Category Archives: Forgiveness

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January 20, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Forgiveness, God's Promises

Vengeance is His

As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone. Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.” [Romans 12:18-19 (GW)]

Sometimes it is so difficult to forgive what seems unforgivable. Lord, don’t let us equate giving our forgiveness with approval of the deed or acceptance of the wrongdoing. Let us equate forgiveness of others with our healing and freedom from the burden of our pain and suffering. Help us to forgive and let go of past hurts. Open our hearts to the promise of a better future, confident that your righteous anger will step in when necessary. Punishment is in your job description; it’s your prerogative, not ours.

I will take revenge and be satisfied. In due time their feet will slip, because their day of disaster is near. Their doom is coming quickly. [Deuteronomy 32:35 (GW)]

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January 11, 2014

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Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love, Salvation: A New You

FORGIVENESS: AN UNDESERVED GIFT

He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. [Psalm 103:10-12 (NLT)]

Father of Second Chances, we are sinners and beg your pardon and mercy. Redeemed by your son Jesus Chris, we are grateful for this gift of forgiveness and salvation. Thank you for not tiring of forgiving us time after time. Fill us with your peace and guide us as we meet this day.

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January 7, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Forgiveness, Love & Works

Love Isn’t a Feeling: It is a Choice

2014-1-7Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love. [1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)]

Guide us in our relationships, O Lord. Instead of trying to improve those we love, show us how to be better people ourselves. Remind us daily that love is patient and kind, never vindictive or intolerant. Help us choose to be generous and understanding rather than selfish or indifferent, considerate and respectful rather than insensitive or rude. Let your love lead us to forgive, not blame, and honor, not scorn. Bless the ones we love. Keep us mindful that maintaining any relationship requires a conscious choice and continual commitment if it is going to withstand the challenges of life.

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December 28, 2013

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Family, Friends & Fellowship, Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets

Remember When?

Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again. I know about my wrongs, and I can’t forget my sin. [Psalm 51:2-3 (NCV)]

As we gather with friends and family over the holidays, we may spend time reminiscing and sharing memories. “Remember when…?” we ask. Sometimes this recollecting causes us to pause and shudder. A memory of a wrong we committed rears its ugly head and we begin to feel shame and guilt. We remember the things we should have done and failed to do and the things we did that we shouldn’t have done but did. We remember harsh words, short tempers, deceitfulness, and other failings. We may remember, but, thank God, He doesn’t! Once forgiven, our sins are also forgotten.

Thank you, Lord, for your loving gifts of forgiveness and forgetfulness. Thank you, Lord, for this coming new year and another opportunity for us to get it right!

I will forgive them for the wicked things they did, and I will not remember their sins anymore.” [Jeremiah 31:34b (NCV)]

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December 26, 2013

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Forgiveness, God's Plan, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets

Let Go of the Past if You’re Going to Reach the Goal

I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. [Philippians 3:12 (NCV)]

It is wise to remember that, no matter how old we may be, we continue to be a work in progress. Our past, no matter how checkered it may be, should never keep us from a future of service and blessings. God doesn’t care about our past. His concern is not where and how we started our lives; his concern is where and how we finish those lives.

The apostle Paul certainly had a troubled history; he had zealously persecuted the early Christians and was even present when Stephen was martyred. Paul, however, never let his past keep him from moving forward to become the man God wanted him to be. He became the greatest Christian evangelist that ever lived. Let’s not forget, God is never finished with us. What plans does He have for you this upcoming year?

Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above. [Philippians 3:13-14 (NCV)]

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October 10, 2013

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Forgiveness, Holy Spirit, Obedience, Wisdom & Guidance

I’m Blessed with a Forgiving God

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. [Psalm 25:6-7 (NLT)]

Oh Lord, forgive me. I don’t even have the excuse of youth for my failings. How many times will I have to make the same mistakes before I finally learn? Be patient with me, Lord, and teach me your way. Thank you for your inexhaustible forgiveness, love and mercy. Fill me with your Spirit and lead me on your path.

The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. [Psalm 25:8-10 (NLT)]