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Rest is one of the biggest tools to be used if understood properly. It is evidenced in today’s society that this is not the case as working 130 hours and sleeping in a cube while the norm for some; is truly not sustainable for any type of normal or quality of life. The weapon of rest on the other hand; will prove much more sustainable and even to greater lengths; if that rest is found in the Lord. For without Him there is no such thing.
When I understood the weapon of rest my life changed. It changed entirely because my strength in the Lord increased and my vanity decreased. When there is no rest in the Lord there is simply toil and vanity and all is vanity so says King Solomon. And so the question is what really is going on here in today’s society that it is so highly thought of to either work 130 or more hours per week or boast about that? What is the expected outcome other than tiredness and exhaustion; and loss of life. What is the ultimate goal of rising at 4am if not to spend time with the Lord? That too is vanity and chasing after the wind; and in the end what will you have to show for your chasing? What really will you have?
When we examine Genesis 2:3 we see it clearly that God rested for it is written: “And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (KJV) Understand that 1) God created everything and everything in everything, 2) God didn’t need to rest because He is God, 3) God created ‘rest’, 4) God does everything on purpose with purpose, 5) God doesn’t make mistakes.
When you understand that rest is one of the greatest weapons and how to rest in Him you won’t fall prey to the so called experts dying to prove something for a world that doesn’t care. You will recognize that a life resting in the Lord will bring more peace, more success; more solitude than any 100 hour work week at any time of the year. You will understand that success really isn’t what you always thought it to be but that in reality you were living in a warped world with a warped sense of accomplishment and identity and as such; you will need and find rest and be better for it.
The world loves to ostracize those who rest or rather those who don’t do what they are doing; comparable to those who write checks or use cash but let it be known that if God rested and created rest there is a reason. If you want to increase your hearing from the Lord simply stop. Rest. Listen.
When there is no rest there is not peace to the full. When there is no rest there is no ability to actually reflect on anything; how could there be because there is no time. The frantic hurried pace of accomplishing must go on! As a result the understanding of time and space in relation to anything is gone and for no reason. Without rest the here and now is simply nonexistent because there isn’t one because it too has passed. Without rest there is no growth; only a quicker death that can’t even be seen or experienced. And that is not a life God would want for anyone; not even you.
The weapon of rest is one of the most important weapons a Believer can have; of course in addition to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit; angels (not to worship) Bible etc. etc. and it’s when it’s understood how to use the weapon of rest in your own life everything will change. You will change.
The ways of the world are wicked and the days are marked with evil. There is no rest in any of it. The trap of the world is large; ready to catch if you don’t stop to see it. The world must toil because of the earth curse but brothers and sisters you do not have to. You do not have to live a life where you are simply existing to serve the wrong master; the one of death and disaster. You are called for something much higher. And if you do not stop and use the weapon that the Lord has already given you and follow what He did; you won’t have it or anything else to use for it will be too late. And in the end wouldn’t it be a shame to rise at 4am every day for nothing?
For more about growing in the Lord visit www.julieblair.com
Watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
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Forgiveness is a process of healing that takes as long as it takes. Because each person is different, each situation is unique; and each relationship is unlike any other the process of and toward healing is exactly that. It is a process that will only occur should you choose to maneuver through it.
In grasping forgiveness and how it is a process of healing it in its truest and deepest form will require people to align themselves with God’s Word. There is no other way. It is evident that people are not aligning their lives and minds with the Word of God based upon the fact that so many are suffering. The statistics reveal: 44 million Americans suffer from mental disorders. 6.9% or 16 million American suffer from depression. 18.1% or 42 million Americans suffer from anxiety. Depression is known as the leading cause of disability worldwide and is known as the largest contributor to disease worldwide. 90% of those who die by suicide suffer from mental illness. (https://www.nami.org/getattachment/Learn-More/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers/General-MH-Facts-4-02-15.pdf) It is a command for people to not let the words of God be out of sight for they are health to a man’s whole body. Getting away from God’s word has repercussions and the mental health statistics reveal so. It is when people’s lives align with the Word of God that the change will be evident. Romans 12:2 tells all readers, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV) The ways of the world are away from God’s Word and ways and the results of that cause suffering.
The great news about forgiveness being a healing process is that it is! Psalm 147:3 is clear that “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (NIV) It is through seeking forgiveness that healing takes place. A person who never forgives will never be changed to live in the abundance of what God has in store. On the flipside; obedience to God’s Word and seeing forgiveness will bring one through a process of healing. On a personal note; the process of forgiveness was one that not only changed my voice but my eye color too. Whatever is on the inside manifested spiritually will reflect outwardly in the physical. Healing that takes place spiritually too will be revealed to all. The process of healing is one that will forever change a person’s life; which would make sense as the Apostle Paul writes that the battle is one in the spiritual and not in the physical. One of the best ways to be healed in Christ is to repent and seek forgiveness so that times of refreshing may come as in reads in Acts. The times of refreshing just may be the healing that people desperately need! With this said; it will require one to realize that the ways of God are bigger than the ways of man. Proverbs 3:7-8 commands people “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (NIV) Again; there is healing to one who is obedient to God’s Word. Forgiveness is an act of healing and obedience that will only strengthen a relationship with Christ.
There are numerous examples of healing in God’s Word although the one that stand out for recognition are found in Jeremiah where it is written, “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV) There would be no cry for healing if there wasn’t an awareness that it could be done. When it comes to forgiveness and unforgiveness; the fruit one has is based upon the level of obedience. While seeking forgiveness may prove to be challenging; the power that comes with the obedience therein is something that cannot truly be explained. It is an experience that brings with it much release of turmoil while increasing in identity in Christ and understanding of what Jesus truly did when He was obedient to die on the cross for the sins of others. No other religion or person on earth can lay claim to this. True healing can only be found in and through Christ. Anything other is a counterfeit. Unfortunately; too many have fallen into the trap of that are not being healed as they should be because they are seeking other sources for healing that are not God ordained. Through forgiveness in Christ; healing comes. This would not be written otherwise.
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Today’s Scripture
Deuteronomy 30:19 “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live…”
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Forgiveness Tip #8
Forgiveness is a process of healing that begins in the mind.
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Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries and host of ‘Living in Forgiveness’ television and radio programs that airs daily to over 3 Billion people on 5 continents. To learn more about forgiveness and the love of Christ or to speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
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Unforgiveness is sin; there is no way around it. And sin in it’s very nature is dangerous. Hence the damaging nature of unforgiveness as sin is what most don’t grasp. The reality whether we like it or not is that we all must get to a place of living in love and forgiveness. Otherwise; we will never overcome anything in life.
Sin destroys your relationship with Jesus, others and yourself. It should be no shock since we are told in John 10:10 ‘ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ (NIV)
Unforgiveness is sin against God there is no doubt. The good news is that when you make the choice to forgive; your life will change and as we are told He came so that we may have life- and to the full. It’s up to us to choose whether or not we want it.
If you truly want to grow in the Lord and be transformed in Him it will require forgiveness. There is no way around this. The better part of this though is that He has already given you everything you need in order to forgive. He has supplied you with all the strength that you need to be obedient; and victorious too.
Before you allow your body, your spirit, your soul, your relationships with others; and your relationship with Jesus to be destroyed ask yourself if it’s worth it. Is it worth it to keep all the garbage? It is worth it to hoard what will only enslave and entrap you; especially when you don’t have to because He came to clear the path and set you free?
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Today’s Scripture
1 Peter 5:7 Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
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Forgiveness Tip #2
Forgiveness will remove the bondage of sin that keeps you from the Lord. ______________________________________________________
For more about forgiveness and abundant living visit www.julieblair.com
Watch Living in Forgiveness nightly at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
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Forgiving is not easy; there is no doubt. The good news is that it is possible! How do we know? Because God’s Word gives us everything we need in order to forgive. As a result there are some steps that you too can take to live your life in forgiveness.
1- Choose to live in forgiveness. While it may sound overly simple; the choice to forgive is one that most don’t think about. They by default live in ‘unforgiveness’. Living in forgiveness is a lifestyle lived on purpose. I never knew that; nor did I know that by default my unforgiveness was a choice. When you choose forgiveness you are choosing life and following in Deuteronomy where it tells us to choose life so that ‘you and your children’ may live.
2- Believe that with Jesus all things are possible. You can forgive and you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength so it reads in Philippians 4:13. So what this means is that not only can you do it; you have someone with you every step of the way. I didn’t recognize that either until I was faced with going before the Lord and actually dealing with it. It was decades of pain and the past that was bottled up ready to be overcome and with Jesus the way was made; and it will be for you too.
3-Remember you are no different than those who hurt you. This is hard to accept at times; especially when people do the unthinkable. It’s hard to not look at what they have done and hold it against them. It’s hard to not judge or be critical; or resent them. I’m not going to lie about this at all! It doesn’t matter if it is cheating, stealing, lying; murder or anything else. Hurt caused by others still hurts. While those things may not be the things that you have done or would do; if you look carefully at yourself are there things that you too have done that aren’t the nicest representation of who you are? Probably right? Now we all say reflect and think ‘yeah well I haven’t done ‘that’ but so what? It doesn’t change the fact that we are all fall short and the moment you compare what you haven’t done to what someone else has; that is the moment vanity and judgment creep in to your heart. When you forgive you are cleaning your heart toward the Lord and allowing Him to take that burden so you don’t have to carry it.
4- Accept and know it is a process. The process of forgiveness is one that takes as much time as it needs. Many believe that simply moving away from the situation is forgiveness; although that won’t work because you are still are who you are- just live may live by the beach. Others say that time heals wounds which is not true either because if it were; there would not so many people up in age that are angry, bitter, resentful and ugly about what did or didn’t occur or what they didn’t get that they should have in the past. The process of forgiveness is one that takes as much as it requires because each person is different, has different hurts; and has a different relationship with Jesus. If someone is pressuring you to just forgive already; know there is a reason and it probably has more to do with them than you. Just go forward with Jesus and know that it is something you need to do and do it at the pace that is in accordance with your walk with Him.
5- Be Quick to Forgive. Being quick to forgive can literally save your life. We all know things in life come at us and some are not what we want at all. What happens though is if you allow all of those things to stay; they will. And the enemy would love nothing more than for you to be angry, sad, resentful, bitter, unforgiving; ungrateful, self-centered and all the other 35 symptoms of unforgiveness. Every act of not forgiving is really an open doorway for the enemy to reside and continue to wreck your life. Don’t think he won’t! He will and every chance he gets he does so; and it’s even in more sly ways than you can think. Being quick to forgive keeps you on the offense and right with Jesus so that you can live your life in peace while advancing His Kingdom.
Forgiveness is not for the faint at heart. It is for those who want to live their Christian life in obedience and more depth in their relationship with Jesus; and more out of life itself. Forgiveness is and should be the standard of life for Christians as it reveals a level of obedience, love for others; and what is in their hearts. Living in Forgiveness will not only change what you see; but how you see and how you live. And it’s time now to start living in forgiveness.
For more about forgiveness and the full life in Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
To have Julie speak at your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
Forgiveness for many is this abstract concept that we’ve all heard for a lifetime to ‘do it’ but yet beyond that there isn’t much. Sit in any church and any pastor anywhere in the world will tell you there is nothing new there. It’s what happens when you forgive that sometimes no one talks about; which is course there must be a reason. Whatever that reason or reason are is not as important as actually know what happens when you forgive.
To begin forgiveness is both an event and a process. Through the event things occur and equally as such; the process of forgiveness numerous things are also occurring; and sometimes simultaneously. So what it is that takes place when you forgive?
1- There is a release within is displayed outward. When you harbor unforgiveness it is on display whether you like it or not. What is in the heart comes out the mouth and well; unforgiveness is no different. When you release the clutter of it; not only will you feel it physically but others will see the release. They may not fully understand what has taken place although they will know there is a transformation.
2- Your physically body will change. When I went through the process of forgiveness I had no clue how life changing it would be; to my body. I remember those days I spent in my room surrendering all the pain, bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness that was taking up space in my mind, body and spirit and had really no idea of what was actually taking place. Sure I had knew Romans 12:2 where it tells us to be transformed by the renewing of my mind although I didn’t catch on that it meant the body too. As a result when I had my first phone call after that experience I sounded different. The tone of my voice was different. Not only that; my eye color changed. This would make sense as when we make the choice to live in darkness we are literally surrounded by it; and I definitely was I just didn’t know it or even that unforgiveness is a form of darkness.
3- Your relationships change. Your relationships change because your heart is no longer as it was before you forgave. Those in your life will experience the new and softer you and in ways that I can’t begin to describe! My relationship with my biological mother changed drastically where I didn’t hate or resent her any more; my heart changed to accept and love her as Jesus did. The fact that she abandoned me all those years ago wasn’t something for her to pay for any longer. I was free and so was she. The release of forgiveness releases the bloom of your relationships because the bondage over them is removed.
4- You are changed. You are not the same person as you were before you made the choice to forgive; you can’t be. You cannot go through a life changing process and then be just as you were. The change is too dramatic. It would be similar to those who return from tour of duty for the military to come back with nothing being different or parents to go back and live as though they did before having children. It simply cannot be done. You are not who you were which means nothing in your life will ever be from that moment on. And praise God for that because the direction you would have gone would have only been further from Him.
5- The door to your life and purpose can open. Anything that is not of God that you allow to enter your life is a hindrance. Any hindrance only separates you from God; and that includes unforgiveness and your thinking. What happens is that any distortion of thought will keep you operating at a false level of action. Sure you may have a ‘good’ plan and life but that does not mean it is the ‘God’ plan for your life at all. When you forgive, you are changed. This means that going back to what you were once doing in the way that you were doing won’t be the same. It can’t be. You are not who you were when you were doing what you were doing. And as such trying to be who you were when you are not will prove to be very uncomfortable. Now this is not to say that you have a new identity and you should just go switch careers by any means but what it does mean is that for who you are becoming in the process of forgiveness; new opportunities will come. They can’t not!
You may know right at this very moment that God has something big in store for your life; and He does. Yet for some reason you just can’t seem to get to it; regardless of how many classes you take or life coaching sessions- nothing seems to work. That would be correct. The correct doors will open for you to enter and with ease because you will have moved yourself out of the way for God to work and through the process of forgiveness; you are becoming more who He created you to be which means the doors He desires will open. My testimony is proof of this. There is no way for me to write about forgiveness had I not walked through it. There is no life on the side of death in any realm.
6- Your relationship with the Lord will deepen. When the internal clutter is removed your hearing increases, you will walk in higher level of authority because you can and understand it; and you will grow in Him and His love in ways that you just have to experience for yourself. The way in which you see other people and their struggles will be more in line with His Word. Your heart for people will change and how you love and receive love from others will change; all because there is more of Him operating in you. It’s always been there it was just unforgiveness covering it all up. When it removed; the freedom to explore your relationship with the Lord will expound exponentially and for the betterment of His Kingdom.
7- You will be on your way to become who God intended in the beginning. God created you with very specific attributes and what a glorious things that is! The God of the universe had you in mind from before the foundation of the earth. You are something special dear beloved; and the enemy wants to destroy every bit of it. The best news is that when you forgive you are removing the enemy’s assignment to destroy you. You are taking the steps toward becoming who God created you to be from the very start. Whatever was eating you from the inside out will no longer have the power to control you; to rob you of your real identity. As you experience the process of forgiveness you will begin to be revealed to you and to the entire world. Gone is the past and everything with it and the real you can begin to live as God intended. The new wine can be poured into the new wineskin after all!
We serve a God who makes the impossible possible. A God that has every good thing in store for you who withholds no good thing. He has it all for you and while there is a plot to steal your life; through simply forgiving you can be restored to God’s original design. You can become who He created from all along. It’s right there all you have to do is get ready and do it! And do it before it’s too late.
For more about forgiveness watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
When you think of how long you may have suffered from something without knowing what it was how long would you say? The woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9 is a testimony on many great levels with much to learn from. Forgiveness is one such area where this testimony may shed light to your own personal journey with the Lord.
This woman’s issue; which by the way her name is never mentioned. This is curious although if you knew her name would it matter because she probably would still be identified by her issue and not her name but I digress. Her suffering was 12 years in the making before she reached Jesus. An issue of blood for a woman during her days would be much different than for women today. We may think of such an issue today as endometriosis or something related. Her condition was such that kept her ailing for many years; much like those who walk in unforgiveness.
What is most fascinating about the testimony is her perseverance for healing; for answers.So picture Jesus healing other people and being the great I AM and mobbed by people everywhere and then as it is written in scripture ‘suddenly’ He is touched by a woman. Now for her it probably was not ‘suddenly’ but rather a long, arduous, painful journey that led her to receive her ‘suddenly’ as in ‘suddenly healed’. She tried everything. What isn’t known is how many other times she tried to find Jesus or of this is the first; although what is clear is that when she got to Him she get her healing. It is written in the King James Matthew 9:21 ,’ For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.’ What must be made clear are several things:
1- She knew what she must do in order to be made whole- which was get to Jesus.
2- She wasn’t whole because if she were she wouldn’t have needed to get to Him at all.
3- She learned that obviously through 12 years of searching she needed something more than what she had been given or found.
4- Man in all his infinite wisdom still does not have the answers.
5- There is no wholeness or restoration to the full without the touch of Jesus.
When we relate this to forgiveness; there is no fullness of forgiveness without Jesus. Sure people daily can say some words that sound great; but that’s lipsmack. That doesn’t mean anything. When there is forgiveness there is a healing that takes place; a wholeness. There is a complete transformation within! One cannot simply transform their own selves in their own thinking that caused them the problems in the first place. It is not possible. If it were; then most people would not be in the situations they are in in the first place. Nothing that any of us do without Jesus can bring wholeness. Nothing!
This woman is proof of this! She is proof of what occurs when simply touching the hem of His garment. His garment! She is proof of what happens when we get to the end of ourselves and our quests for something that can only be done through and by Him. Your personal level of forgiveness is equally the same. You may try and try in all your might; yet your attempt is futile because without Him you will tire yourself and still be in need of something more. With Jesus; everything comes with Him.
As the testimony continues Jesus knew the power moved from Him as He felt it. It was that strong! “But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.” (v22) What we can learn from this is that is was her faith that made the way. Her faith!
You see; many people who harbor unforgiveness also lack faith but not in the way most think. Sure they may have faith that that their favorite team will win the championship; but they don’t have the measure of faith to believe that through Jesus they can forgive; that they can trust Him to heal their pains and that He really is on their side. They don’t have the faith to believe that when they give the burdens to Jesus He will carry the load. And so on the cycle of misery goes; along with more medications and anger management classes. Year after year.
I didn’t know the depth of forgiveness until I was faced with it. I had faith in the Lord for many things but when it came to forgiveness; it was being vulnerable in the most vulnerable way possible. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do because it meant I had to trust that Jesus would be there; that He would bring justice to me and for me. And He did; but I had to step; like the woman with the issue of blood.
Reflect on her for a moment. How vulnerable do you think she had to be to even get herself to a place where Jesus was? People everywhere and if she were found out then what? How embarrassing right? To be caught with such an issue would be humuliating to say the least! And yet she sought. She had faith that if she got there her life would be changed. And we read again ‘”But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.” (v22)
It’s so simple that we complicate it. All we need to is take the step. There is no reason for anyone to suffer unnecessarily; not even you. When you get to that place of being sick and tired of being sick and tired go to Jesus. Reach out and touch Him and you will feel His Presence. You will feel the healing that comes in that instant like it did for the woman with the issue of blood. You will be made whole; restored. You can’t not be. He is the Redeemer. He is the Healer. He is the Almighty! He is also there waiting just for you.
Watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
You can also bring Julie to your church or business to speak by clicking here https://julieblair.com/book-julie/
It’s incredible to live in a country with people who suffer from emotional and mental conditions at alarming rates. More people than ever before are being treated for numerous disorders at alarming rates. It’s estimated that 90% of suicides are by those who suffered. The emotional state of people is out of control. Issues of anger, rage, mental torment, thoughts of suicide, bitterness, resentment; shall I go on? These such issues cause problems. And- they cause problems that medication simply cannot heal. The good news is that emotional issues and problems can be healed simply through forgiveness.
You see; in the Bible you may notice something of interest; God never reacted. Jesus didn’t either. Neither of them were living in outbursts of rage, hostility toward people; yet one could argue they would have good reason right? And yet they were stable; in all things regardless of what surrounded them. And this is where we must get to. Peace in living in all things.
We must get to a place of not allowing ourselves to live in such states of disarray. We cannot be duped any longer by living by our emotions because in the long run it only leads to death. How could it possibly lead to anything other than that?
If you are being led by your emotions you are probably living on a roller coaster ride; hating Trump or hating the protesters all the while the media fuels the fire that is burning you. Let it be clear on both sides of the political fence are bitterness, hatred, hostility and unforgiveness. There is no way to change the past although there is a way to be free from it. And that is through forgiveness. You may be living in the torment of what your parents have done to you or what your spouse may have done; or that you weren’t good enough for the NFL or wasn’t quite the Cowboys cheerleader and all the things that come with the areas of life. Maybe you were passed over for the promotion that should have been yours; except your anger got the better of you and others saw it. It ruined your chances. It’s time to grasp the reality that going forward requires forgiveness more than a cover up.
You see; medication isn’t a cure all. No amount of pharmaceutical drugs will truly reach your heart; your soul for life change. (and I am not saying stop taking your medication) No they just cover them up and when you can’t afford them anymore you will still be what you are. So what is that that you really are? I ask you on this day- what really are you? And who do you want to be? The peaceful, stable, loving person who cares for others and wants to see the good in people? What is keeping you from getting there? Nothing that you can’t handle.
When you see that today’s society is fully in play on your emotions things will change. The goal is to steal you from being able to think, to spend your money properly; to love and to forgive others and yourself. It’s really that simple. So long as you are trapped into being the wretched ignorant crazy person living paycheck to paycheck with no disposable income then you are right where they want you. The eye catching ads of everything to manipulate you into thinking that you actually need that and that your life will be better. No it wont. The manipulated video clips the media plays repeatedly to program your thinking will not free you. Anything that you allow to cause your emotions to be stirred is not of God. Remember Jesus was not reactionary in anything and look at what He endured. If you claim to be His follower then don’t be surprised the attacks would come to you too.
I didn’t know just how out of control my emotions were when I lived in unforgiveness. I didn’t know I was angry. I had no clue. I was hurt and that hurt was released in a variety of ways. Many I had no clue about. And you probably don’t either. You may excuse by saying ‘Oh I’m Italian’ or something like ‘Oh that Irish temper’ when in fact that is not true at all! There are plenty of calm Italians and Irish; so if you are not then why not?
The Bible commands ‘Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.’ (Psalm 37:8) It continues also to read in Hebrews, ‘See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.’ (12:15 NIV) There is always something for us to do in order to achieve all that God has in store. It does require us to be like His Son Jesus. And in doing so it is not being deceived, led by our emotions; and carrying on like crazy people or zombies.
As you make the choice to forgive your life will change. What I can tell you personally is that my eye color changed, my voice changed and my thoughts of my mother changed. I hated her for many years and now I love her like Jesus does. She is a child of God and for me to have fury toward her simply is not of God. It was a process although a process of release of the emotional turmoil and torment that I lived in for many years.
What I also can tell you is that most have no clue the depths of how to handle it. It’s not their fault though. The professionals are not trained in overcoming emotional issues through forgiveness and I didn’t know that either; because I didn’t know unforgiveness was my issue. And so if you want healing to the full it will require a way that once was conventional that now is considered extreme; yeah the Bible. Go figure that what works is demonized but these are the days and times we are in.
When you go before the Lord to deal with your forgiveness ask Him to heal your emotions, to remove the pain, the torment, the bitterness, the resentment, the rage, the hurt, the hostility, the indignation, the tears and then ask Him to fill you with His Holy Truth. Ask Him to remove the emotional flow of all those things to you and you will feel release. You will feel the chains drop. You will feel the flow of all things not of God. You will feel above all the healing and the presence of God Himself. And through that one act of obedience your life will forever be changed. And then when you are through with that; ask Him to bless those who have hurt you; and again your life will change through that one act of obedience. The best part; no pills, no copay. Nothing but you and God.
To bring Julie to your church or business to speak visit www.julieblair.com
For more about forgiveness and walking with Jesus watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
It’s interesting that the past is time gone by yet most people stay living there. It is evidenced by the lives they lead yet because most are living there no one sees it as abnormal. What is sad is that truly in our society was once was normal is no longer and the abnormal is normal; and that is not normal. Living in the past is not normal when the present and future are here and coming at a quicker rate! . The best news is that there is a way out!
You see; forgiveness in Christ frees you from your past and I thought I knew forgiveness. I ‘thought’ I forgave. I thought that just because I said the words that was it; you know like that blab it and grab it or spit it and get theology many ascribe to. But yet nothing changed and I knew it not. It wasn’t until I was faced with being required to forgive that things changed. Through the process of forgiving people I also had to forgive my past. That sounded like the strangest thing because the past is ‘time gone by’ yet it in grammatical terms is a ‘noun’ and it robbed me. My past was the enemy that came only to kill, steal and destroy. It did a number on my and what I did not know was that I was still allowing it to have its foothold on my current life. I was robbed of much in my childhood and when I learned what it meant to forgive the past it was like removing an ankle strap. Maybe you haven’t had my past although you have your own. It doesn’t matter if it’s regret over a career choice, situation with your parents where you don’t measure up; it doesn’t matter. It’s time to be free!
Forgiving the past is not easy. It is the letting go of what may be something painful to progress toward something wonderful; your future in Christ. You cannot have a full future in Christ living in unforgiveness of the past. You simply cannot. One will always win and the direction you look is the direction where you will live. And sure you can say you are looking forward; although if you are not aware that there are almost 40 symptoms of unforgiveness then you just may want to not be so quick to judge. I had to to learn that lesson to and it was hard; but pride comes before a fall. Don’t fall just inquire.
I encourage you to truly go before the Lord and inquire of Him. Ask Him if you need to forgive anyone or even your past. Don’t just take your own mind’s word for it as that is dumb; because remember it’s the same mind that gets you into trouble so thinking without the Lord that it will get you out is ridiculous. But go to Him. Let Him reveal to you and ask that He does so in a way that ‘you can understand’ so that you are free. You will be free to live the future ‘He’ has for you. You will be free from the traps of the past; and you will be free to be the real you that has been there all along. It will prove to be your biggest breakthrough without a doubt!
For more about forgiveness watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ M-F at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork. Stream live www.uanetwork.tv Listen to ‘Living in Forgiveness’ M-F 12pm CST in US dial 605-475-4426.
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Have you ever thought about your choices on any given day?
In these times to come the Bible tells us more will be boastful, lovers of self; self-seeking and on it goes. One only need to look at commercials and television programs or the politics and see it! The Narcissistic Personality Disorder is truly operating yet the good news is that He came to set the captives free! And one way to get free is to be obedient to God’s Word where it commands us to forgive. There are no conditions just do it if you want to live in the abundance that Christ died for.
As you spend more time in God’s Word your life will change. It will become about more than what you have made it to be thus far. It will be about a purpose that you cannot get to while living in unforgiveness. Why? Because unforgiveness is direct disobedience to Christ. It is separation from God and it blocks your hearing from Him. How can you get to the place of knowing your purpose when you are separated from the One who has it?
Forgiveness is about overcoming self to be more about Jesus. It is about removing the NPD from your life to make it about something bigger, better and life lasting.
For more about forgiveness and love watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork. Check your local listing. Stream live at www.uanetwork.tv
For prayer requests and free resources visit www.julieblair.com
Forgiveness should be the lifestyle of everyone; and especially for those who are followers of Christ. After all; it is Jesus that set the example. What must be understood is the importance of forgiveness in the life of a Believer so that in turn; the relationship with Christ that he or she has will be able to develop into what it should be and for His glory and Kingdom.
When viewed in its purest form forgiveness is only able to be given when the heart and mind are focused in the right arena. It is when the Believer says I will obey all of God’s Word; and not just what I want for today that fits how I feel. See; it is written clearly, ‘We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ’ in 2 Corinthians 10:5. (NIV) You will not find where it is do it sometimes or when you feel like it. For forgiveness to be what reigns; it must be through the application of a right and sound mind and decision of obedience to God and His Word with a willing heart.
When unforgiveness is the lifestyle for whatever reason; all people miss out. Individuals, families, communities and even nations miss out. Unforgiveness keeps people focused on themselves and not on the larger picture or even the fact that Jesus died on the Cross for each of our sins. Whether you like Jesus or know Him not; He still died for you. Any and all unforgiveness keeps people living in sickness, disease, turmoil; and torture. To stay living in unforgiveness simply means living in obedience, selfishness, and a myriad of other things with the foundation sin purely being rebellion.
Please understand that forgiveness is 1) a process, 2) not for the weak. It is for those who recognize that people are people and none are any different. It is for those who wish above all to be obedient to God for the expansion of His Kingdom. All make mistakes and all fall short of His glory. The important factor to recognize is that forgiveness is a pathway for restoration and reconciliation to Christ and that should be the most important focus for any Christian. Forgiveness may or may not lead to reconciliation and restoration with people; however, through obedience to God the way will always be made for what God intends.
As a result; not only does forgiveness heal and restore it is a demonstration of healing and obedience but also love toward oneself, for Jesus and for others. See, in Mark 12:30 it reads, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ If you live in unforgiveness you clearly are not demonstrating your love for Him because unforgiveness is the opposite of that. We continue to Mark 12:31 where it tells us, ‘The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.’ It is not possible to love others if you are not loving yourself. Unforgiveness not only limits your relationship with others, but yourself and obviously with Jesus. So long as there is a block within you- the block will be out of you as well. This hindrance is what reduces blessings from God but also any internal healthy relationships that are vitally important to growing God’s Kingdom.
It is vitally important that your life become one of forgiveness. This is not to say that what others may have done or not have done that wasn’t pleasing but rather harmful to you is acceptable. No. What it means is that you are demonstrating your love for Christ through forgiving. You are demonstrating your strength by living out in full what it means to be a Christian.You are being an example for others and that is vital for Christians to recognize. You are recognizing that while others are not perfect; neither are you. You are recognizing that not only has God will never leave you nor forsake you; He will give you the strength to do all things through Him who gives you strength. And that means you have it within you to forgive. You simply have to recognize the strength you have and the importance of what you give and receive when you forgive.
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