Love One Another = Forgive One Another

What a peaceful world it would be if all would follow these words of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians!

"Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind.)

"And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely] as God in Christ forgave you."

Ephesians 4:31-31 (Amplified Bible)

God in Christ Jesus paid the penalty for all of our sins by dying a cruel death on the Cross of Calvary, thus making it possible for us to forgive others completely. He gave us an example that we should follow in His steps. If you say that you cannot forgive someone for what they have done, you place yourself above the Savior and say that the offence that you refuse to forgive is greater than the ones for which Christ paid. Nothing is impossible for God to do; you CAN forgive others and become useful and helpful and kind to the offender.

A Wounded Bird's Song

Once I heard a song of sweetness as it cleft the morning air,
Sounding in its blest completeness like a tender, pleading prayer;
And I sought to find the singer whence the wondrous song was born;
Til I found a bird, sore wounded, pinioned by an ugly thorn.

I have seen a soul of sadness while its wings with pain were furled;
Giving hope and cheer and gladness that should bless the weeping world;
Soon I learned a life of sweetness was of pain and sorrow born,
For that stricken soul was singing with its heart against a thorn.

You are told of one who loves you, of a Savior crucified,
You are told of nails that pinioned, and a spear the pierced His side.
You are told of cruel scourging, of a Savior bearing scorn,
And He died for you salvation with His brow against a thorn.

You are not above the Master! Will you breathe a sweet refrain?
Then His grace will be sufficient when your heart is pierced with pain.
Will you live to bless His loved ones though your life be bruised and torn,
Like a bird that sang so sweetly with its heart against a thorn?

(The title is mine. The words were given to me by a dear friend many years ago with no title or author. It spoke to me today and I pass it on to all who have their "heart against a thorn")

Jesus Understands

Jesus Understands

Sometimes friends disappoint us. They turn against us. Sometimes they seek to harm or destroy our reputation or our ministry. They may even seek to destroy our life. Does Jesus care? Does He understand? In John 13:21 we read “After He had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit…” Even though Jesus knew who would betray Him and even though it was determined from eternity past, He was still “troubled in spirit”. It was not easy for my Savior to acknowledge that one of His trusted chosen disciples would turn against Him. He was grieved that Judas Iscariot would do this. Jesus is always grieved when one turns his/her back on Him and turns against Him when it seem that that one was walking with Him. He understands how we, too, feel when our friends turn against us. He has been there. Hebrews 2:14-18 tells us that Jesus shares our humanity. He had to be made like us in every way, yet without sin. He is our merciful and faithful high priest. And “because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help (to run, not walk, but to run to the aid of) those who are being tempted (and tried)”

“What you are about to do, do quickly.” Jesus did not want delay in this matter. It had been pre-determined; the decision had been made, the lot had been cast – “Don’t delay.” Judas alone knew what Jesus meant by that remark. Later the disciples would know. But Jesus protected them from any hard, difficult feelings and potential conflicts; and He protected Judas from exposure and potential embarrassment by not revealing the betrayer’s identity until the time of betrayal. Jesus’ kindness and sensitivity to the feelings of others extended to all concerned. He even called Judas “friend”. (Matthew 26:50) He has left us an example to follow in His steps; He has shown us that we need not turn in anger against the friend who turns against us. We are to forgive, “even as God in Christ Jesus forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) Yes, Jesus does care; He does understand.

I AM A WOMAN…

I am a woman of confidence – God is my Confidence. Psalm 71:5 Proverbs 3:26

I am a woman of strength – God is my Strength. Psalm 28:7 Psalm 140:7

I am a woman of courage – I will not be afraid. Psalm 27:1 Psalm 46:1-3 2 Timothy 1:7

I am a victorious woman – With God I will gain the victory. Psalm 60:12 Psalm 108:13

I am a powerful woman – The God of Israel gives strength and power to His people. Psalm 68:35

I am a woman with hope – The Sovereign LORD is my Hope. Psalm 71:5 Colossians 1:27

I am a woman with a message – I will proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD and will proclaim His righteousness to all generations. Psalm 71:15-18

I am a wise woman – I fear the LORD for the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:10 Proverbs 9:10

I am a woman of joy – singing to the Rock of my Salvation and filled with joy, for the LORD has done great things for me. Psalm 95:1 Psalm 126:3

I am a woman blessed by the LORD – crowned with His love and compassion. Psalm 115:13 Psalm 103:4

I am a woman with insight – my insight comes from meditation on God’s Word. Psalm 119:99

I am a woman of peace – for I love God’s Word. Psalm 119:165

I am a woman under God’s protection. Psalm 121

I am a woman of purpose – for the LORD will fulfill His purpose for me. Psalm 138:8

I am a woman with focus – for my eyes are fixed on the Sovereign LORD. Psalm 141:8

I am woman who is loved – for God loves me. I John 4:10, 16