Simply Practical: forgive

Friday, March 25, 2011

Are you going to the party?

Joyce Meyer has been teaching on forgiveness this week. She used the story of the prodigal son and his older brother. The older brother was offended when he saw his father welcoming back the son who had wasted his life and money. The father gave a party for his son who had returned from the dead, so to speak. The older son was very resentful at his father for doing this. Do you see where resentment and unforgiveness can get you? It can keep you from enjoying what God has placed in your life to enjoy. Jesus died so that we might have and enjoy our lives, not be miserable with bitterness and unforgiveness. God will not forgive use if we don't forgive others! It doesn't matter who has offended you, hurt you, or spoken evil or lied about you, you MUST forgive them and let it go! It's not easy to forgive. You may have to keep on forgiving until you know in your heart that you have truly forgiven that person or group of people. The Bible tells us to love our enemies, do good to those who despitefully use us, and pray for them to be blessed. That all sounds so crazy, I know, but we are the ones who will reap rewards for obeying this truth. It's time to forgive and let it go! Lay it at Jesus' feet and He will help you through. Now, let's go to the party!
I haven't made any pics lately because I've been very busy in the house . I also have been working outside, even though the temps are a lot cooler. It feels like winter again! I even had to put the heavy blanket back on the bed! I'll be glad when this is over because people have planted veggies that could be damaged if it freezes.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

What do you want, what do you want from me?

   Joyce Meyer was talking today about running away from what God originally called us to do or what we learned from God during our early years of Christianity. She gave examples of Elijah the prophet and how, after he had killed and chopped up 400 prophets of Baal, He found out Jezebel was after him so he ran into the desert! Wow! The power of one woman! God got after him so he went back and did what he was originally told to do. Another example she gave was about Jonah. God told him to go to Ninevah, but Jonah thought he knew what was best, so he disobeyed God and went in the opposite direction. He was eventually thrown into the sea where he was swallowed by a whale. Where are you? Have you been swallowed by a whale?Are you doing what you want to do your own way even though you know in your heart God has told you something else to do? God told the whale to vomit Jonah out and he landed on the beach in Ninevah and did what God originally told him to do. It's never to late to obey God. He is very merciful and kind. We may have to suffer for our disobedience, but God will reward us when we submit to His ways. He knows what's best for us even when we can't see it or understand it. She somehow, tied that in to loving your enemies. If you have been treated unfairly or an injustice has been done to you, cast it on the Lord. He will recompense you in ways you could never recompense yourself. He will even help you to forgive those who have hurt you or done you wrong. You will experience a release you never could on your own.
   Have you ever said "I know this is wrong, but....." If you are saying it now, whatever the wrong thing is: STOP IT! SPIT IT OUT! THROUGH IT DOWN! POUR IT OUT! TURN IT OFF! RUN, AS FAST AS YOU CAN AWAY FROM IT , NEVER TO RETURN TO IT! You may suffer for awhile until you allow God to heal you, but it will be worth it, I promise!
   I was blessed with some money plants and irises yesterday from a new friend, so I've been busy finding them a new home. While I was outside, I also took more pics.

The mountain across the street has been burning lately! But God has kept it from doing damage to everyone's property.This may actually be a sunset! Need new camera.