My Dad was witnessing to a woman and after a few minutes of talking about Jesus, he asked her point blank "Are you saved Mrs. Smith?" Her response was "Hell no. I won't serve a God who rapes children."
My earnest and non-questioning father was struck speechless by her words referencing Mary.
I think God allowed this to happen to him for a reason. For someone who is so convicted in their life about existence of a Holy God, the provision by that God to forgive sin, and the blessing to those who accept His Son, it is easy to take our beliefs for common knowledge. Christians can hide behind a wall of judgement for sin in the world and forget that "There but by the grace of God go I."
John Bradford uttered the words "There but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford" as he watched from Tower of London as criminals were led to their execution. This was in the 1500's. His quote is still relevant because it is the grace of God that gives us eternal life, and not the death that we deserve.
As we encounter people who do not believe as we do, instead of being frustrated or affronted by their lack of faith, we should remember that it is by Grace that we are saved.
Father God, thank you for the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ in my life. Thank you for choosing me before I chose you. I pray that others might see your light in me and desire to know you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesdays with Tiz
Walking in Forgiveness
"forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32b
What does it mean to forgive as Christ forgave me?
1. He forgave me before I ask for forgiveness. The person I need to forgive may never ask for forgiveness.
2. He forgave me completely. I may not feel like it but I must "let it go completely". Who am I to hold another person captive if God set me free?
Forgiveness does not mean that I will forget but I will not remember with vengeance. When I forgive I release that person into the hands of a Loving God who said that "vengeance is mine, I will repay". Friends, that takes a great burden off me!!! Forgiveness does not mean that I will trust that person again but I can ask God to work in my heart and let me experience His Trusting Spirit. Now I am typing myself into the Glory Zone!!!
Freedom comes through forgiveness. I am free from bitterness and resentment. I am free from a "getting even" spirit . The memory may not be gone but I am free to experience inner healing. Friends, choose to forgive and enjoy your Victory Walk in Him!!!!
"Father, I thank you for my total forgiveness. I choose to walk in your forgiveness and to totally release anyone to whom the enemy would have me hold captive of unforgiveness. Father, if anyone reading this post today is struggling with unforgiveness, please set them free. In Jesus forgiving name, I pray." Amen
"forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32b
What does it mean to forgive as Christ forgave me?
1. He forgave me before I ask for forgiveness. The person I need to forgive may never ask for forgiveness.
2. He forgave me completely. I may not feel like it but I must "let it go completely". Who am I to hold another person captive if God set me free?
Forgiveness does not mean that I will forget but I will not remember with vengeance. When I forgive I release that person into the hands of a Loving God who said that "vengeance is mine, I will repay". Friends, that takes a great burden off me!!! Forgiveness does not mean that I will trust that person again but I can ask God to work in my heart and let me experience His Trusting Spirit. Now I am typing myself into the Glory Zone!!!
Freedom comes through forgiveness. I am free from bitterness and resentment. I am free from a "getting even" spirit . The memory may not be gone but I am free to experience inner healing. Friends, choose to forgive and enjoy your Victory Walk in Him!!!!
"Father, I thank you for my total forgiveness. I choose to walk in your forgiveness and to totally release anyone to whom the enemy would have me hold captive of unforgiveness. Father, if anyone reading this post today is struggling with unforgiveness, please set them free. In Jesus forgiving name, I pray." Amen
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tuesdays with Tiz
How to "Put away Bitterness"
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4: 32
My last post was about the damaging spirit of bitterness in the life of a believer. So what do we do about it? Nurse it or get rid of it? It is our choice.
If we chose to get rid of it then we will extend kindness and a hand of compassion to the offending person or situation. We are to "Be" kind and compassionate. It is an act of our will and is a life long process. We have a new opportunity almost daily to be kind and compassionate in a difficult situation. Believers are not allowed the luxury of "getting even", "holding a grudge"or "being hateful". We simply do not have that option if we are to live a life of Victory in Jesus Christ. Only through Jesus can we let go of a bitter response which allows a root of bitterness to grow in us. If we keep our focus on Jesus , our focus is not on ourselves and the bitter situation. Then and only then will our attitude be opposite that of a bitter attitude. Do I get an "Amen" to that?
Next time I will post on the rest of this verse "forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." ...get ready, set, go, you are going to walk in complete freedom!!!
"Father, I praise you for being my Victory, my Kindness and my Compassion. I thank you that I can live free of bitterness and resentment. I pray that someone reading this post today has found freedom from a spirit of bitterness and will experience a victorious walk in You. In Jesus precious name, I pray." Amen
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4: 32
My last post was about the damaging spirit of bitterness in the life of a believer. So what do we do about it? Nurse it or get rid of it? It is our choice.
If we chose to get rid of it then we will extend kindness and a hand of compassion to the offending person or situation. We are to "Be" kind and compassionate. It is an act of our will and is a life long process. We have a new opportunity almost daily to be kind and compassionate in a difficult situation. Believers are not allowed the luxury of "getting even", "holding a grudge"or "being hateful". We simply do not have that option if we are to live a life of Victory in Jesus Christ. Only through Jesus can we let go of a bitter response which allows a root of bitterness to grow in us. If we keep our focus on Jesus , our focus is not on ourselves and the bitter situation. Then and only then will our attitude be opposite that of a bitter attitude. Do I get an "Amen" to that?
Next time I will post on the rest of this verse "forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." ...get ready, set, go, you are going to walk in complete freedom!!!
"Father, I praise you for being my Victory, my Kindness and my Compassion. I thank you that I can live free of bitterness and resentment. I pray that someone reading this post today has found freedom from a spirit of bitterness and will experience a victorious walk in You. In Jesus precious name, I pray." Amen
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