears the ugliest shoes. I told Cindy about Leann's secret. It was funny. I think Chris likes Allison. Allison likes Chad. Chad likes Maria. Everybody hates Doug and Susan.
In all that year, I don't ever remember thinking about how someone else might be affected by what I said or did. Unfortunately, I ignored that for many years and ever now and again I find that I haven't considered my actions. I also never considered what my classmates and friends might be going through at home.
Since the seventh grade, I've gone to college, spent five years in the Navy, worked for a few companies, and attended several different churches. I made oodles of new friends and offended most of them at some point in some way. I am trying to learn how to do this right. Please forgive me?
(Father God, I ask that You forgive me for not treating others as you would. Continue to teach me. If there are any specific people that I need to find and seek forgiveness from, please bring them to mind and open a way that we can heal our relationship. In the name of Jesus I ask, Amen.)
I am sorry. I did not intend to hurt or harm you in any way. I can't excuse what I did. Please, will you forgive me?
Part two of this series on forgiveness began as I thought about the seventh grade. My sincere apologies to my former classmates because I'm using your names in this post. This is the time where I learned just how mean we girls can be. We are a messed up bunch during the seventh grade. Our hormones are in super overdrive as we develop into "young ladies". Those hormones cause our emotions to run amuck.
I like Allison today. Stacy is not my friend this hour. Cretia called Allison a dufus and I agreed. Stacy and I laughed at Sharon's clothes. Ugh, Corina smells bad today, stay away from her. Maria has such pretty hair. Shanna wears the ugliest shoes. I told Cindy about Leann's secret. It was funny. I think Chris likes Allison. Allison likes Chad. Chad likes Maria. Everybody hates Doug and Susan.
In all that year, I don't ever remember thinking about how someone else might be affected by what I said or did. Unfortunately, I ignored that for many years and ever now and again I find that I haven't considered my actions. I also never considered what my classmates and friends might be going through at home.
Since the seventh grade, I've gone to college, spent five years in the Navy, worked for a few companies, and attended several different churches. I made oodles of new friends and offended most of them at some point in some way. I am trying to learn how to do this right. Please forgive me?
(Father God, I ask that You forgive me for not treating others as you would. Continue to teach me. If there are any specific people that I need to find and seek forgiveness from, please bring them to mind and open a way that we can heal our relationship. In the name of Jesus I ask, Amen.)
Monday, May 9, 2011
Forgiveness, Part One
I forgive you.
It's a tough way to start a series on forgiveness but I have to start somewhere. I forgive you for the offense. I will not take it into account when I think of you. I don't know what your day was like when the offense occurred therefore I cannot hold it against you in any shape, form, or fashion. I forgive you.
God has attempted to convict my heart on the topic of forgiveness many times over the years. He really poked me about it recently. How can I truly love and have charity for other humans if I don't forgive them?
My attitude needed an adjustment. Don't they have to ask for the forgiveness before I give it? Shouldn't they feel shame or sorrow for the hurt and misery they've caused? Surely they have to know that they have offended me before I can forgive them, right? Wrong. God calls me to forgive. Love doesn't keep score therefore I get the opportunity and blessing of giving forgiveness.
Sure, it's easy to forgive my fellow church member for not saying, "Hi!" on Sunday. It's easy to forgive the driver that pulled out in front of me. It's easy to forgive my kids when they skip a chore. It's easy to forgive my brother when he forgets my birthday. I can do that. I have done that.
It begins to get harder to forgive when someone has laughed at my ideas. It begins to be harder to forgive when someone tosses aside the work and effort that I put into a project. It's very difficult to forgive a friend that has betrayed a trust and gossiped. But, I can do that. I have done that.
Finally, reality begins to test my ability to forgive. I know it is painful and taxing to forgive the spouse that molested a child's friend, left that child emotionally scarred, left my children fatherless, and destroyed my marriage. That offense hurt. It wounded deeply. It hurt for a long time. But, by the grace of God, forgiveness has come. There is still grief over the losses but forgiveness has come.
You see, when I forgive you - truly forgive you - no matter the offense, it honors God. That is my desire - to honor God.
(Father God, I cannot keep the forgiveness that you so freely shared with me from others. I want to honor you in all that I do. By the power of Christ, I will seek to be kind to others, tenderhearted, forgiving others just as you have forgiven me. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Amen.)
It's a tough way to start a series on forgiveness but I have to start somewhere. I forgive you for the offense. I will not take it into account when I think of you. I don't know what your day was like when the offense occurred therefore I cannot hold it against you in any shape, form, or fashion. I forgive you.
God has attempted to convict my heart on the topic of forgiveness many times over the years. He really poked me about it recently. How can I truly love and have charity for other humans if I don't forgive them?
My attitude needed an adjustment. Don't they have to ask for the forgiveness before I give it? Shouldn't they feel shame or sorrow for the hurt and misery they've caused? Surely they have to know that they have offended me before I can forgive them, right? Wrong. God calls me to forgive. Love doesn't keep score therefore I get the opportunity and blessing of giving forgiveness.
Sure, it's easy to forgive my fellow church member for not saying, "Hi!" on Sunday. It's easy to forgive the driver that pulled out in front of me. It's easy to forgive my kids when they skip a chore. It's easy to forgive my brother when he forgets my birthday. I can do that. I have done that.
It begins to get harder to forgive when someone has laughed at my ideas. It begins to be harder to forgive when someone tosses aside the work and effort that I put into a project. It's very difficult to forgive a friend that has betrayed a trust and gossiped. But, I can do that. I have done that.
Finally, reality begins to test my ability to forgive. I know it is painful and taxing to forgive the spouse that molested a child's friend, left that child emotionally scarred, left my children fatherless, and destroyed my marriage. That offense hurt. It wounded deeply. It hurt for a long time. But, by the grace of God, forgiveness has come. There is still grief over the losses but forgiveness has come.
You see, when I forgive you - truly forgive you - no matter the offense, it honors God. That is my desire - to honor God.
(Father God, I cannot keep the forgiveness that you so freely shared with me from others. I want to honor you in all that I do. By the power of Christ, I will seek to be kind to others, tenderhearted, forgiving others just as you have forgiven me. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Amen.)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Simple Schedule Keeping
I admit I am the most miserable of schedule keepers. Without the external influence of a "job", I don't have a schedule to my day. I don't even have a routine that I can admit to keeping. Wait... I get up. I do stuff. I eat at some point. I do more stuff. I go to bed.
Yup, that's it. That is the extent of my routine. Whoo.
Now, I know that a routine is good for me. I know that Creation testifies that a routine is necessary. Spring is followed by Summer which is followed by Autumn which is followed by Winter which is followed by Spring. Ah, you get it. Night is followed by day which is followed by night which is... Ah, you get it.
So, why is it so difficult for me to stick to a routine? Why can't I get up at about the same time every day? Why can't I take a shower about the same time each day? Why can't I eat at approximately the same time each day? Why can't I? Why can't I read my Bible consistently? Why can't I pray regularly each day? Why can't I? Why can't I clean the kitchen as I cook? Why can't I finish the laundry all the way through to hanging it up? Why can't I?
I wonder, could it have something to do with Satan's deceptive practices? Have I allowed a foothold here in my life? Uh oh. This isn't going to be easy. Thankfully, God gives me all the strength I need. God alone can put me on the right path. God is the one I trust. Yes, it's that simple.
(Father God, I leave my routine in your hands. Thank you for creating me so wonderfully. I ask that you repel any attempts by the enemy to meddle in our day, our week, our month and our years. Be my strong tower and strengthen me. All this I ask in the powerful, healing name of Jesus, My Saviour. Amen.)
Yup, that's it. That is the extent of my routine. Whoo.
Now, I know that a routine is good for me. I know that Creation testifies that a routine is necessary. Spring is followed by Summer which is followed by Autumn which is followed by Winter which is followed by Spring. Ah, you get it. Night is followed by day which is followed by night which is... Ah, you get it.
So, why is it so difficult for me to stick to a routine? Why can't I get up at about the same time every day? Why can't I take a shower about the same time each day? Why can't I eat at approximately the same time each day? Why can't I? Why can't I read my Bible consistently? Why can't I pray regularly each day? Why can't I? Why can't I clean the kitchen as I cook? Why can't I finish the laundry all the way through to hanging it up? Why can't I?
I wonder, could it have something to do with Satan's deceptive practices? Have I allowed a foothold here in my life? Uh oh. This isn't going to be easy. Thankfully, God gives me all the strength I need. God alone can put me on the right path. God is the one I trust. Yes, it's that simple.
(Father God, I leave my routine in your hands. Thank you for creating me so wonderfully. I ask that you repel any attempts by the enemy to meddle in our day, our week, our month and our years. Be my strong tower and strengthen me. All this I ask in the powerful, healing name of Jesus, My Saviour. Amen.)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Fear Talents Chosen
Have you ever had your mind busy with lots of little bits of information? I must be careful not to let them get confused. Take the headline of this entry for instance. If you take it all together, it conveys one message. But these things have not been given together. Each one, individually, is being used to teach me.
Fear - God is placing this word in front of me often. It is mostly accompanied by the word not. For instance, today's Proverbs 31 Devotional was "The Truth About Fear" focused around 2 Timothy 1:7. Just 15 minutes before that I had been praying from The Power of a Praying Parent Book of Prayers by Stormie Omartian for my son's mind. Can you guess what it was focused around? Yes, 2 Timothy 1:7. Then, I followed a link off of a blog and found it before my face again. All this is just today. Over the past several weeks, there have been numerous times that God has placed those words before my eyes. I rest in them.
Talents - This was one of the topics of discussion at last night's service. Am I honoring God with my talents, gifts or abilities? Or, am I using them to only get by here on this sod? My husband and I have been discussing what I could be doing. I want to use my talents and abilities to support him and the business. I want to be more involved in the day to day activities of the business so that he doesn't have to shoulder that alone. But we wonder if I should instead try to find a job outside the home. Do I even know what talents God has gifted me? This topic will be bathed in prayer.
Chosen - This was emphasized in the morning service. Before I ever accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, He chose me. He made me in His image and for His honor. He called me to acknowledge Him and know Him. I was then given a simple choice - believe or not. How about you? Have you rejected Him so often that He no longer calls you? Dear Friend, I hope not.
(Father God, thank you for a sound mind. Thank you for clarity of thought. Thank you for choosing me even though I feel unworthy. Thank you for abilities to write and think. Father, I ask that you guard my mind. Help me to recognize and dismiss Satan's lies. Help me to fill my mind with the truth of your word. You have not given me confusion and I praise your name for the blessings of this day. I pray that I honor you with all that I do. In the power of Jesus' name I pray. Amen.)
Fear - God is placing this word in front of me often. It is mostly accompanied by the word not. For instance, today's Proverbs 31 Devotional was "The Truth About Fear" focused around 2 Timothy 1:7. Just 15 minutes before that I had been praying from The Power of a Praying Parent Book of Prayers by Stormie Omartian for my son's mind. Can you guess what it was focused around? Yes, 2 Timothy 1:7. Then, I followed a link off of a blog and found it before my face again. All this is just today. Over the past several weeks, there have been numerous times that God has placed those words before my eyes. I rest in them.
Talents - This was one of the topics of discussion at last night's service. Am I honoring God with my talents, gifts or abilities? Or, am I using them to only get by here on this sod? My husband and I have been discussing what I could be doing. I want to use my talents and abilities to support him and the business. I want to be more involved in the day to day activities of the business so that he doesn't have to shoulder that alone. But we wonder if I should instead try to find a job outside the home. Do I even know what talents God has gifted me? This topic will be bathed in prayer.
Chosen - This was emphasized in the morning service. Before I ever accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, He chose me. He made me in His image and for His honor. He called me to acknowledge Him and know Him. I was then given a simple choice - believe or not. How about you? Have you rejected Him so often that He no longer calls you? Dear Friend, I hope not.
(Father God, thank you for a sound mind. Thank you for clarity of thought. Thank you for choosing me even though I feel unworthy. Thank you for abilities to write and think. Father, I ask that you guard my mind. Help me to recognize and dismiss Satan's lies. Help me to fill my mind with the truth of your word. You have not given me confusion and I praise your name for the blessings of this day. I pray that I honor you with all that I do. In the power of Jesus' name I pray. Amen.)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Perspective
"I did not get the job," she posted, "The good news - God has a better one in mind for me."
This posting was quickly followed by several replies... "I'm sorry," "So sorry," was the recurring theme.
REALLY?
Go back and read her post. She did not get the job and she knows God has a better one in mind for her. YES! AWESOME! Congratulations! Hallelujah! Praise Him, Praise Him! GREAT! WONDERFUL!
How can we be disappointed that God has something better? How can we be sorry that He wants her to have the right job? How can we be so sorry that He desires to give her the best? How can we be sorry that He "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think?" (Ephesians 3:20) How can we question His sovereign ability to provide her needs even before we ask? (Matthew 6:28)
Yes, we can be sensitive to the need for a job but I hope our perspective is a heavenly one so that we can recognize His handiwork in guiding and leading her and her family to the blessing He intends. Let's not get distracted by the needs and stay focused on the Provider. What about you? Did you focus on the first part of her post or the latter part of her post? Is your perspective of the worldly or the Godly?
(Father God, help me to have the proper perspective in all things. I thank you Lord for the way you provide for our needs. In the name of Jesus, I pray that you will open the door to the right job for this friend. Give her a job that honors you and I thank you for that job. Amen.)
This posting was quickly followed by several replies... "I'm sorry," "So sorry," was the recurring theme.
REALLY?
Go back and read her post. She did not get the job and she knows God has a better one in mind for her. YES! AWESOME! Congratulations! Hallelujah! Praise Him, Praise Him! GREAT! WONDERFUL!
How can we be disappointed that God has something better? How can we be sorry that He wants her to have the right job? How can we be so sorry that He desires to give her the best? How can we be sorry that He "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think?" (Ephesians 3:20) How can we question His sovereign ability to provide her needs even before we ask? (Matthew 6:28)
Yes, we can be sensitive to the need for a job but I hope our perspective is a heavenly one so that we can recognize His handiwork in guiding and leading her and her family to the blessing He intends. Let's not get distracted by the needs and stay focused on the Provider. What about you? Did you focus on the first part of her post or the latter part of her post? Is your perspective of the worldly or the Godly?
(Father God, help me to have the proper perspective in all things. I thank you Lord for the way you provide for our needs. In the name of Jesus, I pray that you will open the door to the right job for this friend. Give her a job that honors you and I thank you for that job. Amen.)
Friday, April 8, 2011
Garden Lessons: Light
I discussed some the things I've learned already in my previous "Garden Lessons" entry.
Continuing, I've learned that the new plant needs light very close to it. When light is close to it, it doesn't try to stretch out seeking any light it can find. You see, if the light is too far away, the plant becomes spindly and weak. The stem has no strength to hold the new leaves as they develop. What spiritual truth is there here? A young Christian needs to be mentored by a strong Christian, one who is mature in faith. And, the mentor needs to stay close to keep the young from stretching out and becoming weak. Without the closeness of mentoring, the new Christian can reach out to any light source, even false light sources. When the new Christian stretches too far, it results in a weakened faith that may eventually fail. Like I said last time, a mentor is critical.
Another thing I've learned is that the light needs to be very close to the plant in order for the plant to foster a good root structure. Without a good root structure, the stem and leaves loose their support. If I keep the light just a few inches away from the top of the plant, it keeps the growth of the plant on track. It gives the plant the time it needs to build the root system under the soil. What spiritual truth lies here? Yes, that's right, a new Christian has to develop a good basis of faith. A good basis comes by hearing the Word of God. Really, all it takes is sharing scripture with other Christians verbally. Sometimes, it's as easy as reading scripture aloud.
True faith, true light, true growth, true anything is found only in a relationship with THE Creator, Sustainer, Judge, Truth - the great I AM. I am so glad He is taking time to teach me through his creation even though the effects of sin are great upon it. I'm excited to see what's next.
(Father God, thank you. Thank you! How incredible it is to examine the plants and how marvelous are the details and planning that went into them. What great mercy that even after thousands of years, these sustaining plants continue to provide for me. You are holy, holy, holy. Praise and glory to You for ever. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.)
Continuing, I've learned that the new plant needs light very close to it. When light is close to it, it doesn't try to stretch out seeking any light it can find. You see, if the light is too far away, the plant becomes spindly and weak. The stem has no strength to hold the new leaves as they develop. What spiritual truth is there here? A young Christian needs to be mentored by a strong Christian, one who is mature in faith. And, the mentor needs to stay close to keep the young from stretching out and becoming weak. Without the closeness of mentoring, the new Christian can reach out to any light source, even false light sources. When the new Christian stretches too far, it results in a weakened faith that may eventually fail. Like I said last time, a mentor is critical.
Another thing I've learned is that the light needs to be very close to the plant in order for the plant to foster a good root structure. Without a good root structure, the stem and leaves loose their support. If I keep the light just a few inches away from the top of the plant, it keeps the growth of the plant on track. It gives the plant the time it needs to build the root system under the soil. What spiritual truth lies here? Yes, that's right, a new Christian has to develop a good basis of faith. A good basis comes by hearing the Word of God. Really, all it takes is sharing scripture with other Christians verbally. Sometimes, it's as easy as reading scripture aloud.
True faith, true light, true growth, true anything is found only in a relationship with THE Creator, Sustainer, Judge, Truth - the great I AM. I am so glad He is taking time to teach me through his creation even though the effects of sin are great upon it. I'm excited to see what's next.
(Father God, thank you. Thank you! How incredible it is to examine the plants and how marvelous are the details and planning that went into them. What great mercy that even after thousands of years, these sustaining plants continue to provide for me. You are holy, holy, holy. Praise and glory to You for ever. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.)
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