Forever Forgiving

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How often must I forgive?

Do you find yourself asking forgiveness for the same thing over and over? Do you find yourself forgiving the same thing in someone else over and over? That’s actually what this verse is about.

Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive his brother and Jesus replied, “I tell you not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus was saying forgiveness is not a one-time thing. He wants us to forgive as many times as it takes.

We are to forgive just as God did and does. Over and over again!

Abba, Father, remind me of Your kind of forgiveness every time I’m tempted to be unforgiving. Give me a kind, compassionate, forgiving heart.

What D’ya Know!

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I Know…

What do I know?

I know that the sun will come up every morning until Jesus returns and provides all the light we need.

I know that I am loved by the Lover of my soul.

I know I am redeemed, equipped, gifted, and forgiven.

I know I am given all that I need for a good life because God’s Word is alive and active in me.

I know I am a child of God and that I can go to Him with every joy, hurt, and question in my heart.

I know that He knows you and me! Do you?

Abba, Father, I know You are all You say You are! Help me to be all You want me to be.

Click on the picture to listen to No Longer Slaves.

Everyone Sins

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Are you guilty?

Did you notice the word all? Even the person you think is the best Christian who has ever walked on this earth still sins.

Let’s think of it like this: Fault-finder or encourager? Prideful or humble? Lazy or active? Greedy or generous? Angry or peaceful?

It is impossible to live on this earth and not sin. Sin is any word, thought, or behavior that conflicts with God and His Word. In fact, it might be even more. Romans 14:23 says: But anyone who believes that something he wants to do is wrong shouldn’t do it. He sins if he does, for he thinks it is wrong, and so for him it is wrong. Anything that is done apart from what he feels is right is sin.

So, then, what can be done? How do we overcome sin? First, we recognize it, then we ask God to forgive us. We accept His forgiveness and move on in renewed faith.

Change our hearts, oh God! Show us the sin before we follow through with it. Make us more like You!

Think

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What are you thinking about?

These are some of my favorite words of the Bible. Actually, Philippians 4:4-8 give me support for almost everything. I say it that way because there are other verses that apply, too.

Living in this time is tough. It’s easy to let our minds wander to the madness of this world. The evil one wants us to do that. He wants us to think about anything that takes our minds off God and the good things of life. We can not allow him to do that.

Recognizing our disobedience is the first step. Any of our actions or attitudes that cause us to think we know better than He does separates us from Him. Sin, unforgiveness, disobedience, lack of faith, pride, ignoring His Word, other gods… Each of these takes our thoughts captive and away from what He wants.

Overcoming our negative, hurtful, judgmental, thoughts is a necessary part of becoming the people He wants us to be. We can do that by refocusing our thoughts on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy, and good.

Abba, Father, guide and guard our thoughts. Open our hearts, minds, and souls to You and Your Word. Keeps us constantly aware of Your Presence.

Good God

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God is good all the time…

God is good because that is simply what He is. Of course, He does good things for us. We can totally, always count on that.

We tend to see good in a positive light. Yet, His goodness is always there. He is good not only in the best of life but He is good in the worst, too. You might be asking, how can that be?

When I talk about being a cancer survivor people often say isn’t God good? Of course, He is, but cancer isn’t.

When Ray and I talk about our first home being destroyed by a tornado, with me in it, people say isn’t God good? Of course, He is, but we had nothing. No home. No clothing except for what we were wearing. Nothing…but God!

In Psalm 46:1 King David writes these words: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therein lies the answer to God’s goodness. He is always near in our darkest, scariest, most fearful moments. We can take refuge in His strong arms and know that He wants to be there for us. He is with us in the light of day, in the calm after the storm, in the happiest, most joyful, love-infused times of our lives.

Best of all, no matter what is going on around us, He is good!

Abba, Father, no matter what is happening in life at this moment we know You are near. Let Your goodness and mercy follow us all the days of my life. Draw Me Close To You!