Forgiveness 7: a journey into forgiving others

Forgiveness 7: a journey into forgiving others

Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses

So far we have seen that finding forgiveness involves, accepting responsibility, self examination, honesty, confession of sin, full acceptance of that forgiveness given by God, and forgiveness of self. Once we forgive ourselves we must take this healing one step further. The principle clearly becomes, if God can forgive me, I can forgive myself. And if God can forgive me then I can forgive others. However, just as forgiveness of self is hard so is the complicated journey of forgiving others. Reasons for ignoring God's forgiveness principles include, you don't know what they did to me. They have not shown true remorse, just to name a few. The problems with forgiving others can become very complicated. In may of 2010,
According to an article by Melissa Davies, a teenager lost control in Christchurch and hit and killed a four year old child. The mother said she forgives the teenager. She admits though it would be harder if the teen had been racing or drunk. Amazing, the very fact that this mother can forgive such a tragic situation shows the power of the divine. Human nature seeks revenge only the divine nature seeks forgiveness.
In another tragedy, similar events took the life of a road construction worker in 2009. The mother stated, " my faith helps me forgive but I also want justice for my daughter. I don't question God because he has a purpose for everything that he does. It hurts when you loose your mom and dad but nothing compares to lose a child that's the worst pain you could ever have,"
What complicates this story is that the young man fled the scene. If it had not been for civilian good samaritans the perpetrator would not been caught. And to complicate matters further the young man who had already been charged 3 times for drunken driving posted bail and walked in Aug 2009. Forgiveness in such trial could be nearly impossible. If forgiveness is given and received two people are free. If just the one injured forgives at least they are free. Forgiveness cost pride, fear, bondage and the right of revenge. Unforgiveness costs a lifetime of being tied to that moment, trapped in bondage, filled with hurt, fear that colors all that you touch, breathe or think for the rest of your life. Forgiveness not only frees the sinner but it also frees the victim as well. Even our Lord cried from the cross, Father forgive them for they know not what they do.

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forgiveness 5: a journey into forgiveness of self

Forgiveness 5: a journey into forgiveness of self.
Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
One of the toughest parts of the journey towards forgiveness comes when God forgives us but we allow memory to keep us in bondage to guilt that God has already cleansed. Self examination
leads towards confession but self incrimination after forgiveness leads to fear, self loathing, and an inability to properly relate with others. We may say outwardly that we are sorry for our sin and truly may be sorry. That repentant heart towards God found forgiveness for King David. However when we are alone with ourselves in our own mind, invariably we revisit our guilt, incriminating ourselves returning to selfloathing. This defeated view hinders us in loving and forgiving others. Remember what God declares clean is clean.(Acts 10:15; 1 john 1:9)

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forgiveness 4: a journey into confession

Forgiveness 4: a journey into confession
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
King David appeared on the scene of Israelites trial almost messianic in nature. After defeating Goliath,he eventually becomes king. He, described as a man
after Gods own heart, failed to avoid sin by being unfaithful as commander of Israeli armies. When he should have been at war, he finds himself lusting after Bathsheba from his rooftop vantage. He takes her and has his way with her, like a recent president stated, "because he could." (An interview with Bill Clinton by Dan Rather).
In an effort to hide his sin, David plied his faithful captain uriah, with liquor in an attempt to make him sleep with his wife. Failing to follow David's futile attempt to cover Bathsheba's pregnancy, Uriah shows his commitment to David and his company of soldiers by staying with them instead of taking leave with his wife. Uriah felt he should not have leave if his men did not get leave. Ultimately David killed uriah, by ordering him to the front lines where this faithful man was killed. Like us, David thought he had covered his tracks. The problem for David, is that God sees all and knows all. After Nathan the prophet confronted David, he repented, and cried out to God, confessing his sin, and asking for a clean heart that only comes from God's forgiveness.
This psalm, David's prayer recorded for us today, maps the path we all need to take when we find we too have sinned.

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forgiveness part 2: a journey into self examination

Forgiveness: a journey in self examination.

And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door....(Genesis 4:6-7)

God blessed our first parents with a couple of boys, Cain and Abel. Being carefully taught worship by their parents, as grown men they offered their worship to God. However, God did not accept Cain's sacrifice but did accept Abel's offering. Cain's offering came as prideful from the works of his own hands, did not represent his best, and did not follow Gods prescription seen in the innocent animal blood shed in the garden. God, warns Cain that sin awaits him if he does not correct his actions. God tells him that if he does good he will be accepted. Jesus teaches that a heart of anger out of control mirrors a murderous actions. James the half brother of Christ teaches that anger can be right only if it is towards the right object. Cain could have listened as God spoke to his conscience and turned from the option of sin to correct his mistakes in worship. Ultimately Cain fails to correct his actions and kills his brother in the field. Our own journey towards forgiveness must begin with a conversation with God. As he did with Cain, he warns us before we sin through conscience, words from friends, and family, the personal ministry of the holy spirit, and scripture. If we like Cain fail to listen to Gods warnings and we yield to sin, only trouble can result. Sadly, it is rare indeed that anyone says, the problem begins with me.Once the sin is committed forgiveness and a change of will can result in the peace of forgiveness.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

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to hear his voice

I Kings 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

Mother Teresa said once, "We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls". She understood what elijah just learned in this passage. He was running for his life. He felt like he was left all alone with no one else to serve God. He needed guidance. Too often when we need to hear from God; we look in the wrong places, like the storm, or other signs. When if we are to hear clearly we just need to get alone with him and his word away from all the sounds and hustle of the world. That is exactly how Jesus would do it. He would go to a mountain alone, or to an olive garden and pray. Remember he instructed us that when we pray we should enter into our closet, (away from distractions) to talk to God in secret. The noise of tv, life, people, and our bustle often distracts our hearts from truly hearing the still small voice of the Lord.

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may those who come behind us find us faithful

may those who come behind us find us faithful.
II Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Think back to your childhood. Do you remember the person who first told you about Jesus? They may or may not be the one ultimately led you to Christ. Think of the gospel progression in your life. All of those people should be valuable. They are the links chaining back throughout time of God's redemptive act in your life. Now think of those people who were your first teachers of grace. Demas learned from great privilege. His Spiritual lineage included doctor Luke and the Apostle Paul. At the very least Paul's lineage connected him through Annais and Stephen to the first church, through the apostles right back to Christ. What a heritage. However this preacher who had accompanied such noble mentors had more love for the world than ministry. He turned his back on Paul and left him and Luke
Do you take for granted those God has given to you throughout your life? Have you forgotten the value of the mentors who have crossed your paths? Don't take for granted your spiritual heritage and don't forget to mentor others and leave a legacy behind you.

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a journey back into the light

Psalms 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD;.... He brought me up also out of a horrible pit,... And he hath put a new song in my mouth,....
Helen Keller, born some 131 years ago began life very normal and brought bright promise to her family. One day however she began to slip into a darkness and a silence that few know. For some reason she became blind, deaf and dumb. She, through extensive sacrifice was able to learn to communicate and by the time I was born she even spoke by radio. She knew how God had brought her out of the darkness of her mortgage pit. He gave her a new song. Looking forward like David she saw an even brighter day.
"Discouraged not by difficulties without, or the anguish of ages within, the heart listens to a secret voice that whispers: "Be not dismayed; in the future lies the Promised Land." Helen Keller.
May we, if we notice our day begining a journey into darkness, find the strength of God lifting us out of the miry pit to stand on his rock. May we find our voice as Helen did to sing a new song of the promised land.

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what if God says yes

What would I do if God gave me what I asked for?
"Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years. (Isaiah 38:5)"

What would happen if God answers my prayer exactly as I wish him to answer it? Like a patient in the hospital getting news from his recent tests Hezekiah had been informed of his impending death. Following his bad news he turned his face to the wall he cried out to God for healing and God gave him fifteen more years. Here's the kicker. God blessed the king and gave him a child as well. Now not to suffer injustice against one of the great biblical kings it must be understood that he trusted God, and is numbered with the great kings of Israel, David and Josiah. Even the wisdom of Hezekiah is seen in that the men of Hezekiah compiled the Proverbs 25-29. Yet Hezekiah made some grevious mistakes with his answered prayer. He openly showed his previous treasures to foreign dignitaries who stole from him. Then with the remaining years he spoiled his son manasseh who in turn became one of the most wicked kings in the bible. Although by the end of manasseh's life he found God during his life the mentor and friend of Hezekiah, the prophet Isaiah was martyred. So what would you do if God gave you exactly what you are asking for? Would you waste your answer upon the time given to you or would you redeem the time and do something great for God?

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Where are the JFK's

Where are the JFK's?
I Corinthians 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
What has happened to our worship? In the generation of tv, internet, ipods, and other gadgets we have moved deeper into and isolationistic mode in society. We interact less with our neighbors and more with our playstation or internet. Effective communication has become a few dots and slashes while community has become a Facebook. Worship has a concert feel to it and getting our felt needs met is the name of the ministry game. What has gone wrong? Worship in the early church centered around preaching Christ. they had music sometimes but it was not an everytime occurrence. They met in the upper room, borrowed buildings, the catacombs, out in the open, in homes and aboard ship. Worship was biblical and Christ centered. No overhead projectors, organs, pianos, drums or guitars were to be found. During the week if people did not meet at the synagogues, they met in homes for fellowship. We are more isolated than john on patmos who at least was in the spirit on the lords day. Even in early America people still had a strong sense of community, met for worship without padded pews and ac, fancy halls and all of the latest gadgetry. Now I am not saying that these cannot be used to glorify God, but if that is the only goal of worship then I do say we have left our first love. Worship now is more about entertainment and less about Christ. Churches goal in service has become what it does for me instead of what can I do for Christ. We are no better than the folks who followed Jesus for the food, who left when the doctrine got tough and cried along with the crowd for barabas instead of Christ. Where are those In the church who are about church like jfk was about America? "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

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The Divine Wait

Proverbs 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
One version states "be patient and you will win". Aesop knew this lesson well when he penned the race of the tortoise and the hare. Impatience and hurry have long been the devil's tool to keep Gods children from being all they can be for God. It was such temptations that Satan dealt Christ when he tempted him. He tempted Christ to be a king before God had it for him. However there could not be a crown without a cross. Therefore if we could just see the trials we face for what they are we could invest our lives better and find the strength in patience. Then we could let patience have its entire work so that we might mature and find wholeness and peace. James 1:2-4
May we find the patience to wait on God. May we in that patience find the ability to keep serving while God is waiting. And may we persevere while we wait so we may rejoice at Gods timing and at his exaltation.

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fear of the future

Mahatma Gandhi
"A man with a grain of faith in God never loses hope, because he ever believes in the ultimate triumph of Truth"
Watching the news, seeing the fragility of the nations of the world can be enough to cause the strength of the most confident to be shaken. Our world is full of wars and instability. Disease, famine, and catastrophic disasters surround us. God told us these would be signs of the end time. Scientists and politicians predict that man can and probably will destroy this world through atomic warfare in the future. However the Bible declares that God will not allow man to destroy himself but God will be the final say.
Do not be overcome by depression, despair, or defeat because in the end God wins.
Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

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a heavenly hug

Anne Bronte once described her sorrow as: "Oh, I am very weary, Though tears no longer flow; My eyes are tired of weeping, My heart is sick of woe"
I know if we are truly honest we have invariably been in that place where the trial seems overwhelming, the struggle uncrossable, and the problem insurmountable. Haven't you ever prayed and the heavens seem as brass and no answers can be found? Well with trials comes the testing of our patience which gives birth to hope. We know God has a plan and that it will work out to our good. However sometimes these truths seem trite and even out of reach. What then can we do and what can we hope in when all seems impossible? We can rest in the arms of the God who cares so much for us he is aware that we sorrow. He also is aware of the length of our journey.
Psalms 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? Sometimes we do not need fancy words, gifts or dramatic actions. Sometimes the best response is a hug. Let the fact that the eternal infinite God so intimately cares for you that he is aware of your trial be like a heavenly hug. Weep into his shoulders and allow him to dry your tears restoring your spirit.
Let the fact that he knows your journey, from beginning to end bring solace and comfort knowing there will be an end to this too.

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where are the faithful

Where are the faithful?
Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

Loyalty defined proclaims the sense of being loyal to, adhering to a person, philosophy or cause. As Christian, our first loyalty must be to Jesus Christ. In light of his teachings we should remain forever loyal to his commands. Where I see a struggle for those who claim loyalty to Christ without committment to a local group comes in the area of being loyal to an institution; namely the local church. Likewise among those who show commitment to a local church there seems to be a weakness when it comes to loving the lost and following the great commission. Matt 28:18-19 Many people I talk with who claim Christianity speak of their loyalty to him and his teachings. However when we speak of the local church they begin to vasilate. Much rejection against organized religion comes both from the 1960 philosophical rebellion against institution but also from the failure of true churches to address their failures honestly during that same time. So what does the bible say? The local church is presented as precious to Christ. It is called his bride john 3:29. That shows intimacy. Furthermore Christ loved the church so,much he died for it. Eph 5:25. Also he is called both the cornerstone and the head of the church. Col 2:10; 1 pet 2:7 Finally the bible does command us to attend regularly the services and to encourage believers. Such loose adherence to Jesus without a loyalty to his local assembly cannot be correct. Likewise loving Christ and his church without following his commands to love the lost and follow the great commission cannot be correct. Thus the bible shows correctly loving Christ requires loving those that he loves including the church and the lost world. Obviously therefore the only way to be loyal to christ is to be loyal and obedient to what he loves and commands. Anything else is rebellion against him and is not loyalty but sin.

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the beauty of holiness

So u want to grow in Christ.

Psalms 96:9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

Are you beautiful? We all have ideas about what is beautiful to the beholder. We also know that each person has their own tastes and preferences. However once and a while a person comes into your life that has what we call inner beauty. The beauty I am asking about is that inner beauty. Now people define beauty as something or someone pleasing to the eye. In television they say, the camera likes you. However God is not concerned about the outer person as much as he is the inner person. The Hebrew for beauty is hadarah meaning adornment, glory as in worship or the glory as in royalty. It is that beauty and glory that identifies the person. The Hebrew for holy is qodesh. It is defined as something set apart sacred and dedicated to God. Peter described this as the adornment of subjection. Paul described it as the surrender the whole man to God as a slave for life. So the question for us is, do we have inner beauty? It should define who we are and publicly adorn or words and actions. We are to be people of honesty, integrity, and as best we can, holy set apart for Gods use and to bless others.

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the great call

Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; there stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

Remember this event? Paul endeavoring to go for God after trying several doors that were closed God opened a door. In this vision Paul saw a man asking the for help in Macedonia. This cry finds many forms for God and church leaders. God asks Isaiah who will go for us. Jesus instructs people to pray that God will send laborers in to his field to work. The demands an answer, a response from the whole man. Too often the answer is not Samuel's who simply showed up available for work and said "here am I", but it is the Adamic answer, "I heard your voice, and hid because I was afraid." Another Adamic response, "It's your fault God, or it's their fault." Isnt it amazing that it is rarely our fault? If it is not the adamic responses it might be the mosaic excuses that are heard. Moses said, "I am not smart enough, or I am unable to do it." God's response eternally is radical and clear. He alone enables, gifts, supplies, and forgives. He opens doors and shuts them. So the question remains, who will go for us, who will come over and help us? the prayers for workers have been sent heavenward, the call of God has been sent out. Will you answer like Isaiah, Samuel and Paul?

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A time of struggle

II Corinthians 4:7-9 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;....

A life filled without struggles would be a death sentence to some creatures. Without the first cry of a newborn babe could end with weakened lungs, pneumonia and death. A butterfly would never soar without the battle to overcome the cocoon. A life without pain receptors causes the leper or diabetic to lose limb and eventually brings death. Just know God is aware of our fragile clay. With all we do and experience He is shaping us if we will let him.
Anais Nin says, "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud became more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

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prayer time in the am

Prayers requested. I am dealing with a cold, depression, side effects from meds, burdens of family, church, youth, kinfolk and personal battles. I know people who are dying, friends on the fritz, bereaved folks, lost people, people in divorce, kids left by the wayside, homeless people, people sick in relentless pain, folks depressed, defeated, kids in gangs, jail, folks addicted to drugs legal and illegal, pastors struggling with their call, their church, churches struggling to exist, churches wrestling with their pastor,missionaries in harms way, soldiers in harms way, Christians who r backslidden, a wife just wanting a relationship with her husband, a friend in financial breakdown, another on the verge of a mental break, folks contemplating suicide or worse, a mother broken over their child's wayward life, a baby that is unwanted, a man wanting just to be able to go home again, a child just wanting to be held, a teen wanting to be heard, and with each problem mentioned. There are faces, and families. There are stories I could tell and today this is just my morning prayer list. Some days its tough. It's my anchor though that the one who spoke peace to the storm taught us that he is with us during the storm and that with every storm there is an end.

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a pastors heart

You may not know me well. Or You may know me very well. We may have just met, in an elevator, at a street corner. We may be kinfolk, neighbors, enemies or friends. But I know you. I see you in the face of joy and pain I see in the lives of people I minister to. People striving with flawed imperfect humanity. Their flaws, failures, successes and joys. I know Christ died for me and my sins. I rejoice in my personal salvation. Sometimes, though the pain and sorrow of life makes me desire to be in eternity right now. I hate death, pain and sorrow. I know God's purpose works in, through and with pain. I do not want others to hurt. The greatest pain for me is that you might reject Christ's gift of forgiveness. Or that once you have received his salvation you as his child reject his best for you. It's a pastor's heart I guess. It's hard seeing the pain people go through in suffering, relationships, death, and the bondages of sin. My heart breaks and I understand Paul's words.... Philippians 1:21-25 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

Do you have confidence that when you die you shall be accepted of him? I know I will. And you know what? I don't want to be there without you. Do you have confidence that you are walking in daily victory in Christ? I desire that you find victory over personal sin, in relationships and in service to our great God. So what are you waiting for? Salvation is a free gift, it is not earned or deserved. Ephesians 2:8-9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
It is a gift and must simply be believed and received.
Romans 10:9 -10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
All you have to receive it is to believe his word, and ask for it.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Now if you already know Jesus as savior then don't you long to walk in victory? He loves you, wants to forgive you and to live through you.
go get you bible now and read.
1 John 1:9; 5:13-15; Galatians 2:20; These are my life verses. They keep me anchored when the darkness of life creeps in around me. May the next time we meet find you in a new relationship with me as a brother or sister in Christ. At the hospital, near a bed at a hospice unit, around the corner at the coffee shop may we find that we have the same spiritual kinship and can rejoice together in the personal victories he has given you in your spiritual journey with Him.

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the eternal God

The eternal God

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am

Just think. Jesus who became a helpless baby, swaddled in a cloth, is the I am. This unique name Jesus invoked here is the same name the Father invoked at the burning bush when speaking to Moses. Jesus clearly made his claim to be equal with the Father. Some don't believe Jesus claimed to be God. However the Jews knew this was his claim, because the next verse states they took up stones to stone him for blasphemy. So imagine this, the self existant God, creator of the universe loved you so much he wrapped himself in humanity and became like you so he could die for you. He who is infinite became limited in finite space and time to save you for infinity. God loves you and wants to give you eternal life. It's free for the asking.

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a vessel of creation

Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Just think how special you are in the eyes of God. He created you in his image. Then he chose you as the vessel to bring life into the family. Think about how intimately he fashions the child in the womb.(Psalms 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 139:15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret....)Then after mankind's fall, he chose to use you to bear the Christ child into the world for saving hope to all mankind. I thank God today that he made you, womankind and gave to you such a blessed place in creation, the creative act, and your partnership in his grand scheme of saving grace.

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studying in context

Matthew 27:5 And he....went and hanged himself.
Luke 10:37....Go, and do thou likewise.....
The danger of reading scripture without context before interpretation can be dangerous. With these two verses you might think you need to follow Judas' example and hang yourself. Scripture taken out of context will be misleading.Therefore an entirely different meaning arises from the text that was not originally intended.
The interpretation must be not only in context but what was intended for the audience of that day. Once you learn what was intended for those people to learn at that time, then you can see truly what is intended for you today. That principle is called the eternal principle. It transcends culture, language, history and is still true today. Thus read with wisdom and method. An open prayerful heart, open readable book, observing the text, asking what is says, who, what, where, when and why begins your journey to a deeper walk with God. Learning to interpret historically and culturally will enrich your understanding and appreciation of His greater plan. Knowing whether or not its poetry, narrative can help you understand the natural flow of the language. The more you invest the more you will reap in rewards.

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moving from observation to interpretation

Isaiah 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
As we study the obvious, with an open book, open heart, observing the text, we must let context rule. Reading the bible for all its worth involves investigation. What is going on in the passage, the chapter, and the book matter deeply. The section must be read in the historical cultural setting. The type of literature is important as well. The audience and the speaker matter. The type of language used, historical context etc. can affect the meaning. A comma can change meaning. For example, let's eat grandpa without the comma has an entirely different meaning with the comma. Let's eat, grandpa. So read with observation carefully in context as we move to interpretation.

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problems studying the word

The problem of studying the word
II Peter 3:15-16 ....Paul...hath written unto you;....some things hard to be understood....
Several problems arise as we begin to study the word of God. First, just reading the book presents quite a hurdle. Second, reading with understanding stands in our path. Our tendency is to scan it and then jump to application. However to read with understanding requires a methodical approach. Thus we need to observe the text asking ourselves, what does it say. Take down notes and ask lots of questions about the text. Who, what, where, when and why.

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an open heart

How should we study?
Open heart
Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia,....which worshipped God, heard us : whose heart the Lord opened....
Not only do we need a readable bible, and an open book to study, we need an open mind. Here Lydia heard the word of God read and God opened her heart to its truth. Pray for Gods leadership as you study the Bible.

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A Readable Open Book

II Kings 22:8 And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
How should we study? First we need a readable book open book. In this example we find that Hilkiah the priest found the word of God where it had been lost. He took it up and gave it to Shaphan the scribe who read the word of God. Are you reading the word of God? I even challenge those who might disagree with the Bible to read it in context and systematically before you claim disagreement. And if you believe, you should read it so you may learn what it says. Too often we have our own ideas about God without even searching it out in the first place.

read it and heed it

Read it and heed it.

Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it

Do you read your bible? Many people readily argue against the word of God yet most have never studied it. Others who deeply believe in the word of God argue over which version of the bible is correct yet many have not studied it carefully. Over the next few days I will give a simple plan on how to study the Bible. If you do not believe in God and argue against it but have never read it all I challenge you to read it before you attack it. If you do believe but have never studied it completely I challenge you to read God' s word. Who wants to stand before God and have to admit that you never have read His book.(notes from seminary and Dr. Howard Hendricks, Living by the Book.)

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the agony of waiting for answers to prayer

« Hope that sustains

The agony of waiting for answers to prayer.

Psalms 27:13 I had fainted , unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
A dear friend and mentor, Dr Alan Henson gave this advice in a sermon once: When answering prayers: sometimes God says no; the request is wrong. Sometimes he says slow; the request is right but the timing is wrong. Sometimes he says grow; the request is right but people involved need to grow. Sometimes he says go; the request is right and the timing is right. Therefore may God grant us patience to wait for His timing and His answers.

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hope that sustains

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Remember how that trials exercise our patience which gives us experience? That experience gives us hope to persevere through trials we will face. However that can become tiresome if all we have is experience. Hope that is confidently placed in a holy God and his eternal promises finds a perseverance that will endure to the end.

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faith for the journey

Romans 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: Yesterday I shared with you that trials stretch or exercise our patience. These two give us experience at handling trials producing hope. That hope is strengthened because we can see the end of the trial. That's obvious. However underlying this testing is the qualities we learn about Gods character and love. These form the foundation of our hope. May God strengthen your foundation of hope. May you persevere to the end faithful to God and all that is good.

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the testing of patience

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
We all need more patience. Or at least we all need our patience stretched and enlarged so we can apply it where it is needed. Isn't it ironic that we have enough patience for the things we want. Trials enlarge, stretch and test our patience. Trials do not give you patience. Trials expose the patience that is already there, exercising it, strengthing it so you develop endurance.

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this too shall end

The fact that we hurt when we suffer the painful moments in life shows we are alive. However true that is it does not help us when we hurt. However with every storm there is an end. At the moment David wrote this psalm he was suffering. The hope he experienced at the end of his storm came in verse 22 where David remembered that God does not forget the afflicted and he helps them in their time of suffering.
Psalms 22:14
My strength drains away like water; all my bones are dislocated; my heart is like wax; it melts away inside me.

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Be the initiator

Reconciliation cost God his Son and Christ his life. What is it costing u? Are u following his example? Remember it is not if we offend but when we offend. We need to remember salvation begins a journey. He is reconciling us to God whom our sins have offended. We need to follow his example. He initiated, paid the price, and spoke the first word of reconciliation. Take a chance on faith. Be the initiator. We have been given the word and ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.

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Who's ur enemy?

An oft' quoted phrase, A man is known by his enemies, helps us qualify a man for what he stands for by seeing who is against him. The truth clarified in that quote, reveals itself in God's strategy for living. God reveals that people are not the enemy we face but a more sinister being stands against us.
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against....the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.

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seek knowledge

Do u know God? Do u know His will? Are u growing in wisdom and understanding? Paul prayed for this to be true in the lives of the colossal Christians. In order for us to know, and grow according to Pauls prayer three things must happen. First we must pray. Second we must be filled with His word. Third we must seek to learn and apply this knowledge.
Colossians 1:9
For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

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Gods valentine

God sent us His Valentine wrapped in swaddling cloths that first Christmas. It was the ultimate gift card. He purchased it on calvary. We find when we cash it in at salvation that it is sonship and love without prejudice or pretence.
1 John 4:19
We love because he loved us first.

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are u an encourager?

There are two types of people around this blind man who desired to see Jesus. The first scolded him for crying out to Jesus. These are the scorners. They hinder with their attitude. The second group of people are absent but should have been there. These would be the encouragers. Do u hinder folks from Christ by ur scolding harsh attitude? Or are u an encourager but are conveniently absent? We ought to be very present vocal encouragers in the lives of the spiritually blind.
Mark 10:48
Many scolded him to get him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

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grace to be and do

God loves us so much that he floods us with grace for salvation and life in general. He showers us with this grace so that we will have everything we need so that we can do the work we are called to do for God.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.

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God remembers his promises

Today there is a lot of discussion that Gods covenant with Israel has changed to the new testament church. However God is,not one to forget his promises. He remembers his people even when they stray. His is an everlasting covenant.
Jeremiah 33:25
But I, the Lord, make the following promise: I have made a covenant governing the coming of day and night. I have established the fixed laws governing heaven and earth.

Jeremiah 33:26
Just as surely as I have done this, so surely will I never reject the descendants of Jacob. Nor will I ever refuse to choose one of my servant David’s descendants to rule over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Indeed, I will restore them and show mercy to them.”

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open doors

Revelation 3:7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write the following: “This is the solemn pronouncement of the Holy One, the True One, who holds the key of David, who opens doors no one can shut, and shuts doors no one can open: Revelation 3:8 ‘I know your deeds. (Look! I have put in front of you an open door that no one can shut.) I know that you have little strength, but you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name.

Just when we are without strength God has a way of opening doors of opportunity. In the old testament Abraham had tried to believe God for an heir. He offered God his faithful servant, eliezer. His answer to Gods will was not sinful but it was not Gods best. God's best was a son of the promise through barren Sarah. Abram and Sarah impatient and discouraged by time followed the culture and conceived a child through Hagar. Here they did gods work man's way. God however had a plan for a promised son through shrank who no longer could father children. ROM 4:19; much like this story of abram and Sarah we get impatient and try to rush God's timing, or we try to open doors he has not opened for us. Ironically, God, when he judges abimelech, for taking Sarah from abram, it is in the area of closing the womb of the women of the land. It was only in the act of faith and obedience to the words of God and the prayer of faithful abram that the curse was lifted. God allowed abram to go through this experience to learn he is the author of life. Thus the hope we need is found in faith in and patience in the timing of God. In this passage to the church in revelations Jesus reminds the church, he opens and closes doors. An open door is an opportunity, growth,and the timing of God. Without open doors we would not experience the fullness of his will. Patience wins the victory. Impatience wastes energy and defeats our hope.

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God Gives His Best

What burdens your heart today? Is it something godly, will it glorify God, bless mankind, and not compromise your Christianity? Then ask God for his provision. Remembering that all things good and bad work for good in our lives we can ask in faith. He who works all for our good will not withhold any good from his children. If he gave us his son will he not continue to invest goodness in us as well?
Romans 8:32
Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things?

God reliance

"Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.", C. S. Lewis
Do you truly rely on the Lord. The importance of being self reliant sometimes becomes an idol that we revere more than our true need of God. He is our help when no one else is there, our hope when the night darkens. May your self reliance become God reliance.

Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is purified; he is like a shield for those who take refuge in him.

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God wants us to stop living life on the merry go round. Sometimes He desires that we stop the merry go round and get off the ride so we can just focus on Him. It is what Abraham knew with God in his quiet time and it is what I have found there as well. The phrase in this passage "renew you with my love" can be translated..I will quiet u with my love...that is when we are in his presence we know he is our deliverer. And as he delights in us we can release that pent up tightness in our soul that comes from the stresses of life and truly rest in him. It is when we see he has no hidden agenda or pretense that we can experience the grace to both be and the room to freely become what he desires of us. That is the joy of knowing his peace and experiencing the power of transformation that comes just as Mary learned in quiet time at his feet.
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.”

Gods will

Gladly we often want what God wants for us but we are prone to seek shortcuts. However he says our job is to follow him and allow him to direct our paths wherever and whenever they go.
Psalms 27:11
Teach me how you want me to live; lead me along a level path because of those who wait to ambush me!

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