Forgiveness is really hard to do........

Forgiveness is REALLY hard to do. Remember when Jesus asked, "Which is more difficult, to heal disease or forgive sin?" (Mk. 2:9). ? If its hard to forgive, then it is hard to love another because LOVE forgives. Love hopes all things (1 Corinth 13). Love refuses to take human failure as final. With Christ in me, my human failures are never final. Love never keeps a record of wrongs. Love forgives and love is unable to think about them anymore. Forget the past and move on. Focus on the future as I focus on Christ at the same time. Romans 4:8 (also Psalms 32:2) "Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him". Professing is an interesting word. Over the years I have learned that "Professing Christians" claims to love but don't really forgive and love the way Christ teaches us. "Its either be right in truth or we will ignore you." We have to remember that people come to Christ by watching Christians more than talking. In 1 Corinthians 13:5 says "Love does not act unbecomingly"; which means a Christian should demonstrate godly love and have real credibility. Your reputation is evangelism that God CAN use.

God's Sovereign (during bad times)

Satan sought to kill Christ in the slaughter of the babies by Herod but God had Mary & Joseph moved elsewhere. Satan tried to stop Christ from growing up. If he could kill that baby while He was still a baby, Christ could never proclaim his Messiahship. Satan tried to have Peter try to keep Jesus from the cross but God determined that Jesus is to die on the Cross. In Matthew 16, Peter says, “Lord, don’t you do that! Don’t go to the cross!” and Jesus knew the source and said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” Satan knew the power of the Cross and the Death Penalty by the Government which was established by God. "The authorities that exist have been established by God" (see Romans 13). How did God know that the Roman Government will use the "Cross" for their death penalty? Finally, Satan used Judas and the Jewish leaders to kill Jesus. Satan was hoping that the Jewish people would STONE Jesus to death based on the Jewish Law and Custom. But the Jewish leaders were smart enough not to take the law into their hands and asked the Roman Government to crucify Christ. Another good example is Pharaoh. Satan have been using Pharaoh to persecute Jewish people for years. In Exodus 9:16 "But I (God) have raised you (Pharaoh) up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Paul confirmed this in Romans 9:17 "For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' " God will take advantage of Satan's evil desires and motives to accomplish His will. The Bible clearly teaches that God knows beforehand what we will need and He will provide beforehand according to His will. God is absolutely powerful, that God is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, that God is immutable, never changes, that God is all wise, perfectly just, holy, righteous. God is ruling all things to work together for our good and His purpose. Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 10:29: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.

Reasoning & Assumption

Some are so entangled with "reasonings" and making assumption based from human point of view of what God may or may not do. Everyone should read Ecclesiastes because Solomon explained to us the reality of life from God's point of view. There's a right time and way for everything. It's true that no one knows what's going to happen, or when. Life leads to death that life, while it lasts, will soon be over. There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth. A right time for birth and another for death. As I said before, the mystery is this: True faith is not the ability to superiorize unseen things to the satisfaction of our human minds, instead it is the human power to trust Christ completely. To be contented and unafraid when going on a life's journey. Whether or not God or Satan causes, True Faith sees everything in focus and be able to trust God no matter what happens. God leads us to our destiny according to His will and glory.

Christians who are extremists.......

Quote from A.W. Tozer "Certain extremists, to encourage faith, teach that God has made a unilateral covenant from which He cannot escape, and all we need to do is to believe to assure our getting anything we want. Such teaching is in radical contradiction to the letter as well as the spirit of the Holy Scriptures." unilateral1 a : done or undertaken by one person or party b : of, relating to, or affecting one side of a subject : ONE-SIDED c : constituting or relating to a contract or engagement by which an express obligation to do or forbear is imposed on only one party 2 a : having parts arranged on one side b : occurring on, performed on, or affecting one side of the body or one of its parts 3 : UNILINEAL 4 : having only one side In the culture of Abraham's day, covenants or contracts were made by two the parties walking between the halves of an animal. God used the same practice but left Abraham out of the covenant-making process by making a unilateral covenant with Himself. Symbolized by fire and smoke, God passed alone through the animals Abraham had sacrificed and vowed to bless the patriarch's nation. That act made His promise unconditional because God could never break a promise He made with Himself. Reminds me that any drastic attempts to influence Christianity opposite what the Bible actually teaches would force believers be more divided than ever. Spreading the Gospel will be lost because people are extremely loyal to doctrines more than love. We Christians must stand up for Jesus Christ that we are to steer away from views are so far right (extremists) that they are blinded and not seeing the bigger picture as well as with those who are in the far left (liberalism) who are also blinded and not seeing the bigger picture. Many of the views are so narrow and very dividing. When that happens....there won't be any spiritual and relationship restoration for unity that Christ desires.

Doctrine of Forgiveness

God commanded us to forgive, so its our choice spiritually We are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Jesus Christ has forgiven us. If we forgive those who sin against us, our heavenly Father will forgive us. But if we refuse to forgive others, our Father will not forgive our sins. We are to forgive seventy times seven. We must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. What joy for us whose sin is no longer counted against us by the Lord. For God in Christ, reconciled us to Himself, no longer counting our sins against us. This is the wonderful message He has given to us to tell others. Love does not demand its own way. Love keeps no record of when it has been wronged. References: Ephesians 4:23, Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-35, Colossians 3:13, Romans 4:8, 2 Corinthians 5:19 and 1 Corinthians 13:5. For 30 plus years, I have discovered through many denominations and movements, there is lack of forgiveness and lack of love. Satan have successfully sowed seeds of discords between believers so that there won't be any spiritual and relationship restoration for unity. From the Word of God.... we are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when we live together in harmony. Do not pretend that we love others. We are to really love others. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Live in Harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. Don't think we know it all. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see we are honorable. Do our part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. Paul appeal to us by the authority of Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among ourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won't be divisions in the Church. We are all one body, we have the same Spirit and we have all been called to the same glorious future. We will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of His body, the Church. Under His direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. In Christ our love for each other will overflow more and more, and that we will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding. Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are our hearts tender and sympathetic? Happiness is agreeing wholeheartly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. References: Ephesians 2:21, Psalm 133:1, Romans 12:9-18, 1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:4, Ephesians 4:15-16, Philippians 1:9, Philippians 2:1-2 There are TWO steps involved...... 1. Forgive automatically....I have to forgive in my heart--that takes care of my heart attitude-- 2. Relationship will be restored once that sinner comes to me and told me that he repented to God and he wants to restore the relationship. I don’t want to bear a grudge. If you sin against me, I have to forgive you in my heart even as God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven me. So, I do that willingly. But I will never be able to have a right relationship with you until you come to me and seek the forgiveness that opens up the relationship. I always forgive and always give a person an amicable, companionable, comradely, cordial, hearty, neighborly, warm, warmhearted invitation without being cold, cool, frigid; bellicose, belligerent, contentious, quarrelsome. If I am not amicable and being cold, then I am not behaving like Christ who is ALWAYS amicable and inviting. I should be open for allowing the person so repent without getting on their knees. I want heart to heart repentance with Love.

Spiritual Fruits and Sinful Nature

Each of us has a part to serve Christ in accomplishing God's will. We all must beware how we use words when tearing down another person's faith rather than focusing on the doctrines. I don't mind talking (debating) about doctrines. But I do mind when Christians are seperating other Christians by doctrines which causes division. We should all take a long hard look at what things we consider to be important. Christians' conclusions are loyalty to a specific doctrines, cause or person. Regarding people responding to someone's views, in matter of attacking the person rather than the doctrine, their views are more child-like by attacking like a child as Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 14:20 "Brethren, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." In 1 Corinthians 13:5 says "Love does not act unbecomingly"; which means a Christian should demonstrate godly love and have real credibility. We are to discuss doctrines but when someone gets personal on a person's spiritual being, that causes strife. Like mocking and such. But..... lack of self-control in expressing personal attack is a sign of spiritual weakness. James 3:5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. In other words, we are to look at our words. And apply ourself to control our hearts because in Proverbs 4:23 says "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." and another in Proverbs 16:23 "A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction." The cross is a symbol of the selfless, others-centered life of Christ. Love alone can make my conduct acceptable to God. My Christian testimonies (action, words and motives) are important to God because it is motive that gives to every holy act that Glorifies God. I need to "take delight in the Lord, and He will give me my heart's desires" (Psalm 37:4). 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV) And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." Now we come to the part about "confession". Sometimes I let my sinful nature get in the way of spiritual fruits. I realized that Christ in me does not mean that I am no longer without sin. My old sinful nature is not ripped out from my heart. Christ is in my heart and with the help from the Holy Spirit through my sanctification process. Romans 12:9 (NIV) "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." Ephesians 4:24 "and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." 1 Peter 1:13-16 "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 2 Peter 3:11 "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives".

More about ME

Born: December 1958 in Massachusetts (Near Boston) Age: 47 Hometown: Near Plymouth, Massachusetts College: Somewhere in western NY Year moved to Ohio: 1981 Currently living at: Central Ohio Wife: Carole Children: Dennis, Krista, Sarah, Shannon and Shelby. Years as a Christian: 34+ years. Studied Christianity, attended churches in almost all denominations and learned just about every denomination's doctrines. In the past, I have been a teacher and deacon for a local deaf Church. Currently, my main ministries are Encouragement for People with Disabilities, Discernment and Teaching. Professionally, I am an accountant and my title at work is “Grants Administrator” and have been working in the same organization for about 25 years. My main duties are accounting, auditing, creating and enforcing policies and procedures. I am legally deaf since birth (Hard of Hearing) and I have Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) (Diagnosed in April 2002). (deafness caused by nerve damage, MS caused by nerve scars.) Typical Interests: Collecting Quotes, Reading the Bible, books and newspapers, debating on CF, spending time with family, relaxing, watching television and going to church. Other Interests (when able): Walking, playing golf, swimming, cycling, bowling. One of my favorite shows is “America Funniest Videos”. One of my best childhood memories: Working in my grandfather’s cranberry bog harvesting cranberries.

Political Party

We ALL are Christians first and everything else after that is secondary including political party. My first alliegiance is to the kingdom of God because my citizenship is in heaven. I said earlier, Biblically, God never dictates governments to have citizens follow God. God dictated governments to "govern" the people and live in a civilized world. In one of my posts, I mentioned that "The Gospel is for "spiritual society" while the Governments are for "human society". We must careful not to identify the gospel with any political parties because Jesus Christ have HIS OWN Party. Christ stands alone, above and outside of every ideology of any political parties. Jesus does not and will not join any of our parties. The true Christian will be loyal to his country and obedient to those in authority and remembers that Christianity is much bigger than any political parties and any form of human governments. As for each individual's political views. We join a political party that our conscience tells us to join. As long as our conscience is clear and our heart is pure before God, don't be concerned with issues. I mean, it's like losing ourselves in the pursuit of Christ and let everything else take its place. In Romans 14:5 "One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." 1 Corinthians 10:28-29 "both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience' sake, the other man's conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience?" We should be follow the WORD of GOD and be guided by Holy Spirit. When I voice my political views, they are MINE based on my understanding the Bible and how I view the world. The Bible has much to say about the nature of human, the world, purpose, and etc. Christians should use their Bible and their relationship with God by adopting a biblical perspectives which are God's views in all aspects of life. The Bible calls upon the rulers to create a just society. As Christians, we are to focus on the social, economic, political and military crises which confront our lives require us to reaffirm our view of God as love, and the godly life as the way of peace. To love God is to treat people lovingly. (Leviticus 19:18, I John 3). Christ taught us to love our enemies, instructing us that war, both within and without, is sin and an expression of human failure. (Matthew 5, James 4). As Christians, we can commit ourselves to work more actively for public policies that reduce militarism, war, and political and economic inequities. We must work persistently and faithfully for a more peaceful and equitable world community. That means we if we do not like what the Government is doing, GET INVOLVED and make it change (if God is willing).