Blessed: Giving Forgiveness

Daily Bible Verse

6/16- So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:13

5/25-For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

5/19-And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. - James 5:15

5/18-Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

5/12-praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. - Acts 2:47

5/11-They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. - Acts 2:42

5/6- There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of land or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid them at the apostles feet and it was distributed to each as any had need. - Acts 4:34-35

5/5-And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18

5/4-Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. - Ephesians 6:10

4/30-When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." - John 8:7

4/24-It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have - 1Corinthians 12:11

4/22-33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. - 1 Corinthians 14:33

4/20-An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. - Proverbs 31:10

4/17-For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." - Matthew 18:20

4/14-And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” - Romans 10:15

4/12-He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." - Matthew 28:6-7

4/10- When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!" - Matthew 27:54

4/8-Be joyful always - 1Thessalonians 5:16

4/7-When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. - John 19:30

4/6-Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. - Revelation 3:20

4/4-But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

4/2-O The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? - Habakkuk 1:1-2

3/30-For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. - 1 Corinthians 14:33

3/26-Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" - John 11:25-26

3/23-You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. - Leviticus 19:18

3/17-For this is what the LORD Almighty says: "After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye - Zechariah 2:8

3/16-And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. - II Corinthians 12:9

3/15-The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. - Zephaniah 3:17

3/14-Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, "Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at." - Numbers 11:4-6

3/13-Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2

3/10-Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. - Romans 8:26

3/9-Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit - Matthew 28:19

3/7-The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. - 1 John 2:17

3/5-Pray without ceasing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

3/4-In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

2/28-An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. - Luke 2:9

2/27-I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay upon them. - Ezekiel 39:21

2/20-And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:7

2/18-"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" -Psalm 46:10

2/17-Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit - Matthew 28:19

2/16-Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus - Philippians 2:5

2/14-Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. -Hebrews 12:1

2/13-But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

2/12-Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget abut self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence. - 1 Corinthians 10:12

2/11-Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. - Luke 16:10

2/10-You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. - Isaiah 26:3

2/9-In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. - Proverbs 25:22

2/8- If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. - Proverbs 25:21

2/5-Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:21

2/4-To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” -Romans 12:20

2/3-Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” - Romans 12: 19

2/2-If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. - Romans 12:18

2/1-Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. - Romans 12:17

1/31-Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. - Romans 12:16

1/30-Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. - Romans 12:15

1/29-Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not - Romans 12:14

1/28-Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. - Romans 12:13

1/22-Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12

1/17-Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. -Romans 12:11

1/16-Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. -Romans 12:10

1/14-Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. -Romans 12:9

1/13-the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. -Romans 12:8

1/12-if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; -Romans 12:7

1/9-Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; -Romans 12:6

1/8-so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another -Romans 12:5

1/7-For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function -Romans 12:4

1/6- For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. -Romans 12:3

1/5- Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect -Romans 12:2

1/2-Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. -Romans 12:1

1/1/09-Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. -Romans 12:9

12/28-Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. -Jeremiah 29:12

12/27-For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope -Jeremiah 29:11

12/26-My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior - Luke 1:46

12/25- For to us a child is born, to us a son is given -Isaiah 9:6

12/23-Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.

12/22-Let your seadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. -Psalm 119:76

12/21-My eyes long for your promise; I ask, "When will you comfort me?" -Psalm 119:82

12/19-And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. -Hebrews 11:6

12/18- As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. -Psalms 103:12

12/17-Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32

12/14-O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. -Psalm 139:1-2

12/13Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

12/10-For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us -Romans 8:18

12/9-Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Mas everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death in to life. -John 5:24

12/8- Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26

12/2-For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God -Ephesians 2:8

11/25-do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

11/24-Offer to God a sacrifice of Thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High Psalm 50:14

11/23-Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. Psalm 30:4

11/19-You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

11/18-Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God. Psalm 22:9-10

11/17-Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart Psalm 119:2

11/15-This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

11/12-Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

11/11-Today, if you woud hear His voice do not harden your hearts. Psalm 95:7-8

11/5-"Do no let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me." John 14:1

11/4-From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16

10/30-I will hurry, without lingering to obey your commands. Psalm 119:60

10/27-Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

10/26-Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

10/25-One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

10/24-In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

10/20-The Lord will bless His people with peace. Psalm 29:11

10/19-Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

10/18-There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven...a time to be silent and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3:1,7

10/17-He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

10/15-The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1

10/8-Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. Proverbs 12:17

10/4-O Lord, our Lord , how majestic is Your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9

10/2-Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

9/30-God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctifiction by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 2Thessalonians

9/26-All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:14

9/25-The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord. Proverbs 20:27

9/24-As for you, stand here by Me, that I may speak to you. Deuteronomy 5:31

9/22-Search me, o God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24

9/21-Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livesock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. Genesis 1:26

9/17-Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

9/16-My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

9/15-Have I not comanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

9/11-24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, 25 as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

9/9-1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. 2Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. 3Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; Psalm 136:1-3

9/8-And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:37

9/4-Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

9/3-Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD! Psalms 134:2

9/2- Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

9/1-God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1

8/31-I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

8/30-For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ehpesians 2:8-9

8/29-Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12

8/28-As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31

8/27-And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Giving Forgiveness

7 x 70

Forgiveness- The act of forgiving (1. to stop feeling anger and resentment towards a person or at an action that has caused upset or harm. 2. To pardon a mistake.)

My struggles with forgiveness have been obvious over the past several months. Just when I thought I had this problem licked...its big ugly head reared up again. This morning I went on line to dig a little deeper on forgiveness. Something for me to grasp hold of and make myself feel better. Once again just some therapy for me...and maybe some of you.

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” -L.B. Smedes

"Forgiveness is me giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me." -Anonymous

“When a deep injury is done to us, we never recover until we forgive.”-Alan Paton

"God has a big eraser." - Billy Zeoli

The last one about God having a big eraser made me smile...I just pictured God up there with a big eraser wiping slates clean. I would love to be one of those folks that can immediately forgive. I think one of the greatest gifts is to be able to forgive. Jesus died on the cross for us to be forgiven. What a gift given to us...so why is so hard for us to forgive? We're Human!!!

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. -Colossians 3:13-16

Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven -Matthew 18:21-22

Forgiveness should be exercised toward others when they have offended. I know that the thought that usually goes through my head is "Why should I forgive her if she was the one that hurt me..." once again the me, me, me thing popping up. This is exactly the type of situation in which we are called to forgive.

The two verses in Matthew spoke to me loudly. I studied on these verses. I did not realize that Peter thought he was being very generous with the seven. In Judaism they felt that three times was sufficient. So when Jesus said seven times seventy He did not intend for us to keep up with forgiveness until we had gotten to 490. He intended for us to forgive indefinitely.

If you are ever in doubt about forgiving someone ask yourself the question, "Would I have peace in my heart if I were to go ahead and do it?"

How did Christ forgive us? He forgave us without a cause, freely, then forgot about it. And so should we.

Wow! What an awesome God we serve.

God is so Good!

1 comment:

Niki said...: Thank you for sharing these great words of encouragement. Know that I love you and am praying for you! Thank you and your wonderful family for all you do!; December 17, 2008 at 2:49 PM