Three Reasons to Forgive

In Colossians 3:13 I read, “Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (NLT)

The Bible says there are three reasons I have to let go of my past and forgive the people who’ve hurt me. And those reasons have nothing to do with whether those people deserve it or not.

1. I have to forgive those who’ve hurt me because God has forgiven me. Colossians 3:13 says, “Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (NLT). If I want to be a forgiving person, I first need to accept the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. The Bible says God came to Earth in human form in Jesus in order to forgive everything that’s ever been done wrong. He paid for those wrongs so I don’t have to. That’s Good News.

2. I have to forgive those who’ve hurt me because, otherwise, resentment will control me. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Only fools get angry quickly and hold a grudge” (CEV). Resentment makes me miserable. It keeps me stuck in the past. And when I’m stuck in the past, I’m controlled by the past. Every time I resent something, I let that thing control me. I may even be allowing people who hurt me five, 10, or even 20 years ago to still hurt me today because of resentment. Don’t let that continue to happen. My past is past. I’ve got to let it go.

3. I have to forgive those who’ve hurt me because I’m going to need more forgiveness in the future. Jesus said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV). Forgiveness is a two-way street. I can’t receive what I’m unwilling to give. Don’t burn the bridge I need to walk across to get into heaven.

In summary, the Lord forgave me, so I must forgive others. God’s word tells me there are three reasons I have to let go of my past and forgive the people who’ve hurt me. And those reasons have nothing to do with whether those people deserve it or not. I have to forgive those who’ve hurt me because: 1). God has forgiven me. God came to Earth in human form in Jesus in order to forgive everything that’s ever been done wrong. 2). Resentment will control me and make my life miserable. It keeps me stuck in the past. And when I’m stuck in the past, I’m controlled by the past. Every time I resent something, I let that thing control me. 3). I’m going to need more forgiveness in the future. Forgiveness is a two-way street. I can’t receive what I’m unwilling to give. So don’t burn the bridge I need to walk across to get into heaven.

The key to me forgiving others is remembering how much God has forgiven me. Is it difficult to forgive, when God has forgiven me so much. If I keep in mind and realize God's infinite love and forgiveness, it can help me love and forgive others. Let God worry about the wrongs I've suffered. Don't quench my life in bitter feuding; live renewed in love and joy. I must be willing to forgive when I feel I’ve been hurt or attacked. Father, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day and activities, my interactions with others, for my future job role preparation and for leading a small group. These things I ask in your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

How to Strengthen My Faith

In Psalm 27:13 I read, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” (NASB)

Any major crisis in my life has the potential to shake my faith. But the opposite can be true too. If I let it, my faith can carry me through a crisis.

King David suffered great loss, including the loss of a child. After these crises in his life, he wrote in Psalm 27:13, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” (NASB). In David’s darkest time, only his belief in God’s goodness kept him going.

The same can be true for myself. Even when life feels unbearable, believe that God is good. Even when everything is going wrong, believe that God’s goodness can pull me through. Believe that God’s plan for my life is greater than the problem I’m going through.

How do I get this kind of faith? I can get it from God’s Word, and from the encouragement of faithful friends.

If I know the Bible well, I’m going to have great faith. If I know the Bible a little, I’m going to have a little faith. If I don’t know the Bible at all, I’m not going to have any faith.

There are more than 7,000 promises made to me in the Bible? But I can’t claim them if I don’t know them. If I want to increase my faith so I’m able to handle the rough winds of life, get to know the Bible through study, meditation, and memorization.

Then, as my faith in God’s goodness grows, I can share my faith with my friends when they are going through a crisis. Friends strengthen friends’ faith.

In summary, be confident that I will see the Lord’s goodness while I’m here on earth. Any major crisis in my life has the potential to shake my faith. But, if I let it, my faith can carry me through it. King David suffered great loss, and wrote about it in Psalm 27. In David’s darkest time, only his belief in God’s goodness kept him going. The same can be true for myself. When life feels unbearable, believe that God is good. When everything is going wrong, believe that God’s goodness can pull me through. Believe that God’s plan for my life is greater than the problem I’m going through. My increase in faith comes from God’s Word, and from the encouragement of faithful friends. I’m told there are more than 7,000 promises made to me in the Bible? But I can’t claim them if I don’t know them. If I want to increase my faith so I’m able to handle the rough winds of life, I need to get to know the Bible through study, meditation, and memorization. As my faith in God’s goodness grows, I can share it with my friends when they are going through a crisis.

God offers help for today and hope for my future. Unwavering confidence and faith in God will be my antidote to coping with my trials. I can trust in the Lord with all my heart, when I bring him into it he will guide me and provide comfort. I ask Father for wisdom guidance in my daily activities, leadership and interaction with others. I will look at your promises as I face trials, knowing that you only have the best in mind for me. These things I ask and pray through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Don’t Give Up on God’s Dream

In Galatians 6:9 I read, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (NIV)

Failure is never final. I’m never a failure until I quit, and it’s always too soon to quit!

You can’t determine a person’s greatness by their talent, wealth, or education. Rather, it can be determined by what it takes to discourage them.

So what does it take to discourage me from going after my dream? It may be as simple as a friend or family member telling me, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

The Bible says in Galatians 6:9 tells me to, “...not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time I will reap a harvest if I do not give up” (NIV).

God says, “Just keep on keeping on and never quit or give up.”

God works in my life according to my faith. The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV) and “Whatsoever is not of faith, is sin” (Romans 14:23 GNV) and “According to your faith . . . it will be done to you” (Matthew 9:29 AMP).

So what am I doing in faith? I need to ask this every day when I get up, “God, what can I do today that will require faith?” Then spend my day listening for and obeying God’s answer to that question. When I do, then my life will be pleasing to him.

There are a lot of things in my life I don’t have control over. I can’t control who my parents are, when I was born, or what my race or nationality is. I can’t control what gifts and talents I was given.

But I do have complete control over how much I choose to believe God.

God will use people who expect him to act, who never give up, who take risks in faith, who get his dream and go after it. It’s my choice whether I want to be the kind of person God uses to accomplish his purpose.

In summary, I should not become weary in doing good. For at the proper time I will reap a harvest if I do not give up.” I’m never a failure until I quit. You can determine a person’s greatness by seeing what it takes to discourage them. So what does it take to discourage me? In today’s verse God says, “Just keep on keeping on and never quit or give up.” What I’m learning is that God will work in my life according to my faith. The Bible tells me that, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” “According to my faith... it will be done to me”. So what am I doing in faith? Ask each day when I get up, “What can I do today that will require faith?” Then spend my day listening for and obeying God’s answer. When I do, my life will be pleasing to him. In my life there are lots of things that I don’t have control over. But I do have complete control over how much I choose to believe God. God will use people who expect him to act, who never give up, who take risks in faith, who get his dream and go after it. It’s my choice whether I want to be the kind of person God uses..

It can be discouraging to continue to do right and receive no word of thanks or see no tangible results. Paul challenges me to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results. In due time, I will reap a harvest of blessing. I’m allowing my current situation to discourage me. I don’t really like how I feel about what I’m doing in my work. I need to accept God’s grace and to give it away. I need to trust in God and ask what I can do today that will require faith. Father, I ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my future job role and leading the small group. I ask these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

It’s Time to Confess: My Way Isn’t Working I

n Luke 5:4-5 I read, “When [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’” (NIV)

Think about how hard it must have been for Simon Peter to admit failure to Jesus. He was a professional fisherman, and he was good at it. It was how he made his living. But sometimes even the pros fish all night and catch nothing.

Does my life sometimes feel the same way? Sometimes my best isn’t good enough, and sometimes I face situations out of my control. I can’t control the economy. I can’t control the weather. I can’t control a lot of things that affect my life.

So what do I do when I keep trying hard in my work but just don’t have much to show for it?

First, I need to get Jesus in my boat. In other words, let him be the center of my job. Then, once I’ve asked Jesus to come into my boat, I need to admit my way isn’t working so I can let him take over. The Bible has a name for “admitting my way isn’t working.” It’s called confession, and it can be tough.

Why is it so hard for me to admit my way isn’t working? Here are a few reasons:

Pride. I don’t want anybody to think I can’t handle it. Instead, I want to look like I’m in charge and like I’ve got it all together. I think I can handle everything by myself, even if it means working 12 hours a day.

Stubbornness. I’m unwilling to change the way I do things. The greatest enemy of tomorrow’s success is yesterday’s success?

Fear. I can’t admit I’ve fished all night and caught nothing. I’m afraid people will think less of me. I’m afraid to let Jesus into my boat because he might steer it in a direction I don’t want to go.

It’s time to confess that my way isn’t working. Let go of my pride, stubbornness, and fear. Then see how Jesus can take my boat and fill my nets to overflowing.

In summary, Jesus told Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will do it. It must have been hard for Simon to admit failure to Jesus. He was a professional, and good at it. It was how he made his living. But sometimes even the pros fish all night and catch nothing. Often my life sometimes feels the same way? My best isn’t good enough, I face a lot of things that I can’t control. So what do I do when I keep trying hard in my work but just don’t have much to show for it? First, get Jesus in my boat, and let him be the center of my job. Admit my way isn’t working so I can let him take over. My way isn’t working because of pride, stubbornness and fear. With pride, I don’t want anybody to think I can’t handle it. Instead, I want to look like I’m in charge and like I’ve got it all together. I think I can handle everything by myself, even if it means working 12 hours a day. With stubbornness because I’m unwilling to change the way I do things. And with fear, because I can’t admit I’ve fished all night and caught nothing. I’m afraid people will think less of me. I’m afraid to let Jesus into my boat because he might steer it in a direction I don’t want to go. 

I confess Father that my way isn’t working and I want to let go of my pride, stubbornness, and fear. Especially my pride. I do tend to want to show I won’t fail and I even put in extra hours and do it all myself. Jesus I want you in my boat to guide me. Starting today I want your guidance to work with others to accomplish a task. I also want to let go of my stubbornness and allow a change to the way I do things. I admin Father my bitterness with my work. I want to let that go and substitute the grace you provide me to others. I ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my future job role and leading the small group. I ask these things through you Son Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

In a Storm, I Need ‘I Am’

In Mark 6:49-50 I read, “When they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (NIV) 

It’s only in the storms of life that I learn what Jesus is really like. I see that he’s not a mere man. He’s not just a nice teacher or an ethical leader. He is God, the Creator of the universe.

In Mark 6, Jesus noticed the disciples were in distress. They were in the middle of a lake, where the wind and waves were pounding their boat and keeping them from making any progress. And so Jesus walked out to them on the water. “When they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid’” (Mark 6:49-50 NIV).

The disciples still had some nagging doubts, maybe Jesus was just a nice prophet who could do some miracles. But by walking on water, Jesus revealed he was far more than just a man. He showed them he was God.

He also gave them a challenge: “Don’t be afraid.” And he reassured them: “It is I.”

In Greek, the language this part of the Bible was originally written in, the phrase “It is I” is actually two words: ego ima. Ego ima simply means “I Am.” Why is that important?

The name of God is “I Am”, not “I was” or “I will be” or “I hope to be.” When Jesus says, “I Am,” he is saying that I don’t need to be afraid. I don’t need to sweat it. He is God. And that is enough.

If I’m going through a storm, I don’t need a job, goal plan, person or a system, I need a Jesus my Savior.

When I’m going through a storm, remember that God is not distant, apathetic, or uninvolved. He is “I Am.” And he will get me through the storm.

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Talk It Over

In summary, when they saw him walking on the lake, they cried out, and were terrified. Jesus immediately spoke and told them, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” It’s only in the storms of life that I learn what Jesus is really like. Jesus is not a mere man, a nice teacher or an ethical leader. He is God, the Creator of the universe. In Mark 6, Jesus noticed the disciples were in distress in the middle of a lake. So He walked out to them, on the water. Up till this time the disciples still had some doubts about Jesus. But by walking on water, Jesus revealed he was far more than just a man. He showed them he was God. He also gave them a challenge: “Don’t be afraid.” And reassured them: “It is I.”In Greek, “It is I” is actually two words: ego ima, which simply means “I Am.” The name of God is “I Am”, not “I was” or “I will be” or “I hope to be.” When Jesus says, “I Am,” he is saying that I don’t need to be afraid. I don’t need to sweat it. He is God. And that is enough. If I’m going through a storm, I don’t need a job, goal, plan, person or a system, I need a Jesus my Savior. When I do go through a storm, remember that God is not distant, apathetic, or uninvolved. He is “I Am.” And he will get me through it.

The disciples were afraid, but Jesus' presence calmed their fears. When I experience fear, do I try to deal with it myself, or do I let Jesus deal with it? In times of fear and uncertainty, it is calming to know that Christ is always with me. To recognize Christ's presence is the antidote for fear. So I can take Courage because he is here. Father, I ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others and my future job position and leading a small group. I know you are here when I need you and should cry out to you for my needs and my fears. I pray these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.