Archive for the ‘ Lifestyle ’ Category
As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.
Ecclesiastes 11:5, ESV
We cannot explain how or when a soul is made and put into a baby.
We therefore should not presume to understand God’s plans.
Some? Yes. But not all. Not even the Son knows the hour of His return …
Forgiveness is such an important topic and yet it is perhaps one of the hardest to not only grasp, but articulate. However, nearly two decades ago I heard a pastor being interviewed about a book he had written on forgiveness, and the interviewer asked “What is the primary way you know that you have totally forgiven someone?” The pastor replied simply “When you can sincerely wish them well and ask God to bless them.”
The moment I heard this, it’s as if I had just received a little treasure, for all of us have people who have hurt us, some very deeply, and it’s even more important for us to forgive, than it is for them to receive it. At that moment, I integrated that nugget of wisdom into my life and it has helped me on the path of forgiveness throughout the years. The Pastors’ name is R.T. Kendall and his book is called “Total Forgiveness.” It should be, in my opinion, required reading for every Christian.
Something I have encountered in life is that forgiving is particularly difficult when the hurt is perpetrated by someone who should know better, such as a pastor. They should know better, but clearly they do not, which is why Jesus said regarding the Jewish leaders who sneered at him upon the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Even though they should have known better, they did not, and regardless of the fact that they should have known better, Jesus still asked the Father to forgive them.
Some hurts are so painful that we have buried them deep down in our hearts so that we don’t feel the pain, but that doesn’t fix it. When you bury things in your heart, whether it’s unforgiveness, sin, emotions, etc., there is less and less room for Jesus. What have you buried in your heart? Who do you need to forgive?
We are continuing to look at hymns and songs that impacted my spiritual life – with another reminder to check out the other blog I contribute to, ProverbialThought.com, and the daily thoughts on the Bible (specifically Proverbs).
In the secret,
In the quiet place
in the stillness you are there
In the secret in the quite hour I wait, only for you
Cause i want to know you moreIn the secret
In the quite place
In the stillness you are there
In the secret in the quiet hour I wait
Because i want to know you moreChorus
I want to know you
I want to hear your voice
I want to know you more
I want to touch you
I want to see your face
I want to know you moreI am reaching for the highest goals
That i might receive the prize
Pressing onward
Pushing every hindrance aside
Out of my way
Cause i want to know you moreChorus x2
in the secret in the quite place
in the stillness you are thereChorus x2
When I was a young believer, this song helped me to realize and live out an important truth.
Christ said we regularly should get to a place that is out of sight and quiet and seek God through prayer (Matthew 6:6). We can call this the secret place. Our highest goal is to be like Christ, so we are seeking God asking the Holy Spirit to make us more Christ-like.
To quote Jesus (Luke 10:37), “Go and do likewise.”
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20, ESV
Who you spend time with matters. Bad company ruins good morals (1 Corinthians 5:20), but good company encourages the good.
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 22:4, ESV
It is true that God may grant us prosperity in this life, but Jesus revealed that our true riches are found in eternal life in God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:19-24).
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Psalm 42:11, ESV
Praising God is the best way to get out of a funk of depression, worry/anxiety, confusion, and fear.
Hope in God, your salvation.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
1 John 4:18, ESV
When found in Christ, we are no longer condemned. The fear of punishment is gone.
We should still tremble before a mighty God, but our fear should transform into not wanting to disappoint our loving God who first loved us.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21, ESV
How many ways can it be said?
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Love your enemies.
If your brother sins against you, forgive him.
for we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV
With all that we see is wrong in this world, it can be easy to lose hope.
But we walk in the faith that Christ has promised to return and take us to be with Him forever.
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 ESV
Christ’s love literally covers our sins.
We can love others enough to see past their sins and see the image of God within them.
a simple man of God 