Have you ever noticed in society how much hatred there is toward women? And toward men? The resentment about everything and how much we objectify one another. Where did this come from? It started in Genesis if you must know the truth. You see; Adam and Eve were ‘Adam’ before the fall. It was after the fall that they became separate. And once separate everything changed.
Ever notice that men think women talk too much and men don’t listen? Sure right? Well; Adam lost everything when he listened to a woman; including his manhood. She was like the seductress in Proverbs and led him straight to the grave. Never mind it was God who ordered Adam to take care of everything in the garden right?
The woman lost her protector in the man and now women today see that men don’t protect them; so what do they need them for? They can do it all on their own and think they are oh so independent! The lack of respect for men has dwindled so much so that the New York Fashion Week has men parading in skirts! And all the while the enemy sits back and laughs at how stupid people are!
The good news is that there is a solution. There is. It’s Jesus. He came to set the captives free and that means free! It is through Him we can love, forgive, be restored; and cherish and respect one another. It is through Him that all things can be done- the impossible possible! It is through Him that lives will be changed and it starts with you making the choice today to give up your false ideas, your false independence, that pride, that fake strength; and all the other pretenses you live by that you don’t hide very well.
It’s time to step it up and live like you are worth something- because you are. You are worthy of the Sonship that comes with being a Son of the King Most High. It’s time to repent and seek forgiveness of the treatment of disrespect of men and the hatred of women; so that times of refreshing may come. And we can look around society and see that we need refreshing!
Ask yourself this: If Jesus treated you the way you treat others where would you be?
Listen and watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ daily at 12pm & 9:30pm CST.
Society is full of distractions. It’s easy to get caught up in them. Politics, Hollywood breakups; guns, Superbowl, the agendas that don’t nee any further life given to them. You get the idea. I’m sure you have your special ones too.
Recognize that the more time spent talking and arguing about things doesn’t solve anything. More often it separates people and if you are the one who doesn’t agree well; you are the racist, the bigot, the homophobe or whatever new name they want to call it. Still put it’s interesting that one’s opinion can be put into a label of intolerance yet if people were truly walking in tolerance they would be tolerant of anyone’s opinions regardless of what they are. Yet we are still called to love; and to walk in forgiveness. Period. There is no way around those two commands if you say you are a Christian. And the argument of whatever is the hot topic for the day doesn’t change anything now does it? Think about that? What does the engagement in debate of topic really do for anyone? Prove no on is right? Well that’s a solid investment of time right?!
For me it was the love of the argument really about anything-and much of it political. I was actually the oddball Christian teaching at secular colleges who didn’t back down and some hated me for it but I didn’t care. I had an opinion and would stop at nothing to share it; thinking that anyone cared to hear it. But you see; no lives changed. No one was right. And today; people fall into the same trap. How many arguments are on twitter and facebook of people arguing over this and that? And people get overemotional and call people names because of what? A difference of opinion? Sure because high blood pressure is worth it right? Seriously; think about it.
We need to see it’s a ploy by the enemy. It’s so simple yet millions fall for it not even seeing it and in the end; they are changed and for the worse. No hearts were won for Christ. Nothing; just the enemy sitting back laughing the whole way- watching. He watches Christians think in all their intellect that it’s cool to call out other ministries for whatever material possessions they have; great way to unite Christians right? Get them fighting! Then he sits back and laughs at the debates of race, politics; and who may or may not have ever said something that was or wasn’t a lie and that no one could ever change their mind in 20 years and if they did that too is a lie and all the sudden it’s viral! And now millions of people hate one another; time is lost and Jesus is left standing waiting for someone to want to talk to Him. Yeah reflect on that for a moment. Just a moment before you log back in to facebook and see what the Donald is up to. Do you see it? Do you see it?
When you get distracted by arguing over the things of current day you are missing the point. You are missing that the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy and every minute you give in you are losing ground. And in some cases, your life, your family; your soul. It’s time we wake up and start doing something that will be a solution and not the problem. And the first place to start is with Jesus and in prayer.
Did you know that through love and obedience in Christ in all things you will inherit the Kingdom? Yep. But if you choose to ignore His ways and teachings then you miss out. You will not inherit anything but what you deserve. Period. Tough lesson but it’s the reality of what happens when you disregard God and His Word.
I missed out on for a long time. I thought I was doing right by going to church. I didn’t grow up in the church I grew up in the world. And so it was just show up on Sunday with your best clothes on. That is what I knew.
I went to the bar Saturday night and I thought I was cool setting my midnight curfew and then church on Sunday. It’s what everyone else did so why not? It doesn’t matter what city you are in; it’s the same. I didn’t realize it until I moved and saw it. Dallas is no different than Denver is no different than Seattle; no different than Nova Scotia. Churchgoers all around yet where is the power and authority in Christ? Where is the love? Where is the forgiveness? Where is the obedience to all of God’s Word? I thought those 2 hours a week would really get me to the fullness of Christ- NOT! There was no fruit; there can’t be. It’s like straddling a wooden fence and thinking you won’t get splinters.
I was told years later if I wanted radical change in my life and relationship with Jesus it would require 40+ hours per week; and the man that told me wasn’t kidding. I didn’t know what that meant or how 40 hours would work out with hockey season starting and all. I wasn’t sure how I would endure all of it but I chose and it was worth it. Beyond anything I can tell you!
You must choose. You must adopt the full lifestyle of being a follower of Jesus if you claim you are; otherwise you are making everyone else and yourself look like idiots. It’s not a very good witness and I know you know you that. I know that you may not know what to do with yourself if you don’t go the bar; and in Dallas I get it. But it’s everywhere and the choice is still yours. Why not choose the better thing? Jesus is better than a night at the bar. He’s better with you alone anywhere than you with some stranger who’s name you don’t know. He is better than anything you could have experienced with anyone around you; and He is waiting for more of that just with you. With you; no pretense just you and Him.
You see time is running out. Look around. It is really running out and you don’t want to miss out all because you thought the scotch tasted good and he or she was attractive. You don’t want to miss out for one more sale that isn’t going to really get you the dream job that you already know won’t make you happy. Time is running out. Make the choice for what is most important. In the end you can’t take your career, BMW 3 series of Christian Louboutin’s with you. But you can take the love of Jesus with you!
For more about love and forgiveness watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork. Stream live at www.uanetwork.tv or watch on Roku or On-Demand.
If you look around you may notice things changing; and rapidly. During this time you don’t want to less forgiveness pass you by. No unforgiveness is like the thief in the night and if you are not careful you will lose your life. And you are worth more than dying from unforgiveness; don’t you think?
You see; it’s easy to be unforgiving. Society makes it so easy. The State of Oklahoma recently removed the 10 Commandments, in Los Angeles just yesterday the streets were blocked by muslims because it was their prayer time. And if that isn’t enough the people who made the videos outting Planned Parenthood are being indicted. Statues of former presidents are being removed because some find them offensive and on it goes. And still; we must forgive. Forgive before it’s too late. We must love and love before it’s too late.
It is vital to recognize the ploy of the enemy. It simply stated in scripture is to kill, steal and destroy. If you are not on the offense living in forgiveness then by default you are on the defense and trust me; that is no way to live! The thing you must know is that once you live in forgiveness you don’t ever want to go back to living any other way; regardless of what buildings are burning or who is killing whom around you. You will recognize that your heart and the heart of others is too precious. You will recognize the love of Jesus is far greater than you could have ever imagined. You will stand firm on the Word of God regardless of what someone else thinks or attempts to force you to do. You will not be swayed-no not you.
And so on this day recognize that things are changing. The stock market is moving, the color of America is not what it once was and the world may be getting smaller but it doesn’t mean it’s a better place. But rest assured when you live in forgiveness in Christ there is no weapon formed against you that will stand. But; if you choose to be disobedient it will not only impact you but those around you and now is the time for us to impacting the lives of others and not infecting them. We have enough infection it’s time to be filled with forgiveness and love and hope for that future we all have and while we still can.
For more about forgiveness and love in abundance watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CT. Stream live at www.uanetwork.tv Watch also On-Demand and Roku.
Failed relationships are not uncommon among people. They change, grow apart, find new interests, move; and a myriad of other things. While statistics continue to reveal that in marital relationships; the divorce rate continues to increase although there is much debate as the cause. The current divorce rate for first time marriage is higher than 50% while for second or third marriage it is said to be even higher.
Many will say that the cause for divorce is marriage which is true; however, it is much deeper than most people will discuss or even recognize. The rate for couples going their separate ways after living common law is also increasing since more people are choosing to cohabitate compared to getting married. Toss into the mix the number of homosexuals who get involved in intimate relationships and additional statistics will reveal more broken relationships. The reasons? The so called relationships experts will claim the proverbial lack of communication, trust, times are changing, financial reasons; and more. While all of these may contribute; not one of them is the hidden core that is left un-investigated. In parent-child relationships it too is evident. Yes the problems may not be the same; however, the outcome still desecrates the lives of those who unknowingly let it.
It is the one killer of relationships that contaminates more people than cancer. It breeds to every area of a person’s life and causes much internal struggle, selfishness, rage, envy, control, bitterness and resentment. It takes no prisoners and it destroys lives through every thought, action; and future behavior. It breaks people down and tortures their lives beyond their wildest imagination. It is one thing that no pill or chemotherapy can cure. It is something so small that can change one’s life in a matter of seconds to the detriment of everyone involved. It ruins lives without fail or hesitation to unsuspecting victims who are too focused on themselves to see what is actually taking their lives. What it is? It is un-forgiveness.
Un-forgiveness is very unforgiving in the pain that it is known to cause. Not only does un-forgiveness wreck havoc on a person spiritually; its physical manifestation is clear for all to see. Unforgiveness has been defined by Worthington and colleagues (Worthington, Sandage,& Berry, 2000; Worthington & Wade, 1999) as a combination of delayed negative emotions (i.e., resentment, bitterness, hostility, hatred, anger, and fear) toward a transgressor. It is clear to understand in this definition how the negative emotions lead to negative thoughts as well as negative or even criminal behaviors. Yes the almost 40 symptoms of un-forgiveness cause one to behave in a manner contrary to the Word of God; however, it is the un-forgiveness that is the root to the internal problem that destroys lives. In addition; for the Christian the consequences are much deeper with a much higher price to pay. Matthew 6:14-15 reads: “
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (KJV)
There are a few words that must be further discussed in order to truly understand the importance of this message. The first word to understand is ‘if’ because this places the responsibility on the person who needs to forgive. To be obedient to Christ this means that forgiveness is a command not an option for a rainy day. ‘If’ a person forgives ‘then’ he or she will be forgiven. It is also important to note that there are over 176 places in the Bible where ‘If you then I’ are stated. There is no way around obedience to Christ through being unforgiving toward anyone for their actions. And if you want healthy, sustainable, godly relationships, family, community and society then it starts with you; and it starts with you living in forgiveness.
Love in today’s society must reign. it doesn’t matter what part of the world or who you are. Love must reign. It must if we intend to live as Christians. And in these times; we must stand in accordance with God’s Word to love our neighbors regardless of what we think of them. We must love and be prepared in and out of season to walk and live in love.
In a recent conversation; I listened to a story about a group of people were discouraged and disappointed after studying and watching to learn about the Shemitah, the blood moons; and other various things that were expected to take place.
These people followed along intently and believed all the words spoken and all the concepts taught; and waited for what would occur. Sounds great right? Except; it didn’t. The expected calamity did not strike on the day or the days that were prophecied. As a result; the group was left with a bitter taste in their mouths.
Situations like this are not uncommon; they are just not probably talked about daily at the dinner table. It is one though that leads us all to be prepared and in a way that only is in love.
You see; you can be the best prepper and listen to this alleged prophet or that and have every study guide and 2,000 rounds of ammo but if you have no love for your neighbor you have nothing. What do you think you will do when calamity strikes and you instead of love; hate? What will happen to not only your neighbor but to you as well? If you allow yourself to get discouraged by one person then what will happen when there are three or four or more that have a false word? There can be no room for anything but love; and love for another.
No one is doubting that these are tough times for the world. One doesn’t need bifocals or binoculars to see it. It’s here. Look around. Some are looking for that specific date except the largest clue that is evident when Jesus spoke these words in Matthew 25:13: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (NIV) The search to know this or that instead of focusing on love and hearing from God will only serve as a distraction and right now; who needs more distractions?
It is time that in order to know and be in the know that it isn’t about this person teaching or speaking that; but the Almighty God speaking directly to you. Period. When you get to a place of hearing directly from Him and in love- you will be more prepared for anything than you can possibly imagine.
Forgiveness is a command. It is a way of life that brings peace, restoration, healing and much more that each person will experience through the lifestyle of forgiveness. While there are the commonly known ’10 Commandments’ there are also others that are important to note.
The most relevant for discussion is reviewed in Matthew 18-21-22 “Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” What is of utmost importance in these scriptures is not the fact that Peter asked the questions in the first place as most would think. The most important and unnoticed point is that Peter already knew he was to forgive! Yes he knew what he was supposed to do; although it may appear that he too struggled with it because he too was just a man.
Forgiveness and the command to do it is not the shock for most; it is the fact that they actually have to that is where life gets tricky! It is the letting go of the emotions of pain, anger, hurt, resentment, and myriad of others that take poll position. In the position of Peter; he already knew that his brothers would sin against him. He already knew that it would be more than one time and for more than one thing. He knew. He again is no different than you or me. Do you not know that people are all alike and all fall short of His glory? With this; it then should make simple the mere fact that people are going to make mistakes; no different than you or me.
Through forgiveness and it being a lifestyle; it will help deter the attack from the enemy when there is pain. You see; if you are on the offense in forgiveness; when others come against you in some form or fashion you will know how to handle it properly. It is when there is no proper understanding in place that when a situation brings a blind-side to your life that you won’t have to take longer to heal and recover from. You will already know and will be on the offense. Does it mean there will be no pain? Certainly not. But what it is does mean is that like Peter; you must know that pain and hurt will come and that forgiveness will be required.
This is why it is imperative to be on the side of God and know His Word so that when times of pain come; you are equipped to stand firm on His Word and believe and accept that He will never leave you or forsake you. This is why it too is important to understand and grasp forgiveness so that you are able to be obedient to the command in God’s Word and also live in the freedom that it provides. If not; the consequences will be in abundance and leave you living in lack overall with a reduced quality of life. And that certainly is not one that is befitting of a Christian who is expected to live in the authority of Jesus Christ.
People today are no different. We all already know we need to forgive; however, as a result of God being God His Word provides everyone who has ears to hear and eyes to see with the ability to know His Word and be able to follow all the commands in it. God provides the instruction, direction and outcome of all of His Word. There is not one answer not provided for in His Word. Forgiveness is one such a command that has everything inclusive of it for the act to be delivered and the rewards that come through and with it.
What must be understood is that regardless of what other people think or do; obedience to His Word should and must reign supreme for all Believers. Forgiveness is not the excusing of any act or behavior but rather a display of an act of the command to forgive. And to be obey is better than to sacrifice.
There is much going on in the world today. Your world; my world. The world that neither of us are in. It’s all changing and the time is now to be prepared. The time is now. Apostle Paul makes it clear that we must be prepared. We must be prepared in and out of season; but what exactly is the ‘in’ season? What is the ‘out’ season? If you look carefully isn’t any season you are in the the ‘in’ season? Therefore by deduction you must be prepared at all times in all ways for all things. You must be. But in what way? All ways.
We must first prepare our hearts to live in love and forgiveness. There is no way other than this. You cannot wait for a disaster to strike to love and reach out to your neighbor. You must now. You must fill your heart with love and forgiveness overrunning.
We must stand firm in faith. If you struggle ask for more faith. The disciples did. They knew they needed an increase in measure. Why? Because in order to forgive they would need faith. Luke 17:4-5 is clear: Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” (NIV) Ironic too that they needed faith to forgive. Do you? Ask and receive!
Now while standing firm in faith in the Lord is one thing; it too requires action. Remember that faith without works is dead so when it appears the world may be falling apart around you what are you doing to be prepared so that you can stand and not fall faint of hunger? You must be able to stand as how can you help your brothers and sisters in need? It is not time to be dependent upon others but upon the Lord so that you can be of service to others on His behalf.
It got me thinking to say the least. How prepared am I? What do I need to be prepared for? What is my faith level? What is in my heart? Not only this; what is in my pantry? You see; we must be prepared and in all ways. Winter is here are you ready?
In Colorado growing up people were prepared for winter. It was normal life. People had gardens and the crops were canned for winter. It was life. That was the norm. Those of you who grew up in climates similar can relate I’m sure. The blizzard of 1982 was one such example. It came on Christmas Eve. It’s not one people soon forget. The other ones that people still talk about are 1997 where in Coal Creek Canyon 56″ of snow was reported in less than 12 hours. In 2003 people were snowed in for at minimum 5 days. Because some cities outlawed driving people skied to the nearest grocery store; before everything was shut down. How ingenious right? Yep wear a backpack and ski to the market. You do what it takes and have what you need in order to complete the task. You can’t drive and for me that year I didn’t get out for more than 5 days. Nothing like being snow bound!
Living in climates like Denver people have 4-wheel drive vehicles- and they moreso know how to drive in the conditions too. In most cities across America; people aren’t equipped for such weather as snow and ice; or even cold. We can look around and see the weather changing and vastly. Many talk about global warming yet it’s been the opposite so figure that one out. So are you prepared? Some say living in Texas the weather is changing daily. At least it’s daily. Other places it’s hourly! I remember in Denver laying out at the pool in the morning and by evening experiencing 2″ of snow. In other words have sunscreen and hot chocolate handy every day. Even in July you can get snowed in the foothills in as I’ve experienced that too.
In reflection of a few things that would be necessary for survival is one that has thinking I need to step up my game. Dallas is different and regardless of where I live or where you live; you must be prepared. You don’t want to be cold and bitter now do you? See; grocery stores only have supplies for three days. Three days! What if the weather is so bad that the power is out longer than that? Or what if where you live the weather is ok but where the goods come from the weather isn’t? What if the weather is so bad that the trucks can’t even get to your city to deliver the products you need? What then would you do? It occurs to me that there are some things I need to take care of. It’s not like I will be able to just use my cell phone and order pizza. And if I could the two hour wait for it to arrive cold may not be the best either. So it’s best to just be prepared. Love, forgive and have extra toilet paper.
A few things to think about to be prepared are:
1- Water. Of course everyone needs water so this goes without say. If you start now stocking up on water then you are set for drinking but what about the other areas of your life? What about showering, cooking, or anything else. Don’t you need to be able to flush the toilet so you may need more water? It takes about one gallon to fill the tank so keep some on hand just in case. If you have the drinking water do you really want to pour that down the toilet? The large blue containers you can fill up with a few gallons of tap water and then store them in the garage so you have something. You wouldn’t want to store your drinking water in the heat in the garage as it will only take more like plastic than it already does. One thing I do is fill a gallon of water from the shower while I am waiting for it to heat. Yes it’s that much! The other thing I do is keep another gallon jug by the kitchen sink so that while I am waiting for hot water I collect all the cold water. I use that to fill my dog’s water bowl and to water plants. Why pay money for it to go down the drain?
2- Food. Of course you have to eat and because you may not have electricity or know when it will be restored you definitely have to plan. I remember during the Superbowl when Green Bay played in Dallas during that week I had no electricity for a day. Needless to say it was cold from the ice storm. No one can drive on ice and keeping warm is obviously priority along with eating. Think about what you would eat for more than just one meal. What is your daily food consumption now? How long will the food in the refrigerator and freezer last? How would you prepare it? During the aftermath of Hurricane Ike many people grilled all their meat from the freezer since they had no electricity. I was told years ago to take old water bottles and fill them with water but not all the way full and then store them in the freezer for occasions just like this. Perhaps a few MRE’s and other items should be accounted for before it’s too late. Foods high in protein and require no cooking are the most obvious. Plan for additional foods for the children and infants in your family. Not only this; how often do people eat out of boredom? Planning now will help you know what you have so your level of irritability won’t be so high. The last thing you want is to get stuck with a Costco size container of old stale cheese balls.
3- Paper items. Toilet paper, napkins and other items are good to have on hand. Nothing would be worse than the last roll of toilet paper! Because water supply is limited doing dishes won’t be easy using paper products can serve the purpose. Count for how much toilet paper you use per month then perhaps an extra month supply would be good. Obviously if you are single you use less than a family of five; but still that is the last thing you want to run out of. One opened item of anything is never enough!
4- Protection. It’s wise to be able to defend yourself in all seasons. Bad guys are everywhere. While we must walk and live in love and forgiveness we must be wise too. Keeping current with firearms training and having ammunition is just prudent. My CHL is current and being proficient in using it doesn’t take much time out of my life. It’s just one of those things that is no different than taking care of the laundry or baking cookies.
5- Toiletries. As I said before an opened anything is never enough. Are you at the bottom of the shampoo bottle? Last roll of the toothpaste? What then if you run out before the weather clears and your store is restocked. How terrible would it be to not be able to brush your teeth for a few days or weeks?
6- Lighting. Candles of course can work just great; but how many would you need to use for light and warmth? When I look around my town home I see 20ft ceilings with an open floor plan which means all the warmth going everyone else except to me. I would need to get creative with where I would spend my time because I obviously don’t want to waste my candles. My personal idea is pretty simple. My bathroom is a decent size and is closed in so it would make the most sense to set up shop in there. I would set up an air mattress in the bathtub and that room would be the warmest with less heat escaping. I would roll a towel in front of the door so that no heat could escape; or at least very little. Sitting on the air mattress also gets me off the floor where it isn’t warm. Because my dining room, kitchen, living room; and bedroom all have windows using candles simply would be better in the bathroom. GE sells the LED lanterns that take D batteries so for 20 bucks I have light and with my candles have warmth. Don’t forget the matches or lighters. I have a fireplace that was one thought although the bathroom would still provide better options for longer warmth because the heat could be contained.
7- Pet food and supplies. You can’t let your pet go hungry now can you? Of course not! My Olive needs her food too. How much does your pet consume daily? What about flea, tick or heart worm medicine? Having these items on hand will only help you better protect your animal. Perhaps a few extra treats or raw hide bones would serve as a distraction from the situation. You may also think about a dog sweater or sweatshirt. While most with the purse dogs spend more on these items; your lab or Great Dane may need one too!
8-Prescriptions. While it’s easy to call the pharmacist to place the prescription order on most days; you most likely wouldn’t have phone service to make the call or be able to get to that location to purchase it. Having enough supply on hand is wise as you would have to have your mother or child suffer those consequences! Or better yet; have essential oils and recipes on hand. Sure it may be great to think you can hop online to find those recipes; except if you have no power for any length of time is this realistic?
9- Extra glasses or contacts. If it’s dark and you lose a pair of glasses now you are stuck. Stuck using your light to go search in the cold of the night to find them when if you had an extra pair in an easy to find location you would be just fine. You would hate to harbor unforgiveness toward yourself for not taking care of this oh; years ago when your spouse mentioned it. You don’t want to hear the proverbial ‘I told you so’. This is one thing on my list without a doubt! I’ve never lost a pair but that doesn’t mean an extra pair wouldn’t be beneficial. I’m also learning that too many things that can be done tomorrow can wreck havoc on it too! Tomorrow eventually becomes today so why not just do it now?
10- Blankets & Down Comforters. If you happen to be like many bachelors you may just have your sheet and comforter that you sometimes use; or even perhaps you have the old quilt from someone years ago. Having enough blankets to keep you warm is a definite! If you hold up in one room you can always use one at the base of the door to keep any heat from escaping; or the towel as I mentioned. My favorite is my down comforter; although I have two other bed sets and numerous other blankets that I have picked up along the way. When buying a down comforter buy the one that has the most ounces of down per square. It may cost more although it is the best purchase you can make! I have had mine for almost 20 years and it is one item I don’t ever see myself parting with. This one item that can definitely serve it’s purpose. Of course if you have the sleeping bag that you use for those hunting excursions those will work just fine. Always keep blankets on hand because you can use them to create a bed in case and that will generate heat as well for you. You can also use the blankets to cover windows in addition to draperies as that will help keep the warmth in.
11- Generator. Sure you may not want to spare the expense of a few hundred bucks and no one blames you; except for someone who told you to buy one years ago. For those who like to really be prepared it may be the best way to go. While others may be suffering; those with the generators wouldn’t lose any power so perhaps it is something to consider.
While there are many other items to include like salt for the driveway or front steps, sturdy ice scraper; and a prepared mentality this is a good start. More people die in the cold of winter and the number of people who die from unforgiveness is evident too. Just be prepared by forgiving, loving and ensuring that you are able to take care of yourself. When that day comes you will be glad you did!
The most important command in the Bible is clear; and it’s serious. The command to love they neighbor it is written in Mark 12:31 ‘The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Interesting isn’t it? You may have grown up hearing it but not now where it comes from. I ask again- do you really love your neighbor? It seems in our society that we love twitter, we love a great shoe sale or Duke basketball; even when they miss a championship here or there. But do we love the obese man next door? Do we love the African American across the? Do we love the homosexual couple? Or do we just think we are speaking a good idea in theory?
See; all too often we interact with people and base whether we like them on political stances instead of the people themselves. You like more Democrats if you are one and well; Republicans too like their kind. The Bible is clear to love and missing that means we miss the entire point. Remember it was Jesus at the well speaking to the woman out of love. It was Jesus that died for your sins and for mine; and if you ever claim to be a follower of Christ but have no love then are you truly His follower? Everyone wants to be accepted for who they are and right where they are. Don’t you? The good news is that you are if you merely look to Jesus.
Today I ask you: “Are you loving your neighbor?” Are you living in the land of love or are you too busy judging others because they are not the size 2, driving the vehicle that you think is cool, or drinking your favorite beer? They don’t agree with your stance on refugees or Donald Trump and therefore you are just not ok with them. Are you forcing tolerance in the name of tolerance while being intolerant yourself? Are you looking down on someone because they don’t attend your 40k member mega-church? Or better yet; judging those ministers publicly because of something you think they stand for instead of realizing that in love you cover a multitude of sins? It is simply not the place of any of us to judge anyone as that in and of itself is sin. Who is anyone to look at the life and path of another and condemn them? Am I not just as guilty for the sins I have committed? Sin is sin and we have to remember that. Sure the outcome may be different but that simply is not the point for this moment.
It’s amazing how many don’t realize the magnificent and the magnitude of the words Jesus spoke before His death: ‘Forgive them Father for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34) and how true it is! People are hurting by their sins so why judge them even more?
I remember a few years ago I was walking out of a store and a strange gentleman asked me my plans for the evening. I replied ‘none’ and his reply was ‘oh another beautiful lady home on a Friday night.’ Ouch! What I saw though was that the pretty ladies are judged for their looks just as much as the not so pretty ladies; whatever they even look like. In the end- all are home alone on a Friday night and still be judged. And that’s not cool!
We are only called to love our neighbors. It’s that simple. None of us know the specific path that someone has been through. We just don’t. Know one has walked my journey with me except for Jesus and the same is for you. I will be dealt with on Judgment Day as will all of us whether we believe it or; like it or not or want it or not. Through all of this so long as we hold over those who we believe are more sinful than ourselves we are simply playing God. It is not up to any of us to place ourselves in that position as what we think today may be different tomorrow. It is only our responsibility and duty to reach out and love our neighbors and demonstrate that love so that others can see the light and forever be changed. It is our duty to love. And through forgiveness more love will come.
When you live your life a certain way you get accustomed to it. When you live life in unforgiveness you grow accustomed to it. You know what it’s like; it’s predictable. Those who know you know how you will respond; the flareups and all. How life is after unforgiveness is different and in many ways. I didn’t realize just how different my life would be once I forgave and saw that I was an overcomer. That in and of itself was true victory! Amazing that a simple revelation is more life changing that moving to a new home or getting a promotion; but for me yes it was and still is.
When you forgive you change. You are never the same praise God! But sure you can recognize that but what does it mean? I have blogged about how life is not the same, your relationships are not the same and pretty much nothing is as it was in the past. But what about it is different? Let me share.
When you recognize as a Believer the authority you carry with the name of Jesus you have more power than you can imagine. When you live in unforgiveness this is simply not possible. Why? Because you are living defeated! Unforgiveness is one of the greatest ploys of the enemy to ruin lives and it works. My prayer for you today in the name of Jesus is that you see it; and that you break free in His name!
When I forgave all those people on NYE 2005/6 I felt different. My eye color changed and my voice changed. What else changed was the power in how I spoke. No longer was it the snippy, cold, attack but a soft boldness of power. The pain that was behind it was no longer. The power of love in Christ was instead in its place.
Once I understood the depths of forgiveness according to God’s Word; I started seeing life different. My life and ways of old were of no more. My heart for people changed. I felt an inner compassion like that of Christ that I never felt before; in ways that I couldn’t ever feel being unforgiving. What I wanted to do for people changed. And the biggest change was how I saw my mother. Before forgiveness I hated her. I really did. She was this disgusting person who made choices that wrecked my life. And I hated her. But once I forgave her I saw her as a precious child of God. My heart sang songs of love and lilies in the midst of a sunshiny Sunday. Life is precious. God became and still becomes more amazing with each passing day- because His love and the love of His Son is ever present. He will never leave us or forsake us and because His Word ‘never’ returns void that means it was true for me- and for you too.
And so life after overcoming unforgiveness bred a buffet of goodness that I never experienced before. Now don’t get me wrong; forgiving my biological mother was one thing but there were others that did even much much more damage to me than she did; and much deeper. The best news is that I thank God that I learned how to forgive so that I could continue to stay on the God path of forgiveness. I had to. I still have to. And so do you if you want the fullness of Him. It’s a command in God’s Word.
Through it all it’s what I see that has changed the most. People are people; and I am no different. I accept them more in more Christlike ways.I accept myself too. Now does it mean I live in tolerance of all things not of Christ. Nope. I stand on God’s Word and all of it; although it’s the love for people that I have in my heart that I didn’t before. I couldn’t. Unforgiveness doesn’t allow it.
The direction of my life changed entirely. The purpose and call on my life became more clear; and it will for you too. Unforgiveness is a blessing blocker. It blocks you from seeing, your heart from loving; your soul from receiving.
Life after unforgiveness is different in that its open. Open to more of He who created ‘you’ special for your special assignment. It brought purpose in ways that I never could have imagined; and bigger too. For the first time ever in my life after overcoming unforgiveness I was able to dream; and believe. For the first time I was able to see and fully a life filled with hope and amazement.
Through it all I can share this and much much more with you. I know what life is like in living in full unforgiveness; and living in full forgiveness. I know all of what comes with both and while forgiveness is a process, or journey some will say; it’s one that you want to go through. I don’t need to look back. And neither do you. You simply need to go through it. You simply need to to get to the other side. You need to experience life in a different way. And that is a life of forgiveness.