I Forgive You, I Think

"I forgive you!" 

I've said it, you've said it, everyone has said it; but when we say it do we really mean it? Do we really understand what is required of us? I ask this because in the sentence above forgive is a verb, in fact, it is an action verb. And our many years of schooling has taught us that action verbs requires us to act, to do something. 

Let's do a quick four question self assessment:  

1. Do I wish someone would hurt the person who hurt me? Matthew 5:44

2. Do I treat those who have wronged me differently when I'm around them? Romans 12

3. Have I refuse to help someone in need simply because they have done me wrong? Romans 12

4. Do I speak ill of a person who has wronged me? Philippians 4:8

If you answered yes to any one of these questions beloved, you are walking in unforgiveness! For even God provides for both the sinner and the saint. Matthew 5:45

The truth is, forgiveness has more to do with us then the person we are required to forgive. You see, God told us in His word that if we don't forgive others, He won't forgive us (Matthew 6:15); which clearly means that there is a cost, an extremely high cost might I add, for unforgiveness. 

So wait no more! It's time to forgive that brother and or sister who has done you wrong; who has planned evil for you; who has damaged your reputation and who wants nothing more than to see you fall. Forgive them because God commands it. Forgive them because your eternal destiny depends upon it. Forgive them, forgive them, forgive them!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, most gracious and precious Father, I come to you today asking for the power to walk in forgiveness. Release me Father from the hurt, the pain, and the torment that resulted when (say their name) broke my heart; and did that which was  unexpected. Give me the strength to follow your example. Provoke me to pray for (say their name) when I don't feel like it. Help me to pray that (say their name) will receive a change of heart and that as a result, he/she will experience a transformation that can only come from an encounter with you. Release (say their name) Father to walk in the love, joy and peace that only comes from your presence. Forgive (say their name) of all his/her sins. Lead him/her down the path of righteousness for your name's sake. Let your word be hidden in his/her heart and make it to be a hedge of protection about him/her so that he/she will not sin against you. Show him/her the error of his/her ways and bring him/her to the place of repentance. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

Why We Must Wait

“I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.” Isaiah 42:8 NKJV

These are the words I hear the Lord speaking to me in an effort to quiet my wrestless spirit. A spirit that simply can't make sense of my unsuccessful attempts to become gainfully employed again. A spirit which has decided, without my permission, to tell the truth and to expose what I truly put my trust in. 

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24 NKJV

In an effort to encourage those going through a financially difficult time, I remind them that God is Jehovah Jireh and that they only need to trust Him to do what He said He would do. But the truth is, these words are easy to say when you know the date and time of your next deposit. The real test of your faith comes when you are called to stand on His word, especially when there is no deposit date in sight. 

As a result of my experience lately, I am forced to ask myself a few questions: 

1. If everything in your life falls apart, will He still be God? 
2. We He still be the same Jehovah Jireh you challenged others to believe in? 
3. Will His power to do the impossible at a moments notice diminish simply because of the storm your are currently facing?  

Absolutely not; for He is and always will be God. He is the author and finisher of our faith, the One who sits high and looks low; and He is the One whose thoughts towards us cannot be numbered. He knows the plans He has for us; and it is He who has designed these plans. Plans, according to Jeremiah 29:11, that will cause us to not only prosper, but to have hope for this life and the life to come.

So as I reflect on my many attempts to use my earthly connections to land a job, I am constantly being reminded of His words, "I will not share my glory with anyone." Nope, not even that well intentioned supervisor who has called in every favor he could to help you secure that new position.

You see, our God is a jealous God and as a result, He cannot and will not allow another created thing to obtain the praises that so rightfully belong to Him. Can He cause men you do not know to favor you? Of course He can. Can He provoke your enemies to bless you? Absolutely, He can. But let us never forget beloved this one thing, we serve a God who loves to show Himself mighty in our lives; and that is why He takes pleasure in showing out before the masses who counted you out.

Therefore, we must be content with where He has us. We must trust that He sees our need and that He will provide. For mighty is the God we serve and great is His love toward us. 

Be patient my friend. Be patient are the words I hear the Lord speaking to my soul. Be patient and see the salvation of the Lord.

Until next time...